11-Day France Road Trip from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Pau, Bayonne, and Poitiers and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of La Rochelle. You’ll stay in La Rochelle for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

La Rochelle has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Grosse Horloge. This attraction is a city gate and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 441 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of La Rochelle, Christopher Coutanceau. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,006 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of La Rochelle is LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 978 customers.

Locals recommend Iséo as one of the best restaurants in the city of La Rochelle. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,577 customers.

La Rochelle also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of La Rochelle is Le Bistrot de Mémé. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,522 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of La Rochelle is The Famous Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,154 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Children of Rock. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,254 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 11-day vacation in France!

Rise and shine on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in La Rochelle and embark on a scenic drive to Bordeaux, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in La Rochelle before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as La Rochelle. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Charruyer Park of La Rochelle. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,404 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Plage de la Concurrence. This attraction, a beloved top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 536 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in La Rochelle is the stunning parc animalier. This zoo and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,443 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans). This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,090 customers.

Locals also recommend suzzi, another of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. Suzzi is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 852 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Symbiose. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 896 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit The Connemara to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Molly Malone's. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Molly Malone's has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Le Bar à Vin is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Lourdes. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Pau. You’ll stay in Pau for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Lourdes’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Lourdes, start your day with a visit to the amazing Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. This much-appreciated shrine to the virgin mary and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,217 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This church and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,163 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Lourdes has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Pau. Pau offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurant Le Canard Royal. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 633 reviews.

The remarkable L'Opéra is another top restaurant in Pau we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Le Berry is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,274 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Pau, the fantastic Le Garage. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,953 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Galway. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Au Fût et à mesure. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 585 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Pau, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Pau.

Today you'll explore the city of Lourdes. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is funiculaire du pic du Jer. This incredible attraction is a funicular and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,493 visitors.

Animal Park of the Pyrenees is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Lourdes. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,169 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Lourdes is Station de Ski Cauterets-Le Lys. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,527 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Pont d'Espagne. This protected area and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,075 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Pau.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Pau, like Restaurant Cotes & Mer. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

Le Henri IV is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Pau. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 751 customers.

Locals enjoy Gueuleton - Pau, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Pau. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 696 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Pau, Snug. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 306 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Winfield Café. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 791 customers.

L'Imparfait is another of the best bars in the city of Pau. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 152 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Pau and embark on a scenic drive to Bayonne, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Pau before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Pau. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Le Cachot. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 489 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen. This attraction, a beloved museum, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,888 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Pau is the stunning Maison Paternelle de Sainte-Bernadette. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,481 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated minor basilica in Pau. The popular Basilica of St. Pius X is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,690 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like JANINE. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 707 customers.

Locals also recommend Au p'ti bistro, another of the best restaurants in Bayonne. Au p'ti bistro is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,677 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Le Victor Hugo. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,639 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Restaurant La Grange to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bayonne, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 915 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Brasserie BASA. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Brasserie BASA has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 559 customers.

Kubata & Kukubat is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 351 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bayonne, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Bayonne.

Today you'll explore the city of Bayonne. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Bayonne Cathedral. This incredible attraction is a catholic cathedral and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,743 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Bayonne.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Bayonne, like Bajadita. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,103 customers.

Le Bistrot Itsaski is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Bayonne. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 957 customers.

Locals enjoy Katie Daly's Irish Pub, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Bayonne. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 677 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Bayonne, Bakera. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 327 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Bar Basque. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 294 customers.

La Karafe is another of the best bars in the city of Bayonne. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 271 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

Day 7 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bordeaux and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Poitiers. You will stay in Poitiers for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bordeaux is the amazing miroir d'eau. This attraction is a reflecting pool that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible square, place de la Bourse. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bordeaux is the outstanding Monument aux Girondins. This popular column and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bordeaux by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Poitiers, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Oh le Bistro, one of the best restaurants in the city of Poitiers. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,996 customers.

Locals also recommend Le Palais de la Bière as one of the best restaurants in the city of Poitiers. Le Palais de la Bière is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,034 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Poitiers is Manhattan Café. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 999 customers.

After dinner, visit Les Archives, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Poitiers. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,998 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like 3 Brasseurs Poitiers. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,658 customers.

Alternatively, Cave et Restaurant Le Bateau Ivre is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Poitiers. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,485 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Poitiers and embark on a scenic drive to Paris, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Poitiers before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Poitiers. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Eiffel Tower. This attraction is a lattice tower that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 322,389 visitors. Over 6,207,303 people visit Eiffel Tower annually.

You could also stop at the incredible Champ de Mars. This attraction, a beloved urban park, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 172,488 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Poitiers is the stunning Arc de Triomphe. This triumphal arch and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 visitors. Approximately 2,743,823 travelers come to Poitiers every year to see this fascinating attraction.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated garden in Poitiers. The popular Tuileries Garden is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 92,172 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Guy Savoy. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,143 customers.

Locals also recommend Le Bistrot Du Perigord, another of the best restaurants in Paris. Le Bistrot Du Perigord is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Kitchen Galerie Bis. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 512 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit La Coupole to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Paris, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,580 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Le Train Bleu. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Le Train Bleu has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,110 customers.

Le Fumoir is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,606 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 9 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Paris. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Angers. You’ll stay in Angers for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Paris’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Paris, start your day with a visit to the amazing Louvre Museum. This much-appreciated art museum and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260,788 visitors. Each year, around 2,825,000 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Sacré-Cœur. This church building and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,527 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, the incredible Sacré-Cœur welcomes 11,000,000 visitors annually.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular place de la Concorde to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular place de la Concorde is a square that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 54,229 visitors.

The lovely Jardin du Luxembourg is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 94,043 visitors have left this urban park average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Paris has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Angers. Angers offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Bistrot des Ducs. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,756 reviews.

The remarkable Crêperie du Château is another top restaurant in Angers we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 558 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous NACHOS is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,265 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Angers, the fantastic La Reserve. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,483 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Mamie Fada. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,549 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Le Héron carré. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,625 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Angers and embark on a scenic drive to La Rochelle, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Angers before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Angers. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Île de Versailles (Nantes). This attraction is a river island that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,112 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Botanical Garden. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,694 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Angers is the stunning Château des ducs de Bretagne. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,724 visitors. Approximately 167,867 travelers come to Angers every year to see this fascinating attraction.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated art project in Angers. The popular Machines of the Isle of Nantes is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,332 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like La Boussole. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,452 customers.

Locals also recommend Amorino Gelato - La Rochelle, another of the best restaurants in La Rochelle. Amorino Gelato - La Rochelle is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 796 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Le Café du Nord. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 722 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Café Corniche to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in La Rochelle, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,167 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Jolly Sailor. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Jolly Sailor has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 903 customers.

Mac Ewan's Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 622 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 11 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of La Rochelle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Parc Alcide d'Orbigny is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in La Rochelle. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 430 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of La Rochelle and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in France.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of La Rochelle at Les P’tits Loups before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 433 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Palem Café for your last chance at a meal in the city of La Rochelle. The Palem Café restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 449 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Le Chat’Ren’Thé - CatCoffee & Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 632 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to La Rochelle. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in France!