7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in France, Belgium, and Germany With Itinerary from Paris to Brussels and Cologne

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in France, Belgium, and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Paris for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

A visit to Montmartre is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights. Don’t forget to check out Champs-Élysées as well, a street that adds another layer to your exploration.

Awaiting your discovery is the iconic Eiffel Tower, a grand monument in Paris. Next, go to Arc De Triomphe.

After visiting Eiffel Tower and Arc De Triomphe, have a stroll along Paris's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Louvre Museum. This historic museum offers a unique experience. Sacré-cœur is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Paris. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in France in a new light.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a highly-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Sens Unique, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Caveau de l'isle. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.

Keep the evening going at Prescription Cocktail Club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Boucan, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Mamie Paris, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in France, Belgium, and Germany! Enjoy your evening in Paris to the fullest!

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across France, Belgium, and Germany, you'll get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Laeken in Belgium. In the evening, you’ll end up in Brussels, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Laeken’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Paris behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 24 min. Laeken welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Laeken is Atomium, an astonishing monument that draws attention for its culturally significant features.

After soaking in Laeken’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Brussels. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 23 min. When you arrive in Brussels, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Musée Magritte Museum, a curiosity-inducing museum that everyone visiting Brussels should see. Next, head to Place Royale - Koningsplein. This symbolic monument is one of the most often recommended attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Royal Palace Of Brussels, a respected palace popular among locals as well as travelers. Grand-place is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this iconic public square before you continue your journey.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Brussels of your choice.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across France, Belgium, and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Brussels’s local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? BrewDog Brussels offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss À La Mort Subite. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Brussels.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Churchill's is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Station Bxl, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Delirium Café. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip through France, Belgium, and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bruges in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Bruges and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bruges beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Bruges is Burg, a frequently visited public square that draws attention for its enchanting features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Bruges City Hall, a photogenic city hall that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Basilica Of The Holy Blood, an up-and-coming church that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Belfry Of Bruges, a nearby monument, highly recommended by other travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ghent. This car ride takes around 49 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Gravensteen. Spend some time admiring the culturally significant features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to St. Jacob's Church. This worthwhile church is a traveler-favorite in the city.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Brussels’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in France, Belgium, and Germany.

Dine in style at The Lobster House, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurant Roumaine. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Brussels.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Des Amis, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Du Canal, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Little Delirium likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across France, Belgium, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Cologne in Germany, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cologne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Germany! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cologne may take around 2 hours 14 min. Upon your arrival in Cologne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge, a worthwhile point of interest that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Rheinboulevard and admire its romantic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Lindt Chocolate Museum, a notable museum beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Museum Ludwig, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Cologne Cathedral, a picture-perfect place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Cologne. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the sun sets on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey at Cologne's top restaurants and eateries. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at SAVOY Hotel, a top-rated dining spot in Cologne. If you're in the mood for something new, try Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Café Reichard. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Cologne.

Continue your lively evening at The Grid Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Toddy Tapper is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Legends Bar & Terrasse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!