8-Day Scandinavian-to-French Itinerary: 3 Days in Copenhagen then 5 Days in Paris (Includes Mont‑Saint‑Michel Day Trip)

Day 1: Arrival & Waterfront

Copenhagen, Denmark on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Democratic Coffee (Copenhagen)

Start with expertly brewed coffee and a famous cinnamon bun at Democratic Coffee in the city center; a light, locals‑favorite breakfast to fuel a walking day. They typically open around 8:00am.
DKK60, 0h45m.

9:30am

Stroll Nyhavn & Harborfront

Walk the colorful 17th-century canal houses of Nyhavn and take photos of the iconic waterfront; it’s open all day and a must for first-time visitors. Great for a relaxed first-hour orientation.
DKK0, 1h0m.

11:00am

Canal Boat Tour

One-hour canal tour shows Copenhagen’s canals, Christiansborg, Opera House and more from the water — excellent overview and photo opportunities. Tours run from ~10:00am to early evening; book ahead in high season.
DKK95, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Torvehallerne Food Hall

Sample smørrebrød, smashes, or international fare at Torvehallerne; ideal for variety and quick service in a lively market atmosphere. Stalls open from mid‑morning through evening.
DKK120, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Rosenborg Castle & King’s Garden

Visit Rosenborg to see the Crown Jewels and the royal apartments, then relax in the adjacent King's Garden — the castle typically opens 10:00–17:00 (Apr–Sep).
DKK125, 1h30m.

6:00pm

Evening — Tivoli Gardens

Spend the evening at Tivoli for historic rides, gardens, music and lights; in summer Tivoli often stays open into the late evening (check calendar for concerts or special events).
DKK135, 2h30m.

8:30pm

Dinner — Kødbyens Fiskebar (Meatpacking District)

Enjoy fresh seafood/small plates in Copenhagen’s trendy Meatpacking District; lively atmosphere and excellent seasonal seafood. Typical opening hours from early evening to late; reservation recommended.
DKK300, 1h30m.

Day 2: Historic & Local Life

Copenhagen, Denmark on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Grød (porridge & bowls)

Healthy, hearty porridge bowls and Scandinavian breakfast options at Grød — a local chain famed for inventive porridges and small plates. Most branches open by 8:00am.
DKK75, 0h45m.

9:30am

National Museum of Denmark

Explore Denmark’s history from the Vikings to modern times; the National Museum is usually open 10:00–17:00 (summer hours vary so confirm before visiting).
DKK95, 2h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Aamanns Smørrebrød

Try contemporary smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) at Aamanns, a top pick for classic Danish lunch with a modern twist. Reservations recommended at peak times.
DKK150, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Christiansborg Palace & Tower

Visit Christiansborg (Royal Reception Rooms and the tower viewpoint) to see Danish governance history and get city views; typically open 10:00–17:00. Tower often has a small fee for the view.
DKK160, 1h30m.

4:30pm

Freetime — Freetown Christiania

Take a relaxed walk through Christiania to see its unique community, street art and cafés; it’s an open neighborhood (self-guided walking). Respect local rules and photography limits.
DKK0, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Restaurant Radio

Seasonal, locally sourced modern Danish cuisine in a relaxed setting near the lakes; a good option for a memorable dinner without the extreme reservations of Michelin spots. Book ahead.
DKK350, 1h30m.

Day 3: Final Copenhagen & Transfer

Copenhagen, Denmark on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — The Coffee Collective

Enjoy specialty coffee and a light pastry at The Coffee Collective before a morning of sightseeing; multiple shops open early for takeaway or relaxed seating.
DKK60, 0h45m.

9:30am

Rundetårn (Round Tower) & City View

Climb the historic spiral ramp to the observatory for panoramic city views; usually open 10:00–18:00 in summer months. Great quick cultural stop.
DKK45, 1h0m.

11:00am

The Little Mermaid Statue + Langelinie Promenade

Quick visit to the iconic bronze statue and a stroll along the harbor promenade; the statue is outdoors and accessible at any time. Combine with a scenic walk back toward the city center.
DKK0, 0h45m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Smørrebrød at Restaurant Schønnemann

Classic, traditional smørrebrød lunch at a historic spot renowned for Danish open sandwiches; check lunchtime hours as they are busiest midday.
DKK160, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Transfer to Airport — Flight Copenhagen to Paris

Fly from Copenhagen (CPH) to Paris (CDG or ORY). Direct flights take ~1h45. Aim for mid‑afternoon flight to arrive Paris in early evening and maximize two full days in Paris. Book at least 2h before departure for check‑in.
EUR100, 4h30m.

