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8-Day Epic Rail Journey Through Northern France and Normandy

Viewed by 117 travelers

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your adventure in the heart of Paris with a classic breakfast of Croissants and Café au Lait at the iconic Café de Flore.
Take Metro Line 4 to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Head to the Eiffel Tower and take in panoramic views of Paris from the lookout deck.
Walk to the nearby Champ de Mars.
EUR25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Indulge in a steak-frites with their secret sauce at this famous Parisian bistro.
Take the Metro back to Saint-Germain.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Louvre Museum

Discover art masterpieces including the Mona Lisa inside the world-renowned Louvre Museum.
Take Metro Line 1 to Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre.
EUR17, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Le Procope

Have dinner at Le Procope, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris with a rich history.
Walk or take the bus to rue de l'Ancienne Comédie.
EUR40, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening train to Rouen

Catch a scenic evening train to Rouen to kick off the Normandy portion of your trip.
Take train from Gare Saint-Lazare.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 2: Charming Rouen

Rouen, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de la Paix

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this charming café.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rouen Cathedral

Marvel at the impressive Gothic structure of Rouen Cathedral, painted by Monet.
Walk to the cathedral from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through Old Rouen

Wander through the charming streets of Old Rouen, lined with timber-framed houses.
Walking tour around the city center.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Couronne

Taste local specialties such as Duck Confit and crème brûlée at France's first café.
Short walk to La Couronne.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts

Discover amazing collections of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts at this beautiful museum.
Walk to the museum nearby.
EUR8, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at L'Odorico

Savor authentic French cuisine in a cozy setting with plenty of wine selections.
Just a short walk from the museum.
EUR30, 2 hours

8:00PM

Enjoy a night stroll along Seine

Walk along the Seine River, soaking in the serene atmosphere under the city lights.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Rouen

Day 3: Historic Caen

Caen, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café du Miroir

Kick start your day with a classic French breakfast complete with fresh baguettes and jam.
Short walk from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Caen

Take a morning train to Caen and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Walk to Rouen train station.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Caen Memorial Museum

Dive into the history of World War II and peace at this informative memorial museum.
Take a bus or taxi from the train station.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Indulge in gourmet dishes crafted by the prestigious chef at this fine dining restaurant.
Head back to the center of Caen.
EUR50, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Château de Caen

Wander through the historic castle built by William the Conqueror and enjoy its beautiful grounds.
Walk to the château.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Café de la Gare

Relax with a coffee at this quaint café, perfect for people watching.
Just a short walk from the castle.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Gondole

Enjoy a delightful seafood dinner showcasing local catches like sole meunière.
Walk to the restaurant in central Caen.
EUR30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Caen

Day 4: Bayeux and Tapestry

Bayeux, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Bounty

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of omelets and fresh orange juice.
Short walk to Le Bounty.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Bayeux

Take a short train ride to the quaint town of Bayeux, known for its tapestry.
Walk to Caen train station.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Delve into the fascinating history of the Norman Conquest through the stunning Bayeux Tapestry.
Walk to the museum close to the train station.
EUR9, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Pommier

Dig into traditional Norman dishes paired with local cider.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Cathedral of Notre-Dame

Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, a must-see in Bayeux's historical center.
Walk to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk through the Old Town

Spend your afternoon wandering the picturesque streets filled with charming shops and cafés.
Self-guided walking tour through the town.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Café de la Place

Take a break with a coffee while enjoying the local ambiance.
Walk to the café in the main square.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Le Saint-Jean

Relish a delightful dinner offering seasonal dishes using fresh, local produce.
Just a short stroll from the café.
EUR30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bayeux

Day 5: Majestic Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast before heading out to Mont Saint-Michel.
On-site at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Mont Saint-Michel

Travel by bus to Mont Saint-Michel, arriving at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take the dedicated shuttle from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

Visit this breathtaking abbey perched atop the rocky island, with stunning views all around.
Walk up to the abbey from the entrance.
EUR11, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Mère Poulard

Savor their famous omelette and local seafood specialties while enjoying views of the bay.
Dine on-site at the restaurant.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll the Ramparts

Take a walk around the ramparts to soak in stunning views of the island and surrounding waters.
Wander the paths along the ramparts.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit local shops

Explore the quaint shops selling local crafts and gourmet treats.
Explore the village area.
Variable, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais Saint-Michel

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring regionally sourced ingredients and seafood.
Walk to the restaurant in Mont Saint-Michel.
EUR30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Mont Saint-Michel

Day 6: Scenic Cherbourg

Cherbourg, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast in Mont Saint-Michel.
Included at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus back to Pontorson

Travel back to Pontorson by bus to catch the train to Cherbourg.
Take the shuttle bus again.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Train to Cherbourg

Take the train to Cherbourg and enjoy beautiful views along the way.
Walking distance from the bus stop.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Le Frecq

Delight in fresh seafood dishes prepared with local flair at this waterfront restaurant.
Walk to Le Frecq near the harbor.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Cité de la Mer

Explore this fascinating maritime museum featuring aquariums and naval exhibits.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR20, 2 hours

3:00PM

Stroll around the Port

Relax as you stroll through the picturesque harbor area, soaking in maritime charm.
Self-guided walking tour in the area.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee at Café de la Gare

Rest and refuel with a coffee at a local café overlooking the harbor.
Walk to the café nearby.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Le 47

End your day with a delicious dinner featuring regional dishes and a fine wine selection.
Just steps from the café.
EUR35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cherbourg

Day 7: History of Calais

Calais, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a restful breakfast at your hotel in Cherbourg.
Included at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Calais

Catch the train to Calais, known for its rich history and coastal scenery.
Walk to Cherbourg train station.
EUR15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Calais Fine Arts Museum

Admire an array of paintings and sculptures at this local fine arts museum.
Walk to the museum from the train station.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Grand Bleu

Savor delicious seafood and regional dishes at Le Grand Bleu, boasting a beautiful view of the beach.
Stroll to the beachfront restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Calais Town Hall

Discover the beautiful architecture and history of the Town Hall and its belfry.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Coffee at Café de la Plage

Relax with a coffee at this charming beach café while enjoying the sea breezes.
On the beachfront nearby.
EUR5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Sole Meunière

Enjoy a delectable dinner featuring local specialties like sole meunière.
Walk to the restaurant from the café.
EUR40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Calais

Day 8: Final Day in Lille

Lille, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start with breakfast at your hotel in Calais before your last leg of the journey.
Included at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Lille

Board the train to Lille, a vibrant city with a focus on art and culture.
Walk to Calais train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Palais des Beaux-Arts

Explore this grand museum filled with fine arts and artifacts from the Middle Ages to modern art.
Take a tram to the museum from the station.
EUR8, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Fives

Dine at this eatery known for its local specialties and warm atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant from the museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Vieux Lille

Wander through the charming cobblestoned streets of Old Lille, lined with boutiques and cafés.
Self-guided walking tour.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Café Métropole

Unwind with a final coffee in this lovely café, perfect for reflecting on your journey.
Walk to the café nearby.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at La Chicorée

Celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner featuring local dishes and artisan wines.
Short stroll to the restaurant from the café.
EUR40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lille
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