French Dream: A 10-day Road Trip

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Welcome to Paris

   

   Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! France's beguiling capital needs no introduction. More than a city, it's an identity, one defined by romance, history, art, and some of the world's best cuisine. Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to the hotel to relax after your trip. We strongly recommend adding early hotel check-in if you arrive early.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • We recommend you start your Paris adventure by exploring the historic and trendy neighborhood of Le Marais. Here, make sure to try local cheese, and visit some museums.
2. Day 2 Paris

   

   Suggestions for the day: Parisian Delights: Food, Museums, and the Eiffel Tower

   • On the second day, you have many options. You can go on a boat exploration around Canal Saint-Martin, explore the Temple neighborhood, meet the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, take some pictures with the Eiffel Tower, go on a sunset ride, or even a French baking and cooking class. There is something for everyone!
3. Day 3 Paris

   

   Suggestions for the day: A Glimpse of Royalty - Exploring the Palace of Versailles

   • The day of your visit to the Estate of Versailles has arrived! Your drive there will take about 1 hour. Once a hunting lodge, the dazzling Palace of Versailles transformed into a symbol of French royalty under Louis XIV. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sprawling palace boasts over 2,300 rooms adorned with opulent decorations, reflecting the grandeur of the French Baroque style. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, a breathtaking gallery lined with reflective panels, and stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with fountains, sculptures, and groves, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the French monarchy.
   • Pro Tips: 
     • On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens Show days in Versailles, we advise you to get a Passport ticket, which gives access to the whole Estate (Palace, gardens, Estate of Trianon, and the park).
     • Don’t forget to download the free mobile app to enjoy the interactive map and all the necessary audio paths for your visit.
4. Day 4 Drive to Rouen

   

   Suggestions for the day: In Monet's Footsteps - Trip to Giverny and on to Rouen

   • Start your day walking around Paris, discovering the best coffee shops and bakeries. After satisfying your taste buds, leave Paris behind and continue your French adventure to Giverny. The drive will take you 1.5 hour to this historic village, which sits at the edge of the Normandy region. If the creeks, lily pads, and weeping willows outside the village look familiar, it's because they inspired none other than Claude Monet, who grew up in the region. Visit the idyllic home of the master impressionist painter, who lived here from 1883 to 1926. Stroll the well-manicured gardens, which abound with tulips, roses, irises, and other colorful flora. After soaking up the magical atmosphere in Giverny, continue your trip to Rouen  (1 hour drive from Giverny). If you have some free time, you can explore the city before settling into your accommodation for the night.
5. Day 5 Drive to Bayeux

   

   Suggestions for the day: Bayeux Bound - Discovering Normandy's History & Delights

   • After breakfast drive east to Bayeux, in the Normandy region (2h drive). The area around this well-preserved medieval town has seen its fair share of history, from the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century to the D-Day landing beaches of World War II. You can stop in Caen on the way there. After settling in your hotel, you can explore Lower Normandy regions (coastal Calvados and Basse-Normandie).
6. Day 6 Drive to Mont Saint-Michael

   

   Suggestions for the day: Omaha Beach & Remembering D-Day

   • Head to Omaha Beach on the Normandy coast (it is approximately a 30-minute drive from Bayeux), where you'll walk in the footsteps of wartime history. Discover three main D-Day landing sites along the coast, beginning with Pointe du Hoc. This promontory on a cliff overlooking the English Channel was fortified by the German army with concrete casemates and gun pits. On D-Day, the US Army Ranger Assault Group attacked and captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the cliffs. 

   Drive to your hotel near Mont-Saint-Michel, check-in, and spend the rest of the day exploring the area, enjoying delicious wines and food.

7. Day 7 Drive to Amboise

   

   Suggestions for the day: Mont-Saint-Michel's Magic

   • This morning you're in for a treat, as you'll spend the day exploring Mont-Saint-Michel. This famous commune on a tidal island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic hilltop abbey, which dates to the eighth century. Once in the area, you can hike to reach the town on the island. There, you can explore the abbey and surrounding gardens. Then, head downhill to the town, where you'll find souvenir shops, cafés, and art galleries. Expect lots of walking on steep staircases and wet sand, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket to guard against the brisk ocean breeze. 

   Get back on the road for the 3.5-hour drive south to Amboise. This charming town is a hub for excursions to the scenic Loire Valley wine region and bears historical links to the French royal family and Leonardo da Vinci. Once there, you'll check into your hotel.

8. Day 8 Amboise

   

   Suggestions for the day: Loire Valley Enchantment - Exploring Fairytale Towns

   • This morning, you'll explore the Loire Valley at your own pace. Brimming with charm and character, the six fairy-tale towns within this region will delight you with their medieval architecture and rural French authenticity. Besides Amboise, Orléans, Blois, and Tours sits on the banks of the Loire, Europe's last untamed river. Each one offers great sightseeing and plenty of history dating back to the old kings of France. The other two villages—Chartres and Bourges—are also worth a visit. You can hike up to the towers of their UNESCO-listed cathedrals and enjoy stunning views of the cobbled streets and medieval timber houses below. Back in Amboise, consider a trip to Clos Lucé Manor, the historic home where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. There, you can view da Vinci's invention room—the nerve center of his genius. Consider capping the day with a boat trip over the Loire and wine tasting. Return to Amboise for the night.
9. Day 9 Drive to Paris

   

   Suggestions for the day: Castles and Charm - Chambord & Chenonceau

   • Discover two of the Loire Valley's most prestigious castles in one memorable day. First up is the impressive Château de Chambord. Construction began on this masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture in 1519 under the reign of King Francis I. While the castle itself is notable, far more impressive are its vast grounds and gardens, complete with a hedge maze. Most notable is that the estate sits on a private game reserve as large as the city of Paris. The second is the stunning Château de Chenonceau. With its privileged location nestled amid forests on the banks of the Cher River, this 16th-century castle is one of the most famous in the valley. Its exquisite Renaissance architecture is complemented by its expansive grounds with well-manicured gardens. Return to spend the last evening/night in Paris.
10. Day 10 Au Revoir Paris

    

    Parting is such sweet sorrow—especially when you're saying goodbye to romantic France. Drop off your car at the airport and catch your flight back home. Au revoir!