3-Day Trips from Paris

Take a 3-day trip from Paris and discover the highlights of northwest France. See the historic coastlines of Brittany and Normandy, and visit the American Cemetery and the infamous Omaha Beach, site of the D-Day landings.

Tour the historic cities of Rouen and Normandy, and visit the peaceful Loire Valley which is home to medieval castles and picture-perfect villages. Explore dramatic coastal fortresses, including Mont Saint-Michel and the city of Saint-Malo and the pretty port of Honfleur.

​​Here's your guide 3-day trips, one of the most comprehensive options for multi-day trips from Paris.

3-Day trips from Paris: Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley

These 3-day tours from Paris show you some of the best scenery that France has to offer. You’ll be exploring the coasts of Normandy and Brittany, where D-Day beaches and historic harbors are on the cards.

Then it’s time for glamorous St. Malo and the island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, which are both icons of the country. Finish on a high by discovering castles and medieval towns in the Loire Valley. It’s the best of northern France, in a bite-sized itinerary.

What is the usual itinerary of a 3-day trip to Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley from Paris?

Day 1 – Rouen, Honfleur and Normandy

You’ll set off from Paris on the first morning by coach, ready for some coastal adventures. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Normandy countryside to Rouen and take a guided tour of the Old Town. The Gothic cathedral is a particular highlight.

Next on the agenda is the port town of Honfleur, where you’ll stroll around the ancient harbor with your camera. Check out the cafés and craft shops that line the streets.

The most poignant destination on multi-day trips from Paris is Omaha Beach – one of the D-Day landing sites. Pay your respects to the fallen at the American Cemetery before heading to Caen and your hotel for the night.

Day 2 – St. Malo and Mont Saint-Michel

After breakfast, you’ll continue your overnight tour from Paris to the walled city of St. Malo. Your guide will take you on a walk around the city ramparts and the cathedral. You will have free time to explore independently and eat lunch in one of the local cafés.

Mont Saint-Michel is the showstopper of the afternoon, and you’ll get to set foot on the famous island for a guided abbey visit. Enjoy some leisure time in the village before heading back over the causeway to the mainland.

You will spend the night in a hotel in Angers, with free time to explore in the evening.

Day 3 – The Loire Valley

The final part of this 3-day trip from Paris focuses on the Loire Valley and its castles. You’ll be heading deep into château country on a journey through time. First up is the Château d’Angers which is famous for its 17 towers.

Next on the schedule are the market towns of Cunault and Saumur, followed by a visit to the Château de Langeais. Two further castles await at Chenonceau and Chambord, with lunch at the former and a tour at the latter. Some trips also include wine tasting experiences at local vineyards.

Finally, it’s time to board the coach again and wend your way back to Paris. You’ll arrive in the evening in time for dinner.

Which places do you visit on a 3-day excursion to Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley from Paris?

Rouen

The capital of Normandy was once one of Europe’s wealthiest cities thanks to its strategic trading location on the Seine River. Today, the timber-beamed houses give a taste of life back in the Middle Ages.

The cathedral is impressive too and famed for being the site of Joan of Arc’s execution.

Honfleur

Honfleur is one of the prettiest stops on 3-day trips from Paris. Locally known as Le Vieux Bassin, the harbor is home to fishing boats and 16th-century townhouses. Many French Impressionist painters came here to capture the scene.

Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery

The Normandy beaches played a vital role in World War II as the site of the D-Day landings. To understand the conflict, take a walk on Omaha Beach and learn about what happened here back in 1944.

There are several war cemeteries and memorials along this stretch of coast. The American Cemetery is one of the most visited during 3-day tours from Paris to Normandy. Sitting on a scenic headland, it’s a tranquil place to pay your respects to the soldiers that fought so bravely.

St. Malo

Today, St. Malo is a trendy seaside resort town, but centuries ago, it was the haunt of pirates. To protect the settlement from attack, huge walls were built around St. Malo, and they’re still standing.

A walk along the ramparts and a cathedral visit are the highlights of a stop here. You can also take a stroll on the beach and see the boats anchored in the turquoise harbor.

Mont Saint-Michel

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular stops on overnight trips from Paris. The Benedictine abbey of Mont Saint-Michel sits on a tiny island off the north coast. It’s completely cut off at high tide which is perhaps why the mount has retained its medieval charm.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is synonymous with castles and forests, and to explore here is to embark on a bit of time travel. Centering on the Loire River, this lush valley stretches for 280 kilometers through central France.

Which types of tours to Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley are available from Paris?

Group tours: These are the most popular 3-day trips from Paris to the Loire Valley and the north coast. You’ll be touring with other travelers, but group sizes are generally kept small to ensure the experience remains authentic. This is a great way to keep costs down too.

Private tours: If you’re looking for more refined overnight trips from Paris, then a private tour is the answer. You’ll have a personal guide throughout the excursion, and the agenda can be tailored to your interests. These experiences cost more, but you’ll have greater flexibility and attention than on a group trip.

What is the price of a 3-day tour to Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley from Paris?

Guided group 3-day tours from Paris range from €650 to €780 per person. Accommodation for both nights is provided, as well as dinner on the first evening and Loire Valley castle entrance fees. Tours and transport are also included.

The more expensive trips offer lunch on the final day, plus a higher grade of hotel. You will need to make your own way to the central departure point in Paris.

Private 3-day trips to Normandy from Paris cost €1,900 for up to six participants or €975 for one person. Hotel pickups, travel in an air-conditioned minivan, a driver/guide and all entrance fees are included in the price. Accommodation and meals are not provided and will need to be arranged separately.

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

• 2-day trips from Paris
• 4-day trips from Paris
• Multi-day trips to Provence from Paris