Paris, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel & Loire Valley 10-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
A self-drive loop from Paris connecting Giverny, the Normandy coast, Mont Saint-Michel, and the Loire châteaux.
A classic northwestern loop: head to Rouen via Giverny, follow the coast through Étretat, Honfleur, and the D-Day landing beaches, continue to Mont Saint-Michel, and finally explore the eastern and western sections of the Loire Valley to see the châteaux before returning to Paris via Chartres. Driving times are within two hours on most days, making it suitable for couples or friends with moderate driving experience. Paris sightseeing is not included and can be added at the beginning or end.
Giverny gardens are open from around April to early November; the route should be modified in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Pick up Car, Drive via Giverny to Rouen
Paris（Monet's House and Gardens, Giverny） → Honfleur, Étretat & Rouen（Rouen Cathedral & Old Town、Place du Vieux-Marché & Church of St Joan of Arc）
Pick up your car at the airport to avoid city traffic. Drive to Giverny (approx. 1.5 hours), then to Rouen (approx. 1 hour), totaling about 170 km for the day.
It is recommended to buy Giverny tickets in advance; driving in Rouen's Old Town is inconvenient, so park on the outskirts.
Stay: Rouen Old Town
Day 2 · Abbey, White Cliffs, and Old Harbor
Honfleur, Étretat & Rouen（Jumièges Abbey、Étretat Cliffs、Honfleur Old Harbour）
Drive from Rouen via Jumièges to Étretat (approx. 1.5 hours), then cross the Normandy Bridge to Honfleur (approx. 1 hour).
Parking in Étretat is tight in summer, so try to arrive early in the morning; do not go too close to the edge on the cliff paths.
Stay: Honfleur Old Harbour
Day 3 · Seaside Resort to Bayeux
Honfleur, Étretat & Rouen（Church of St. Catherine, Honfleur、Deauville Beach & Les Planches） → Bayeux & D-Day Beaches（Mémorial de Caen、Bayeux Old Town & Aure Mills、Bayeux Cathedral）
Drive from Honfleur to Deauville (approx. 30 mins), then via Caen to Bayeux (approx. 1.5 hours), totaling about 110 km for the day.
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is closed for renovation, expected until autumn 2027; the tapestry is currently on loan to London.
Stay: Bayeux Old Town
Day 4 · D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip
Bayeux & D-Day Beaches（Arromanches & Mulberry Harbour、Longues-sur-Mer Battery、Omaha Beach & Normandy American Cemetery、Pointe du Hoc）
A loop based in Bayeux, with driving times of 15–30 mins between coastal spots, totaling about 80 km for the day.
The American Cemetery closes early in the evening, so arrive as early as possible in the afternoon; beaches can be windy, so bring a jacket.
Stay: Bayeux Old Town
Day 5 · Paratrooper Town to Mont Saint-Michel
Bayeux & D-Day Beaches（Sainte-Mère-Église & Airborne Museum） → Mont-Saint-Michel（Couesnon Dam & Footbridge）
Drive from Bayeux to Sainte-Mère-Église (approx. 50 mins), then head south to Mont Saint-Michel (approx. 1.5 hours), totaling about 170 km for the day.
Park in the parking lot on the opposite bank and take the shuttle bus to the island; watch the sunset over the bay in the evening.
Stay: Beauvoir
Day 6 · Visit the Abbey, then Transfer to the Loire
Mont-Saint-Michel（Mont-Saint-Michel & Abbey） → Loire Valley
Take the shuttle bus up the hill to visit the abbey in the morning. Drive to Amboise in the afternoon (approx. 3.5–4 hours, around 340 km).
The abbey has fewer crowds in the morning; check the tide table before departure, as spring tides offer the best views.
Stay: Amboise
Day 7 · Chenonceau and Da Vinci's Residence
Loire Valley（Château de Chenonceau、Château d'Amboise、Château du Clos Lucé）
Drive from Amboise to Chenonceau (approx. 20 mins); after returning, walk to visit the Château d'Amboise and Clos Lucé.
You must buy timed tickets for Chenonceau in advance; the morning slot is more relaxed during peak season.
Stay: Amboise
Day 8 · Western Gardens and Tours Old Town
Loire Valley（Château de Villandry、Château d'Azay-le-Rideau、Tours Old Town）
Drive from Amboise to Villandry (approx. 50 mins), then to Azay-le-Rideau (approx. 20 mins), returning via Tours.
The gardens of Villandry look best from late spring to early autumn; leave plenty of time for a stroll.
Stay: Amboise
Day 9 · Eastern Châteaux: Chambord and Cheverny
Loire Valley（Château de Cheverny、Château de Chambord、Château de Blois）
Drive from Amboise to Cheverny (approx. 50 mins), then to Chambord (approx. 25 mins), and head to Blois in the evening (approx. 30 mins).
The Chambord estate is huge, so leave at least half a day; you can rent a bicycle or an electric cart.
Stay: Blois
Day 10 · Return to Paris via Chartres
Drive from Blois to Chartres (approx. 1.5 hours), then to Paris (approx. 1.5 hours). It is recommended to return the car at the airport or in the suburbs.
Driving and parking in central Paris are inconvenient, and there are access restrictions in low-emission zones.