A itinerary
A itinerary is a designated route to get from point A to point B. It can designate a physical journeylike a road or a path, but also a travel program detailing the various stages involved.
The route can be planned in advance, with precise stops, or to be flexibleby adapting to travel conditions. It is used in navigationin tourismin hiking and even as part of logistics strategies.
👉 Examples of use:
- road for a road trip by car.
- tourist to visit a city.
- hiking with various points of interest.
- A public transport route to optimize travel.
💡 With digital tools like Google Maps, Mappy or Michelin, it's easy to create and optimize a route according to traffic, distance and personal preferences. See the tutorials below
Practical information for planning an itinerary
Planning an efficient itinerary requires taking into account several essential elements:
Trip objectives : Clearly define the purpose of the trip, whether it's tourism, business or adventure.
Available time : Establish the total duration of the trip, so as to divide the stages judiciously.
Budget : Take into account the costs of transport, accommodation, catering and activities.
Means of transport : Choose between car, train, plane, bike or walk, depending on distances and personal preferences.
Weather conditions : Consider the climate of your destination and adapt your itinerary accordingly.
How do you choose the right itinerary?
The choice of route depends on a number of factors:
Interests : Select destinations according to your passions, whether historical sites, natural landscapes or cultural events.
Level of difficulty : Assess the physical requirements, particularly for hiking and cycling routes.
Accessibility : Check that the site is easily accessible, taking into account the available infrastructure.
Tourists : Choose less crowded times and places for a more authentic experience.
France's best-known itineraries
France offers a multitude of route to discover the richness of its cultural and natural heritage, and the many departments and regions.
The Route des Alsace wines
The route passes through picturesque villages such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim, immersing you in Alsace's renowned vineyards.
Visit Alsace Wine Route is an emblematic route of 170 kmthrough the region's exceptional wine-growing landscapes Great East. Stretching from Marlenheim à Thannit winds its way through green hills, terraced vineyards and medieval villages. Founded in 1953It is France's oldest wine route and attracts thousands of visitors every year.wine and gastronomy enthusiasts.
The route is punctuated by villages ranked among the most beautiful in Franceas Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Kaysersbergwhere you can taste the famous Alsace Grands Crus : Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris... In autumn, the road is adorned with gold colors and vibrates to the rhythm of fête des vendangesA unique immersion in Alsace's wine culture. The perfect getaway to combine pleasure of the senses, heritage and traditions
The Route Napoléon
Stretching from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, this historic itinerary retraces the route taken by Napoleon on his return from Elba in 1815.
Visit Route Napoléon is a mythical itinerary that follows the route taken by Napoleon I in 1815 on his return from Elba. It extends over 325 kmlinking Golfe-Juan (Alpes-Maritimes) to Grenoble (Isère), through the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps. This route, punctuated by winding roadsof picturesque villages and spectacular panoramasis particularly popular with bikers, cyclists and road trip enthusiasts.
In addition to its historical interest, the Route Napoléon is a invitation to travelbetween impressive gorges, green plains and rugged mountains. Among the must-see sites are Grassethe perfume capital, Sisteronwith its imposing citadel, and Gapnestled in the heart of the Alps. This itinerary is a real plunge into history and a treat for lovers of nature and wide open spaces.
The Tour de Brittany
This coastal route allows you to discover remarkable sites such as Saint-Malo, the Pointe du Raz and the Gulf of Morbihan.
The Route des Loire Valley Castles
This route includes visits to majestic châteaux such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, witnesses to the French Renaissance.
Visit Route des Châteaux de la Loire is a emblematic route to discover some of the most beautiful castles of Francelocated in the Loire Valley region. Stretching over approximately 280 kmthis route links the towns ofOrléans to Nantesthrough Blois, Amboise, Tours and Saumur. It passes through an area classified UNESCO World Heritage Siteknown for its verdant landscapes, vineyards and winding rivers.
Among the must-sees is the majestic Castle of Chambordthe elegant Castle of Chenonceauthe refined Château de Cheverny and history Château d'Amboiseresidence of Leonardo da Vinci. This route is ideal for a cultural tripblending Renaissance architecture, sumptuous gardens and royal heritage. A perfect itinerary for lovers of history, nature and Loire gastronomy.
Les Grandes Alpes
This legendary route crosses the Alps linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, via legendary mountain passes.
L'Grandes Alpes itinerary is a mythical route that crosses the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterraneanlinking Thonon-les-Bains to Menton on nearly 720 km. Founded in 1911it borrows 17 legendary passeswhose Iseran passEurope's highest (2,764 m), and the famous Galibier pass. This itinerary is a paradise for bikers, cyclists and road trip enthusiastsoffering breathtaking landscapesbetween glaciers, alpine forests and green valleys.
