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:

1. Paris (2 days)
2. Lille (2 days)
3. Reims (3 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

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 Reims, Lille, 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, Reims, and Lille for the beautiful scenery.

Paris, France

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, Paris and Reims 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.

Lille, 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.

The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in Northern France is approximately $1,414 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.

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.

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.

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