Image Ideas: An open road with a car driving towards the Eiffel Tower, framed by countryside views.
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower? I did, too—and let me tell you, it’s an adventure worth every mile.
No tight schedules, no rushing—just the freedom to explore at your own pace.
And did you know you can drive under the sea? The Channel Tunnel whisks you across in just 35 minutes—one of the greatest engineering feats of our time!
If you’ve got 4 to 5 days, you can enjoy seaside picnics, medieval towns, and stories you’ll be telling for years.
If you’re looking for adventure, this road trip turns the journey into the best part of your story.
Two main routes from London to Paris Tunnel
- Route (via Channel Tunnel): Quickest, approx. 7-8 hours.
- Ferry Route (via Normandy coast): Scenic, approx. 16 hours with stops.
Best time for the trip
The best time for a road trip from London to Paris is during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
Summer offers long days and lively events like Bastille Day, but it can be busy and hot. Meanwhile, winter brings festive markets but colder, wetter conditions.
Thing to know
- Documents to carry: Passport, Driving Licence, Vehicle Insurance, V5C logbook, Crit’Air sticker (for Paris).
- French Driving Laws: Drive on the right and carry a warning triangle, reflective vests, and spare bulbs.
- Toll Roads: Have some Euros or a credit card for tolls.
- Fuel Stops: Use apps like ViaMichelin or Waze to find fuel stations.
- Currency: In the UK (London & Folkestone), you’ll use Pound Sterling (£ GBP), while in France (Calais, Lille, Paris), it’s Euro (€ EUR).
(Check the current exchange rate)
Route 1: The Channel Tunnel Route (Fastest Route)
Stop 1: Channel Tunnel Terminal
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Address: Eurotunnel Terminal, Folkestone
Contact: +44 345 608 0190
Operating Hours: 24/7
Pricing: ££
Pulling into the Channel Tunnel Terminal in Folkestone, I could feel the excitement kicking in. Everything was simple—just follow the signs, roll on the train, and before I knew it, we were gliding under the sea towards France. The whole trip just took us 35 minutes.
While you wait, you can grab a coffee or shop for snacks and travel essentials at the terminal. There’s even a pet exercise area if you’re travelling with your furry friends.
Parking: Short-stay and long-stay parking is available at the terminal, with clear signage for easy access.
Stop 2: Palais des Beaux-Arts
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Address: Place Rihour, 59000 Lille, France
Contact: +33 3 20 06 78 28
Operating Hours:
- Wed-Sun, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Mon, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
Among French museums, Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the largest. It’s loaded with masterpieces from artists like Goya, Raphael, and Donatello.
When I visited, I was surrounded by incredible collections of paintings, sculptures, and ancient artefacts. There was also a mix of classic and modern art to keep things interesting.
There were some families enjoying the special exhibitions and interactive activities, so it’s a great stop for families travelling together.
Parking: Paid parking is available at the nearby Place de la République car park.
Stop 3: Grand Place
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Address: Place Rihour, 59000 Lille, France
Contact: +33 (0)3 59 57 94 00
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Pricing: FREE
Grand Place is Lille’s lively central square, always full of life and energy, surrounded by grand architecture and buzzing cafés.
Here, I was able to soak in the views of the Vieille Bourse, Lille’s historic stock exchange, and enjoy street performances or a local pastry from a nearby bakery. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and feel the city’s charm.
Parking: The Grand Place underground car park is just steps from the square.
Stop 4: Louvre-Lens art museum
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Address: 99 Rue Paul Bert, 62300 Lens, France
Contact: +33 3 21 18 62 62
Operating Hours: Wed–Mon, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
The Louvre-Lens has a modern, open feel, with its glass-and-steel design letting in plenty of natural light.
I really recommend joining a guided tour when you visit. It would have been hard to fully appreciate all the masterpieces spanning from the 4th millennium to the middle of the 19th century at the Galerie du Temps without one.
After spending time inside, the quiet gardens and cosy café make for a perfect way to unwind before heading off to the next stop.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
Stop 5: Canadian National Vimy Ridge
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Address: 55, Chem. des Canadiens, 62580 Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France
Contact: +33 3 21 50 68 68
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: FREE
The Vimy Ridge Memorial carries a heavy sense of history, standing as a powerful tribute to the Canadian soldiers who fought in WWI.
The preserved trenches and tunnels give a haunting glimpse into what life was like on the battlefield, making it easy to imagine the soldiers’ experiences.
Inside the visitor centre, the exhibits bring personal stories and historical details to life, making it an educational and moving stop.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available near the visitor centre.
Route 2: The Scenic Ferry Route via Normandy
Stop 1: Historic Dockyard
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Address: Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsea, Portsmouth
Contact: 023 9283 9766
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard contains maritime treasures, and it’s easy to lose track of time exploring everything.
