Journey From Paris to Amsterdam in a Week-Long Tour

A tour from Paris to Amsterdam offers the perfect blend of culture, history, art, architecture and natural beauty across two of Europe’s most captivating cities. With abundant attractions, iconic landmarks and stunning scenery filling the journey in between, travelers find themselves immersed in the best of France and the Netherlands over the course of this 7 day itinerary.

Spending several days getting to know Paris, the City of Light draws visitors in with it’s unparalleled cuisine, world-famous museums, medieval streets and picturesque cafes. The trip then winds through the French countryside, making stops in storybook towns and medieval villages along the way.

Upon crossing into the Netherlands, days are spent getting lost among Amsterdam’s meandering canals, diverse neighborhoods, rich history and artistic heritage. From world-class museums to historic sights, cozy cafés to quaint houseboats and diverse cultures to vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam entrances travelers with it’s abundance of one-of-a-kind attractions.

Paris Highlights

The Louvre

When in Paris, you gotta check out the Louvre! It’s this ginormous museum that started out as a fort way back in the 1100s. Now, it’s packed with some of the world’s most famous art. People come from all over to see the Mona Lisa and her mysterious smile. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg – they’ve got rooms filled with ancient Egyptian stuff, Greek treasures, old-timey tapestries and enough sculptures to fill a stadium.

Make sure you set aside a big chunk of time to wander around and get lost in all the art. And don’t forget to take a peek at the fancy palace details while you’re there. Trust me, the Louvre is a must-see in France!

Eiffel Tower

Okay, so you’ve probably heard of the Eiffel Tower, right? Well, seeing it up close is a whole different ball game. This bad boy was built back in the 1800s by some guy named Gustave for a big fair. It’s super tall (like, over a thousand feet!) and weighs as much as 5,000 cars.

You can take an elevator to the top or stop halfway for some sweet views of Paris. And get this – at night, the tower puts on a crazy light show with 20,000 bulbs going nuts for five minutes. It’s like a rave in the sky!

Oh and if you get hungry or thirsty from all that sightseeing, they’ve got restaurants and champagne bars hidden inside. Trust me, no matter how many Eiffel Tower pics you’ve seen on Instagram, nothing beats standing under this giant metal masterpiece in person.

Arc de Triomphe

Right smack in the middle of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe. This giant arch has been around since 1836, showing off France’s military wins. The design was totally copied from the Romans, but who cares? It looks cool with all the detailed battle scenes carved into it. Fun fact: there’s a tomb for an unknown soldier from World War I underneath, complete with an eternal flame. Pretty neat, huh?

You can climb to the top for some sweet views of the city or learn about the arch’s history through some high-tech displays. Just be careful when you’re trying to get to it – the traffic circle around the arch is notorious for being a total madhouse. Do yourself a favor and take the underground tunnels to avoid becoming roadkill. Safety first, folks!

Notre Dame Cathedral

If you’re checking out Île de la Cité, you’d be crazy to skip Notre Dame Cathedral. This place is like, the ultimate Gothic masterpiece. It’s been around since way back in the 12th century and has all the bells and whistles – we’re talking massive stained glass windows, flying buttresses (whatever those are) and a bunch of creepy gargoyles that look like they’re judging you.

Once you step inside, prepare to have your mind blown. The ceilings are insanely detailed and the stained glass windows tell all sorts of biblical stories. They’ve got a huge pipe organ with a bazillion pipes (okay, maybe more like 7,800) that’ll make your ears ring in the best way possible.

Oh and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, climb the 387 steps up the North Tower. You’ll get up close and personal with the famous bell towers and score some wicked views of Paris. Just don’t blame me if your legs turn to jelly afterwards!

Musée d’Orsay

Okay, so imagine this: a super cool museum inside an old train station from 1900. That’s the Musée d’Orsay for you! It’s like the Louvre’s hipster younger sibling, focusing on art from the 1800s. We’re talking big names like Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Seurat, Gauguin and Van Gogh – you know, those guys your art teacher wouldn’t stop gushing about.

