Central France Wine Regions: 10-Day Itinerary
Wine, Food, and Chateaux
Thinking about an extraordinary journey around Central France but unsure about the starting point, the best places to go, the expense, or the length? This itinerary is your go-to companion, loaded with all the details to put together an unforgettable 10-day expedition. After all, the region is full of delicious food, couples, museums, and big city activities making it a terrific place to explore.
Along the way, you'll discover local wineries, delicious food, gorgeous countryside, and historic towns. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Dijon (2 days)
- Beaune (1 day)
- Auxerre (1 day)
- Centre and Loire Valley (2 days)
- Chartres (1 day)
Beaune, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Beautiful Locations
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and Central France holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. Dining opportunities in Dijon and Beaune are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture.
Central France is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
The mesmerizing landscapes of Central France are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos.
Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France
When is the best time to visit?
If you can, consider visiting during autumn. This is when the weather takes on a slightly cooler edge, the natural scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, and, as an added bonus, the tourist crowds typically dissipate by this time of year.
You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in Central France, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.
Who is this itinerary for?
Central France isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. Especially visit Dijon and Beaune for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket.
Auxerre, France
Transportation
Traveling between these destinations in Central France should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 3 hours apart on average.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Dijon to Chartres because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Chartres instead of Dijon. To get to Dijon, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in Central France since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Central France is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Is 10 days enough time in Central France?
To see all of the highlights, 10 days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in Central France. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 10 days to truly take it all in.
Dijon, France
How much does a 10-day trip to Central France cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across Central France. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dijon | $165 | 2 | $331 |
| Beaune | $181 | 1 | $181 |
| Auxerre | $122 | 1 | $122 |
| Centre and Loire Valley | $135 | 2 | $271 |
| Chartres | $127 | 1 | $127 |
| Total per Person | $1,032 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,063 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in Central France tallies up to $1,032 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Central France based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price |
|---|---|
| Dijon | $82 |
| Beaune | $119 |
| Auxerre | $87 |
| Centre and Loire Valley | no data |
| Chartres | $87 |
Central France Itinerary
1. Dijon
2 Days
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy. The city has long been a destination for foodies and local favorites include escargot, wines, and, of course, mustard. While you're in the area you can enjoy tours of the nearby vineyards or exploring the stunning architecture.
With big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Dijon offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Dijon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
What to See in Dijon
How to Spend 2 Days in Dijon
Day 1:
Don't miss the Ducal Palace during your trip to Dijon, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The delicious food of Dijon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.
Public transit in Dijon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.
Day 2:
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Dijon a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Dijon. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Dijon, see The Best Wine Tours in Dijon and Burgundy, The Dijon Central Market Hall, The Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon, and Arquebuse Botanical Garden.
Dijon Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Dijon hovers around a reasonable $165 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Dijon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $17 | $39 | $74 |
| Food2 | $22 | $52 | $118 |
| Entertainment1 | $12 | $27 | $51 |
| Alcohol2 | $13 | $32 | $71 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Dijon have an average price of $82 based on the average from 72 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Dijon here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Dijon to Beaune.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Dijon to Beaune. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
2. Beaune
1 Day
Beaune is a beautiful walled town in the middle of Burgundy. It's a popular wine making destination where you can sip French wines and explore vineyards. There are cobblestone streets in town and wandering walks through the countryside outside of town. The town also offers many culinary experiences such as cooking classes and winetasting.
With museums, nightlife, and delicious food, Beaune offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples and families because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beaune is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
Beaune has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Beaune
How to Spend 1 Day in Beaune
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.
The culinary scene in Beaune is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.
Beaune is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Beaune. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Beaune, see The Best Burgundy Wine Tours Around Beaune, The Hospices de Beaune, Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, and Marché aux Vins.
Beaune Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Beaune hovers around a reasonable $181 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Beaune here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $20 | $45 | $86 |
| Food2 | $26 | $59 | $110 |
| Entertainment1 | $15 | $36 | $70 |
| Alcohol2 | $23 | $52 | $99 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Beaune have an average price of $119 based on the average from 59 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Beaune here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Beaune to Auxerre.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Beaune to Auxerre. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
3. Auxerre
1 Day
Auxerre is an often overlooked town in Burgundy that is both a commercial and industrial hub for the area. You'll find great wine as well as several beautiful historical buildings.
With museums, Auxerre offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families because of everything available.
What to See in Auxerre
How to Spend 1 Day in Auxerre
Perhaps the most famous place in Auxerre is the Auxerre Cathedral, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.
Public transit in Auxerre is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are buses around town.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Auxerre. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Auxerre, see The Best Wine Tours in Auxerre, The Abbaye Saint-Germain d'Auxerre, The Clock Tower of Auxerre, and Auxerre Cathedral.
Auxerre Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Auxerre hovers around a reasonable $122 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Auxerre here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $22 | $50 | $95 |
| Food2 | $16 | $37 | $71 |
| Entertainment1 | $8 | $19 | $36 |
| Alcohol2 | $3 | $7 | $13 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Auxerre have an average price of $87 based on the average from 10 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Auxerre here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Auxerre to Centre and Loire Valley.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Auxerre to Centre and Loire Valley. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
4. Centre and Loire Valley
2 Days
The Loire Valley, part of the larger Centre region of France, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France because of the many vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, which line the banks of the river. The Loire Valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period, so it has many notable historic towns, architecture, and wines. The central part of the Loire Valley is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights. This area is a great location if you are looking for French splendor, style, and cuisine. The Loire Valley was once of great strategic importance between the north and south of France, so there are many amazing castles and towers in the area. The Valley is best known for its outstanding wines and its lively, sophisticated cities. The area in general has a pleasant or laid back feel, and has been called a bit of a story-book wonderland. It is definitely a must see if you're planning a trip to France.
What to See in Centre and Loire Valley
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Centre and Loire Valley. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Centre and Loire Valley, see The Best Loire Valley Cheateaux Tours, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Amboise.
Centre and Loire Valley Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Centre and Loire Valley hovers around a reasonable $135 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Centre and Loire Valley here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $10 | $24 | $55 |
| Food2 | $18 | $43 | $89 |
| Entertainment1 | $8 | $20 | $47 |
| Alcohol2 | $5 | $13 | $32 |
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Centre and Loire Valley to Chartres.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Centre and Loire Valley to Chartres. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
5. Chartres
1 Day
Most people visit Chartres specifically to see its grand Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The cathedral was completed in 1220 and is famous for its stained glass windows. The town is an easy day trip from Paris, and you can explore the cathedral and town in a few hours.
With museums, Chartres offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.
What to See in Chartres
How to Spend 1 Day in Chartres
Don't miss the Chartres Cathedral during your trip to Chartres, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.
Chartres is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Chartres, see The International Stained-Glass Centre, Maison Picassiette, Chartres Cathedral, and The Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Chartres Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Chartres hovers around a reasonable $127 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Chartres here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $12 | $28 | $54 |
| Food2 | $18 | $42 | $86 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $24 | $50 |
| Alcohol2 | $5 | $13 | $33 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Chartres have an average price of $87 based on the average from 22 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Chartres here.
Suggested Hotels
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-day trip in Central France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
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