A 5-day adventure road trip from Berlin area to Paris via Harz, Rhine, and Champagne
Route overview
19 stops2,000 km~24h 21m driving
Estimated cost
€1,505estimated total
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Start
Südostallee, Berlin
Drive 200 km on A2/A14 (~2.5 h) from Berlin area
1
Wernigerode Castle
11:00–13:302h 30m here€30
Hilltop castle with views; great for photos
Book tickets on arrival; stroller-friendly paths vary
Drive 25 km to Ilsetal trailhead (~0.5 h)
2
Wernigerode
Regional Harz dishes with kid-friendly options
Ask for half portions; carry water for the afternoon
Drive 10 km back to Wernigerode (~0.25 h)
3
Ilse valley
Easy riverside hike with shaded sections
Choose a 3–5 km out-and-back for kids
4
Harzer Kultur- & Kongresshotel Wernigerode
Comfortable base near old town for families
Request family room and on-site parking
Drive 150 km to Kassel (~2 h)
5
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
10:30–13:002h 30m here€20
UNESCO park with palace views and trails
Do the upper viewpoints; keep time for kids' breaks
Drive 210 km to Koblenz (~2.5 h)
6
Mistral
Quick local meal and simple fast options
Good stop to refuel before the Rhine leg
Drive 5 km to hotel (~0.2 h)
7
Seilbahn Koblenz - Talstation
River confluence viewpoint and fortress vistas
Cable car is weather-dependent; bring light layers
8
Hotel Morjan
Central stay near promenades and old town
Pre-book parking; ask for quiet family room
Drive 220 km to Strasbourg (~2.5 h)
9
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg
11:00–13:302h 30m here€10
Gothic landmark and canals for photography
Climb only if kids are up for stairs; keep valuables secure
Drive 35 km to Mont Sainte-Odile (~0.75 h)
10
Winstub le Clou
Local Alsace flavors; kid-friendly plates
Reserve if possible; request a high chair early
Drive 35 km to hotel (~0.75 h)
11
Point de vue Rocher Oberkirch
Short scenic walk with wide views
Wear grippy shoes; keep kids close near edges
12
Au Merlenchanteur
Easy access stay with parking
Confirm A/C and parking height for SUV
Drive 165 km to Metz (~1.8 h)
13
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz
10:20–12:502h 30m here€10
Stained glass, river views, historic streets
Great shaded stroll; pick a short loop for kids
Drive 210 km to Reims (~2.3 h)
14
Quick Metz Borny
Fast and local options near the center
Plan a restroom break before the next drive
Drive 3 km to hotel (~0.25 h)
15
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
16:20–18:502h 30m here€20
Iconic Gothic cathedral and photo spots
Evening light is great for photos; keep kids hydrated
16
Sérénaé Val de Vesle
Comfortable stopover with easy parking
Choose parking included; request quiet room
Drive 250 km to Étretat (~2.8 h)
17
Falaise d'Aval
Coastal cliffs and beach; classic Normandy views
Watch tides; keep distance from cliff edges
Drive 210 km to Paris (~2.5 h)
18
Oyster Club
Local coastal flavors and simple fast options
Ask about allergens; pack snacks for the Paris drive
19
Place du Trocadero
Best classic Paris photo angles and architecture
Use metro/walk after parking; watch for pickpockets
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Keep hikes short and flexible for kids
- 2Park once in cities and use walking/metro
- 3Carry coins/cards for parking meters and tolls
- 4Aim to arrive at attractions before peak crowds
Good to know
- 1Secure valuables in tourist areas
- 2Check coastal tide times at Étretat
- 3Do not leave items visible in the SUV
- 4Allow extra time for urban traffic near Paris
Plan your own road trip in seconds
Tell the AI where you're headed — get a real day-by-day route with genuine stops, photos, costs and live guidance.