Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

11‑Day France Adventure: Paris, Dordogne, Normandy & Beyond

Viewed by 76 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & First Glimpse of Paris

Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Paris. Settle in, enjoy a quick café and a stroll to the nearby Eiffel Tower for an introductory view of the city.

Afternoon: Take the elevator to the tower’s second floor for panoramic photos, then wander along the Seine’s banks toward the Seine Cruise embarkation point.

Evening: Board a relaxing Seine Cruise to see illuminated landmarks, finishing with dinner in a riverside bistro.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Parisian History & Art

Morning: Visit the solemn Vel d'Hiv Memorial to reflect on World War II history, followed by a short walk to the historic Père Lachaise Cemetery to see famous graves.

Afternoon: Head to the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces housed in a stunning former railway station.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Saint‑Germain district, perhaps sampling classic French cuisine.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Last Paris Morning & Journey to Dordogne

Morning: Stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre, visiting the iconic Montmartre hill and the Sacré‑Cœur for city views.

Afternoon: Board a high‑speed TGV to Sarlat‑la‑Canéda, arriving in the early evening.

Evening: Check into your hotel in Sarlat, then wander the illuminated medieval lanes and enjoy a dinner of local truffle dishes.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Exploring Sarlat & Dordogne Valley

Morning: Take a guided walking tour of Sarlat, marveling at its preserved limestone façades and bustling market.

Afternoon: Rent a car and drive along the Dordogne River, stopping at the picturesque village of Domme for panoramic valley views.

Evening: Return to Sarlat for a relaxed dinner, perhaps sampling the region’s famed foie gras.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Rocamadour & Scenic Drives

Morning: Drive to the cliff‑side pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, exploring its sanctuaries and stunning vistas.

Afternoon: Continue your drive through the Dordogne countryside, visiting local vineyards and stopping for a picnic by the river.

Evening: Head back to Sarlat, enjoy a quiet evening in a traditional inn.

Find Hotels

Day 6: From Oradour‑sur‑Glane to Chambord, Then Dinan

Morning: Travel to the solemn Oradour‑sur‑Glane memorial village, learning about the tragic WWII massacre.

Afternoon: Visit the opulent Château de Chambord, touring its grand staircases and vast gardens.

Evening: Drive north to the medieval port town of Dinan, check into a local inn and dine on Breton specialties.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Dinan to Bayeux

Morning: Explore Dinan’s cobbled streets, the fortified ramparts, and the picturesque harbor.

Afternoon: Depart for Bayeux, stopping briefly at the historic Mont Saint‑Michel for a quick photo stop (full visit saved for Day 8).

Evening: Arrive in Bayeux, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy a dinner featuring Normandy’s famed apples and cheese.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Mont Saint‑Michel Day Trip

Morning: Take an early drive to Mont Saint‑Michel, cross the causeway and begin the ascent to the abbey.

Afternoon: Tour the medieval abbey and its surrounding bay, then return to Bayeux via the scenic coastal road.

Evening: Relax in Bayeux, perhaps visiting the illuminated Bayeux Tapestry (if time permits) and savoring a seafood dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 9: WWII History & Coastal Charms

Morning: Pay respects at the Canadian War Memorial in Caen, honoring the sacrifices of the Normandy campaign.

Afternoon: Drive to the artistic harbor of Honfleur, strolling its historic port and galleries, then continue to the dramatic cliffs of Etretat for breathtaking sea views.

Evening: Return to Bayeux for a leisurely dinner and a night walk through the illuminated old town.

Find Hotels

Day 10: Return to Paris & Montmartre Night

Morning: Depart Bayeux and travel back to Paris by train, arriving around midday.

Afternoon: Check into your Paris hotel and enjoy some free time for shopping or a visit to a café.

Evening: End the day with a vibrant night in Montmartre, exploring its lively squares, street performers, and a final dinner overlooking the city lights.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Departure or Final Paris Exploration

Morning: Take a relaxed stroll through the Tuileries Garden or visit any missed site such as the Louvre.

Afternoon: Pack and enjoy a farewell lunch at a classic Parisian brasserie.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of an unforgettable French journey.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – €27 (ticket)
  • Seine Cruise – 1.5 hrs – €15
  • Vel d'Hiv Memorial – 1 hr – Free
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Musée d'Orsay – 2 hrs – €16
  • Montmartre & Sacré‑Cœur – 2 hrs – Free
  • Train Paris → Sarlat – 4 hrs – €80
  • Sarlat walking tour – 2 hrs – €12
  • Domme – 1 hr – Free
  • Rocamadour – 2 hrs – €8
  • Oradour‑sur‑Glane Memorial – 1 hr – Free
  • Château de Chambord – 3 hrs – €14
  • Car rental (7 days) – 7 days – €350
  • Dinan – 2 hrs – Free
  • Mont Saint‑Michel – 5 hrs – €11 (abbey)
  • Canadian War Memorial (Caen) – 1 hr – Free
  • Honfleur – 2 hrs – Free
  • Etretat Cliffs – 2 hrs – Free
  • Train Bayeux → Paris – 2 hrs – €45
  • Meals (average €35/day) – 11 days – €385
  • Accommodation (average €120/night) – 10 nights – €1,200

Total Estimated Cost: €2,308

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra night in the Dordogne region for a boat cruise on the river or a day exploring the Lascaux caves. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the Etretat visit and combine the Honfleur and Caen stops into a single half‑day, saving travel time while still experiencing Normandy’s key highlights.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version