They’ve got all the hits: Whistler’s Mother (who looks like she’s had a rough day), Van Gogh’s Starry Night (trippy, right?) and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (which makes you want to party like it’s 1899). But the real star of the show? The building itself! It’s got this crazy cool Art Nouveau vibe that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fancy schmancy hotel.

Oh and when you’re done staring at all the pretty pictures, head to the museum cafe for some grub with a view of Paris that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.

French Countryside En Route to Amsterdam

A road trip from Paris to Amsterdam offers the perfect blend of urban capitals and rural charm as pastoral landscapes unfold between. Quaint villages, medieval architecture, rolling green hills and some of France’s best champagne make for memorable stops when traveling through by car or train.

Reims

No road trip through the French countryside would be complete without a stop in Champagne’s legendary capital, Reims. Site of the coronation of French kings dating back to Clovis in 496 AD, Reims still retains much of it’s medieval architecture including the resplendent 800 year-old cathedral where the coronation ceremonies were conducted.

Visitors will delight in wandering the cobblestone streets while popping into various caves for champagne tastings en route to renowned producers like Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Taittinger, Pommery and Ruinart. An underground chalk cellar tour and museum at Veuve Clicquot provides an illuminating glimpse behind the scenes of champagne production.

Don’t miss the lively Les Halles food market for lunch before heading onwards through northeastern France’s rolling landscape of vines.

Verdun

For history buffs, the Battle of Verdun Museum and surrounding memorials offer an evocative stop when passing through this area of France. As the site of one of the longest battles and highest casualty counts during World War I, Verdun attracts visitors seeking to commemorate lives lost and learn about the bloody 1916 Battle of Verdun.

Exhibits at the museum detail not just the military maneuvers and outcomes but also what life was like for soldiers on the front line, providing grim insight into the horrific conditions faced during 10 months of trench warfare. Outside, seemingly endless rows of crosses at the Verdun Memorial Cemetery bear silent witness to the tens of thousands who perished in this zone of relentless combat along the Western Front.

Strasbourg

Set on the borders of both France and Germany lies the picturesque city of Strasbourg, which blends both French and Germanic influences in it’s language, culture and cuisine. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Strasbourg enchants visitors with cobbled lanes, wisteria-draped half-timbered houses, charming cafes and stately churches nestled around the Gothic centerpiece of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.

Take time to explore the winding roads of La Petite France with it’s storybook medieval architecture before taking a scenic boat tour along the canal-linked Ill River coursing through the city. Don’t miss sampling seasonal tarts and cakes native to the Alsace region when stopping for a sweet break.

Amsterdam Highlights

Upon crossing the border from France into the Netherlands, visitors immerse themselves in Amsterdam’s artistic culture, Golden Age history and laid-back vibrancy. Eclectic neighborhoods linked by scenic canal houseboats may tempt travelers to linger, but an array of top attractions beckon across the capital of cool.

Explore the Canals

Amsterdam’s Canal Ring comprises a 17th century aquatic network coursing through the heart of the city spanning nearly 60 miles in total length. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, these emblematic waterways offer some of Amsterdam’s most postcard-perfect scenery from virtually every vantage point.

Strolling or cycling the canal-side paths, pedestrian bridges and narrow cross-streets provides an idyllic introduction to various neighborhoods but to fully appreciate this aquatic landscape, visitors must view it as intended – from onboard a boat.

Whether opting for a small electric canal boat to navigate hidden alleyways on your own or a guided tour illuminating the architecture and history surrounding the interconnected waterways, floating slowly through the Canal Ring offers an unforgettable perspective on quintessential Amsterdam.

