There is no shortage of great days out just a short jaunt from the center of Paris. Visit World War II landmarks like the D-Day beaches and American Cemetery, and the iconic seaside fortresses of Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo.

Explore the coastal regions of Normandy and Brittany, and discover picturesque cities, such as Rouen and Honfleur. Venture on a 2-day trip from Paris around the highlights of northern France.

Here's all you need to know about 2-day trips, one of the best options for multi-day trips from Paris.

2-day trips from Paris: Normandy and Brittany including D-Day beaches, the American Cemetery and Mont Saint-Michel

Of all the multi-day tours from Paris, this is the most popular. It takes in some of the iconic D-Day beaches, as well as charming towns in Normandy and Brittany.

Highlights of this overnight tour from Paris include the walled port city of Saint-Malo and the old harbor at Honfleur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel also puts an appearance.

This is a fun-packed couple of days that give first-time visitors a taste of France’s northern countryside.

What is the typical itinerary of a 2-day trip to Normandy and Brittany from Paris?

Day 1 – Rouen, Honfleur, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery

After being collected from the city center, you’ll begin your 2-day trip from Paris with a drive through the Normandy countryside. The first point of call is the historic city of Rouen where a walking tour of the main landmarks is on the cards.

Continue to Honfleur and explore the charming harbor before tucking into lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon sees you traveling to Omaha Beach which was one of the sites made famous during the D-Day landings in World War II.

You’ll also stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as the seaside town of Arromanches. Stay the night in a comfortable hotel in Caen.

Day 2 – Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel

Your second day kicks off with a scenic drive through rural Brittany and a visit to Saint-Malo. Enjoy a guided walking tour and a bit of free time for lunch.

The afternoon is dedicated to the island fortress of Mont Saint-Michel with an abbey tour being the main event. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore independently and snap some photos.

You will then return in time for a Parisian dinner in the evening.

What do you see during a 2-day tour to Normandy and Brittany from Paris?

Rouen

Rouen is the capital of Normandy and, at one time, was among the most affluent cities in medieval Europe. Sitting pretty on the banks of the River Seine, Rouen is a popular stop on most 2-day tours from Paris.

During your walking excursion, you’ll visit Rouen Cathedral – this is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

Honfleur

Keep your camera handy for the old harbor at Honfleur, which is known as Le Vieux Bassin. This much-loved scene is a favorite with visitors and was painted many times by Impressionists like Claude Monet.

The Old Town is pretty too, and you’ll venture into the historic heart during a guided tour. Check out the 16th-century townhouses that line the waterfront and the timber-beamed St. Catherine’s Church.

Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery

The Normandy coastline was the site of the D-Day landings during the Second World War. Omaha Beach was one of the most famous areas, as it was a notoriously difficult one to negotiate. Stroll along the sand and learn about what happened that day.

The American Cemetery sits on a headland overlooking the water. It’s a poignant sight to take in and is the last resting place of thousands of fallen soldiers.

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is known for its towering ramparts, which you can walk along for views of the ocean and the city. Your guide will spill the beans about the history of the port, before taking you to visit the cathedral.

Founded in the 12th century, Saint-Malo was once a privateer stronghold, but today is a fashionable vacation destination.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Sitting on a small islet just off the north coast, this photogenic abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in the eighth century. You’ll reach it via the causeway, which is only accessible during low tide.

The island has been used as a prison, a fortress and a place of pilgrimage over the centuries. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a scenic stop on tours from Paris.

Which types of 2-day tours to Normandy and Brittany can you take?

Group tours: Group tours are a fun way to explore with like-minded travelers, and you’ll be keeping costs down too. Some group sizes are smaller than others, with a few reaching up to 40 participants.

Private tours: These 2-day private trips from Paris to Normandy and Brittany are more exclusive. You will have your own guide and transportation, and the schedule can often be customized.

What is the cost 2-day tours to Normandy and Brittany from Paris?

Shared 2-day tours from Paris start at €450 per person. This includes overnight accommodation, transport, entrance tickets, breakfast and dinner. A licensed guide is also provided for the city tours.

Private overnight trips from Paris start at €1,380 and include transportation and an exclusive guide. The tour can be tailored to your interests, with additional stops at Giverny and Bayeux along the way.

2-day trips from Paris: Somme and Ypres Battlefields

The battlefields of the Somme and Ypres are some of the most important sites from World War I. It was here that many of the fiercest skirmishes took place, all with tragic results.

On these 2-day tours from Paris to the Somme, you’ll learn more about this dark period in history. Find out about the brave soldiers who lived and died fighting for their countries and pay your respects at the memorial sites.

What is the typical itinerary of a 2-day trip to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields from Paris?

Day 1 – Ypres

You’ll meet your guide in central Paris before being taken by minivan to the first stop of the day. Ypres Salient over the border in Belgium was an important site on the Western Front during the First World War.

Visit some of the most significant battlefields, monuments and cemeteries on a somber yet insightful tour. After lunch, check out St. George’s Chapel in Ypres city, and pop over to Menin Gate for the famous Last Post ceremony.

You’ll spend the night in Lille.

Day 2 – The Somme

Refuel for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast, then head to the Somme, another prominent World War I site. You’ll discover multiple battlegrounds and memorials, as well as the vast Lochnagar Crater.

