Itinerary Summary
Days one-two in Paris cover the Ile de la Cite - Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass and the Conciergerie - then a full day at Versailles. A TGV to Rennes brings you to Mont Saint-Michel for t…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Paris and the towers of Notre-Dame
10:00
1.5h
RER B from CDG to Chatelet
Ride the RER B into the centre, about 35 minutes, and change at Chatelet for the Ile de la Cite. Buy a single ticket from the machine and keep bags closed while the carriages are crowded.
📍 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris
15:00
2.5h
Notre-Dame exterior and Ile de la Cite
Circle the restored cathedral to see the cleaned west facade and the flying buttresses along the south side. Walk on to the flower market and the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris.
📍 Ile de la Cite
18:30
2h
Dinner in the Marais
Cross to the Right Bank for a relaxed first dinner around Rue des Rosiers or the Place du Marche Sainte-Catherine. Book a table for 19:30, when Paris kitchens open, and expect a slower pace.
📍 Le Marais
💡 Pro Tip: The RER B from CDG reaches Chatelet in about 35 minutes. Notre-Dame's interior is free but needs a timed slot from the official app; the towers are a separate paid climb. Entry rules depend on your passport, so read the France visa section. France is UTC+1, moving to UTC+2 in summer.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$63035%
Comfort hotels, 7 nights in Paris, Mont Saint-Michel and Normandy
Food & DiningUS$36020%
Normandy oysters, Camembert plates and cider crepes
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel and Normandy without a car?+
Take the TGV from Paris to Rennes, then a connecting bus to Mont Saint-Michel. For the Normandy landing beaches a car is much easier, since the sites are spread along the coast. Some travellers base in Bayeux and join a small-group tour instead of driving.
What should I know about the tides before visiting Mont Saint-Michel?+
The bay has one of the fastest tides in Europe, and the causeway can flood. Check the official tide timetable before planning a walk, and never cross the exposed sand without a guide because of quicksand. Stay on the marked causeway and time your abbey visit around high water.
Is this Normandy and Rouen itinerary suitable for older travellers?+
It involves a lot of walking on cobbles at Mont Saint-Michel and in Rouen, plus standing at the memorials, and the abbey climb is steep. Travellers with limited mobility can use the shuttle to the Mont's entrance, shorten the beach stops and hire a private driver for Normandy.
How much should I budget for eight days in Paris, Normandy and Rouen?+
Expect about $1,500-2,090 (roughly EUR 1,300-1,820) per person excluding flights, covering mid-range hotels, TGV tickets, a rental car for Normandy and museum entries. Versailles and the Mont Saint-Michel abbey are paid separately. Add extra for a guided D-Day tour.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,500–2,090 (≈ €1,300–1,820), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: History & Culture
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