47 days in France, Dover & Plymouth Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Europe trip planner
Start: Moretonhampstead, United Kingdom
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1
Dover, United Kingdom
— 1 night
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2
Calais, France
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3
Chalons-en-Champagne, France
— 1 night
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4
Beaune, France
— 3 nights
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5
Lyon, France
— 1 night
Train
6
Avignon, France
— 4 nights
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7
Aix-en-Provence, France
— 4 nights
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8
Sainte-Maxime, France
— 15 nights
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9
Carcassonne, France
— 5 nights
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10
Pauillac, France
— 4 nights
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11
La Rochelle, France
— 4 nights
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Saint-Jean-de-Monts, France
— 2 nights
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13
Vannes, France
— 2 nights
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14
Roscoff, France
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15
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Drive
End: Moretonhampstead, United Kingdom
Thu, Mar 16 - Mon, May 1
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Dover, United Kingdom — 1 night
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Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Mary The Virgin Church.
For photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Dover day trip planning app.
Moretonhampstead to Dover is an approximately 5-hour car ride. You'll have a few hours on the 17th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Calais.
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For photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Dover day trip planning app.
Moretonhampstead to Dover is an approximately 5-hour car ride. You'll have a few hours on the 17th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Calais.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Mar 16 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
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Gate to the North
Overlooking the Strait of Dover, the narrowest point of the English Channel, Calais is a major port for ferry traffic between France and England as the closest French town to Dover.To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Calais tour itinerary maker app.
The Route module can help you plan travel from Dover to Calais. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Dover to Calais. In March, daily temperatures in Calais can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. You'll set off for Chalons-en-Champagne on the 17th (Fri).
Find places to stay Mar 17 — 18:
Chalons-en-Champagne, France — 1 night
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Châlons-en-Champagne is a city in France. Start off your visit on the 17th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Eglise Saint-Alpin and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Notre-Dame-en-Vaux.
For maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Chalons-en-Champagne trip planner.
Traveling by car from Calais to Chalons-en-Champagne takes 3.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in Chalons-en-Champagne can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Beaune.
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For maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Chalons-en-Champagne trip planner.
Traveling by car from Calais to Chalons-en-Champagne takes 3.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in Chalons-en-Champagne can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Beaune.
Find places to stay Mar 17 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
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Beaune, France — 3 nights
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Wine Capital of Burgundy
The Wine Capital of the Burgundy region in the Côte-d'Or department, Beaune is a walled city with features remaining from the pre-Roman and Roman eras in eastern France.Visit Collegiale Notre Dame and Eglise Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais for their historical value. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Hôtel-Dieu Museum Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu and Palace of the Dukes. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Beaune: Chateau de Cormatin (in Cormatin), Saint-Philibert de Tournus (in Tournus) and Abbey of Cluny (in Cluny). There's much more to do: browse the fresh offerings at Marche de Beaune, examine the collection at Maison des Climats, get engrossed in the history at Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne, and admire the masterpieces at Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon.
To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Beaune online travel route planner.
Traveling by car from Chalons-en-Champagne to Beaune takes 3 hours. In March, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can go by car to Lyon.
Side Trips
Dijon, Chateau de Cormatin, Saint-Philibert de Tournus, Eglise Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais, Abbey of Cluny
Find places to stay Mar 18 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Lyon, France — 1 night
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Culinary Capital of France
Lyon is a historical city with a vibrant cultural scene as the birthplace of cinema, the silk capital of the globe, and the second biggest Renaissance city following Venice.Kick off your visit on the 21st (Tue): admire the striking features of Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, look for gifts at La boutique de Mathilde, then get to know the fascinating history of Vieux Lyon, then take in the exciting artwork at Galerie Estades Lyon, and finally browse the different shops at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
Before you visit Lyon, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.
Drive from Beaune to Lyon in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In March in Lyon, expect temperatures between 15°C during the day and 4°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 22nd (Wed) before leaving for Avignon.
Find places to stay Mar 21 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Avignon, France — 4 nights
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City of Popes
An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.Get some cultural insight at Palais des Papes and Carrieres des Lumieres. Get some historical perspective at Pont d'Avignon and Place Crillon. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Avignon: Les Antiques (in Saint-Remy-de-Provence), Chateau des Baux de Provence (in Les Baux de Provence) and Roman Theatre of Orange (in Orange). There's still lots to do: awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area, learn about winemaking at Musee du Vin Brotte Degustation et Vente, don't miss a visit to Le Sentier des Moulins d'Alphonse Daudet, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms.
To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read Avignon trip website.