When your visit to the Somme comes to an end, you’ll be driven back to the city after an engaging 2-day trip from Paris.

What do you see during a 2-day tour to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields from Paris?

Ypres

The Ypres area in Belgium’s West Flanders province was one of the main battlefield sites during World War I between 1914 and 1918. There are multiple museums and memorials in the area, and you’ll be visiting key fighting and commemorative locations during your tour.

The Commonwealth lost at least 185,000 soldiers here at the Western Front in Ypres Salient. Take a moment to reflect at the Tyne Cot Cemetery and Vancouver Corner.

Your other point of call will be St. George’s Chapel in the city itself, which was built to honor the fallen. Finally, the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate is a moving end to the day. The buglers play at 8 PM daily, as a tribute to all those who lost their lives during the conflict.

The Somme

Back in France, the Somme region is synonymous with the ravages of the First World War. You’ll explore the battlefield site at Pozières and visit several memorials like the Thiepval and the Villiers-Bretonneux.

Lochnagar Crater

Near the village of La Boiselle, the Lochnagar Crater is one of the most visual legacies of the war. To assist in their advance, British troops placed a large mine beneath the German front lines. The result was catastrophic, with the explosion killing hundreds and creating a 28-meter crater.

Which types of 2-day tours to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields can you take?

Group tours: If you’re on a budget and want to meet other travelers on your vacation, then small group trips are the way forward. There will be up to 12 passengers on these 2-day tours from Paris to Somme and Ypres, so the experience remains intimate.

What is the cost 2-day tours to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields from Paris?

This overnight trip from Paris costs about €840 per person. The price includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, hotel accommodation, breakfast and a guide.

2-day trips from Paris: Loire Valley & Mont Saint-Michel

Head into the heart of rural France on one of these 2-day tours from Paris to the Loire Valley. You’ll be collected from the city and whisked off into the countryside – it feels a world away from the capital.

Ancient castles, dramatic gorges and an island fortress are the stars of the show. Don’t miss Leonardo da Vinci’s famous staircase and enjoy a bit of time travel on your château tours.

What is the typical itinerary of a 2-day trip to the Loire Valley and Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

Day 1 – Mont Saint-Michel

Far from the bustling streets of Paris, you’ll discover the UNESCO site of Mont Saint-Michel bay. This scenic coastal gem sits on the border between Normandy and Brittany, with a small island abbey at its heart.

You’ll hop on the shuttle bus with your guide to cross the causeway for a tour of the abbey. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the medieval village streets and find lunch at traditional cafés or crêperies.

After a full day of sightseeing, it’s time to retire for the night to your hotel in Angers.

Day 2 – Langeais, Amboise and Chenonceau

The second day is all about castles, which line your route through the leafy Loire Valley. First up is a guided tour at Château de Langeais, before tucking into lunch at Château de Chenonceau.

After eating your fill, you’ll venture deeper into the Loire Valley on your 2-day trip from Paris. The famous Château de Chambord is next on the agenda, where you’ll see the staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

You will also have a stop at Amboise during your 2-day trip. At the end of the second day, you’ll be driven back to Paris, ready for a well-earned rest.

Which do you see during a 2-day tour to the Loire Valley and Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

Château de Langeais

This is the first castle you’ll see on your 2-day trip from Pairs to the Loire Valley. Built in the 15th century, Château de Langeais is a flamboyant pile of Gothic turrets and lofty towers.

Dominating the surrounding countryside, this imposing castle is a great introduction to French château life.

Château de Chenonceau

Sitting right over the River Cher, the Château de Chenonceau is one of the prettiest castles in the Loire Valley. A strong symbol of French heritage, the building is known as the “Château des Dames” as it had many powerful mistresses.

If you’re looking for fairy tale castles, this one fits the bill perfectly. There are towers and bridges, as well as formal gardens and royal hunting grounds to discover.

Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is home to the well-known “double helix” staircase, which is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Entwined twin ramps ascend regally, setting the interior of this castle aside from its rivals.

Outside, there are gardens and vineyards to explore, as well as grand views of the castle’s stately Renaissance architecture.

Mont Saint-Michel

This island fortress is among the most visited tourist spots in the country. There’s still a sense of reverence after centuries of religious pilgrimage, and you can visit the Benedictine abbey for greater insight.

Lying one kilometer off the coast, Mont Saint-Michel has changed little over time, thanks to its isolation and sacred heritage. Today, the village still has residents, who have learned to live their lives according to the tides.

Which types of 2-day tours to the Loire Valley and Mont Saint-Michel can you take?

Group tours: Most overnight trips to the Loire Valley from Paris are on a small group basis. This means you’ll be traveling with other explorers, but group sizes are kept small to ensure the experience remains relaxed. It’s a great way to keep costs to a minimum too.

What is the cost of 2-day tours to the Loire Valley and Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

A 2-day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley ranges from €450 to €950 per person. Hotel accommodation, coach transport, entrance fees and a guide are provided. The package price also includes lunch, dinner and breakfast.

The more expensive tours include Paris hotel pickups, smaller vehicles, bottled water and wine tasting.

What other multi-day trips can be done from Paris?

3-day trips from Paris
4-day trips from Paris
Multi-day trips to Provence from Paris

2-Day Trips from Paris