Van Gogh Museum

Housing the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh artwork, the Van Gogh Museum transports visitors into the volatile yet extraordinarily prolific post-Impressionist painter’s visionary world. Displaying pieces chronologically across various periods of Van Gogh’s truncated career, the extensive galleries highlight formative works from his early Dutch period through hauntingly familiar icons like Bedroom in Arles and Sunflowers as well as lesser known pieces from his final days in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Multimedia displays enrich the exhibition by providing additional insight into Van Gogh’s unusual perspectives, unconventional techniques, personal struggles and fleeting triumphs that culminated in an artistic output spanning just 10 years. Beyond this unparalleled permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions focused on Post-Impressionism and related eras.

Anne Frank House

Both a shrine and a reminder of the dangers of intolerance, the 17th century canal house at Prinsengracht 263 stands as the Secret Annex where Anne Frank’s family and four others hid for two years during Nazi occupation. Transformed into a museum following the publication of Anne’s posthumous diary in 1947, guests are able to walk through the Annex’s five small rooms left intact to glimpse the living conditions and get to know Anne through curated displays of photographs, quotes and her original diary.

Aside from viewing the Annex itself, the museum recounts the events leading up to and during WWII specific to the persecution of Jews across Europe in addition to exhibiting mementos from other families and individuals forced into hiding. A visit to the Secret Annex provides intimate yet sobering insight into the human impact of war and oppression, making the importance of Anne’s life and legacy ever more resonant.

Rijksmuseum

As one of Amsterdam’s most acclaimed cultural institutions, the vast collections of the Rijksmuseum provide visitors with a world-class artistic survey spanning 800 years of Dutch history through impactful works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and countless autres maîtres across mediums.

Spanning four interconnected buildings, the museum’s 80 galleries showcase an enormous array of Golden Age masterpieces, Delft porcelain, century-old dollhouses, exotic instruments, ancient weaponry and more for a uniquely comprehensive experience. Of course, Rembrandt’s iconic The Night Watch reigns among the numerous highlights – a singular painting so renowned as to occupy it’s own specially designed chapel-like hall opposite Vermeer’s shimmering Milkmaid.

Plan on spending ample time getting happily lost amid one of the most extensive art collections found under one roof, stopping for a bite or quick browse through the gift shop when in need of a cultural break over an entire day spent.

The Journey Between Two Iconic Cities

Traveling between Paris and Amsterdam by train or rental car allows for flexibility to determine your own stops while soaking up scenic countryside vistas. Journeying by rail generally takes about 3.5 hours nonstop or around 6-7 hours when factoring in stops along the way. Opting to drive allows even more freedom to wander medieval villages, sample regional cuisine and stay connected to local culture before ultimately arriving in the vibrant capital of the Netherlands.

Either mode of transit between France and Amsterdam traverses through the magical countryside of Northern France, making various small towns viable quick stops. Both Reims and Strasbourg rank among top recommendations for their champagne production or blend of German and French influences respectively. Alternatively, several quaint villages scattered through the region proffer their own unique flair as well.

Though the nearly 200 mile journey passes through open agricultural lands, several dense forests pop up along the route, occasionally interrupting vistas of grazing sheep and distant windmills turning slowly in fluid motion. Tranquil canals may divert attention from time to time as well when golden light reflecting picturesquely upon the still waterway captures your gaze.

Ultimately when traversing the terrain between storied Paris and iconic Amsterdam, wondrous scenery pairs with fascinating histories waiting to be uncovered at every turn – both within and between two of Europe’s most enchanting capital cities linked by rich cultural heritage.

Accommodations

With two major European capitals on the itinerary, travelers can choose from an enormous range of accommodations in Paris and Amsterdam from hostels to luxury hotels.

Paris

In Paris, neighborhoods like Saint Germain des Prés or Le Marais put visitors in the heart of the action while offering both charming boutique hotels as well as household names like Hyatt and Sofitel for those seeking familiar chains. Budget-conscious travelers tend to opt for hostels or two-star hotels, which offer solid locations and amenities without breaking the bank.