Famous ships are docked there, each with a story, and the museum makes Britain’s naval past feel real. Action Stations has also climbing walls and simulators that keep kids entertained.
There are also cafés, shops, and plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Parking: Paid parking is available at the Historic Dockyard Car Park.
Stop 2: HMS Victory
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Address: Main Rd, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
Contact: 023 9283 9766
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Pricing: ££
The HMS Victory is a true icon of British naval history. As the world’s oldest commissioned warship, it’s incredible to stand on the same decks where Admiral Nelson fought during the Battle of Trafalgar.
The cannons line the ship, the living quarters are unbelievably small, and there’s even a spot marking where Nelson fell.
The audio tour brings the ship’s thrilling stories, making it easier to picture what life was really like on board.
Parking: Use the Historic Dockyard Car Park, which is just a short stroll from the entrance.
Stop 3: National Maritime Museum
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Address: Romney Rd, London
Contact: 020 8858 4422
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: General entry is free; special exhibitions cost around £15 per adult.
The National Maritime Museum has so much to see, as this is the world’s largest museum of its kind, packed with treasures from Britain’s naval history.
Explore free galleries that take you from Arctic expeditions to Pacific islands.
Kids will love The Cove playground and hands-on exhibits, while adults can enjoy special exhibitions like Pirates and Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
After wandering through the exhibits, I found the Parkside Café to be a great spot to sit down and take in the view of Greenwich Park.
Parking: Paid parking is available near Park Row Car Park.
Stop 4: Alabaster Coast Charm
Address: Quai Henri IV, 76200 Dieppe, France
Contact: +33 2 35 06 62 79
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: FREE
The Alabaster Coast (Côte d’Albâtre) has a raw, natural beauty that stays with you. It is known for its stunning white chalk cliffs. It offers breathtaking views and charming seaside towns.
You can wander through the old port where fishing boats come and go, and the smell of fresh seafood drifts through the harbour.
The pebble beach is also a nice spot for a quiet walk, while the GR21 trail along the cliffs makes for a hike.
Parking: Free and paid parking spots are available near the beach and the port.
Stop 5: Château de Dieppe
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Address: Rue de Chastes, Bd de la Mer, 76200 Dieppe, France
Contact: +33 2 35 06 61 99
Operating Hours: Wed-Sun, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: €
The Château de Dieppe is a medieval fortress that offers stunning views over the sea and the town.
Inside, you’ll find a fascinating museum filled with ship models, navigation tools, and artwork from the 16th to 20th centuries.
The ivory collection is especially impressive, with intricate carvings with incredible craftsmanship. It’s the largest collection in Europe, and it’s hard not to be amazed by the detail.
Walking around the castle grounds is just as enjoyable, with quiet spots to take in the scenery and imagine the history behind the old stone walls.
Parking: Free and paid parking spots are available nearby.
Final Destination: Paris – The City of Lights
Stop 1: Eiffel Tower
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Address: Av. Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, France
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: €€
The Eiffel Tower feels even more impressive in person, towering over the city with views for miles.
The lift ride-up is quick, but the climb offers a chance to take it all in at a slower pace. From the observation decks, you’ll see the Seine, Trocadéro Gardens, and beyond.
Enjoy a meal at Madame Brasserie on the first floor, or treat yourself to fine dining at Le Jules Verne on the second floor.
Don’t miss the magical evening light show!
Parking: Paid parking is available at the nearby Pullman Hotel and Quai Branly car parks.
Stop 2: Louvre Museum
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Address: 75001 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 40 20 53 17
Operating Hours: Wed-Mon, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
The Louvre Museum feels endless, with masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo among countless treasures. Its vast galleries hold everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
The glass pyramid at the entrance stands out against the historic architecture, making it a must for photos.
With so much to take in, a guided tour or audio guide makes it easier to navigate and catch the details you might otherwise miss.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Carrousel du Louvre beneath the museum.
Stop 3: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
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Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 53 41 89 00
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: FREE
The Montmartre has a character that feels different from the rest of Paris. The cobbled streets wind past artists’ stalls and cosy cafés. At the top of the hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands tall, offering sweeping views of the city—completely free to visit.
Place du Tertre is always lively, with painters at work and visitors stopping to watch.
Sitting on the basilica steps as the sun sets over Paris is a moment that stays with you.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Parking Saint-Pierre near Montmartre.
Where to stay in Paris
Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée
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Address: 295 Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 76 21 06 70
Pricing: €
Motel One Paris is a budget-friendly hotel with modern rooms, a cosy design, and a quiet garden terrace.
It’s located near Bois de Vincennes and has easy metro access to central Paris.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
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Address: 18 Avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 44 38 56 00
Pricing: €€€
Pullman Paris is a luxury hotel right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, offering stunning views from many rooms.
Guests can enjoy elegant dining at Frame Brasserie and a fitness centre with a view.
