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Day 1 – 2 : Paris

You can find affordable, direct flights from major U.S. cities to Paris depending on the time of year. Cheaper flights usually require a red-eye so make sure to pack Benadryl, choose a comfortable seat, and snooze on the plane if you plan to take advantage of your first full day in Paris.

Paris is arguably the most charming city in the world, from its dreamy architecture to its cafés filled with locals sipping their café au lait, spending the afternoons people watching.

For the best roadtrip, however, I recommend staying in Paris for only two nights. Still…if you are a first-timer, you might want to add one more day to the itinerary as there are so many sights to see. For the best Paris itinerary, check out my post on the top things to do HERE!

Day 3 – 4 : Normandy

On day three we packed up our luggage, took an Uber to the rental car agency in Paris, picked up our Fiat500, and hit the road!

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We began with a three hour drive to Normandy, a region of northern France. Immediately, you will feel completely immersed into the history of World War 2 from its museums to its 50 mile stretch of sandy beaches and cliffs. Unfortunately, the Normandy region is known for being cold, humid, and rainy so make sure to bring a rain jacket and umbrella just in case!

Where To Stay:

We chose Bayeux, an adorable, lively city, centrally located in the region of Normandy. This quaint city is walkable with charming streets filled restaurants and bars to explore.

What To Do:

Normandy is so rich with history, it can be a bit overwhelming when attempting to choose what to see in only two days. Check out this list of museums and monuments and find what works for you!

I recommend starting the day at Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema. Here you will watch a short, powerful, video that brings you back to June 6, 1944, through the 100 days of the battle of Normandy. Buy tickets here.

After Arromanches, we sought out certain sites where brave allied forces began their invasion of Europe. Some of our favorite places we chose to visit include Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and Utah Beach.

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Mont St-Michel

On our second day in Normandy, we drove an hour and a half south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint-Michel. This magical island is among one of France’s most stunning sights. And, the best part is, it’s free to all guests.

From the parking lot, you can choose to walk or take a free bus to the entrance. You’ll begin your climb up the steep streets filled souvenir shops and restaurants. Walk through the Abbey of Mont St-Michel to appreciate the medieval architecture and learn about its religious history.

Day 5 – 7 : Bordeaux

Our longest and toughest drive was the 6 hour journey from Bayeux to Bordeaux. To break up the drive we stopped in the city of Tours to stretch our legs and grab a quick lunch.

Where To Stay:

The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes. To feel more submerged in the wine-tasting atmosphere, we chose to spend our time in the beautiful, rural town of Pauillac. HOTEL: Château Cordeillan-Bages

The luxurious 5 star hotel was the perfect place to sit back, relax by the pool, and taste the unique flavors of Bordeaux. If you’re looking for one time to splurge on vacation, this is it!

What To Do:

Make sure to visit Les Sources de Caudalie Spa Vinotherapie. Located in the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, this hotel & spa is a perfect mixture of enchanting and relaxing. Choose between a half or full day, and submerge yourself into the peaceful atmosphere of their natural hot water bath, outdoor heated swimming pool, and outdoor heated whirlpool. *Highly recommend*

Before we left this wine region, we made sure to spend a large portion of a morning and afternoon walking through the city of Bordeaux to see its main attractions – it’s worth it. Don’t skip!

Day 8 – 9 : French Pyrenees

Where To Stay:

On day eight we drove three hours southeast to the town of Lourdes. We opted for this town due to its convenient proximity of only a 15 minute drive to Pyrenees National Park. Lourdes is also a religious pilgrimage site, famously known for the location where the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl in the grotto. We skipped out on these sites, but feel free to check it out if you’re into that sort of stuff.

HOTEL: Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres Bike & NUXE Spa

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Pyrenees National Park

A paradise for hikers, Pyrenees National Park offers an extensive variety of trails. It contains the highest summits of the French Pyrenees and includes over 200 high-altitude lakes. This place is a hidden gem and I was completely and unexpectedly blown away by the lush greenery, waterfalls and lakes.

It truly was the most jaw-dropping experience of the entire trip and I can’t wait to go back and see more! For more information check out my post [coming soon] on how to spend 48 hours in the French Pyrenees

Day 10 : Toulouse

The city of Toulouse contains a major international airport and is only a 2 hour drive from Lourdes. We returned our rental car and boarded our direct flight back to New York City!

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Road Trip Tips

Bon Voyage, Mon Ami