📍 France

PARIS TO BORDEAUX: CASTLES, HISTORY AND FRENCH FLAVORS HERITAGE

Cathedrals soaring skyward, vineyards on hillsides, châteaux commanding the horizon. France, a thousand years of history under open skies.

≈ 16
Days
1581
Km
5
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Cross great stages of French history. Explore Paris and its major monuments. Discover Honfleur harbor. Visit Bayeux and its tapestry. Tour Tours in the Loire Valley's heart. End at Bordeaux between quays, vineyards and classical architecture.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Paris

cultural city architectural crown

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7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Walk through central Paris: Haussmann boulevards, small streets and picturesque cafés.
2
Discovery of the Trocadéro district and panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided night tour of the Eiffel Tower with skip-the-line ticket and ascent to the top.
2
Day

Paris

cultural city architectural crown

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7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Gourmet tour of the Marais district with tastings of pastries and iconic cafés.
2
Discovery of the Marché des Enfants Rouges, oldest covered market in Paris.
3
Free visit of the Louvre Museum and walk in the Tuileries Garden.
🎯

Activities

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Stroll on the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
3
Day

Paris

cultural city architectural crown

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7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to the Château de Versailles with visit of the Palace and gardens.
2
Free discovery of the gardens and lunch near the castle.
🎯

Activities

→
Return to Paris and free evening in the lively neighborhoods.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 45min
4
Day

Paris

cultural city architectural crown

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7 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame Cathedral and its surroundings.
2
Walk in the Latin Quarter and visit to Shakespeare & Co bookstore.
3
Exploration of the Paris Catacombs and their fascinating history.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 216.4 km
Travel time: 2h42
5
Day

Honfleur

harbor village artistic legacy

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5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Honfleur through the Norman countryside.
2
Discovery of Honfleur harbor and Sainte-Catherine church.
3
Walk along the Old Basin and visit to art galleries.
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Next stop
Distance: 200 km
Travel time: 2h30
6
Day

Bayeux

tapestry medieval cathedral stone

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3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Pays d'Auge: Deauville, Trouville and Beuvron-en-Auge.
2
Tasting of cheeses, ciders and calvados at a local farm.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 93 km
Travel time: 1h30
7
Day

Bayeux

tapestry medieval cathedral stone

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3 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Guided tour of D-Day sites: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American cemetery.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h
8
Day

Bayeux

tapestry medieval cathedral stone

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3 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel with visit to the abbey and village.
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Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 2h
9
Day

Tours

loire valley gateway city

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2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Tours and guided tour of the historic center: Place Plumereau, churches and market halls.
2
Free discovery of the châteaux of the Loire Valley and tasting of local wines.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 290 km
Travel time: 2h30
10
Day

Tours

loire valley gateway city

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2 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Château de Chambord with climb to the terraces and discovery of the royal apartments.
2
Discovery of Château de Chenonceau and its gardens.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 1h30
11
Day

Tours

loire valley gateway city

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2 photos
Day 11
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Discover

1
Visit to Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's residence.
2
Visit to the Royal Castle of Amboise and walk in the gardens.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 45min
12
Day

Bordeaux

wine merchant city elegance

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2 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Bordeaux and visit to the Musée d'Aquitaine.
2
Discovery of Bordeaux's historic center and tasting of regional wines.
🎯

Activities

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Gourmet dinner in a traditional Bordeaux restaurant.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 330 km
Travel time: 3h
13
Day

Bordeaux

wine merchant city elegance

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2 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Guided visit to the Capucins market and discovery of regional products.
2
Bike tour in Bordeaux's historic center: Place de la Bourse, Grand Théâtre, quays of the Garonne.
14
Day

Bordeaux

wine merchant city elegance

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2 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Oyster tasting in Arcachon and discovery of the basin.
2
Visit and tasting in the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, UNESCO World Heritage site.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 2h

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.