11-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux to Poitiers, Blois, Paris, Le Mans, and La Rochelle

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux and Lormont. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Poitiers. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bordeaux, including a church, a public square, and an art installation. Start your day at Bordeaux Cathedral. This romantic church is a well-known place to see in Bordeaux. Then, wander over to Place De La Bourse. If history-steeped sites excite you, this public square will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Miroir D'eau. This visually striking art installation is a favorite among visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bordeaux, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lormont may take around 9 min. Upon your arrival in Lormont, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

La Cité Du Vin is an interesting museum we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Poitiers. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Poitiers. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Poitiers by booking a table at La Chênaie, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional traditional menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel Ibis site du Futuroscope, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Le Zinc after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Café Des Arts, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Le Bar Des Papas also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Say good night to Poitiers and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

On day 3 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 Tours. In the evening, you’ll end up in Blois, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tours, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Poitiers to Tours may take around 1 hour 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Tours, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Château De Villandry, a captivating castle that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Prébendes D'oé Garden, where you can soak in the romantic surroundings. Next, explore Vieux Tours, yet another underrated place to see in the area. After the street, make time to go to Tours Cathedral. This history-steeped church is well worthwhile the visit. Lastly, head to Musée Des Beaux-arts De Tours, an increasingly popular museum you won’t want to miss.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Blois, 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 Blois. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Blois by reserving a table at Christophe Hay - Fleur de Loire. Renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and creative menu.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Fontainebleau and Versailles. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Fontainebleau today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

After soaking in Blois’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Fontainebleau. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 50 min. When you arrive in Fontainebleau, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Palace Of Fontainebleau. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Versailles, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Fontainebleau to Versailles may take around 58 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Versailles, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Gardens Of Versailles, an interesting botanical garden that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Palace Of Versailles, where you can soak in the UNESCO world heritage-designated surroundings. Next, explore Grand Trianon, yet another intriguing place to see in the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Paris. Paris offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Paris's best restaurants.

Begin your culinary exploration in Paris by securing a reservation at Kei. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Le Pré Catelan, celebrated for its delectable creative and contemporary menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Épicure, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Café De Paris V stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Dirty Dick offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Little Red Door is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Paris by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Set aside time today to explore Champs-Élysées, a standout street that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at La Villette. This extraordinary park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Arc De Triomphe, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Eiffel Tower, one of the most world-famous places to see in Paris. This monument is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Champ De Mars. Wander around and soak in the visually striking atmosphere this park offers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Paris. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a highly-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Sens Unique, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Caveau de l'isle. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Prescription Cocktail Club stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Boucan offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Mamie Paris is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Don’t miss Le Marais in Paris today, a must-see neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time exploring its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

Get ready for an exciting day in Paris. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a public square, a park, and a museum. Begin your adventure at Place De La Concorde. This is an astonishing public square you should not miss. Another must-see is Tuileries Garden, a spectacular park in Paris.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Musée D'orsay. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Louvre Museum, another of the city’s world-famous attractions.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Paris. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Harp Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Bistro des Augustins offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Petit Châtelet. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Paris.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Sherry Butt, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Highlander offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Le Sully provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Angers, 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 La Rochelle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Angers’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Le Mans behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Angers welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make your way to Balzac Park, a frequently visited park that draws attention for its enchanting features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Château D'angers, a history-steeped castle that stands out in the city. Next, visit Angers Cathedral, an underrated church that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Galerie David D'angers, a nearby art gallery, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to La Rochelle, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in La Rochelle. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Discover the culinary delights of La Rochelle by securing a reservation at L'Hysope. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative and modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Christopher Coutanceau, renowned for its delicious seafood and modern dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Mac Ewan's Pub. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Le Cadre, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Le Plan B provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 10 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rochefort. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bordeaux. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rochefort. This car ride takes around 36 min.

Begin your journey at Place Colbert and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Musée Des Commerces D'autrefois, another highlight in the town. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Association Hermione La Fayette, a picture-perfect historic ship.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a memorable dining experience in Bordeaux by booking a table at Ressources, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Bordeaux, Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern cuisine in Bordeaux. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Grizzly Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Dog And Duck provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.