One-Week Relaxed France Road Trip from Caen to Paris

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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Caen. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Bar de la Fac, an iconic dining spot in Caen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Yaki Sushi, a popular restaurant in Caen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Refuge, a hidden gem nestled in Caen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Caen.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kokomo, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Delirium Café provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, La Rhumba offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Caen, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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 Caen, and meet locals along the way!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Parc Michel d'Ornano. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,384 visitors.

When you’re finished at Parc Michel d'Ornano, head to Mémorial de Caen. This one-of-a-kind peace museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,288 reviews. Every year, approximately 349,455 travelers come here to experience the peace museum for themselves.

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. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Caen to find the best options for you!

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.

Savor the flavors at Ju'ste Chez Moi, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Stéphane Carbone Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Beef & Cow. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Caen tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Caen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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.

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

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in France. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in France.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Caen, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Paris may take around 2 hours 33 min. Upon your arrival in Paris, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is St Peter's Catholic Church. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 966 reviews.

L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This place of worship is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,380 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Caen Botanical Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,184 reviews.

Vallée des Jardins is another outstanding experience in Caen. Around 719 travelers have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

In the city of Paris, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation 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.

Dine in style at L'Imprévu Café, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Petit Châtelet boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Guy Savoy. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.

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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Café de Paris V offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Dirty Dick is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Little Red Door is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through France means 24 hours of making the best memories in Paris. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Paris!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Champ de Mars. This extraordinary urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 172,488 visitors.

Next, make your way to Eiffel Tower. This top attraction is a lattice tower with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 322,389 visitors. Eiffel Tower welcomes 6,207,303 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Arc de Triomphe. Hosting 2,743,823 visitors every year, Arc de Triomphe is one of the most popular places to visit in Paris. This triumphal arch is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Sacré-Cœur. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,527 travelers. Around 11,000,000 people come to experience this place of interest every year.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at La Villette. This commune of france is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 56,497 travelers.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in France more special is by joining unique tours and activities in France. Paris offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Saint James Paris, an iconic dining spot in Paris. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Solera Paris : Bar à Cocktail, a popular restaurant in Paris. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of To Restaurant Paris, a hidden gem nestled in Paris. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Prescription Cocktail Club, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Sherry Butt offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Highlander. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Paris, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in France are extraordinary.

Make Louvre Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 260,788 reviews. More than 2,825,000 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at Musée d'Orsay. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 71,115 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 3,651,616 annual visitors.

Tuileries Garden is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 92,172 visitors.

When you’re finished at Tuileries Garden, the perfect next stop is place de la Concorde. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 54,229 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Palais Garnier. This opera house is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 34,053 reviews.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Paris itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Paris 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 Alliance, a popular restaurant in Paris. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Paris at The Bombardier, 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 Le Bistrot Du Perigord. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Paris tonight.

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Tiger, known for its lively atmosphere. Bisou. Is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Le Requin Chagrin offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Paris can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in France!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Paris, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Jardin des plantes. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 40,461 reviews.

Continue your journey at Jardin du Luxembourg. This urban park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 94,043 travelers from near and far.

Paris is also the home of Panthéon. This mausoleum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 43,649 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Notre-Dame de Paris. A total of 12,000,000 people explore this attraction every year. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,788 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Sainte Chapelle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 32,376 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this chapel.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across France. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in France.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Jules Verne, an iconic dining spot in Paris. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kitchen Galerie Bis, a popular restaurant in Paris. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Au Pied de Cochon, a hidden gem nestled in Paris. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Paris and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Harry's New York Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Experimental Cocktail Club provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

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

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across France promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the town of Lisieux and drive in the direction of the village of Ranville for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the hamlet of Zoobservatoires, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lisieux. This drive usually takes around 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Basilica of Saint Therese of Lisieux is a great place to start. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,910 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lisieux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ranville. This drive usually takes around 53 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Memorial Pegasus. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Ranville, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,240 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Paris, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zoobservatoires may take around 2 hours 28 min. Upon your arrival in Zoobservatoires, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Parc zoologique de Lisieux. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,670 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Caen. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in France by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Balthazar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Mian Mian offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le comptoir. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Caen.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Caen and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at La Garsouille after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 8 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, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Caen’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of France. Keep the spirit of your trip to France alive with these special souvenirs.

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 8 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Bistrot Basque, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Caen and begin your journey home. 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.