Visit France in 3 weeks

Would you love to discover the must-see places in France? Want to try the french way of living? Well, this itinerary is perfect for you!

Go on a 3000 kilometres (1800 miles) road trip across France from North to South and from West to East.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting this in 3-week road trip in France:

• Discover Paris in a new perspective during a cruise along the Seine
• Experience Saint-Malo as locals do, by doing shore fishing
• Visit the beautiful city of La Rochelle in a Segway tour
• Enjoy a great meal at the Magasin Général in Bordeaux
• Stroll around the Capitol’s Square, Toulouse’s must-see
• Discover Marseille’s artsy side when walking around Cours Julien
• Admire the wonderful 360 view over Lyon from Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
• Stroll around the streets of “La Petite France” neighbourhood in Strasbourg
• Immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of the Old Lille district

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Good to know : this travel itinerary is quite dense, there is a lot to see in not so much time. If you would like to focus your visit in France on a region in particular, check out our other itineraries for France here. 

Itinerary for a 3-week road trip in France

Paris > Saint-Malo > La Rochelle > Bordeaux > Toulouse > Marseille > Lyon > Strasbourg > Lille

Some practical information before your road trip in France

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

Need a road map to prepare your 3-week itinerary in France? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in France is between may and september. It is a beautiful country all-year long but end of spring and summer are the best months to really enjoy all regions. Temperatures are warmer and there are less chances of rain. July and August are the most visited months, so if you prefer to avoid crowds better go before or after!  More information here.

France is know all over the world for its gastronomy, so this is your chance to try it out! Each of the region you will visit has its own specialty. Enjoy the traditional macaroons in Paris, eat in a creperie when in Saint-Malo, share a bottle of Guignette in La Rochelle, drink your coffee with a canelé on the side in Bordeaux. But also enjoy a good cassoulet in Toulouse, a bouillabaisse in Marseille, try the delicious quenelle of Lyon, eat the emblematic sauerkraut in Strasbourg  and try out Lille’s Welsh.

Contents: 3-week road trip in France

1- Paris – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in France
2- Saint-Malo – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in France
3- La Rochelle – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in France
4- Bordeaux – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in France
5- Toulouse – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in France
6- Marseille – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in France
7- Lyon – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in France
8- Strasbourg – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip in France
9- Lille – Stop 9 of the 3-week road trip in France

Itinerary of a 3-week road trip in France: step by step

What to do in Paris?

Paris is the capital of France (oh really ?). Welcome to the city of love. This first stop of your 3-week road trip in France promises culture, history and good restaurants.

• Go to the Arc de Triomphe to admire the procession of cars around the arc.
• Go for a walk on the Champs-Elysées and take the time to do some shopping on the prettiest avenue of the world.
• At the end of the Champs-Élysées, you will arrive at Place de la Concorde, just before the Jardin des Tuileries. We advise you to take food to go, seat in the grass of the garden and admire the landscape around you.
• Make a small detour to go to the superb Opera Garnier. Whether it’s the performance rooms or the simple entrance hall, everything is beautiful!
• Direction the Louvre for a cultural visit.
• Head to the Columns of Buren to take pictures.
• If you are in Paris, it is a must to go see the “iron lady”, the Eiffel Tower.
• Discover the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
• The Marais district is full of many restaurants that will please everyone (it’s also the LGBT district of Paris).
• Climb the steps of the Montmartre district.
• Enjoy the view over the French capital from the Sacré Cœur. It’s a great place to see the sunrise as well.

Other activities in Paris:

• Discover the city from another angle and in complete tranquillity by taking a cruise on the Seine. It’s even better to do it for sunset, as the colours will make everything more magical!
• If you think you’ve done all the work in the capital, why not take advantage of your last remaining day to go to DisneyLand Paris and delight the young and old alike?
• You prefer culture and history? Take advantage of your stay in the capital to visit the magnificent Chateau de Versailles and its superb gardens.

Where to sleep in Paris?

The centre of Paris is very well served by public transport. You can therefore choose your accommodation in this 1st arrondissement. However, we still recommend to find your accommodation in the 2nd or 8th arrondissement as they are nice neighbourhoods and are close to the main attractions of the city.

Where to sleep in the 2nd arrondissement?

