Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and take a quick taxi to your hotel near the Eiffel Tower. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a light French breakfast at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Walk down the iconic Champs‑Élysées, stopping for a coffee and a glimpse of the Arc de Triomphe. Continue to the Eiffel Tower for a short elevator ride to the second level for panoramic city views.
Evening: Embark on a romantic Seine River Evening Cruise, watching the illuminated monuments glide by. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Latin Quarter.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a few hours at the world‑famous Louvre Museum, focusing on the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian antiquities.
Afternoon: Visit the atmospheric Père Lachaise Cemetery, locating graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. Afterwards, head to the Vélodrome d'Hiver memorial to reflect on its tragic wartime history.
Evening: Dine in the historic Marais district, sampling classic French dishes. Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine before returning to your hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a RER train to the opulent Palace of Versailles. Tour the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the stunning gardens.
Afternoon: Return to Paris for a quick lunch, then board a train to Rouen (approx. 2 h). Check into your accommodation and enjoy a brief walk through the medieval city centre.
Evening: Relax with a dinner of Normandy specialties—perhaps a plate of fresh Camembert and apple cider—before an early night.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Rouen’s historic heart, visiting the Joan of Arc sites including the Church of Saint‑Jacques and the modern memorial.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to the dramatic chalk cliffs of Étretat, strolling along the boardwalk and snapping photos of the famous arches.
Evening: Continue to Bayeux, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet dinner near the iconic Bayeux Tapestry museum.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Canadian WWII War Memorials in Bayeux, learning about the D‑Day landings and the role of Canadian forces.
Afternoon: Drive to Juno Beach for a guided tour of the preserved landing sites and the Juno Beach Centre museum.
Evening: Head to the magical island of Mont Saint‑Michel. Stay overnight in a nearby hotel and enjoy the sunset over the tidal bay.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the abbey of Mont Saint‑Michel before the tide returns, taking in the medieval architecture and breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Travel to the Loire Valley and visit the magnificent Château de Chambord, wandering its grand staircase and vast parklands.
Evening: Dine in a charming village restaurant along the Loire, sampling local wines and cheeses before settling into your accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Pay respects at the poignant Martyr Village (Oradour‑sur‑Glane), a preserved reminder of WWII atrocities.
Afternoon: Continue southward by train to Bordeaux, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and take a brief walk along the Garonne River.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood at the bustling Place de la Bourse area, followed by a nightcap at a local wine bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Capture the reflections of the Water Mirror at the Place des Quinconces (often called the mirror square) for striking photographs.
Afternoon: Visit the imposing Bordeaux Gothic Cathedral (Saint‑André), climbing its tower for sweeping city vistas.
Evening: Stroll through the historic Saint‑Pierre district, tasting Bordeaux’s famed red wines at a cozy bistro.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a scenic train ride to the Dordogne region and settle into your hotel in Sarlat, a beautifully preserved medieval town.
Afternoon: Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, visiting the Sarlat market to sample truffles, foie gras, and local pastries.
Evening: Dine beside the river with a view of the illuminated historic buildings, then enjoy a quiet night in this tranquil setting.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the cliff‑side pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, exploring its sanctuaries and the breathtaking views over the Alzou gorge.
Afternoon: Return to Paris by high‑speed train, checking into a hotel near Montmartre.
Evening: Experience the artistic vibe of Montmartre, visiting the Sacré‑Coeur Basilica, strolling the Place du Tertre, and enjoying a final French dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack your belongings, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and head to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the Champagne region for a tasting tour, or extend your stay in the Dordogne to explore the Lascaux caves and the medieval town of Domme. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by skipping the Étretat cliffs and focusing solely on the D‑Day sites, or replace the Bordeaux segment with a quick high‑speed train ride back to Paris, saving travel time.