A Two-Week Northern France Itinerary

Champagne, Small Towns, and Historic Sights

Ready to plan an incredible trip around Northern France but unsure where to begin, how to get around, or what kind of budget you'll need? This itinerary has all of the details, offering everything you need to lay out your fantastic 14-day adventure. The region is full of big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food, and this journey will let you experience all of it.

The reasons to visit Northern France are plentiful. You'll find historic towns, local wine, delicious food, and beautiful countryside. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

  1. Paris (3 days)
  2. Giverny (1 day)
  3. Rouen (2 days)
  4. Lille (2 days)
  5. Reims (3 days)
  6. Strasbourg (2 days)


Reims, France

Itinerary Highlights
  • Great for couples
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Historic Sites
  • Delicious Food
  • Small Town Charm
  • Museums
  • Beautiful Locations

So much history is to be found in Northern France. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.

Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to Northern France is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. The food in Rouen, Paris, and Lille is especially delicious.

Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture.

You'll find plenty of great museums along the way, so make sure you take some time to explore. The museums of Giverny, Paris, and Strasbourg are particularly good.

The stunning scenery of Northern France is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Paris, Rouen, and Giverny for the beautiful scenery.


Lille, France

When is the best time to visit?

You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in Northern France, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.

Autumn is quite nice in the area. The weather is a little cooler, the natural scenery is stunning, and the tourist crowds are usually gone by this time of year.

Who is this itinerary for?

Northern France isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. For romantic charm, Giverny, Rouen, and Paris especially should not be missed.

Northern France makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Paris.

Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Paris tend to favor budget travelers.


Paris, France

Transportation

Getting around between these destinations in Northern France isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 3 hours apart.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Paris to Strasbourg because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Strasbourg instead of Paris. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

A great way to get around with this itinerary is by car. If you don't bring your own, you'll definitely want to rent a car to get from place to place. This will give you the most freedom and flexibility on your trip through Northern France, as you'll be able to set your own schedule and stop when you want.

Traveling by train through Northern France is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.

Is 14 days enough time in Northern France?

Yes, 14 days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Northern France. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in 14 days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around 14 days to see everything.


Rouen, France

How much does a 14-day trip to Northern France cost?

The estimated budget breakdown for this 14-day trip through Northern France is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.


 City Daily Average Days Total
Paris $249 3 $747
Giverny $136 1 $136
Rouen $118 2 $236
Lille $125 2 $249
Reims $141 3 $424
Strasbourg $150 2 $299
Total per Person $2,091
for 2 People $4,183

From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 14-day itinerary of Northern France costs $2,091 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Northern France based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.


 City Average Hotel Room Price Days Total
Paris $126 3 $378
Giverny $150 1 $150
Rouen $74 2 $148
Lille $82 2 $164
Reims $93 3 $279
Strasbourg $91 2 $182
Total Expected Hotel Cost $1,301
Hostel Prices

If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.


 City Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person)
Paris $31
Rouen $30
Lille $25
Strasbourg $24

Northern France Itinerary

1. Paris

Photo of Paris

3 Days

Paris is not only the capital city of France, but it is one of Europe's most iconic cities. For many visitors, its a dream destination that is filled with wide boulevards, charming cafes, and world class landmarks. The food is widely recognized as some of the best in the world. The city sits along the River Seine, and a stroll down the river at night is a quintessential Parisian experience.

Paris offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.

The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.

Since Paris is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.

What to See in Paris
The Eiffel Tower
Great for couples
€29
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Great for couples
Free
The Arc de Triomphe
Around 1 hour
€13
The Louvre
Around 6 hours
€17
Disneyland Paris
Great for families
€75
The Pantheon
Around 2 hours
€11.50

How to Spend 3 Days in Paris

Day 1:

When visiting Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Paris is known for its wide range of shows. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Paris is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Day 2:

Paris is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The delicious food of Paris is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Public transit in Paris is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Day 3:

Given that Paris is a large and popular city, give yourself a full day to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, captivating attractions, and engaging activities scattered throughout the area. Be sure to include visits to some of the city's premier landmarks and quintessential neighborhoods, too. It is one of the most popular tourist city's in the entire world. It's an iconic destination that is known for its beauty and beautiful architecture.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Paris. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 91 ratings
$71
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 64 ratings
$49
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 64 ratings
$64

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Walking Tours in Paris, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Paris, The Best Versailles Day Trips and Tours in Paris, and The Best Cheap Louvre Tours in Paris.


