The romantic city of Paris is France’s capital and one of the most visited cities in the world. Pretty Parisian streets are lined with artisanal boulangeries where you can find fresh croissants, baguettes and other French baked goods. France is a fantastic campervan holiday destination as throughout the country are motorhome service areas where you can park safely in small villages or wild spots.
The heart of Paris is a centre of life, energy, and colour no matter the time of day, and with several aires nearby, you can enjoy some Parisian nightlife during your time in the capital. With four nature reserves just a short distance from Paris, your trip to France can combine city culture with adventure allowing you to see various sides of the country.
We’ve assembled a 7-day itinerary taking you from Paris to the west coast of France before looping back to the city via the spectacular Parc naturel régional et Géoparc Normandie-Maine.
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Paris is far more than the capital of France. It’s a city bringing people together through culture, cuisine, and a vibrant energy that flows through the Parisian streets. Campsites can be found in and around Paris, so you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park on the first night of your French adventure holiday.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a prominent piece of Paris and is one of the city’s most-visited sites. The tower soars over 300 metres into the sky, and tourists can climb up and admire Paris from above. Several different ticket options are available, and each can be explored on the official website.
Luxembourg Gardens
Spanning over 50 acres in Paris is Luxembourg Gardens, boasting fountains, an abundance of flowers, sculptures, sports amenities, and even cafes. There’s no entry fee for the gardens, so why not take the opportunity to make a French-inspired picnic in your motorhome rental and enjoy a romantic lunch surrounded by the beauty of Luxembourg Gardens?
The Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français is just an hour’s drive from Paris. After a day venturing around the cobbled streets, you can grab some hiking boots and get out into one of France’s many natural areas.
Bois de Morval
France is a country known for its impressive mountain peaks, but for those who don’t fancy tackling the likes of Mont Blanc, Bois de Morval is the ideal location for an afternoon stroll through the woods.
UGOLF Gadancourt
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the French countryside whilst playing a round or two of golf. Even beginner golf players will enjoy the endless green rolling hills and birdsong at the UGOLF Gadancourt. Book your spot for a fun day out.
Rouen is a famous location in Normandy, revered for its many museums and sites of historical significance. As Rouen neighbours the River Seine, even the landscape surrounding the city is full of natural beauty, perfect to be explored in a campervan.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
A visit to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is a must, as the architecture and grandeur aesthetic of the cathedral is simply breathtaking. There’s no admission fee, but as the cathedral is arguably Rouen’s most popular tourist site, it’s wise to get there early to dodge the crowds.
Le Gros-Horloge
Although the exterior may be bold, rich, and modern, Le Gros-Horloge is one of the oldest functioning clocks in Europe. The clock is located on an archway down a narrow street, so it’s best to park your campervan elsewhere and adventure to Le Gros-Horloge on foot.
Less than 2-hours west of Rouen lies the town of Bayeux, home to a famous tapestry dating back to the 11th century. Bayeux is also the home of many war museums depicting the events of the Battle of Normandy.
Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
The Bayeux Tapestry is an artefact detailing events in both Normandy and England during the medieval era. Travellers come from all over the world to see the incredible tapestry, and tourists can do so for a €12 admission fee. There’s an audio guide available for the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux so you can better understand the tapestry and the many illustrations.
Bayeux War Cemetery
Travelling around the region of Normandy is a poignant reminder of the sadness World War II brought to those living there. Throughout Normandy are various war cemeteries and memorials, and the Bayeux War Cemetery remembers the lives of over 4,000 brave individuals who gave their lives for the war.
Parc naturel régional et Géoparc Normandie-Maine spreads across an astronomical 250,000 hectares boasting forests, rivers, marshland and diverse wildlife. Depending on the season you travel to France, the geopark may also welcome you with a bright array of mushrooms!
Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves
Parc naturel régional et Géoparc Normandie-Maine isn’t short of a tree or two, and Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves is home to sessile oak, beech and pine trees. The forest spreads across more than 10,000 hectares, able to be explored on the array of hiking trails nestled in the trees.
Château de Carrouges
Throughout France are hidden gems off the beaten path, and Château de Carrouges is one of them. With beautiful gardens situated in the stunning Normandy landscape, a walk around Château de Carrouges will take you back to the early 1900s. Open throughout the year with never a wrong time to visit, and admission costs just €7.50.
Tourists often overlook the small town of Conches-en-Ouche, but it’s a charming location to explore before returning to the buzz of France’s capital. Conches-en-Ouche may not have the explosive energy of Paris—instead, the town has a rural feeling, making visitors feel more like locals as they stroll down narrow streets, enjoying wafts of warm bread from the boulangerie.
Donjon de Conches-en-Ouche
Although the dungeon itself cannot be visited, it’s possible to walk around the site of Donjon de Conches-en-Ouche. Demolished in the 16th century, all that’s left now is a ruin, yet Donjon de Conches-en-Ouche still has a proud home in the town.
Musée du Verre
Open from March to November, Musée du Verre is a unique glass museum with an array of sculpture, art, and stained glass exhibitions. Entry to the museum costs €6, and inside, you’ll be amazed at the colour and skill of the glass artists’ work displayed all around Musée du Verre.
Paris is less than 2 hours from Conches-en-Ouche, and if you leave early, you’ll have enough time to explore a little more of one of the world’s most romantic cities. Paris is also famous for its cuisine, with foods such as croque-monsieur, cassoulet, and baba au rhum plentiful throughout the city.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre is one of Paris’ most visited sites, with beautiful stained glass windows and a breathtaking view of Paris from the steps outside. Admission to the Basilica costs €8, and once you’ve finished exploring, there are many nearby restaurants and cafes to enjoy a final croissant and coffee before returning home.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Paris is known worldwide for its impressive architecture, but the city also has green areas that are just as magnificent. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont attracts fewer tourists than other green spaces like Bois de Boulogne, and in spring, cherry blossom brightens the park with soft pink hues.
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