11-Day France Road Trip from Montpellier traveling east to Marseille, Monaco, Nimes, Grenoble, Lyon, and Valence

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Montpellier, and La Grande-Motte, 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 Marseille. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. Previous visitors have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,446 reviews.

Fabre museum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,372 reviews. The attraction welcomes 253,041 visitors every year.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Planet Ocean World. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 8,786 reviews.

The attraction gets an estimated 253,041 visitors every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Montpellier and set your GPS to La Grande-Motte. 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 20 min. Upon reaching La Grande-Motte, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Sunset Beach. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in La Grande-Motte, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,416 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Marseille, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Marseille by securing a reservation at Saisons. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Le Petit Nice, celebrated for its delectable seafood 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 AM par Alexandre Mazzia, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Le Traquenard is an excellent place to start. You could also check out La dame du mont, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Polikarpov. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in France. With 1 night left in Marseille, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arles. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Take the opportunity to see Arles Amphitheatre. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,060 visitors.

Musée départemental de l'Arles antique is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This archaeological museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,817 travelers. Up to 70,230 people visit Musée départemental de l'Arles antique every year.

Upon your arrival in Les Baux-de-Provence, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Château des Baux-de-Provence. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,346 visitors.

When you’re finished at Château des Baux-de-Provence, head to Carrières des Lumières. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 22,791 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Marseille, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arles. Your travel time is around 1 hour 10 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Alpilles Natural Regional Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,184 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Marseille.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at AM par Alexandre Mazzia, a top-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Une Table au Sud, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Coogee. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Au Petit Nice, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bar Marengo offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Marseille. L'unic Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Marseille. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Monaco, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This much-appreciated museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,446 reviews.

Next up is Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). This church building has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 36,436 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Palais Longchamp. This water tower has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,768 reviews.

Calanques National Park is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 reviews.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Monaco. 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.

Savor the flavors at Steak 'n Shake Monaco, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Bionda beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider La Tavernetta. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Monaco tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Blue Gin, known for its inviting atmosphere.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Monaco, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Nice’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Monaco behind. This drive usually takes around 12 min. Nice welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Le Jardin Exotique. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,313 reviews.

Next up is place Masséna. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,132 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Albert I Garden. This urban park has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,739 reviews.

Castle Hill is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,646 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nice, France. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mercantour National Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,215 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Monaco and your accommodation.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Casa del Caffe, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Maya Jah offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Sensais. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Monaco.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Monaco, and Aix-en-Provence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Nimes. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Journey into the unknown at Prince's Palace of Monaco, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable palace has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,029 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Musée océanographique de Monaco is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 27,908 reviews. Based on recent data, the attraction hosts 675,000 visitors per year.

Another must-see attraction in Monaco is Monte Carlo Casino. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,526 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Monaco offers an experience you will remember.

Aix-en-Provence’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Monaco behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 8 min. Aix-en-Provence welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Fontaine de la Rotonde. This extraordinary fountain has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,851 visitors.

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Nimes by securing a reservation at Duende. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Michel Kayser - Restaurant Alexandre, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Rouge, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La bonne mousse, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to O’Flaherty’s. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at News Café, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Avignon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Grenoble, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Jardin de La Fontaine, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,878 reviews.

Set your GPS to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard beckons with new experiences!

Take the opportunity to see Pont du Gard. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Grenoble, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Grenoble by booking a table at Tohu Bohu, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Maison Aribert, renowned for its delectable creative, and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Le Fantin Latour - Stéphane Froidevaux, a local gem known for its delightful creative cuisine in Grenoble. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Le Groove after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Brasserie La Natation for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Pub Shakesbeer is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

On day 8 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 Grenoble. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lyon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Parc Paul Mistral. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 4,848 visitors.

Next, make your way to Fort de La Bastille. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,303 reviews.

While in Grenoble, we also recommend a visit to Jardin des Dauphins. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,062 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Musée de Grenoble. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,100 travelers, this museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Grenoble.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lyon, 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 Lyon's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Lyon by reserving a table at Le Neuvième Art. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative, and modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Mère Brazier, renowned for its delectable classic dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Takao Takano, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lyon.

Keep the evening going at L' Antiquaire, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Black Forest Society, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The James Joyce Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Vaulx-en-velin, 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 Valence. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Place Bellecour, a remarkable square where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,228 travelers.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is another must-visit attraction. This renowned minor basilica offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Lyon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. Your travel time is around 22 min.

Drop by the renowned parc de la Tête d'Or. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

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 Valence. Valence 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 Valence, 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Flaveurs, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pic is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in Valence. This 3-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at La Cachette. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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.