• Mid-range: Would you like to stay in a suite just a few steps away from the Opera Garnier? Then the Daunou Opéra Hotel is perfect for you! A five-minute walk from the famous Galeries Lafayette and  from Printemps, the luxury department stores, this hotel is also a strategic stop to be close to your future activities!
• High-end: The most fabulous hotel in the 2nd arrondissement is without a doubt the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome! With its elegant decoration and its bay windows, you will have an unusual view on the Place Vendôme. This hotel is a must-stop if you want to have an advanced experience of Paris.

Where to sleep in the 8th arrondissement?

• Mid-range: If you want to indulge yourself without booking a 5-star hotel, we recommend the Galileo Champs-Elysées Hotel. 400 metres from the Arc de Triomphe, this hotel, located in the most popular area for travellers, will make you feel like you’re living in a dream. With its comfortable and elegant accommodation and classic decoration, immerse yourself in the Parisian style.
• High-end: Fancy a dream night in one of the most emblematic hotels in Paris? We recommend you try the quality and perfection of the Four Seasons George V! With its private terraces, three restaurants, grandiose suites and proximity to the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be treated to an exceptional service that will make you experience the magic of Paris.

What to do in Saint Malo ?

Only a few hours from the capital, St Malo is a haven of peace. It’s a great place to stay if you want to discover a little bit of North Brittany during this 3-week road trip in France. 

• Go for a walk through the narrow streets and between the stone battlements of the old town of Saint Malo.
• Go shore fishing at low tide (otherwise you will come back wet from head to toe!) near the island of Grand Bé.
• Walk on Sillon beach to take a breath of fresh air. And yes, the water is cold! You will have to be very brave if you want to swim.
• See the city from above by walking through the district of the City of Alet.
• Every 4 years, experience the start of the Route du Rhum, a famous naval race.

What to do in Saint-Malo surroundings?

• Change your perspective and head out to sea for an excursion of your choice: sea fishing, discovering the islands, bird and dolphin watching… A real breath of fresh air!
• Saint-Malo and Dinard are great spots for water sports, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, try your hand at kitesurfing, kayaking, sand yachting or sailing.
• Another option if you want to explore the Emerald Sea, but immerse yourself in it: diving. Explore old wrecks and learn about marine biology…
• We love to fish on foot! You can also bring back cockles and razor clams at low tide, which you can enjoy after having disgorged them (to remove the sand) in fresh water! Quickly cooked in a stewpot, it’s a treat!
• All these sports are great, but what if you want to relax? Brittany is full of beaches. In Saint-Malo you can find the beach of Bon-Secours and the beach of Môle.
• Take the road to Cancale along the Emerald Coast (30min). This is a beautiful road between beach and sea, where you can see the islands on the horizon. Once in Cancale, visit the marine farm to discover how oyster farming is done!
• Another option is to go to Dinan, only 35 minutes drive from Saint Malo. It is a very charming town with a medieval feel and a bustle of shops.
• Less than an hour away by car, do not miss the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, take the time to visit this “Wonder of the West”.

Plan a day to Dinard:

• Relax on the large beach of l’Ecluse, with its mythical blue and white striped beach tents.
• After a swim in the sea, stroll along the promenade along the sea, from the Pointe de la Malouine to the Pointe du Moulinet.
• Do you feel like stretching your legs? It’s a good idea, the ancient coastal control path runs along the entire Dinard coast. You wanted to see the wild side of Brittany’s coast? Here it is.
• Between Dinard and Saint-Malo, stop in an exceptional garden, the Malouinière and the Montmarin gardens.
• Have you heard of Kouign-amann? Made of butter, sugar and flour, it’s hard to get much greasier than this, and that’s why we love it. Go to Pâtisserie Moreau to treat yourself.

Where to sleep in Saint-Malo?

• Mid-range: La Haute Flourie is a very pleasant guest house, set back a little from the centre of Saint-Malo. The setting is beautiful with a tastefully decorated house. The hosts are very welcoming and provide a very good breakfast, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice about your stay, they will happily answer you.
• High-end: The France et Chateaubriand hotel is ideally located in Saint-Malo intra-muros. Beautiful sea views and friendly staff, we love it.

Where to sleep in Saint-Lunaire?

Between St Malo and La Rochelle, discover the beautiful city of Nantes and its giant machines.

What to do in La Rochelle?

Large in heart and small in size, the city of La Rochelle is a rare pearl near the Atlantic Ocean. In the Best-itinerary team, we love this stop of the 3-week road trip in France. 