Airbnbs provide apartment-style lodging throughout central arrondissements, ideal for having a small kitchenette for making breakfasts during an extended stay. Luxury avenues like the Champs-Élysées unsurprisingly house some of Paris’s most upscale hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris and over-the-top ornate Le Meurice commanding rates over $1000 per night.

Amsterdam

Given it’s more compact size, Amsterdam locates many accommodations within or just outside the famed Canal Ring. From beautifully converted 17th century buildings to modern high rises, the city offers diverse lodging options across various neighborhoods. The lively Jordaan district places visitors near to the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk while tourists can immerse themselves into local culture in upcoming De Pijp.

Several houseboat rentals and hotels like the XO Hotels Blue boat or Hotel The Exchange add a quintessential Amsterdam lodging experience. Beyond floating properties, design-focused hotels like the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel lure travelers with sleek aesthetics and scenic backdrops. For 5-star luxury, landmark properties like the iconic Hotel de l’Europe overlooking the Amstel River guarantee refined elegance inside and out.

Dining & Nightlife

The journey between Paris and Amsterdam traverses some of France’s most renowned agricultural and viticultural regions, offering no shortage of culinary delights between cities. Within Paris and Amsterdam, the options stretch far and wide across cuisines, atmospheres and budgets from grab-and-go bakeries to ornate Michelin-starred institutions.

Paris

In Paris, each neighborhood flaunts signature specialties from buttery croissants in Le Marais to cheese shops in Montmartre while Left Bank bohemian cafes retain old world charm. For fine dining, Yannick Alléno helms the kitchen at palace hotel restaurant Le 1947 while Chef Arnaud Lallement collects accolades at contemporary L’Assiette Champenoise. Visitors craving lighter bites can compile the perfect picnic hamper from Bon Marché’s La Grande Epicérie to enjoy alfresco with sights like the Eiffel Tower or Luxembourg Gardens providing iconic backdrops.

By night, Paris’s cocktail bars range from hidden gems to award winners like Little Red Door and Sherry Butt, but wine remains the preferred Parisian tipple. Wine bars like Le Garde Robe and les Caves du Louvre satisfy oenophiles amid cozy confines and outstanding vintages. Along the Seine, romantic dinner cruises also present a unique vantage point for experiencing Paris after dark upon the glimmering waterways.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam dining spans the cosmopolitan running the gamut from Dutch specialties like raw herring to Indonesian satay with New Dutch cuisine putting innovative spins on regional ingredients. The city’s eclectic bars match the diversity found in it’s plates, with crafted cocktails served behind unassuming facades across neighborhoods.

Cafés like the delightfully cluttered Café Tabac and Barkeeper offer prime people watching through floor-to-ceiling windows while cocktail institution Door 74 keeps mixology fresh behind it’s inconspicuous red doorfront in the trendy De Pijp district. For stunning skyline views with your drink, head to A Bar rooftop lounge atop the Kimpton De Witt hotel by Amsterdam’s lively Rembrandtplein. Beyond cocktails, craft breweries like Oedipus continually quench local thirsts with unique brews offered up in rotating taprooms throughout the city.

After hours, Amsterdam provides seemingly unlimited nightlife opportunities from theater and jazz to buzzing dance clubs situated along the Leidseplein. For less debauched entertainment, Comedy Cellar packs in crowds for English stand up shows most evenings for those in need of some laughs.

Activities & Excursions

Beyond world class museums and historical sites, Paris and Amsterdam offer countless cultural activities and nearby excursions to experience each destination more immersively during your visit.

Paris

Visiting performing arts venues allows for cultural appreciation beyond visual attractions with venues like L’Opéra Garnier and Royal Châtelet captivating audiences much as they did over a century ago. For more contemporary productions, the Philharmonie de Paris and MC93 Bobigny commission innovative works across artistic disciplines within spaces representing architectural and acoustic innovations.

