A 7-Day Northern France Itinerary
Champagne, Small Towns, and Historic Sights
Ready to craft the perfect adventure around Northern France, but unsure about where to kick things off, which places to hit, the budget, or how many days to plan for? This itinerary is perfect for you because it's packed with all the essentials to create a spectacular seven-day journey. You'll be able to see the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food along the way.
While visiting Northern France, you'll find historic towns, local wines, delicious food, and beautiful countryside. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Paris (2 days)
- Lille (2 days)
- Reims (3 days)
Lille, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Historic Sites
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Museums
- Beautiful Locations
You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of Northern France. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.
Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and Northern France is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Lille, Reims, and Paris.
You're not going to want to miss the beautiful and charming small towns of the region. They will provide a great chance to experience the local culture.
Don't rush past the excellent museums along this route - set aside some time to explore and appreciate them. The museums of Paris are particularly good.
One of the primary attractions in Northern France is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Paris, Lille, and Reims for the beautiful scenery.
The Louvre, Paris
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to Northern France. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Autumn in Northern France offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Northern France. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. For romantic charm, Reims and Paris especially should not be missed.
Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than Northern France, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more. For example, families love all of the activities in Paris.
If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Paris tend to favor budget travelers.
Reims, France
Transportation
It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in Northern France, as most of these places are an average of 3 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Paris to Reims 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 Reims instead of Paris. To get to Paris, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
A fun way to explore the area is in a car. If you don't have your own, no worries, just grab a rental car. Having your own wheels is key for ultimate freedom and flexibility in Northern France. You call the shots on your schedule and can make impromptu stops whenever the mood hits.
The train network in Northern France offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
Is seven days enough time in Northern France?
Yes, seven days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in Northern France. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly savor everything.
How much does a seven-day trip to Northern France cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in Northern France, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | $249 | 2 | $498 |
| Lille | $125 | 2 | $249 |
| Reims | $141 | 3 | $424 |
| Total per Person | $1,171 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,343 | ||
The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Northern France is approximately $1,171 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
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
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | $126 | 2 | $252 |
| Lille | $82 | 2 | $164 |
| Reims | $93 | 3 | $279 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $695 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Paris | $31 |
| Lille | $25 |
Northern France Itinerary
1. Paris
2 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.
Many travelers come to Paris because it has 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.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world.
Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
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
How to Spend 2 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.
More Activities
In Paris, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Paris, see 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
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Paris average around $249 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed 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
When it comes to accommodations in Paris, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $126, calculated from the data of 1665 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Paris here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Paris offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $31. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Paris.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Paris to Lille.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Paris to Lille, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
2. 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.
Many travelers come to Lille because it has nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
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
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
In Lille, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Lille, see The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Lille, Vieille Bourse, Lille Zoo, and La Piscine Museum.
Lille Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Lille average around $125 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed 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
When it comes to accommodations in Lille, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $82, calculated from the data of 99 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Lille here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Lille offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $25. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Lille.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Lille to Reims.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Lille to Reims, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
3. 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.
Many travelers come to Reims because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
What to See in Reims
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
In Reims, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Reims, see 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
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Reims average around $141 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed 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
When it comes to accommodations in Reims, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $93, calculated from the data of 46 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Reims here.
Suggested Hotels
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 seven-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!
More Itineraries
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.