Family Road Trip from Eastleigh to Paris – 3‑Day Adventure

Day 1: Departure & Journey Across the Channel

Morning: Depart Eastleigh early and drive to Folkestone, enjoying the English countryside en route. Stop at the historic Folkestone Harbour for a quick coffee and stretch before boarding the Eurotunnel.

Afternoon: Travel through the Channel Tunnel to Calais, where you can explore the Calais Lighthouse and have a light lunch overlooking the port. Continue south on the A26, admiring the rolling fields of northern France.

Evening: Arrive in the charming city of Amiens, check into your family‑friendly hotel, and stroll along the illuminated banks of the Somme River. Dine at a local bistro and marvel at the illuminated Amiens Cathedral before turning in for the night.

Day 2: Exploring Paris Highlights

Morning: After breakfast, drive into Paris and park near the Eiffel Tower. Take the elevator up for panoramic views and snap family photos on the Champ de Mars.

Afternoon: Walk to the Louvre Museum for a guided family tour, focusing on the Egyptian and Greek sections to keep the kids engaged. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café on the Rue de Rivoli.

Evening: Experience the magic of the Seine River cruise, watching Paris’s landmarks light up at dusk. Conclude the night with dinner in the lively Latin Quarter, sampling classic French crepes.

Day 3: Royal Splendor & Return Journey

Morning: Drive to the outskirts of Paris to visit Versailles Palace. Explore the opulent Hall of Mirrors and the expansive gardens, letting the children run through the fountains.

Afternoon: Return to Paris and stop at the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral for a quick interior visit before heading back north on the A1.

Evening: Cross back through the Channel Tunnel to Folkestone, then drive home to Eastleigh, reflecting on the memorable family adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Folkestone Harbour – 30 min – £5 (parking)
• Eurotunnel (Eastleigh → Calais) – 35 min travel time – £150 (vehicle + passengers)
• Calais Lighthouse – 45 min – Free
• Amiens Cathedral – 1 hr – Free
• Eiffel Tower – 2 hr – £60 (family ticket)
• Louvre Museum – 3 hr – £50 (family ticket)
• Seine River Cruise – 1.5 hr – £40 (family ticket)
• Versailles Palace – 4 hr – £70 (family ticket + garden entry)
• Notre‑Dame Cathedral – 1 hr – Free
• Fuel & Tolls (round trip) – 8 hr driving – £120
• Total Estimated Cost: £595

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Paris to explore Montmartre and the Musée d’Orsay, or visit Disneyland Paris for a family‑focused day. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip Versailles and replace the Seine cruise with a free walk along the riverbanks, saving both time and money while still enjoying the city's iconic sights.