8-Day Northern France Rail Trip Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your trip with traditional French pastries and coffee at this historic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Walk to Pont des Arts to see the Seine.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore world-renowned art including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Short walk from the café.
EUR17, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy French bistro classics in an artistic ambiance just a stone's throw from the Louvre.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Montmartre

Wander through this bohemian neighborhood, visit the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, and enjoy fabulous views of Paris.
Take the Metro Line 12.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Consulat

Dine at this charming restaurant in Montmartre, enjoying traditional French cuisine with a local twist.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historic Rouen

Rouen, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Petite Auberge

Indulge in fresh croissants and coffee, perfect for fueling your day trip.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Rouen

Board the train to Rouen from Gare Saint-Lazare.
SNCF train ride (1 hour).
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Rouen Cathedral

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this iconic site photographed by Monet.
Short walk from the station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Couronne

Known as the oldest inn in France, enjoy local specialties in a historic setting.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Joan of Arc Historial

Dive into the fascinating history of Joan of Arc in this modern museum.
Walk to the museum.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll along the Seine River

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, soaking in the charming views of the city.
Walk to the Seine banks.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Maison de la Pêche

Savor a seafood-inspired dinner in Rouen, with fresh catches from the region.
Short walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Paris

Take a train back to Paris for the night, relaxing after your explorations.
Board the return train.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 3: Charming Honfleur

Honfleur, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your journey to the picturesque port town of Honfleur.
Pack your bags and check out.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Honfleur

Take the train from Paris to Calvados, then catch a local bus to the harbor.
SNCF train and bus transfer (Approx 2 hours).
EUR30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Vieux Bassin

Wander around this scenic old harbor filled with colorful houses and artistic vibes.
Just a short walk from the bus stop.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bistro des Artistes

Taste local seafood dishes in this bustling bistro, with a view of the harbor.
Walk over to the bistro.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Eugène Boudin Museum

Explore the artwork of this renowned painter who focused on Honfleur's landscapes.
Short walk from the lunch spot.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the beach

Spend some time at the nearby beach, enjoying the coastal breezes.
Take a bus to the nearby beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Fleur de Sel

Enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring fresh seafood caught along the Normandy coast.
Walk back into town.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 4: D-Day Historical Sites in Bayeux

Bayeux, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Les Quatre Saisons

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at this local favorite.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Bayeux

Take the train from Honfleur to Bayeux, heading into historical territory.
SNCF train (Approx 1 hour).
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Marvel at the 70-meter long tapestry that narrates the Norman Conquest of England.
Short walk from the station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café La Toile

Enjoy a light lunch featuring local produce in an inviting atmosphere.
Walk to the café.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the American Cemetery

Pay your respects at this poignant site honoring those who served in WWII.
Take a guided tour bus from the café.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk around Bayeux’s old town

Stroll through the charming streets lined with Norman houses and boutiques.
Walk around the town center.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Pommier

Relish classic Norman dishes featuring local cream and apples.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Caen

Caen, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel yourself before your day of exploring the historical sites of Caen.
Pack and check out.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Caen

Take a regional train to the historical city of Caen.
SNCF train (Approx 30 minutes).
EUR8, 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Caen Memorial

Discover WWII history and peace in this important museum.
Take a bus from the station.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at L'Inattendu

Savor creative dishes that showcase Norman ingredients in a cozy setting.
Short bus ride from the Memorial.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Château de Caen

Wander through this castle built by William the Conqueror with expansive views of the city.
Short walk to the castle.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Caen’s markets

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of local markets with fresh produce and handmade goods.
Walk to the town center.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Café des Cénacles

Enjoy a classic French meal in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service.
Walk to the café.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Cherbourg

Cherbourg, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before you head to Cherbourg.
Pack your bags and check out.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Cherbourg

Take the train from Caen to Cherbourg, enjoying views of the Normandy coast.
SNCF train (Approx 1.5 hours).
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Cité de la Mer

Immerse yourself in maritime history, exploring submarines and an aquarium.
Walk from the station.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Table du Terroir

Enjoy traditional cuisine featuring local seafood with a modern twist.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk along the Cherbourg Marina

Stroll past the beautiful yachts and scenic views of the harbor.
Continue from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore the Butterfly Museum

Discover exotic butterflies from around the world in this charming museum.
Take a short bus ride.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Grain de Sel

Relish a delightful dinner focused on fresh ingredients in a elegant setting.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Seaside Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast to kickstart your day trip to the fortified town of Saint-Malo.
Prepare and check out.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Saint-Malo

Take the train from Cherbourg to Saint-Malo, lingering over breathtaking coastal views.
SNCF train (Approx 2 hours).
EUR20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Ramparts

Walk along the ancient stone ramparts for panoramic views of the sea and city.
Short walk from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Brasserie du Sillon

Savor a meal with views of the beach and fortress while enjoying regional dishes.
Walk to the beachside restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Boat Tour around the Fort

Take a scenic boat tour around the fort and explore the coastline.
Board the boat at the harbor.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Wander in the Intra-Muros

Stroll through the historic city center, dotted with charming shops and captivating architecture.
Walk back to the city center.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Les Plaisirs Gourmands

Indulge in a memorable dinner featuring local seafood and specialties unique to Saint-Malo.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 8: Mont Saint-Michel Finale

Mont Saint-Michel, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up before your visit to the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel.
Pack and check out.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Mont Saint-Michel

Board the train from Saint-Malo to Pontorson, then take an express shuttle to the island.
SNCF train and shuttle (Approx 1.5 hours).
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Discover the breathtaking abbey perched atop the rocky island with stunning views.
Walk through the narrow streets to the entrance.
EUR11, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Mère Poulard

Savor their famous omelette and other delectable dishes in this historic restaurant.
Short walk from the abbey.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Walk around the island

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the island with its medieval architecture and stunning scenery.
Explore on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop for souvenirs

Visit local shops for unique gifts and memories of Mont Saint-Michel.
Nearby shops.
Variable, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Paris

Begin your journey back to Paris as your northern adventure comes to an end.
Take shuttle to Pontorson, then train to Paris.
EUR35, 3 hours
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