All along the route, travellers can discover iconic ski resorts as Chamonix, Val d'Isère and Briançonand typical mountain villages. The itinerary is ideal for those seeking adventure, nature and thrillswith numerous hiking, high-altitude lakes and breathtaking panoramas. A unique experience that plunges you into the heart of the alpine grandeur.
Digital tools for creating itineraries
Modern technology offers a host of digital tools that make it easier to create and manage personalized itineraries:
Mappy Itinerary
Mappy Itinerary is a online tool to calculate a route by car, on foot, by bike or by public transport. It provides detailed information on distance, travel time, fuel costs and ecological alternatives. Thanks to its advanced functionalities, Mappy compares different modes of transport and offers optimized options based on real-time traffic conditions.
Mappy's main features
- Multi-transport route planner : car, bike, pedestrian, public transport.
- Real-time information traffic conditions, roadworks, accidents.
- Cost estimates fuel, tolls.
- Display of services on the route gas stations, restaurants, parking lots.
This tool is particularly useful for organizing daily routes or travel in France and Europe.
Michelin itinerary
Michelin itinerary is a tool for route planner renowned for its precision and detailed recommendations. Developed by Michelin, it is particularly appreciated by motorists for its integration of Michelin mapswith real-time traffic forecasts and travel cost information.
Michelin Itinerary main features
- Precise route calculation by car, motorcycle, bike or on foot.
- Real-time traffic information traffic jams, accidents, roadworks.
- Cost estimates fuel prices, tolls.
- Alternative routes The fastest, most economical and most scenic routes.
- GPS guidance for optimized navigation.
- Michelin recommendations Restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions nearby.
L'Michelin itinerary is ideal for preparing a travel in France and Europewith detailed, optimized planning for every type of trip.
OpenStreetMap
Collaborative project providing detailed maps of the whole world, allowing users to create and modify routes according to their needs.
TripIt
Mobile application for organizing trips, centralizing information on reservations, accommodations and planned activities.
France Touristic
Application dedicated to tourist routes in France, offering personalized itineraries for discovering remarkable sites, even offline.
Canva
Online tool offering an artificial intelligence-assisted travel planner, enabling the creation of personalized itineraries based on travel preferences and requirements.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) itinerary
How do I save a route on Google Maps?
Google Maps lets you save routes so you can easily find them again later. Here's how to do it:
- Open Google Maps on your smartphone or computer.
- Find your route by entering the start and end points.
- Select mode of transport (car, foot, bike, public transport).
- Press "Send to phone". if you want to find it on another device.
- Add route to favorites using the "Pin the route" option (available on mobile).
Tip You can also create a customized list to save multiple routes by pressing "Save".
How do I get directions on Google Maps?
Creating an itinerary on Google Maps is easy:
- Open Google Maps on a browser or mobile application.
- Click on the "Route" icon (in the shape of a blue arrow).
- Enter your starting point and destination.
- Choosing your means of transport (car, public transport, walking, cycling).
- View suggested itineraries and select the one that suits you best.
You can also add steps by clicking on the three dots at top right and selecting "Add a stage".
How do I create an itinerary on Google Maps?
If you wish to create a personalized itineraryHere are the steps to follow:
- Open Google Maps and click on ☰ Menu (on mobile) or access Google My Maps for more options.
- Select "Your addressesthen go to the "Maps" tab.
- Create a new card by clicking on "Create a map".
- Adding waypoints by searching for places and clicking on "Add to map".
- Plot your route using the "Draw a line" tool to connect the points.
- Save and share your itinerary with other people.
My Maps lets you personalize your itineraries with colors, icons and descriptions!
These methods are ideal for preparing a road trip, hiking or sightseeing made-to-measure.
How do you plan an efficient travel itinerary?
To plan an efficient itinerary, it's essential to clearly define the objectives of the trip, taking into account the time available, budget, means of transport and points of interest. The use of digital tools can also facilitate this planning.
What are the advantages of using applications to create itineraries?
The applications offer simplified planning, route customization, real-time updates and centralized information, enhancing the travel experience.
How do you adapt your itinerary to the weather?
We recommend checking the weather forecast before and during the trip, planning alternative activities in case of bad weather and remaining flexible to adjust the itinerary if necessary.
What are France's most famous hiking routes?
Famous hiking routes in France include the GR20 in Corsica, the Tour du Mont-Blanc and the Chemin de Stevenson in the Cévennes.
How to ensure safety when planning a route?
It's important to find out about local conditions, plan reliable means of communication, inform friends and family of your itinerary, and always carry a first-aid kit.
What are the criteria to consider when choosing a cycle route?
When choosing a cycling route, it's important to