• Visit the towers of the city (the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne). To gain some time, you can directly buy your combined entrance ticket for the 3 towers here.
• Take a stroll through the outdoor and covered market, and why not buy something to eat or have a picnic (on the beach it’s really great). It is open every morning of the week.
• Do you like marine life? Visit the Aquarium of La Rochelle with 12 000 species. Please note that if you want to visit the aquarium, you should book your tickets in advance, as it is a popular place to visit, especially during vacation times.
• La Rochelle also has several museums, such as the museum of automatons and scale models, the bunker, the maritime museum, the museum of natural history, the museum of fine arts, or the museum of the New World, so you’re bound to find something to your liking!
• Stroll around the old port and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
• To visit La Rochelle in a different way, don’t hesitate to go to MobilBoard, who will allow you to visit the city by Segway! They offer a tour of the Minimes harbour, a tour of the seafront and a heritage tour. They are all very interesting!

More activities in La Rochelle:

• Rugby fans? Don’t miss the opportunity to go and support the Stade Rochelais at the Marcel Deflandre stadium, and wear the team colours: black and yellow.
• The Minimes beach is a resting place in the hustle and bustle of the city. In winter as in summer, walk in the Minimes park to reach the beach. On the horizon, you can admire a reproduction of Patagonia’s Lighthouse of the End of the World. Near the city center, there is also Concurrence Beach. Both are great spots to watch the sunset.
• Walk along the beach trail, linking La Rochelle with its neighbour city, Aytré.
• Have a fun family walk in the Charruyer Park, a very nice place crossed by a canal, but also with an area where you can see farm animals.
• Treat yourself to a catamaran cruise at the end of the day, fun guaranteed!

Where to have a drink in La Rochelle?

• If you visit the town between April and October, go and have a drink at La Belle du Gabut, a very cosy guinguette, with a very pleasant atmosphere day and night. Open from midday to midnight.
• You can also taste the famous local alcohol: the Guignette, in the bar that bears the same name. It’s a sparkling wine with flavour.

What to see in La Rochelle’s surroundings?

• Put on your sailor’s raincoat and go on a boat tour to approach Fort Boyard, or take a trip to the neighbouring islands.
• A 30 minute drive away, take a tour of the town of Rochefort, and don’t miss a visit to the frigate the Hermione.
• Less than an hour by car from La Rochelle, go on the Ile de Ré, a renowned island, but also a very beautiful one with its cute little villages, its lighthouses, its salt flats and wonderful landscapes. We recommend renting a bike to explore the island, there are a lot of bike routes that enable you to go on every part of the island.

Where to sleep in La Rochelle?

• Mid-range: Directly on the harbour, therefore an exceptional location, we recommend a stop at the Hotel de la Marine. We recommend opting for a room with a view of the harbour, although the price is a little more expensive!
• High-end: Discover the Residence des Indes in the centre of La Rochelle. This magnificent mansion filled with history is as unexpected as it is charming. The owners are very welcoming and a visit to this atypical accommodation is a must!

What to do in Bordeaux?

Major city of the South-West of France, Bordeaux is the city of wine it also has so much more to offer. This stop of your 3-week road trip in France is also Best-itinerary’s home, and let us assure you that it is a great city!

• Find yourself in the middle of the Place de la Bourse and its emblematic water mirror which is a pleasure for children and adults alike, especially during the hot summer days.
• Enjoy shows at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, mythical opera of the city.
• Enjoy the Botanical Garden of the city.
• Wine lovers, do not miss the Cité du Vin and its museum. If you are lucky, you will even have the right to enjoy a wine tasting.
• Discover works of art in a different way by going to the Bassin des Lumières. Located in the former submarine base, it is an unusual and immersive exhibition place that we love!
• The city of Bordeaux is home to many interesting museums: the Museum of Aquitaine on the history of the city, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Contemporary Art (CAPC).
• Discover Darwin, an eco-conscious neighborhood. Enjoy a vegetarian hamburger and drink a Darwin beer in France’s largest organic restaurant, Le Magasin Général. Very cool atmosphere ahead!
• Travel tip: free travel by public transport (bike, bus and tram), free visits and discounts, that’s what you get if you take the Bordeaux City Pass for your stay!

