Relaxed 7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Caen to Paris
Description
Included
Description
Explore France and discover its unique charm on this 7-day relaxed road trip through Caen, Ouistreham, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, Falaise, Versailles, and Paris. Delight in a stress-free journey that focuses on exploration through the country's most captivating landscapes.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Caen, Ouistreham, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, Falaise, Versailles, and Paris. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Caen and 3 nights in Paris. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Caen, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across France with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in France.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Eiffel Tower. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Louvre Museum.
Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Arc De Triomphe. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through France's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the France.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Caen - arrival day
- Caen - Arrival day
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Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Caen, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Caen and begin your adventure in France.
Caen is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Caen. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Caen.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Ficelle, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Galettoire offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar de la Fac. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Caen.
As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Caen. The bars in Caen make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kokomo, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Delirium Café offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, La Rhumba provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in France. Enjoy your first taste of Caen as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2 – Caen, Ouistreham, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, and Falaise
- Caen
- Ouistreham
- Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe
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Drive 122 km, 2 hours 8 min
- Le Grand Bunker - Museum of the Atlantic Wall
- Colline aux Oiseaux
- Mémorial de Caen
- Caen Castle
- More
On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Caen, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Caen will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.
Today’s route brings an eye-catching, a respected, an awe-inspiring, and a symbolic. The first attraction of today is Mémorial De Caen. This captivating museum is an instagrammable place to see in Caen. Continue your discovery at Caen Castle, a historic castle with stories to tell.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caen and set your GPS to Ouistreham. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 23 min. Upon reaching Ouistreham, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Begin your journey at The "big Bunker" and explore the instagrammable features.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ouistreham and set your GPS to Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 19 min. Upon reaching Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Colline Aux Oiseaux is a locally appreciated park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Caen.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Yaki Sushi, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Trattoria? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at SASÉSU as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Caen.
As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Caen. The bars in Caen make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Vertigo after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Les Déserteurs, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Vous Êtes Ici also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!
Day 3 – Caen, Versailles, and Paris
- Caen
- Versailles
- Paris
- More
Drive 260 km, 3 hours 33 min
- Palace of Versailles
- Gardens of Versailles
- Grand Trianon
- Marie-Antoinette's Estate
- Caen Castle
- More
Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in France is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. You’ll stay in Paris for 3 nights.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 2 hours 19 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Palace Of Versailles, a wondrous palace that everyone visiting Versailles should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Gardens Of Versailles. This detailed botanical garden is one of the most captivating attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Madame Élisabeth's Estate, a romantic park, popular among locals as well as travelers. Grand Trianon is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this locally appreciated palace before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Marie-antoinette's Estate, a history-steeped palace and top attraction in the town.
You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Paris in this laid-back road trip in France. You'll stay here for 3 nights.
When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Paris.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Mumi, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, L'Imprévu Café is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Paris.
As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Paris’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in France.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café De Paris V, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Dirty Dick. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Little Red Door, another top-rated place in the area.
Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!
Day 4 – Paris
- Paris
- More
Drive 7 km, 33 min
- Jardin des plantes
- Panthéon
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Sainte Chapelle
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Louvre Museum
- More
On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Paris, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Paris, and meet locals along the way!
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a romantic, a serene, a breathtaking, a photogenic, a historic, a grand, a masterful, a profound, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated. Whether you decide to explore Paris on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Jardin Des Plantes is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this mesmerizing botanical garden before continuing your journey. Panthéon is your next stop. This captivating monument is one of the best-rated sights in Paris.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Jardin Du Luxembourg. This remarkable park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Sainte Chapelle and Notre-dame De Paris.
Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in France more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Paris offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.
When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Paris.
Dine in style at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Sens Unique boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Caveau de l'isle. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.
As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Paris. The bars in Paris make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.
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.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across France.
Day 5 – Paris
- Paris
- More
Drive 33 km, 1 hour 32 min
- La Villette
- Sacré-Cœur
- Palais Garnier
- Tuileries Garden
- Musée d'Orsay
- Louvre Museum
- More
Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through France means 24 hours of making the best memories in Paris. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Paris. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Paris!
Prepare for a day full of a gorgeous, a picture-perfect, a charming, a history-steeped, an inviting, a culturally significant, and a detailed. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at La Villette. This famous park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Sacré-cœur, one of the city’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Palais Garnier, one of the most captivating places to see in Paris. This opera house is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Tuileries Garden. Wander around and soak in the enchanting atmosphere this park offers. Finally, take the path to the famous Musée D'orsay, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.
Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about France. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in France and ensure the experience of a lifetime.
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Paris, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Harp Bar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Bistro des Augustins? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Petit Châtelet as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Paris.
After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.
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.
Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!
Day 6 – Paris and Caen
- Paris
- Caen
- More
Drive 240 km, 3 hours 11 min
- Louvre Museum
- place de la Concorde
- Champ de Mars
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- More
Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across France promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Paris and drive in the direction of the city of Caen for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Caen, where you’ll stay for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with a charming, an awe-inspiring, a visually striking, a historically significant, a culturally significant, and a remarkable in the charming city of Paris. Your adventure starts at Place De La Concorde, an astonishing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Champ De Mars. This world-famous park is known for its history-steeped appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Paris's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Eiffel Tower. This grand monument offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Arc De Triomphe is also worth visiting.
When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Caen. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Caen has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Make sure to book a table at Le Refuge, a popular restaurant in Caen. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Caen at L'R de rien, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is PAUL & LÉON. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Caen tonight.
A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Caen.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Le Boudoir is an excellent place to start. You could also check out La Garsouille, offering a different kind of charm.
Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in France!
Day 7 – Caen - departure day
- Caen - Departure day
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- Caen Castle
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Caen.
As your final day in France unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Caen's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to France.
If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.
Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Caen or just grab something light to keep you going.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Caen and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
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