9-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in the Netherlands and France With Itinerary from Amsterdam to Valenciennes, Paris, and Lille

Wake up and see what day 2 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands and France has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 2 nights before continuing your journey to the next destination.

A visit to De Pijp 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 Jordaan as well, a neighborhood that adds another layer to your exploration.

Check out the top-rated museum, Anne Frank House. Afterward, continue to Vondelpark, a park every traveler should visit. As you explore Amsterdam’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Van Gogh Museum. This widely recognized museum is an essential stop.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Amsterdam by securing a table at Flore. An esteemed 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional contemporary and creative french menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Ciel Bleu, famous for its scrumptious creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Restaurant 212, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative cuisine in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Keep the evening going at Café Oporto, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Lost In Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is 't Aepjen, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Take in the ambiance of Amsterdam as this day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Versailles in France. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, your home for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Valenciennes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Versailles. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 37 min.

Madame Élisabeth's Estate is an intriguing park we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Gardens Of Versailles, a romantic botanical garden that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Palace Of Versailles, a majestic palace.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Paris. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Paris. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Have a memorable dining experience in Paris by booking a table at Kei, a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Paris, Le Pré Catelan shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and contemporary cuisine. This 3-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Épicure is known as a top local spot in Paris for its delicious modern cuisine. This 3-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café De Paris V, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Dirty Dick. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Little Red Door, another top-rated place in the area.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 6, you will wake up in Paris with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Paris before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across the Netherlands and France.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Le Marais, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Paris. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions. Another must-visit is Champs-Élysées, a street offering a different perspective on Paris.

Your adventure in Paris is only getting started when you visit Arc De Triomphe, a timeless local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Tuileries Garden. This widely recognized park is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Paris's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Louvre Museum. This history-steeped museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

Get ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy a lively evening in Paris. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands and France.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Sens Unique offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Caveau de l'isle. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Paris.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Prescription Cocktail Club, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Boucan offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Paris. Mamie Paris is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands and France. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Paris in France. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Lille where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Let Jardin Du Luxembourg set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this visually striking park before continuing your journey. Champ De Mars is your next stop. This wondrous park is one of the best-rated sights in Paris.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Eiffel Tower. This history-steeped monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Sacré-cœur.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Lille. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Lille’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 the Netherlands and France.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Lille by reserving a table at Pureté. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to La Table - Hôtel Clarance, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Le Restaurant du Cerisier, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Le Colbert Café, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Level Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Fridge Bar Lille provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Celebrate day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!