7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in France, Belgium, and Germany With Itinerary from Paris to Brussels, Cologne, and Charleroi

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in France, Belgium, and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Paris for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Set aside time today to explore Montmartre, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

A tour of Paris is not complete without a visit to the famous Champ De Mars. This incredible park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 172,488 travelers.

Make the most of your Paris travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Eiffel Tower. This monument and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 322,389 travelers and gets around 6,207,303 annual visits.

You can then move on to the incredible Louvre Museum for an experience worth remembering. This local museum and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 260,788 visitors, with up to 2,825,000 people including this popular attraction in their Paris tour itinerary each year.

Another stop we recommend you add to your Paris sightseeing list is the remarkable church, Sacré-cœur. Sought after by many travelers from around the world, Sacré-cœur has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,527 visitors. More than 11,000,000 people visit this impressive attraction annually.

Experience shopping bliss at Paris as you explore Champs-Elysées. Take a leisurely stroll through unique and high-end shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, Champs-Elysées offers more options, including unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Paris. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Paris by reserving a table at Kei. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Le Pré Catelan, recognized for its delicious creative and contemporary dishes. This 3-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Épicure, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in Paris. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 3 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Prescription Cocktail Club is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Le Boucan, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Mamie Paris. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Take in the ambiance of Paris as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in France, Belgium, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Brussels in Belgium. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Cologne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Brussels is the fantastic Grand-place. As an appreciated public square and local gem in the area, Grand-place has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151,717 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 38,953 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Cinquantenaire, a standout park and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,771 reviewers.

When you’ve had your share of Brussels, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Laeken. Your travel time is around 20 min.

In Laeken, the extraordinary Atomium awaits. This attraction is a valued monument that boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 91,642 travelers' reviews.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Cologne. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Cologne's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Germany to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Cologne has them.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Cologne by booking a table at Le Moissonnier Bistro. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of french and seafood cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Ox & Klee, celebrated for its delectable modern and creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Cuisine Rademacher, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Grid Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Toddy Tapper offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Legends Bar & Terrasse is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Cologne in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Charleroi, your home for 1 night.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Cologne today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Cologne Cathedral. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 70,814 visitors and attracts around 5,000,000 curious travelers annually.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Lindt Chocolate Museum. This incredible attraction and museum holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to 37,446 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Brühl, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cologne to Brühl may take around 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Brühl, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Brühl is the magnificent Phantasialand. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 1,750,000 travelers from across the world. Around 91,824 visitors have rated this excellent amusement park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Charleroi.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Charleroi. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Vilain in Charleroi by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Vilain delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious seasonal cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'APtit restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Nirvana Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Harpers is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. La Rhumerie is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Take in the ambiance of Charleroi as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across France, Belgium, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Reims in France, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Paris. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Charleroi, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Reims, France. Your travel time is around 2 hours 1 min.

A tour of Reims is not complete without a visit to the famous Reims Cathedral. This incredible church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,030 travelers.

Make the most of your Reims travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Cryptoportique De Reims. This archeological site and unique destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 786 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Place Drouet-d’erlon for an experience worth remembering. This local public square and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,651 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Reims, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Meaux may take around 1 hour 7 min. Upon your arrival in Meaux, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Meaux, including the outstanding Plage De Meaux. Having an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 1,842 reviews, this fascinating beach and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Paris of your choice.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in France, Belgium, and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Paris. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Harp Bar, a popular restaurant in Paris. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Paris at Le Bistro des Augustins, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Le Petit Châtelet. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Paris tonight.

Continue your lively evening at Sherry Butt, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Highlander is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Le Sully ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!