10‑Day France Itinerary: Paris, Normandy & Colmar

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Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Paris. Take time to settle in and enjoy a leisurely brunch at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Seine River and visit the historic Île de la Cité, admiring the exterior of Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the charming streets of the Latin Quarter.

Evening: Embark on a Seine River Cruise to see Paris’s illuminated monuments, followed by dinner in the lively Marais district.

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Day 2: Classic Paris Highlights

Morning: Explore the world‑renowned Louvre Museum, focusing on the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian antiquities.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic heart of Paris to the Notre‑Dame Cathedral and then climb the steps to the Sacré‑Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, soaking in panoramic city views.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Montmartre neighborhood and enjoy a cabaret performance at the iconic Moulin Rouge.

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Day 3: Art, Shopping & the Eiffel Tower

Morning: Visit the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.

Afternoon: Saunter down the Champs‑Élysées, stop at luxury boutiques, and ascend the Arc de Triomphe for a sweeping view of Paris’s grand boulevards.

Evening: Conclude the day with a sunset visit to the Eiffel Tower, followed by a gourmet dinner at a nearby bistro.

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Day 4: Travel to Normandy – Caen

Morning: Take a fast train to Caen; check into your hotel and enjoy a quick coffee in the city centre.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Caen Castle and the adjacent Memorial Museum of Caen, which offers insightful exhibits on World War II.

Evening: Savor Normandy’s famed apple cider and cheese at a traditional bistro, then relax with a leisurely walk along the River Orne.

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Day 5: D‑Day Beaches & Bayeux

Morning: Join a guided tour of the iconic Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, learning about the pivotal events of June 6, 1944.

Afternoon: Travel to Bayeux to view the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry and explore the charming medieval streets.

Evening: Return to Caen for a relaxed dinner, reflecting on the day’s powerful history.

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Day 6: Mont Saint‑Michel & Transfer to Colmar

Morning: Depart early for a day trip to the spectacular Mont Saint‑Michel, wandering the abbey’s cloisters and enjoying the tidal landscape.

Afternoon: After lunch, board a train to Colmar, arriving in the early evening and checking into your Alsatian-style inn.

Evening: Take a gentle evening stroll through Colmar’s illuminated old town, stopping for a glass of local Gewürztraminer.

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Day 7: Colmar Old Town & Unterlinden Museum

Morning: Wander the picturesque canals of Colmar Old Town, admiring half‑timbered houses and the iconic Little Venice district.

Afternoon: Visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and a superb collection of medieval art.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Alsatian dinner featuring tarte flambée at a cozy winstub.

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Day 8: Alsace Wine Route & Eguisheim

Morning: Embark on a scenic drive along the Alsace Wine Route, stopping at vineyards in Riquewihr and Kaysersberg for tastings.

Afternoon: Explore the charming hill‑top village of Eguisheim, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its concentric streets and historic wine cellars.

Evening: Return to Colmar for a relaxed night, perhaps sampling more local wines at a wine bar.

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Day 9: Return to Paris – Shopping & Show

Morning: Take the TGV back to Paris; check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Enjoy shopping on the Champs‑Élysées and browse boutiques in the Marais, picking up souvenirs and French fashion.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a spectacular Parisian cabaret or theater performance, followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar with Eiffel Tower views.

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Day 10: Departure

Morning: Take a final leisurely walk along the Seine, perhaps visiting a local market for fresh pastries before checking out.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of art, history, and the scenic beauty of France.

Evening: (Flight time) Safe travels!

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Eiffel Tower – 2 hrs – €25
  • Louvre Museum – 3 hrs – €17
  • Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior & audio guide) – 1 hr – €10
  • Montmartre & Sacré‑Coeur – 2 hrs – €0
  • Musée d'Orsay – 2 hrs – €16
  • Arc de Triomphe – 1.5 hrs – €13
  • Seine River Cruise – 1 hr – €15
  • Caen Castle – 2 hrs – €10
  • Memorial Museum of Caen – 2 hrs – €12
  • D‑Day Beaches Guided Tour – 4 hrs – €30
  • Bayeux Tapestry – 1.5 hrs – €10
  • Mont Saint‑Michel Abbey – 3 hrs – €12
  • Colmar Old Town – 2 hrs – €0
  • Unterlinden Museum – 1.5 hrs – €12
  • Alsace Wine Route Tasting Tour – 3 hrs – €25
  • Eguisheim Village – 2 hrs – €0
  • Moulin Rouge Show (dinner included) – 2.5 hrs – €120
  • TGV Paris–Colmar (round‑trip) – 5 hrs total travel – €80
  • Train Paris–Caen (round‑trip) – 4 hrs total travel – €70
  • Local transport (metro, bus, regional trains) – throughout trip – €50
  • Total Estimated Cost: €527

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Loire Valley to explore its fairy‑tale châteaux, or a weekend in Bordeaux for world‑class wine tasting. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by taking a single full‑day D‑Day beaches tour and skipping the separate Bayeux visit, or replace the evening show in Paris with a relaxed dinner to save time.

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