8:30pm

Arrival & Dinner — Latin Quarter Bistro

Check in to central Paris hotel and have a relaxed bistro dinner in the Latin Quarter — classic French cuisine to settle in. Many bistros open from 7:00pm until late.
EUR40, 1h30m.

Day 4: Classic Paris

Paris, France on August 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Du Pain et des Idées

Start with a top Parisian bakery for croissants and pain au chocolat; this boulangerie opens early and is famous for its pastries. Expect a short line in high season.
EUR6, 0h45m.

9:00am

Louvre Museum

Visit the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and vast collections; entry typically 9:00–18:00 (closed Tue), so book timed entry in advance. Allow several hours for highlights.
EUR17, 3h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Café Marly or nearby bistro

Lunch with a view of the Louvre courtyard or at a nearby bistro for classic French salads and sandwiches. Many surrounding cafés open throughout the day.
EUR25, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Île de la Cité — Sainte‑Chapelle & Notre‑Dame exterior

See Sainte‑Chapelle’s stunning stained glass (often open 9:00–18:00) and view Notre‑Dame’s façade and the Île de la Cité atmosphere after the restoration works. Sainte‑Chapelle has a modest entrance fee.
EUR11, 1h30m.

6:30pm

Seine Evening Cruise (Bateaux Mouches)

An evening cruise gives a magical perspective on Paris monuments as lights come on; cruises run nightly and are especially beautiful at dusk. Book a 1‑hour cruise for the best timing.
EUR15, 1h0m.

8:30pm

Dinner — Le Procope (Latin Quarter)

Dine at one of Paris’s oldest cafés for hearty classic dishes and historic ambiance in the Latin Quarter. Reservations recommended for dinner service.
EUR45, 1h30m.

Day 5: Mont‑Saint‑Michel Daytrip

Mont‑Saint‑Michel (Day trip from Paris), France on August 16, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Depart

Quick breakfast at the hotel (coffee + croissant) and transfer to Paris Montparnasse station to catch an early TGV to Rennes; book tickets in advance to secure morning seats. Aim to depart Paris by ~6:30–7:00am for best schedule.
EUR8, 0h30m.

7:00am

TGV Paris Montparnasse → Rennes

High‑speed rail takes ~1h25 to Rennes; trains run frequently but reserve seats. This is the quickest public transport route toward Mont‑Saint‑Michel.
EUR50, 1h25m.

9:15am

Shuttle Bus Rennes → Mont‑Saint‑Michel

Regional shuttle (coach) connects Rennes station with Mont‑Saint‑Michel (about 1h15); buses align with many TGV arrivals but check exact schedules when booking. You’ll arrive at the bay/mont area mid‑morning.
EUR20, 1h15m.

10:45am

Explore Mont‑Saint‑Michel Village & Ramparts

Walk the medieval streets and ramparts to experience the island’s unique atmosphere; the village is open for exploring throughout the day and tides create dramatic scenery.
EUR0, 1h15m.

12:15pm

Lunch — La Mère Poulard (or local crêperie)

Enjoy the famous omelette at La Mère Poulard or a savory crêpe at a local spot; island restaurants can be busy so expect tourist pricing and a lively atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Abbey of Mont‑Saint‑Michel

Tour the Abbey, the highlight of the island; in summer (Apr 1–Sep 30) the Abbey generally opens 9:00–19:00, so afternoon visits are ideal. Guided tours are available (check times).
EUR11, 1h30m.

4:30pm

Return Shuttle to Rennes

Catch the coach back to Rennes in time for a TGV to Paris; buses and trains have limited evening departures so confirm the return schedule when you arrive.
EUR20, 1h15m.

7:30pm

TGV Rennes → Paris

Return by high‑speed train to Paris Montparnasse, arriving in the evening. Expect total travel time (roundtrip) including shuttles to be about 7–9 hours; book an evening slot to be back in Paris for dinner.
EUR70, 1h25m.

9:30pm

Dinner — Neighborhood Bistro near Hotel

Late dinner back in Paris at a nearby bistro to rest after the long day; choose something comforting and local to end the day.
EUR35, 1h0m.

