7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Albi
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Description
Explore the best of France on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Pau, Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Albi, and Auch. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Tarbes, 1 night in Carcassonne, 1 night in Toulouse, and 1 night in Albi. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Pau, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Cité De Carcassonne and Albi Cathedral are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Basilica Of St. Sernin, learn more about the unique Jardin Des Plantes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Château Comtal.
As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Albi, and Auch, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.
Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!
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Day 1
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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- Parc Beaumont
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Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Pau is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Parc Beaumont, or just taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Pau. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Henri IV, a highly-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Garage, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Fin Gourmet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Snug after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Winfield Café, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Galway also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Tarbes
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Drive 70 km, 1 hour 43 min
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Basilica of St. Pius X
- funiculaire du pic du Jer
- Massey Garden
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Tarbes, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Tarbes. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
A blend of family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots await you in Pau on today’s itinerary. First up is the worthwhile church, Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes. Afterward, continue to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a church every traveler should visit.
As you explore Pau’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Basilica Of St. Pius X. This frequently visited minor basilica is an essential stop. Following that, head to Funiculaire Du Pic Du Jer, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Massey Garden, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden in the town.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Tarbes. Tarbes offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tarbes. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 3
- Tarbes
- Carcassonne
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Drive 243 km, 2 hours 39 min
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Musée de l'Ecole
- Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at the intriguing Château Comtal, a culturally significant castle in Tarbes. Next, go to Cité De Carcassonne.
After visiting Château Comtal and Cité De Carcassonne, have a stroll along Tarbes's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Musée De L'ecole. This photogenic museum offers a unique experience. Basilique Saint Nazaire is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Carcassonne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Carcassonne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Dine in style at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Rapière boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Domaine d'Auriac. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Carcassonne.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Carcassonne
- Toulouse
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Drive 95 km, 1 hour 52 min
- Jardin des Plantes
- Muséum de Toulouse
- Pont-Neuf
- Couvent des Jacobins
- Basilica of St. Sernin
- Square Charles de Gaulle
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On day 4 of your road trip in France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 1 night.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Carcassonne, including a botanical garden, a museum, a monument, a monastery, a church, a public square and much more! Start your adventure at Jardin Des Plantes. This beloved botanical garden is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Muséum De Toulouse located in Carcassonne for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Pont-neuf. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Couvent Des Jacobins. Visitors usually appreciate the historic features of this monastery. Next up is Basilica Of St. Sernin, a highly recommended church. For a change of pace, head to Square Charles De Gaulle. As one of the most increasingly popular attractions in Carcassonne, this public square is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Toulouse. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Toulouse. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Le May, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, L*Agence offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Perche Pinte is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Toulouse.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Moloko, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Botanist Pub is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 5
- Toulouse
- Albi
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Drive 76 km, 1 hour 21 min
- Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
- Berbie Palace
- Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
- Pont Vieux
- Collégiale Saint-Salvy
- Jardin National
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Albi. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Albi, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Toulouse today. One of the most locally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Albi Cathedral. This historic church will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Berbie Palace and learn what makes this UNESCO world heritage-listed palace unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the beloved Musée Toulouse-lautrec. After exploring the museum, head to Pont Vieux. This curiosity-inducing historical landmark is a highlight in Toulouse. As your day continues, stop by Collégiale Saint-salvy (albi), known for its picture-perfect features. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the underrated Jardin National. Enjoy exploring this incredible park at your own pace.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Albi. Albi offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you explore more of Albi, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Don’t miss out on dining at O'Sully'S Albi, a top-rated dining destination in Albi.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 6
- Albi
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 261 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Park Couloumé
- Musée des Jacobins
- Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Auch. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Pau, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming town of Albi. Your adventure starts at Park Couloumé, a worthwhile local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Musée Des Jacobins. This frequently visited museum is known for its romantic appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Albi's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Cathédrale Sainte-marie. This breathtaking church offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Pau, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Pau's best restaurants.
Make sure to reserve a table at Resto Dit Vin, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular restaurant in Pau. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Monkey Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 7
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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- place Clémenceau
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Day 7 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Place Clémenceau. This beloved public square is a popular place to see in the town.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. Take a break with a cup of coffee or tea while savoring the local vibe in a coffee shop.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.
You’ll then say farewell to Pau. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!
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