12-Day France road trip from Lourdes to Carcassonne, Nimes, Lyon, and Clermont-Ferrand

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Lourdes. You’ll stay in Lourdes for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Lourdes has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible funiculaire du pic du Jer. This attraction is a funicular and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,493 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Lourdes also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in France!

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lourdes, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Lourdes.

Today you'll explore the city of Lourdes. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Basilica of St. Pius X. This incredible attraction is a minor basilica and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,690 visitors.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Lourdes. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,163 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Lourdes is Pont d'Espagne. This amazing attraction is a protected area and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,075 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Lourdes.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Carcassonne. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Carcassonne for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Carcassonne’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Carcassonne, start your day with a visit to the amazing Château Comtal. This much-appreciated castle and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne. This best-rated sightseeing destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,201 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Cité de Carcassonne to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular Cité de Carcassonne is a fortress that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors.

The lovely Basilique Saint Nazaire is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,146 visitors have left this church average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Carcassonne has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Carcassonne. Carcassonne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

Day 4 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Arles and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Nimes. You will stay in Nimes for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Arles is the amazing L'espace Van Gogh. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,003 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Roman Theatre of Arles. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,900 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Arles is the outstanding Arles Amphitheatre. This popular roman amphitheatre and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.

The spectacular Château des Baux-de-Provence is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating top-tier point of interest and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,346 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Carrières des Lumières. This attraction is a popular must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 22,791 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Arles by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Nimes, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Instant T, one of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.

Locals also recommend Gard O Wine as one of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes. Gard O Wine is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 323 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes is Livestation DIY - Nîmes. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 139 customers.

After dinner, visit O’Flaherty’s, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Nimes. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Alternatively, La bonne mousse is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Nimes. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 428 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Nimes, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Nimes.

Today you'll explore the city of Nimes. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Pont du Gard. This incredible attraction is an arch bridge and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 visitors.

Haribo Candy Museum is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Nimes. This spectacular attraction is rated 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Nimes is Jardin de La Fontaine. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Musée de la Romanité. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,534 visitors. Each year, approximately 25,271 people come to this outstanding attraction to enhance their travel experience in Nimes.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes. This top-tier point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,652 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Nimes.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes, like Les Caves de Bernis. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 101 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Nimes, L'Instant T. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Le Prolé. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Barberousse Nîmes is another of the best bars in the city of Nimes. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Nimes and embark on a scenic drive to Lyon, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Nimes before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Nimes. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 17,658 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Palais des Papes. This attraction, a beloved palace, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 36,931 visitors. Palais des Papes welcomes around 616,210 yearly visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This attraction is a minor basilica that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,765 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Place Bellecour. This square and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,560 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Bouchon Tupin. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 969 customers.

Locals also recommend L'Institut Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Lyon. L'Institut Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Flair Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 726 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit L Bar food & drink to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Lyon, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,758 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Phantom of the Opera. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Phantom of the Opera has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers.

Black Forest Society is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

You still have 1 night left in Lyon.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This incredible attraction is a museum and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,540 visitors.

Lyon Cathedral is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,228 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is parc de la Tête d'Or. This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,314 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic iFLY Lyon. This must-see tourist destination is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,468 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Lyon.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Lyon, like Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,459 customers.

Le Mirtillo is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Lyon. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 526 customers.

Locals enjoy Betty's Bar, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Lyon. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 607 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Lyon, Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière". This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Dam's Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,373 customers.

The King Arthur is another of the best bars in the city of Lyon. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,312 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 8 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Clermont-Ferrand. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Clermont-Ferrand. You’ll stay in Clermont-Ferrand for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Clermont-Ferrand’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Clermont-Ferrand, start your day with a visit to the amazing Jardin Lecoq. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,878 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,232 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular place de Jaude to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular place de Jaude is a square that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,034 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Clermont-Ferrand has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Clermont-Ferrand. Clermont-Ferrand offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Lard De Vivre. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 505 reviews.

The remarkable La Gourmandine is another top restaurant in Clermont-Ferrand we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,134 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Clermont-Ferrand : L'Odevie is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,126 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Clermont-Ferrand, the fantastic The Still Irish Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Les BerThoM. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,164 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is The Salvation Jane Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 538 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

Day 9 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Perigueux for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Perigueux is the amazing VESUNNA, Gallo-Roman Museum. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,846 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Périgueux Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,128 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Perigueux, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 10 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bordeaux. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bordeaux’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bordeaux, start your day with a visit to the amazing La Cité du Vin. This much-appreciated museum and attraction is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 21,487 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating jardin public. This urban park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,341 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Monument aux Girondins to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular Monument aux Girondins is a column that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

The lovely The big bell of Bordeaux is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,871 visitors have left this bell tower average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Bordeaux Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bordeaux has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular suzzi. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 852 reviews.

The remarkable L'Oiseau Bleu is another top restaurant in Bordeaux we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Chai Les Copains is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 501 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bordeaux, the fantastic Symbiose. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 896 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Connemara. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Molly Malone's. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

Day 11 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bordeaux and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Lourdes. You will stay in Lourdes for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bordeaux is the amazing place du Parlement. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,489 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible square, place de la Bourse. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bordeaux is the outstanding miroir d'eau. This popular reflecting pool and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 visitors.

The spectacular Porte Cailhau is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating city gate and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,609 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Porte de Bourgogne. This attraction is a popular top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 5,953 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bordeaux by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lourdes, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

Day 12 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Lourdes before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Les Halles is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Lourdes. This top-tier point of interest and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,871 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Lourdes and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in France.

You’ll then say farewell to Lourdes. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in France!