Day 6: Icons & Views

Paris, France on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Carette (Trocadéro)

Have a breakfast near Trocadéro with great pastries and coffee, setting you up for an Eiffel Tower visit. Many cafés open early for breakfast service.
EUR12, 0h45m.

9:00am

Eiffel Tower (prebooked time slot)

Prebook a timed ascent to the Eiffel Tower to avoid long queues; lifts and stair options available — the tower opens around 9:00 (times vary by season).
EUR28, 2h0m.

12:00pm

Lunch — Le Bistro Parisien (Seine-side)

Relax with riverside views and contemporary French cuisine, conveniently located near the Eiffel/Seine for midday rest. Good for people-watching and moderate prices.
EUR25, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Arc de Triomphe & Champs‑Élysées

Climb the Arc for skyline views (open ~10:00–22:30) then stroll down the Champs‑Élysées for shopping and cafés. The Arc has a small fee for access to the rooftop.
EUR14, 1h30m.

4:30pm

Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur

Head to Montmartre for sunset views from Sacré‑Cœur, artists’ squares and the bohemian atmosphere; the Basilica is open daily and the hill provides a great panorama of Paris.
EUR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Le Consulat (Montmartre)

Dine in historic Montmartre at a classic bistro for Provençal and French dishes; a charming spot after an afternoon of exploring the hilltop district.
EUR35, 1h30m.

Day 7: Neighborhoods & Markets

Paris, France on August 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Local Boulangerie

Casual breakfast at a nearby boulangerie with coffee and freshly baked goods. Take it slowly and enjoy people‑watching in a Paris neighborhood.
EUR6, 0h30m.

9:30am

Le Marais Walking Tour — Place des Vosges

Explore Le Marais’ narrow streets, boutiques, galleries and the elegant Place des Vosges; perfect for discovering local design, Jewish quarter history and small museums. Most shops open from mid‑morning.
EUR0, 2h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch — L’As du Fallafel (Rue des Rosiers)

Quick, legendary falafel in the Jewish quarter of Le Marais — a popular, fast and delicious option if you want something casual and iconic. Expect a short queue at peak lunch time.
EUR12, 0h45m.

2:00pm

Centre Pompidou or Musée Carnavalet (depending on interest)

Visit the Pompidou for modern art (open most days except Tuesdays) or Musée Carnavalet for Paris history; check each museum’s opening day before planning because closures vary by day.
EUR15, 1h45m.

4:30pm

Île Saint‑Louis & Chocolate Shops

Stroll the quiet Île Saint‑Louis, sample Berthillon ice cream and visit small specialty chocolate and pastry shops. A relaxed, sensory afternoon that’s easy to time and enjoy.
EUR8, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Trendy Marais Restaurant

Enjoy a contemporary meal in Le Marais — many chefs and lively small restaurants offer modern French or fusion options. Book early for dinner at popular spots.
EUR40, 1h30m.

Day 8: Versailles & Farewell

Paris → Versailles (Day trip) France on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Depart for Versailles

Quick hotel breakfast and RER C train or guided shuttle to Versailles — trains typically take ~40–50 minutes from central Paris and run frequently. Aim for an early arrival to avoid crowds.
EUR8, 0h30m.

9:00am

Palace of Versailles — State Apartments & Hall of Mirrors

Tour the Château’s State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors; the Palace is generally open from 9:00 (Tue–Sun) so Tuesday visits are ideal. Allow time to see the main palace rooms.
EUR20, 2h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Café in Versailles Gardens or nearby brasserie

Lunch near the palace or inside the garden cafés; choosing a garden café lets you continue exploring the grounds without backtracking. Service is typically available through mid‑afternoon.
EUR25, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Versailles Gardens & Trianon Palaces

Stroll the formal gardens and, time permitting, visit the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon estates and Marie‑Antoinette’s hamlet; gardens are vast so plan transport back accordingly. Fountain shows/music occur on selected days (check schedule).
EUR10, 2h0m.

5:00pm

Return to Paris

Take the RER C or train back to central Paris, arriving in the early evening—ideal timing to relax before your final night. Trains run frequently but leave extra time for station transfers.
EUR8, 0h45m.

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner — Le Train Bleu or Classic Parisian Brasserie

Celebrate the last night with a special dinner at Le Train Bleu (ornate, historic) or another classic brasserie for an elegant send‑off. Book a table in advance for a memorable final evening.
EUR60, 1h30m.
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