Is it better to take the train or drive between cities?

Take the high-speed train (TGV) between major hubs like Paris and the south. Only drive when you are exploring rural areas like Provence where public transit is limited.

Do I need to speak French?

Not fluently, but always greet shopkeepers and servers with 'Bonjour' upon entering. It is considered rude not to.

Planning a Two-Week France Itinerary for Couples

Focus on three distinct regions to avoid spending your entire trip on trains. Pair the classic romantic allure of Paris with the relaxed pace of Provence and the dramatic coastline of the French Riviera.

Lock in your transit hubs. Book an open-jaw flight: fly into Paris (CDG) and fly out of Nice (NCE). This saves you a 6-hour train ride back to the capital at the end of your trip.
Select your base towns. Choose three bases: 5 days in Paris, 4 days in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, and 5 days in Nice. Use these as anchors for day trips so you aren't packing and unpacking every night.
Map your transport. Use the TGV (high-speed train) from Paris to Avignon (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes). Book tickets on SNCF Connect exactly 90 days out to secure the lowest fares.
Rent a car strategically. Only rent a car once you arrive in Provence for your 4 days there. You don't need a vehicle in Paris or Nice, and parking in those cities is expensive and stressful.

Is it better to take the train or drive between cities?: Take the high-speed train (TGV) between major hubs like Paris and the south. Only drive when you are exploring rural areas like Provence where public transit is limited.
Do I need to speak French?: Not fluently, but always greet shopkeepers and servers with 'Bonjour' upon entering. It is considered rude not to.