Excursions outside the city provide easy opportunities to experience aspects of traditional French culture firsthand whether that be mountainscapes in the Alps or rustic village life in Provence and the Dordogne Valley. Multi-day tours allow travelers to check out regional highlights like charming villages along the Seine or the opulent Château de Versailles without having to coordinate all transportation and tour reservations themselves. Barge cruise excursions also capitalize upon Paris’s fluvial location, whether opting for a meal or sightseeing journey via purpose-built vessel or private rental boat voyage.

Amsterdam

The city’s numerous parks, leafy lanes and waterways encourage walking, cycling and boating excursions for leisurely days on the go. From sunrise yoga sessions in Vondelpark to night runs passing through illuminated city center streets, Amsterdam invites sweating in scenic locales.

Venturing to nearby harbor towns like Haarlem and Alkmaar private tours integrate additional local history while still easily completed during a day’s excursion. Week-long bike tours through tulip fields and fishing villages in North Holland let travelers roam the Dutch countryside in springtime or summer when expansive blooms color the landscape.

Whether enjoying an球unforgettable meal, strolling through sun drenched plazas or cycling along the historic defensive canals surrounding the city center, Amsterdam promises dynamic experiences around every corner.

Everything Else

A trip from Paris to Amsterdam links two of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities but the true magic occurs in what lies between. Detouring through countryside villages, chateau guesthouses, outdoor markets and rolling fields transports road trippers into the heart of French life for a spell. Each stopover tells it’s own story through flavors, artifacts, landscapes or languages – a patchwork of culture sewn together by open roads.

Small towns offer quaint accommodations infused with rustic charm or travelers can sleep under the stars in eco-campgrounds tucked within quiet pockets of nature. Outdoorsy types may opt to kayak, hike or bike through varied terrain while history buffs and oenophiles indulge in wine caves and Gothic cathedrals etched by the patina of time. Inspiration lies around every bend of country lanes wending through the region.

Beyond simple stimulation, the long stretches between metropolises attunes travelers to life’s slower rhythms. Conversations unfurl organically without distractions; meals linger late into the afternoon followed by lazy riverside walks through meadows blooming wild with flowers and possibilities. With less urgency, travelers awaken to beauty embodied in France’s villages, open roads, distant church spires and friendly faces that turn strangers into friends by journey’s end.

The route from Paris to Amsterdam traverses some of Europe’s most celebrated treasures but what makes the trip transformative occurs during idyllic days meandering dappled by-ways in between.

Expenses for a 7-day Paris to Amsterdam Tour:

Expense	Cost (per person)
Roundtrip flight to Paris	$800
3 nights Paris hotel	$500
Paris attractions/tours	$200
Meals in Paris	$300
Train Paris-Reims	$50
Champagne tasting in Reims	$100
Train Reims-Strasbourg	$80
1 night Strasbourg hotel	$100
Meals in Strasbourg	$75
Train Strasbourg-Amsterdam	$150
Canal boat rental	$100
3 nights Amsterdam hotel	$500
Amsterdam attractions/tours	$250
Meals in Amsterdam	$300
Total per person	$3,505

Conclusion

A Paris to Amsterdam tour establishes the travel route between two renowned European capitals while embracing the wealth of culture, history and intrigue found throughout the French and Dutch countryside. While a week only scratches the surface of these incredible destinations, this 7 day itinerary spans top highlights across both cities interwoven with quaint villages and natural beauty.

From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the Van Gogh Museum and everything in between, the journey meanders through centuries of human creative achievement. Masterpiece paintings, soaring gothic cathedrals, medieval town squares, champagne caves and peaceful canal houseboats immerse you into the spirit of both France and the Netherlands.

Travelers seeking the perfect blend of city energy and rural romanticism need look no further than this route linking Paris and Amsterdam over the course of a memorable Northern French road trip or rail journey. Whether it’s an individual, couple, group of friends or an entire family making the trip, a week winding through these European gems is sure to provide magnificent memories lasting long after your Paris to Amsterdam tour concludes.

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