One-Week Relaxed France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Caen to Paris

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Photo of church of Saint-Pierre in Caen, France.

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Discover stunning scenery and hidden gems on this 8-day relaxed road trip in France! Ifs, Caen, Falaise, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, Ouistreham, Paris, Lisieux, and Ranville await with vibrant culture and lasting memories as you unwind on this self-drive vacation.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in France, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in Caen and 4 nights in Paris, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Your journey starts in Caen, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 8-day relaxed road trip in France to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in France already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Eiffel Tower and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Louvre Museum.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this France road trip itinerary for 8 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in France.

If you want to make your 8-day relaxed self-drive tour in France even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in France includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 8 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 8-day relaxed self-drive road trip in France today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Caen - Arrival day
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Forêt d'Ifs
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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. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Caen. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Caen, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in France. Enjoy your first taste of Caen as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Caen
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Drive 126 km, 2 hours 14 min

Château de Falaise
Parc Michel d'Ornano
Colline aux Oiseaux
Mémorial de Caen
Le Grand Bunker - Museum of the Atlantic Wall
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On day 2 of your relaxed road trip in France, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Caen and visit amazing attractions in Falaise, Caen, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, and Ouistreham, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Caen, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Caen and your accommodation.

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 Caen.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Caen. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Toast to another amazing day in France!

Day 3

Caen
Paris
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Drive 238 km, 3 hours 18 min

St Peter's Catholic Church
L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes
Caen Botanical Garden
Vallée des Jardins
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On day 3 of your laid-back road trip adventure in France, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Caen.

In Paris, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in France.

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.

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.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in France!

Day 4

Paris
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Drive 32 km, 1 hour 40 min

Champ de Mars
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
Sacré-Cœur
La Villette
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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.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across France.

Day 5

Paris
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Drive 7 km, 1 hour 15 min

Louvre Museum
Musée d'Orsay
Tuileries Garden
place de la Concorde
Palais Garnier
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Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in France more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Paris, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Paris. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Paris!

Day 6

Paris
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Drive 8 km, 57 min

Jardin des plantes
Jardin du Luxembourg
Panthéon
Notre-Dame de Paris
Sainte Chapelle
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Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Caen. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Caen that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in France more memorable.

Exploring the food culture in Paris offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

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.

Toast to another amazing day in France!

Day 7

Paris
Caen
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Drive 264 km, 3 hours 55 min

Parc zoologique de Lisieux
Basilica of Saint Therese of Lisieux
Memorial Pegasus
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Day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour in France offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Caen for 1 night.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Caen. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in France.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Caen and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across France.

Day 8

Caen - Departure day
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Caen Castle
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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