12-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux traveling north to Poitiers, Blois, Paris, Caen, Nantes, and La Rochelle

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Photo of Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, France.
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Explore the best of France on a remarkable 12-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Poitiers, Amboise, Blois, Paris, Versailles, Caen, Cormelles-le-Royal, Avranches, Nantes, Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu, La Rochelle, and Arcachon.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in France. You will spend 2 nights in Bordeaux, 1 night in Poitiers, 1 night in Blois, 4 nights in Paris, 1 night in Caen, 1 night in Nantes, and 1 night in La Rochelle. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bordeaux, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Poitiers, Amboise, Blois, Paris, Versailles, Caen, Cormelles-le-Royal, Avranches, Nantes, Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu, La Rochelle, and Arcachon, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Bordeaux - Arrival day
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  • Porte Dijeaux
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Bordeaux and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Bordeaux, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Bordeaux is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bordeaux. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Bordeaux
  • Poitiers
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Drive 256 km, 3 hours 7 min

  • Monument aux Girondins
  • miroir d'eau
  • place de la Bourse
  • parc bordelais
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Bordeaux and Le Bouscat. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Poitiers, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Poitiers
  • Blois
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Drive 179 km, 2 hours 42 min

  • Château de Chenonceau
  • Château d'Amboise
  • Château du Clos Lucé
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Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Amboise. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Blois, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

Blois 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 Blois.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Blois
  • Paris
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Drive 240 km, 3 hours 29 min

  • Château de Blois
  • Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
  • Château de Cheverny
  • Château de Chambord
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Blois. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Paris, where you’ll be staying for 4 nights.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Paris, 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 Paris. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Paris
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Drive 18 km, 1 hour 13 min

  • Sacré-Cœur
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Champ de Mars
  • Montmartre
  • More

You have 3 nights left in Paris. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Set aside time today to explore Montmartre, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

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.

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

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Paris
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Drive 6 km, 55 min

  • Louvre Museum
  • Musée d'Orsay
  • Tuileries Garden
  • place de la Concorde
  • Champs-Élysées
  • More

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Paris for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Champs-Élysées. Allow yourself some time to explore this street and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in France.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Paris
  • More

Drive 7 km, 50 min

  • The Centre Pompidou
  • Panthéon
  • Jardin des plantes
  • Le Marais
  • Rue Mouffetard
  • More

You’ll stay in Paris for 1 night.

A visit to Le Marais is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

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 Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Paris
  • Caen
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Drive 254 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • Notre-Dame de Paris
  • Sainte Chapelle
  • Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Palace of Versailles
  • More

On day 8 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Paris and Versailles are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Caen, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Caen. 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 Caen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Caen
  • Nantes
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Drive 307 km, 3 hours 50 min

  • Caen Castle
  • Parc Claude-Decaen
  • Mémorial de Caen
  • Scriptorial
  • More

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 3 places, which are Caen, Cormelles-le-Royal, and Avranches. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Nantes, where will spend 1 night.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Nantes
  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 157 km, 2 hours 38 min

  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Botanical Garden
  • Machines of the Isle of Nantes
  • Maison de la Rivière
  • More

Dive into day 10 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Nantes and Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in La Rochelle, where you'll spend 1 night.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in La Rochelle, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 11

Day 11

  • La Rochelle
  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 330 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Parc Mauresque
  • Canon du moulleau
  • Dune of Pilat
  • More

Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Arcachon. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bordeaux, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Bordeaux - Departure day
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  • jardin public
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Day 12 of your road trip in France is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home. Explore high-end stores offering an exquisite selection of luxury items.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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