You can take a train from Lyon to Avignon in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 18°C, and evening lows to 5°C. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Sun) before leaving for Aix-en-Provence.
Side Trips
Les Baux de Provence, Les Antiques, Le Sentier des Moulins d'Alphonse Daudet, Musee du Vin Brotte Degustation et Vente, Roman Theatre of Orange
Find places to stay Mar 22 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Aix-en-Provence, France — 4 nights
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City of a Thousand Fountains
Aix-en-Provence is a small, classically Provençal town, famous for being home to Cézanne.Get some historical perspective at Paul Cezanne’s Studio and Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Musee Granet and Cours Mirabeau. Change things up with these side-trips from Aix-en-Provence: Eglise Saint-Raymond-Nonnat (in Le Pradet), Porquerolles Island (Plage d'Argent & Plage Notre Dame) and Marseille (Le Vieux Port, Chapelle des Bernardines, &more). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Fondation Vasarely, view the masterpieces at Street Part, and explore the world behind art at Hotel de Caumont - Art Centre.
For more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Aix-en-Provence tour itinerary planner.
Traveling by car from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In March, daytime highs in Aix-en-Provence are 18°C, while nighttime lows are 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can go by car to Sainte-Maxime.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 26 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Sainte-Maxime, France — 15 nights
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Sainte-Maxime is a commune and city in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Museum-lovers will appreciate Galerie Regard and Le Musee du Parfum. Get some cultural insight at Eglise Sainte-Maxime and Domaine des Beaucas. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sainte-Maxime: Brocante Au Bucheron (in Saint-Aygulf), Ramatuelle (Plage de Pampelonne & Plage de l'Escalet) and Chapelle de Saint-Cassien des Bois (in Tanneron). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Plage de Gigaro, explore the galleries of Le musée de l’Annonciade, tour the pleasant surroundings at Plage de Cavaliere, and learn something new at Kelys.
To find reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Sainte-Maxime day trip tool.
Traveling by car from Aix-en-Provence to Sainte-Maxime takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In March, daytime highs in Sainte-Maxime are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to fly to Carcassonne.
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To find reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Sainte-Maxime day trip tool.
Traveling by car from Aix-en-Provence to Sainte-Maxime takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In March, daytime highs in Sainte-Maxime are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to fly to Carcassonne.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 30 — Apr 14:
Highlights from your trip
Carcassonne, France — 5 nights
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Medieval Heart of France
Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.Appreciate the collections at Poterie De La Bascule and Cite de l'espace. Your inner history buff will appreciate Cité de Carcassonne and Chateau Comtal. Venture out of the city with trips to Albi (Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile & Musee Toulouse-Lautrec) and Musee des Augustins (in Toulouse). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Porte Narbonnaise, brush up on your military savvy at Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante, get engrossed in the history at Musee De L'ecole, and do a tasting at O'Vineyards.
To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne trip maker tool.
Getting from Sainte-Maxime to Carcassonne by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In April, daytime highs in Carcassonne are 21°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Pauillac.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 14 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Pauillac, France — 4 nights
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Chateau Lafite and Chateau Les Chaumes will appeal to museum buffs. Chateau Lamothe-Bergeron and Chateau Lynch-Bages are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Pauillac: Chateau Castera (in Saint-Germain-d'Esteuil), Les Noisettines du Medoc (in Blaignan) and Marche de Vendays-Montalivet (in Vendays Montalivet).
For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Pauillac driving holiday tool.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Pauillac takes 4 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Pauillac can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. You'll set off for La Rochelle on the 23rd (Sun).
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For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Pauillac driving holiday tool.
Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Pauillac takes 4 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Pauillac can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. You'll set off for La Rochelle on the 23rd (Sun).
Side Trips
Phare de Richard, Montalivet Beach, Chateau Lamothe-Bergeron, Abbatiale de Saint-Pierre de Vertheuil, Chateau Castera
Find places to stay Apr 19 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
La Rochelle, France — 4 nights
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White City
Driving on the narrow streets can be difficult in La Rochelle so walking or biking will give you the best view of the pale stone buildings that give the Vieux Port, or old port, a distinctly Mediterranean quality.Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Phare des Baleines and Lanterne des Morts. You'll explore and learn at Musee Le Bunker de La Rochelle and Les Tresors de Lisette. Venture out of the city with trips to Ma cabane sur la Plage (in Ars-en-Re), Plage de Trousse-Chemise (in Les Portes-en-Re) and Rochefort (Musee des Commerces d'Autrefois & Corderie Royale). The adventure continues: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Aquarium La Rochelle, explore the activities along Vieux Port, see the interesting displays at Museum d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle, and browse the exhibits of Abbaye des Chateliers.
