“Paris Can Wait” – Your Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a road trip through the French countryside often feels like dreaming of a movie scene—think lavender fields, sun-drenched villages, and mouthwatering cuisine. The “Paris Can Wait” itinerary from Dina Tours offers just that, a carefully curated two-day journey that takes you from glamorous Cannes to the romantic streets of Paris. For a modest fee of $65 per group (up to 10 people), you get a taste of French culture, scenery, and gastronomy, all set to the backdrop of a charming self-guided adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? First, I love how it captures the essence of the film “Paris Can Wait,” bringing to life the same restaurant stops, hotel stays, and scenic routes. Second, the inclusion of a detailed itinerary, including food and wine lists, helps you feel like you’re a part of the characters’ journey. The one thing to consider is that this is a self-guided tour requiring a car rental and some sense of adventure — so it’s not a guided bus tour with a guide holding your hand. If you’re comfortable driving and eager to explore at your own pace, this offers a flexible, authentic slice of France.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Experience: Visit the same or very similar locations as shown in the film, making it a true cinephile’s delight.
• Gourmet Focus: Expect tastings of French wines, cheeses, and dishes, with a detailed list to guide your culinary explorations.
• Cultural and Scenic Variety: From Roman sites and UNESCO heritage towns to lavender fields and impressionist landscapes, the route showcases the diversity of Provence.
• Flexible & Budget-Friendly: With just $65 per group, you get a detailed itinerary and optional pre-trip orientation, offering excellent value for a self-guided adventure.
• Ideal for Romantic or Foodie Travelers: The route is designed for couples or food lovers seeking an immersive, leisurely experience.
• Car Rental Necessary: The tour is not guided, and you will need your own vehicle to enjoy the full experience.

Starting in Cannes: A Taste of the Riviera

Your journey begins in glamorous Cannes, a city famous for film festivals and seaside luxury. The tour recommends a brief 30-minute stop here to sample regional French cuisine, which is a great way to start enjoying local flavors. While Cannes is best known for its glamorous reputation, this short stop offers a taste of authentic regional dishes, setting the tone for the culinary journey ahead.

Lyon: A City of Gastronomy and History

Next, the itinerary brings you to Lyon, often called France’s food capital. A two-hour sightseeing stop allows you to explore the city’s charming old town, with its cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture. Lyon’s vibrant culinary scene is well known, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger over a traditional bouchon or to explore some of the local markets. The guide suggests that the stops are well-paced, giving you enough time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

The Scenic Drive Through Provence

One of the highlights is traveling through Provence’s picture-perfect landscapes. Think fields of lavender (depending on season), rolling hills, and quaint villages with medieval buildings. The tour aims to replicate the same route as seen in the film, allowing you to imagine the characters savoring the same views and flavors. Many reviews mention how the route feels like stepping into a painting, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Visiting Authentic Villages and Museums

The route includes visits to picturesque villages with authentic charm, offering a contrast to the more commercialized spots. Expect to see narrow streets and traditional buildings that haven’t changed much over centuries. The itinerary also features visits to museums and Roman sites, providing some cultural depth along the way. This combination of history, scenery, and local life helps paint a complete picture of Provence’s essence.

The Culinary Journey: Dishes, Wines, and Cheeses

A big draw of this experience is how it connects to the film’s focus on food. You’ll get a list of all the dishes, wines, and cheeses mentioned in the movie, along with suggestions for where to try them in real life. Many travelers highlight how the descriptions of French wines or cheeses in the film inspire them to seek out similar tastes. The guide suggests optional stops for tastings, which can elevate the experience from sightseeing to a true culinary adventure.

The Transition to Paris

The drive continues toward Paris, arriving at your hotel in the evening. You’ll have the opportunity to rest before exploring the City of Light at your own pace the next day. The entire route covers about 1,000 km (roughly 620 miles), with approximately 10 hours of driving, so a good playlist or audiobooks are recommended. While the drive might seem long, it’s broken up with scenic stops and cultural highlights along the way.

Knowledgeable Guides and Cultural Details: Although this is a self-guided tour, the included brochure is packed with descriptions of the sites and cultural references, enriching your understanding of the places you visit.

Food and Wine Enthusiasm: The detailed list of dishes and wines from the film helps you replicate the experience at local restaurants or markets, turning your trip into an authentic French gourmet adventure.

Flexibility and Value: For only $65, you receive a detailed itinerary, optional pre-trip orientation, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. This is a great way to experience France without the hefty price tag of guided tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to combine scenic driving with culture, especially those who enjoy good food and wine. It’s perfect for couples, foodies, or anyone seeking a leisurely, film-inspired journey through Provence. Keep in mind, you need a driver’s license and a rental car — it’s not suitable for those who prefer guided, group-paced tours or aren’t comfortable driving abroad.

Price and Logistics

At $65 for the entire group, the cost is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the richness of the experience. Remember, this fee does not include car rental, accommodation, or meals, which are your responsibility. The optional orientation in Nice can help ensure your trip starts smoothly, particularly if you’re not familiar with driving in France.

Timing-wise, you should check availability for your preferred start date, as the tour is valid for 7 days with flexible schedules. It’s designed as a two-day trip, but with extra days, you could extend the experience or explore more at each stop.

If you’re craving a leisurely trip through Provençal landscapes with a focus on French cuisine, “Paris Can Wait” offers a delightful way to see and taste the region in a relaxed, authentic manner. This isn’t a fast-paced guided tour; rather, it gives you the keys to explore at your own pace, armed with detailed instructions and cultural insights. It’s especially suited for romantics, food lovers, and those eager to recreate the film’s dreamy atmosphere.

However, be prepared to handle your own transportation and plan for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. If you’re comfortable with driving and want a flexible, budget-friendly way to experience Provence’s best, this itinerary could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Do I need a guide for this tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience. You will receive a detailed brochure with routes, addresses, and cultural context, but you’ll need to rent a car and drive.

Is parking available at the stops?
Most towns and villages have parking options, often free or inexpensive, especially in rural areas. The brochure provides addresses and parking tips for each stop.

How long does the entire trip take?
The drive covers about 1,000 km (620 miles) with roughly 10 hours of driving. It’s designed as a two-day trip, but you can extend it with extra days for a more relaxed pace.

What should I bring?
Water is recommended to stay hydrated, and comfortable shoes for exploring villages and museums. A GPS or map app is useful to follow the route.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, you can add extra days or optional stops, including tastings or visits to specific sites. The brochure and itinerary offer flexibility.

Is this suitable for children?
While mainly geared towards adults with an interest in food, culture, and scenery, families with older children who enjoy road trips could find it enjoyable. The itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate different interests.

To sum it up, “Paris Can Wait” offers a taste of France that balances scenic beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights—all at a very accessible price point. For those comfortable with driving and eager for an authentic, film-inspired adventure, it’s a fantastic way to experience Provence and beyond.