11-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Nantes, Tours, and Limoges

On day 2 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Pau, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Pau, there’s no need to rush. Experience Pau and Bizanos to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Start your day at Musée Des Beaux-arts De Pau. This historic museum is an often recommended place to see in Pau. Then, wander over to Parc Beaumont. If stunning sites excite you, this park will be right up your alley.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bizanos and set your GPS to Pau. 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 5 min. Upon reaching Pau, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Kofu Japanese Garden, an intriguing botanical garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Bordeaux. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bordeaux, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Set your GPS to Bordeaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 15 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bordeaux beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, an underrated historical landmark known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Musée D'aquitaine Tram Stop, an intriguing museum.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Tour Pey-berland and uncover the details of this breathtaking monument. Make sure to also explore Bordeaux Cathedral, a well-known church. For your last stop, consider Porte Dijeaux, a symbolic monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Cent 33, an iconic dining spot in Bordeaux. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of L'Originel, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Clemenceau, a hidden gem nestled in Bordeaux. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Pau. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Catch Musée Du Vin Et Du Négoce De Bordeaux before the crowds roll in. This standout museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the romantic features of Jardin Public, a must-visit park in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Monument Aux Girondins, an up-and-coming monument. For a change of scene, check out Place De La Bourse, known for its history-steeped features. We also recommend visiting Miroir D'eau. This art installation is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest. Lastly, end your day with a visit to Porte Cailhau, yet another intriguing attraction in Bordeaux.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in France. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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 Bordeaux, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at L'Oiseau Bleu, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Soléna? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Hôtel De Sèze as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.

Continue your lively evening at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Grizzly Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Dog And Duck ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are La Rochelle. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in La Rochelle, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking in Bordeaux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: La Rochelle. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive in La Rochelle, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Musée Maritime De La Rochelle, a frequently visited maritime museum in La Rochelle. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Grosse Horloge. This locally appreciated monument is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most serene park in the region.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in La Rochelle. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Côte Rôtie, a top-rated dining spot in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Boussole, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Les hédonistes. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in La Rochelle.

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 6 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Nantes are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nantes, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Rochelle, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nantes. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 50 min.

Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes is a captivating art installation we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour to Botanical Garden, an awe-inspiring botanical garden that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, a historic castle.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nantes. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Nantes's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gigg's Irish Pub, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Parallèle as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Nantes.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Le Chat Noir after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 8 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Tours, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Blois and Amboise.

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

Savor the day by heading to Château De Blois, a well-known castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Amboise, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Blois to Amboise may take around 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Amboise, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Château D'amboise, a popular château in Amboise. This beloved church is a top recommendation in the area.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Originals Relais, Château de Beaulieu et Magnolia Spa, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Au Café d' en face offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss L'Escapade. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Tours.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Café Bar Jazz Le Strapontin, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le P Tit Soleil is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, La Belle Époque provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

Your itinerary for day 9 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Limoges. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Limoges, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Limoges, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Tours to Limoges may take around 2 hours 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Limoges, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Limoges is Aquarium Du Limousin, a worthwhile aquarium that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Jardin Botanique De L'evêché, an eye-catching botanical garden that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Limoges Cathedral, an increasingly popular church that offers a unique experience.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Limoges, 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 Limoges's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Le Paris, a top-rated dining destination in Limoges. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Pont Saint Etienne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Geyracois. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Limoges this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Chez Bernard, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

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

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Brive-la-gaillarde. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Pau, where you'll spend 1 night.

Brive-la-gaillarde’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Limoges behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Brive-la-gaillarde welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Labenche Museum Of Art And History, a locally appreciated museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Collégiale Saint-martin De Brive-la-gaillarde and admire its respected features.

When you’re ready, continue to Musée Edmont Michelet, a curiosity-inducing museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Pau. Check in and relax before you head out to tour 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.

Savor the flavors at m Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Maynats beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Café du Passage. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Pau tonight.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!