Paris Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$249

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Paris is $249 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Paris here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $9 $23 $64
Food2 $17 $44 $116
Entertainment1 $29 $83 $263
Alcohol2 $10 $26 $69
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$126

The average hotel room price in Paris is $126 based on the average from 1665 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Paris here.


Suggested Hotels
5 Rue Cambon, Paris
Overall Rating 9.3
87 rue des Archives, Paris
Overall Rating 9.2

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$31

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Paris, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $31. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Paris here.


Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Paris to Giverny.

Trains are a great way to get from Paris to Giverny, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.



2. Giverny

Photo of Giverny

1 Day

Giverny is a village in Normandy that is served as the home of the Impressionest Claude Monet. He lived and worked in the town between 1883 and 1926. Many people visit the town as a day trip from Paris. The house and gardens can be explored in 3 to 4 hours.

What to See in Giverny
Claude Monet's House and Gardens
€11.50
Musée des Impressionnismes
€12
Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny
Free
Musée de Mécanique Naturelle
Free

How to Spend 1 Day in Giverny

You'll want to maximize your time in Giverny by spending as much time as you can at the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet, so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet, and you don't want to miss it.

You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Giverny. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 1 ratings
$63
Overall Rating: 4.6 with 39 ratings
$64
Overall Rating: 4.3 with 125 ratings
$60

For more activities and things to do, check out Claude Monet's House and Gardens and Musée des Impressionnismes.


Giverny Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$136

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Giverny is $136 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Giverny here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $23 $52 $98
Food2 $16 $38 $78
Entertainment1 $12 $28 $55
Alcohol2 $3 $7 $14
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$150

The average hotel room price in Giverny is $150 based on the average from 9 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Giverny here.


Suggested Hotels
123 rue Claude Monet, Giverny
Overall Rating 8.7
3, Chemin Blanche Hoschede Monet, Giverny
Overall Rating 9.6

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Giverny to Rouen.

Trains are a great way to get from Giverny to Rouen, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.



3. Rouen

Photo of Rouen

2 Days

Rouen is the capital city of the northern region of Normandy. It sits along the Seine River and is a historical and beautiful city that is fun to explore. There are many Gothic churches as well as pedestrian streets and half-timbered houses.

Rouen offers museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations.

What to See in Rouen
The Rouen Cathedral
Around 1 hour
Free
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Around 3 hours
Free
Musée Le Secq des Tournelles
Free
The Old Market Square
Great for couples
Free
Gros Horloge
Around 1 hour
€7.50
Saint-Maclou Church
Around 1 hour
Free

How to Spend 2 Days in Rouen

Day 1:

Don't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen during your trip to Rouen, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Rouen is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

Day 2:

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

Rouen is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a strikingly beautiful city with Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses.

Public transit in Rouen is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Rouen. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 2 ratings
$82
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 1 ratings
$13
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 43 ratings
$82

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Walking Tours in Rouen, The Best Tours to the Normandy D-Day Beaches from Rouen, The Rouen Cathedral, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


Rouen Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$118

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Rouen is $118 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Rouen here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $16 $37 $71
Food2 $17 $38 $73
Entertainment1 $8 $19 $36
Alcohol2 $4 $9 $16
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$74

The average hotel room price in Rouen is $74 based on the average from 34 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Rouen here.


Suggested Hotels
Place Bernard Tissot, Rouen
Overall Rating 8.7
15 Rue De La Pie, Rouen
Overall Rating 8.6

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$30

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Rouen, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $30. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Rouen here.


Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Rouen to Lille.

Trains are a great way to get from Rouen to Lille, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.



4. Lille

Photo of Lille

2 Days

Lille is a convenient stop off between Paris and Brussels. Many of the sights are in the lively old town, particularly around the main square - Place du Général de Gaulle. The area is also filled with local restaurants that serve up traditional dishes. Many visitors pass their time wandering the city, while shopping and dining on unique offerings.

Lille offers nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

Since Lille is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.

What to See in Lille
Vieille Bourse
Around 1 hour
Free
Lille Zoo
Great for families
€6
La Piscine Museum
Around 2 hours
€9
Lille Cathedral
Around 1 hour
Free
Hospice Comtesse Museum
Around 2 hours
€4
Palais des Beaux-Arts
Around 3 hours
€7

How to Spend 2 Days in Lille

Day 1:

Shopping in Lille is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

The delicious food of Lille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Lille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

Day 2:

Don't miss Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle) during your trip to Lille, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

Public transit in Lille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Lille. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 49 ratings
$87
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 24 ratings
$65
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 9 ratings
$76

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Lille, Vieille Bourse, Lille Zoo, and La Piscine Museum.