More activities in Bordeaux and its surroundings:

• Do you like shopping? Go for a walk in the street Sainte-Catherine, the biggest pedestrian street of Europe.
• Attend many events in the Arkea Arena Floirac auditorium.
• Discover the city between its two banks, with a breathtaking view of the beautiful façades of the quays during a cruise on the Garonne. Of course, a glass of red wine is included!
• The Bordelais (inhabitants of Bordeaux) use their bikes a lot to get around, so why not do the same and take a guided tour of the city by bike? This will allow you to discover more of the city and learn about its history!
• Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, discover the Bassin d’Arcachon and the highest dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. You’ll need motivation to climb to the top of its 110-metre high peak. Don’t hesitate to bring a picnic to enjoy at the foot of the dune on the Corniche beach.
• On the other side of the Bassin d’Arcachon, Cap Ferret and its numerous small fishing villages are also worth a visit!

Where to sleep in Bordeaux?

• Mid-range: We recommend the accommodation of one of our best friends, located near the train station, at the foot of the tram and therefore very easy to access: Sweet Home Bordeaux. There are several sizes of modern and functional accommodation in a shop, the traditional Bordeaux townhouse!  Enjoy!
• Mid-range: Mama Shelter Bordeaux is located in the city centre, so it’s a great location. We like the rooftop with a view on the roofs to eat or have a drink. In winter, the bar on the ground floor is very nice with a good atmosphere around the decoration of the famous designer Philippe Starck. In the basement, there’s plenty of room for a game of table tennis!
• High-end: If you are looking for luxury, in the city centre and with the possibility to relax at the Spa, the Villas Foch Boutique Hotel & Spa Bordeaux is “the place to be”! The decoration and the atmosphere are great, the bedding is of very good quality. In short, go for it!

What to do in Toulouse?

Toulouse, “the pink city”, expert in rugby and art.

• Discover the famous Place du Capitole in the heart of the city of Toulouse. It truly is a must-see of this 3-week road trip in France.
• Relax at the Japanese Garden.
• Observe the Church of the Jacobins on a guided tour.
• If you are passionate about history, you will be happy to visit the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a place steeped in history and charm thanks to its particular architecture.
• Walk along the Quai de la Daurade. If you go in the evening, you can even admire the sunset.
• Support the local team, the Stade Toulousain during a rugby match.

Where to sleep in Toulouse?

• Mid-range: The hotel Croix Baragnon is well located in the city centre. This simple but clean accommodation offers breakfast in a nice patio area. The hotel is very quiet.
• High-end: Even better located, right in the centre, the Mercure Toulouse Centre Saint-Georges is only 50m from Wilson Square! The big advantage: the swimming pool to relax after a day of visiting Toulouse!

What to do in Marseille?

Go from rugby to soccer to discover the beautiful city of Marseille. Always sunny, often accompanied by the wind of the Mistral, Marseille is a city of the South really appreciated by tourists.

• Walk on the Old Port of Marseille.
• Take the time to lose yourself in the small streets of the Panier district, the city’s historic quarter. It’s an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else on this 3-week road trip in France.
• Take the ferry to discover the If Castle, which was a jail until 1871.
• The Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the “Good Mother” as it is often called, will delight architecture lovers.
• Want to swim in a paradise? Go to the Calanques of Marseille. The crystal blue waters are surrounded by cliffs that give an indescribable beauty. A great thing about it is that you can visit them in different ways such as hiking, kayaking or taking a boat tour.
• Have a drink on the terrace on Marseille’s most famous avenue, the Canebière.
• Experiment a soccer match of the local club Olympique de Marseille with the atmosphere of the Vélodrome Stadium.
• Enjoy the Prado beaches.
• Discover shows and cultural creations at the Friche la Belle de Mai.
• Art lovers, you will love the Cours Julien, a pedestrian street, where jostle the artists and musicians of Marseille.
• Visit the city with a local? It’s an activity we really recommend to discover the hidden sides of Marseille!
• Walk in the fields of lavender with the sweet sound of the cicadas.

Where to sleep in Marseille?

• Mid-range: An Ibis hotel never hurts, especially when it is well located. The Ibis Styles Marseille Vieux Port hotel is a hundred metres from the Canebière (Marseille’s main street). It is a very good value for money/location.
• High-end: The Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux Port – MGallery located on the old port is magnificent. The rooms with a view on the port are crazy, noisier than the other classics but isn’t that Marseille too? The breakfast served in the room is great!

