11-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling south to Clermont-Ferrand, Perigueux, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier, and Marseille

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 - Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Clermont-Ferrand. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Lyon, including a church and a museum. Start your day at Lyon Cathedral. This visually striking church is a locally renowned place to see in Lyon. Then, wander over to Musée Miniature Et Cinéma. If picture-perfect sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This inviting church is a favorite among visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caluire-et-Cuire. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Make your way to Parc De La Tête D'or, a top-rated park that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Comptoir Des Saveurs, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Five Guys Clermont-Ferrand offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Le 62, Bib Gourmand Michelin, terrasse ombragée is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Clermont-Ferrand.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Les Berthom, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le Bar Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Viking Pub Counter provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Bordeaux and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with an enchanting, a photogenic, a standout, a grand, a noteworthy, a romantic, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. Start at the increasingly popular Monument Aux Girondins, a culturally significant monument in Bordeaux. Next, go to Place De La Bourse.

After visiting Monument Aux Girondins and Place De La Bourse, take time to explore Bordeaux's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Miroir D'eau. This noteworthy art installation offers a unique experience.

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 Toulouse may take around 2 hours 28 min. Upon your arrival in Toulouse, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Jardin Des Plantes and explore the majestic features. Next, make your way to Basilica Of St. Sernin, another highlight in the city.

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

Dine in style at Restaurant Le May, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L*Agence boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Perche Pinte. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Toulouse.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Moloko is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Botanist Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Melting Pot Pub. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Montauban and Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Carcassonne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Montauban. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Place Nationale, an intriguing public square that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Montauban and set your GPS to Carcassonne. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 33 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Porte De L'aude. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This worthwhile church is a traveler-favorite in the town. Not far away, you’ll also find Cité De Carcassonne. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle. Next, continue your journey to Château Comtal, an often recommended castle.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Carcassonne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard and Nimes. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Montpellier. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 20 min. Upon reaching La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pont Du Gard Museum. Spend some time admiring the UNESCO world heritage-listed features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Pont Du Gard. This popular monument is a traveler-favorite in the hamlet.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nimes. This drive usually takes around 41 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Jardin De La Fontaine, a well-known park that everyone visiting Nimes should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le Palavasien, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Les Enfants Rouges offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Tord Boyaux. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Montpellier.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Triskell Montpellier, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Kraken Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Le Rebuffy also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Day 9 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Marseille. You have 1 night left in Marseille. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Begin your adventure at Calanques National Park. This is an interesting national park you should not miss. Another must-see is Parc Borély, a well-known park in Marseille.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Palais Longchamp. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, another of the city’s captivating attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with an inviting church. Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) is a truly remarkable place to visit in Marseille.

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 Marseille. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Bistro Du Panier, a top-rated dining spot in Marseille. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Marseille.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Au Petit Nice, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Marengo provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, L'unic Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Avignon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lyon, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Avignon and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Avignon beckons with new experiences!

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), a locally renowned historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Palais Des Papes, where you can soak in the culturally significant surroundings. Next, explore Jardin Des Doms, yet another frequently visited 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 Lyon. Lyon 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.

As you explore more of Lyon, 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 Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bernachon Chocolats, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Mère Léa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The James Joyce Pub, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Broc'bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out La Passagère. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!