Plan a La Rochelle trip in moments using our itinerary builder.
The Route module can help you plan travel from Pauillac to La Rochelle. In April in La Rochelle, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 9°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
Side Trips
Rochefort, Ma cabane sur la Plage, Plage de Trousse-Chemise, Les Tresors de Lisette, Abbaye des Chateliers
Find places to stay Apr 23 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Saint-Jean-de-Monts, France — 2 nights
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Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a commune in the Vendée department in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.GeographyThe town is situated in the west of the département, between Notre-Dame-de-Monts and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. On the 28th (Fri), kick back and relax at La Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Monts, stroll through Plage des Soixante Bornes, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage des Sableaux, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Here are some ideas for day two: step into the grandiose world of Castle-Museum of Noirmoutier en L'isle, look for gifts at Biscuiterie Les Petits Cagniotes, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint Gilles, take in the exciting artwork at Kartonik Galerie Atelier Boutique, then examine the collection at Vendee Miniature, and finally see the interesting displays at La Perle des Dieux.
To see photos and more tourist information, go to the Saint-Jean-de-Monts trip builder website.
Drive from La Rochelle to Saint-Jean-de-Monts in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 19°C in April, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Vannes.
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To see photos and more tourist information, go to the Saint-Jean-de-Monts trip builder website.
Drive from La Rochelle to Saint-Jean-de-Monts in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 19°C in April, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Vannes.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 27 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Vannes, France — 2 nights
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Gateway to the Gulf
Founded over 2,000 years ago, Vannes is a vacation harbor town with beaches, shopping, museums, and gardens, as well as interesting medieval city gates and timber-framed houses scattered throughout its Old Town.Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Old City Walls of Vannes, then step into the grandiose world of Domaine de Suscinio, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Conleau Beach, and finally see the interesting displays at Musee des Chateaux en Allumettes.
To see reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Vannes online travel route planner.
You can drive from Saint-Jean-de-Monts to Vannes in 2 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In April in Vannes, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Roscoff.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 29 — May 1:
Highlights from your trip
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Roscoff is a commune in the Finistère département of Brittany in northwestern France.Roscoff is renowned for its picturesque architecture, labeled "petite cité de caractère de Bretagne" (small town of character) since 2009. On the 1st (Mon), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Paul-Aurelien, explore the historical opulence of Chateau du Taureau, and then stroll through Plage de Carantec.
For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Roscoff trip itinerary website.
You can drive from Vannes to Roscoff in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. May in Roscoff sees daily highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to go by car to Plymouth.
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For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Roscoff trip itinerary website.
You can drive from Vannes to Roscoff in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. May in Roscoff sees daily highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to go by car to Plymouth.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 1 — 2:
Highlights from your trip
Spirit of Discovery
Once an important departure point for immigrants sailing for the New World, Plymouth is now mostly known for being one of the world’s most impressive natural harbors.For photos and tourist information, you can read our Plymouth trip itinerary maker tool.
You can drive from Roscoff to Plymouth in 6.5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Roscoff to Plymouth due to the time zone difference. On the 1st (Mon), you're off to home.
Find places to stay May 1 — 2:
France travel guide
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for decades, and geographically, it is one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities are holiday hot spots and contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended, and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, as well as the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany, and Normandy. The country is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly wines and cheeses, as well as its history, culture, and fashion industry.
You'll find that the French people are very polite and may react coldly to you if you forget this. You might be surprised as you're greeted by other customers and the proprieter when you walk into a restaurant or a shop. Be sure to take your sightseeing off the beaten path in France. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and the chic resorts of the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera) you'll find many places to visit in the form of museums filled with fine art, crafts, and archaeological relics, wonderful medieval villages and castles, diverse national parks, and local shopping direct from artisans themselves.
Whether you're touring the Christmas Markets or going skiing during winter, viewing the springtime influx of color in Provence, sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast in the summer, or watching the fall foliage against the backdrop of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, you're sure to find just the right place to be. Spring is a time when the tourist attractions are just starting to expand their hours, but it may still be cold in the mountainous regions and the north. Summer is the busiest time in France with the longest hours for many museums and attractions, but it's often when you will experience the most crowds. Winter in France is filled with winter carnivals, Christmas Markets, and of course, skiing. Fall is a time to celebrate the release of Beaujolais nouveau wine in November, as well as experience Nuit Blanche, a day in October when major attractions, museums, galleries, parks, and swimming pools remain open all night.