What to do in Lyon?

The city of Lyon has kept millennia of history and architecture in its walls. With its (many) stairs, it will surely be the most sporty stop of this 3-week road trip in France. 

• Visit the Antique Theater of Lyon as if you were in Rome.
• Discover the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourviere where you will overhang the city of Lyon.
• To climb on the Fourvière hill, use the funicular, the “ficelle”.
• Are you curious? Then go to meet the Garden of curiosities where you can pierce mysteries. And what we promise you is a fabulous view of Lyon!
• Have an all-you-can-eat brunch at HO 36.
• Walk the streets of Old Lyon to find yourself back in medieval times for a moment.
• Picnic in the Parc de la Tete d’Or, one of the largest parks in France.
• Take your time to admire the Place des Terreaux.
• Participate in the famous Festival of Lights in early December every year.
• Have a coffee in Saint-Jean’s Square.
• Discover the city in a more unusual way by taking a guided bike tour with a local or on the theme of Lyon’s gastronomy!

Where to sleep in Lyon?

• Mid-range: Hotel Vaubecour combines old charm with modern facilities. The hotel is very clean, the staff welcoming and accommodating. It is located in the city centre but in a quiet area and therefore within walking distance of all the activities and visits of the city.
• High-end: On the peninsula of Lyon, the Grand Hôtel des Terreaux offers luxurious rooms with very good bedding. The swimming pool in the middle of the old stone is a real plus and the brunch is top!

What to do in Strasbourg?

Famous for its Christmas market, Strasbourg has many other year-round attractions, which makes it a very nice city to visit.

• Admire Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral in the historic center of the city. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month: ideal for visiting!
• Go see the statue of Gutenberg on Gutenberg Square and stop for a drink on a terrace.
• During the Christmas period, attend to the christmas tree being set up on Kleber Square and explore the oldest Christmas market in France along the Promenade Broglie.
• Do not miss the Palais Rohan which is home to the Archaeological Museum which traces the history of Alsace, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
• Eat a sauerkraut with three fish at the restaurant of the most beautiful house in Strasbourg, Maison Kammerzell.
• Observe the storks in the Orangery Park.
• Take a picture of the district of La Petite France with cobblestone streets.
• Do not leave without having tasted the baeckeofe (bet saying this was easy!). This is a local specialty from this 3-week road trip in France.
• Passionate by history? Discover the history of the city at the Strasbourg Historical Museum.

Where to sleep in Strasbourg?

• Mid-range: The Hotel des Arts in the centre of Strasbourg is great for a short stay in the city. This small hotel with its very friendly and attentive staff is very quiet despite the restaurants just below. In short, a good value for money/location once again!
• High-end: After having advised you the M Gallery in the old port in Marseille, we advise you the one in Strasbourg: the Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery. There is no parking but it is possible to have the services of a valet (for a fixed price of about 30 €/day). The hotel is really superb, the setting is great (typical architecture of the region in particular) and the overall service is top notch! It is worth 5 stars in our humble opinion.

What to do in Lille?

Enjoy your last two days of this 3-week road trip in France by visiting the beautiful city of Lille.

• If you like old books, head for the Old Stock book market.
• Visit the largest museum of fine arts in France, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille.
• Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral la-Treille in the neo-Gothic style.
• Walk in the Old Lille to discover the atmosphere of the city. To discover all its secrets, we advise you to take a guided tour. It is organised by the tourist office and is of very good quality!
• Meet the different animals at the Zoological Park of Lille.
• Go for a guided tour of the Citadel.
• Take a breath of fresh air in the Jardin des Plantes.
• Climb the 400 steps (for the most lazy, the elevator will be your friend!) of the Belfry and dominate the city with a panoramic 360 degrees.
• The 1st weekend of September, experience the Braderie de Lille, the biggest flea market in Europe.

Where to sleep in Lille?

• Mid-range: 700m from the flea market, the Moxy Lille City is a hotel with a superb setting and a very original modern decor! The concept is very nice!
• High-end: The Aparthotel Adagio Lille Centre Grand Place is great to finish your trip. The +: the possibility to have your meal in the apartment, and the size of the accommodations. For families it’s great. The location near the Grand Place is also a real advantage.

Learn more about your road trip to France…

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week road trip in France? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!