Visiting Paris in a Campervan

Embarking on a Campervan adventure to Paris with your family promises an exhilarating experience filled with culture, history, and endless opportunities for baguettes! 

This journey isn’t just about visiting famous landmarks but immersing yourselves in the heart of the city, discovering hidden gems, and creating unforgettable memories. With a suggested itinerary spanning five days, each moment can be curated to ensure maximum enjoyment and exploration. From sight-seeing to mouth-watering cuisine, get ready for an adventure like no other!

Why go in a Campervan? 

Mainly, your transport is also your bed for the night! You don’t have to spend extra on hotels and city centre parking, as campsite pitches are often considerably cheaper than Parisian hotels. It’s also a lovely opportunity to experience a bit of peace and quiet for a restful night’s sleep, outside of the noisy city life. And the VanGlorious Campervans definitely offer a luxurious night’s sleep, and also saves money giving you the option to prepare your own meals in the peace and quiet of your campsite. 

So….Let’s go!

Day 1:

East Midlands to Paris (approx. 400 miles, approx. 8 hours travelling).

Special Day: Beginning the journey with excitement and practicing your essential French phrases, hop in the Campervan and head south, to the Eurostar terminal at Folkestone. 35 minutes later, you are in France and on your way to The City of Light! 

Don’t forget to consider pulling off the Autoroute for a bit of exploration, find a local town for lunch, service stations have their place of course, but there’s nothing quite like a bit of local flavour to get you in the spirit of a new country.

Campsite Options:

As with most cities, there are no campsites in the centre of Paris! However, check out these suggestions for some fab stays, with good transport links into the city. 

You could drive into Paris in your VW California, but as Paris is so well connected, why would you? It’s great to have a peaceful retreat at the end of a day’s sightseeing too. 

Huttopia Versailles: Nestled in lush greenery, this campsite offers spacious pitches and modern facilities, perfect for families.

Camping de Paris: Situated on the banks of the Seine River, this campsite provides a serene atmosphere with easy access to the city.

Camping Paris Est at Champigny. On the banks of the river and a short hop into the city. 

Best Tourist Attractions:

Eiffel Tower: Witness breath-taking views of Paris from the iconic landmark.

Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in world-class art and history at one of the largest museums in the world.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this historic cathedral.

Montmartre: Explore the bohemian neighbourhood famous for its artistic heritage and panoramic views of the city, and of course, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. 

Musée d’Orsay: Admire impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in this former railway station turned museum.

Sainte-Chapelle: Marvel at the intricate stained glass windows of this medieval gem.

Arc de Triomphe: Admire this iconic monument honouring those who fought and died for France.

Luxembourg Gardens: Relax in the serene beauty of these historic gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Seine River Cruise: Sail along the Seine and marvel at the stunning architecture lining its banks. Gorgeous at night time too. 

Palace of Versailles: Experience the splendour of French royalty as you wander through the lavish rooms and ornate gardens.

Day 2:

Paris Exploration!

No Campervan adventure to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower! Today, we delve deeper into Parisian culture, wandering through charming streets lined with quaint cafes and boutiques. From the bustling Champs-Élysées to the artistic Montmartre, every corner unveils a new adventure.

Choose an area with a destination you had in mind, and then go exploring! The Metro underground system is easily navigated, and you can whizz around Paris from sight to sight, but take the time to soak up the Parisian atmosphere too. 

Day 3:

Paris to Versailles

Today, we embark on a short trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, stepping back in time to the reign of Louis XIV. From the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors to the tranquil gardens, Versailles enchants us at every turn. 

Head back to the city for a meal at one of the many Bistros or take a dinner cruise down the Seine. You truly are spoilt for choice for dining options in Paris. 

Day 4:

Disneyland Paris

Why not?! Today, we swap historical grandeur for magical adventures as we journey to Disneyland Paris. From thrilling rides to enchanting parades, the magic of Disney awaits us for an unforgettable day of family fun. An amazing experience for all ages. Just get into the spirit of it!

Best Tourist Attractions:

Disneyland Park: Immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of Disney characters, rides, and attractions.

Walt Disney Studios Park: Explore behind the scenes of Disney movies and experience thrilling adventures.

Disney Village: Shop, dine, and be entertained in this lively entertainment district.

Day 5:

Paris to East Midlands

Time to say a regretful Adieu to Paris. Depending on your travel arrangements, there may be time for one last Parisian experience, even if it’s sitting at an outside Café, sipping a coffee and watching the bustle of the city go by, or popping into a local Art Gallery, and don’t forget your souvenirs – everyone needs a tacky plastic Eiffel Tower! Grab those opportunities. Sometimes it’s just the little things that can cement your impression of a place.

Conclusion:

Visiting Paris in a Campervan offers a unique blend of excitement, culture, and discovery for the whole family. Here’s a breakdown of costs per person for our 5-day itinerary (these are all approximate, and depend on your choice of meals, attractions etc):

Diesel  £50

Train    £100

Campsite Fees £100

Attraction Fees  £200

Food    £200

Total Cost Per Person: £650

As you can see, this short city break promises unique experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the City of Light! Your Campervan adventure to Paris is sorted.