Lille Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$125

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Lille is $125 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Lille here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $13 $30 $57
Food2 $19 $45 $100
Entertainment1 $7 $17 $34
Alcohol2 $8 $19 $44
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$82

The average hotel room price in Lille is $82 based on the average from 99 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Lille here.


Suggested Hotels
45 Boulevard Carnot, Lille
Overall Rating 9.0
17 Place Des Reignaux, Lille
Overall Rating 8.8

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$25

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Lille, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $25. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Lille here.


Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Lille to Reims.

Trains are a great way to get from Lille to Reims, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.



5. Reims

Photo of Reims

3 Days

Reims is the unofficial capital of France's Champagne region. In town you'll find many Champagne Houses that offer tastings and tours. Some of the houses have a long running history. The city is also home to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims among other sights. Visitors enjoy exploring the countryside, wandering the cobblestoned streets, and seeing the region from above on hot air balloon rides.

Reims offers museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples and backpackers due to all of the activities.

Eat your way through Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

What to See in Reims
Canard-Duchêne Champagne House
€21
Veuve Clicquot Champagne House
€35
G.H. Mumm Champagne House
€28
Pommery Champagne House
Around 2 hours
€27
Taittinger Champagne House
€37
The Ruinart Champagne House
€75

How to Spend 3 Days in Reims

Day 1:

Don't miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims during your trip to Reims, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The delicious food of Reims is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Reims is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

Day 2:

Shopping in Reims is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Reims is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Filled with history and character, this is a truly beautiful part of France. It's fun to see it from above as well and hot air balloon rides are a popular activity.

Public transit in Reims is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Day 3:

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Reims. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 29 ratings
$60
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 25 ratings
$33
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 19 ratings
$46

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Champagne and Wine Tours in Reims, The Best Tours to Verdun from Reims, Canard-Duchêne Champagne House, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne House.


Reims Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$141

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Reims is $141 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Reims here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $18 $42 $91
Food2 $18 $44 $98
Entertainment1 $8 $20 $47
Alcohol2 $9 $24 $73
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$93

The average hotel room price in Reims is $93 based on the average from 46 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Reims here.


Suggested Hotels
93 Place Drouet d'Erlon, Reims
Overall Rating 8.8
9 Rue Buirette, Reims
Overall Rating 8.8

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Reims to Strasbourg.

Trains are a great way to get from Reims to Strasbourg, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.



6. Strasbourg

Photo of Strasbourg

2 Days

Strasbourg is located in the northeastern part of France near the German border. You'll find both French and German influences in the food, architecture, and culture and the city is considered on of the most beautiful in the region. It is also filled with impressive landmarks, many of which are found in the old town.

Strasbourg offers museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.

Strasbourg has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Strasbourg
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Free
La Petite France
Great for couples
Free
Alsatian Museum
Around 1 hour
€7.50
Palais Rohan
Around 2 hours
€7.50
Strasbourg Historical Museum
€7.50
Strasbourg Cathedral
Great for couples
Free

How to Spend 2 Days in Strasbourg

Day 1:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Strasbourg is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

Day 2:

Don't miss the Strasbourg Cathedral during your trip to Strasbourg, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

Strasbourg is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is a charming and beautiful city that is filled with gardens, parks, pedestrian streets, and impressive architecture.

The public transit in Strasbourg is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Strasbourg. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 8 ratings
$44
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 4 ratings
$43
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 3 ratings
$60

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Strasbourg, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Strasbourg, The Best Airport Transfers in Strasbourg, and The Best Wine Tours Around Strasbourg.


Strasbourg Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$150

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Strasbourg is $150 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Strasbourg here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $21 $48 $93
Food2 $20 $47 $100
Entertainment1 $11 $26 $49
Alcohol2 $8 $21 $55
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$91

The average hotel room price in Strasbourg is $91 based on the average from 110 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Strasbourg here.


Suggested Hotels
1 rue du Bouclier, Strasbourg
Overall Rating 9.2
6-8 Rue Des Couples, Strasbourg
Overall Rating 9.2

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$24

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Strasbourg, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $24. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Strasbourg here.


Final Transportation

As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.



Next Steps

So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 14-day trip in Northern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!

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