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, you’ll start and end your day in Pau, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Pau and Bizanos.

Musée Des Beaux-arts De Pau is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This heritage-rich museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is Parc Beaumont, another must-visit landmark and locally appreciated park renowned for its romantic features.

Pau’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bizanos behind. This drive usually takes around 5 min. Pau welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bizanos is Kofu Japanese Garden, a locally appreciated botanical garden that draws attention for its romantic features.

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

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.

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.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous 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.

After soaking in Pau’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bordeaux. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 15 min. When you arrive in Bordeaux, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bordeaux is The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a locally appreciated historical landmark that draws attention for its breathtaking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Musée D'aquitaine Tram Stop, a history-steeped museum 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 Tour Pey-berland, a locally appreciated monument that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Bordeaux Cathedral, a nearby church, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Porte Dijeaux, a symbolic monument and the perfect final attraction in Bordeaux.

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.

Bordeaux is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Cent 33, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'Originel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Clemenceau as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Café Brun, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Le Mushroom Café offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Whose Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 1 night.

Make a stop at Musée Du Vin Et Du Négoce De Bordeaux. This intriguing museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Jardin Public located in Bordeaux for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Monument Aux Girondins. Its breathtaking features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Place De La Bourse. Visitors usually appreciate the history-steeped features of this public square. Next up is Miroir D'eau, a highly recommended art installation. For a change of pace, head to Porte Cailhau. As one of the most often recommended attractions in Bordeaux, this monument is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

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.

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.

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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Grizzly Pub, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Dog And Duck likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including La Rochelle. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in La Rochelle, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, La Rochelle. This car ride takes around 1 hour 56 min.

Musée Maritime De La Rochelle is a worthwhile maritime museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour to Grosse Horloge, a picture-perfect monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle, a romantic park.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at La Côte Rôtie, a top-rated dining destination in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Boussole, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Les hédonistes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in La Rochelle this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Mac Ewan's Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Cadre is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Le Plan B also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Head back to your accommodation in La Rochelle and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in France.

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Nantes. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nantes, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nantes. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes, a locally renowned art installation that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Botanical Garden, where you can soak in the mesmerizing surroundings.

Next, explore Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, yet another locally renowned place to see in the area.

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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Gigg's Irish Pub, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Parallèle. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Nantes tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Le Chat Noir. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Greet day 8 of your road trip in France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Tours, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Blois and Amboise.

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

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

Set your GPS to Amboise and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 36 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Amboise beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Château D'amboise, a captivating château that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Chapel Of Saint-hubert, where you can soak in the grand surroundings.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Originals Relais, Château de Beaulieu et Magnolia Spa, a top-rated dining destination in Tours. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Au Café d' en face, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at L'Escapade. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Tours this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Café Bar Jazz Le Strapontin, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Le P Tit Soleil, a bar catering to every mood and preference. La Belle Époque likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Limoges. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Limoges, where will spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Limoges may take around 2 hours 46 min. Upon your arrival in Limoges, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Aquarium Du Limousin, a worthwhile aquarium that everyone visiting Limoges should see. Next, head to Jardin Botanique De L'evêché. This serene botanical garden is one of the most curiosity-inducing attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Limoges Cathedral, a majestic church popular among locals as well as travelers.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal 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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Chez Bernard, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day 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.

Set your GPS to Brive-la-gaillarde and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Brive-la-gaillarde beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Labenche Museum Of Art And History. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Collégiale Saint-martin De Brive-la-gaillarde. This increasingly popular church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Musée Edmont Michelet. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at m Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Maynats offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Café du Passage is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pau.

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