12-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling south to Clermont-Ferrand, Blois, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Nimes, and Marseille

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Lyon, featuring a charming, a stunning, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a sacred, and a symbolic. Start at Lyon Cathedral, a popular church in the city. Then, head to Musée Miniature Et Cinéma and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Lyon and when you are ready for more, go to Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This is one of the city’s most captivating spots.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lyon and set your GPS to Caluire-et-Cuire. 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 22 min. Upon reaching Caluire-et-Cuire, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to Parc De La Tête D'or, an astonishing park in Caluire-et-Cuire. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Clermont-Ferrand. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Comptoir Des Saveurs, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Five Guys Clermont-Ferrand offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Le 62, Bib Gourmand Michelin, terrasse ombragée is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Clermont-Ferrand.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Les Berthom after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Bar Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Viking Pub Counter is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Toulouse, 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 Carcassonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with a stunning, an instagrammable, a historic, a profound, a majestic, a charming, and a peaceful. Start at the captivating Basilica Of St. Sernin, a culturally significant church in Toulouse. Next, go to Place Saint-pierre.

After visiting Basilica Of St. Sernin and Place Saint-pierre, take time to explore Toulouse's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Couvent Des Jacobins. This breathtaking monastery offers a unique experience. Pont-neuf is another noteworthy stop. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Jardin Des Plantes, one of the most romantic places to visit in Toulouse.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Rapière beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Domaine d'Auriac. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Carcassonne tonight.

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 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Carcassonne and Narbonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Prepare for a day full of a romantic, a stunning, a picture-perfect, a respected, an inviting, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Basilique Saint Nazaire. This up-and-coming church is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Cité De Carcassonne, one of the town’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Château Comtal, one of the most beloved places to see in Carcassonne. This castle is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Carcassonne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Narbonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Réserve Africaine De Sigean and explore the visually striking features.

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 explore more of Nimes, 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at La Galerie, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Annaba Café is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hôtel des Tuileries. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Nimes tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting La Bonne Mousse, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, O’flaherty’s is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, News Café also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

On day 9 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 Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence. In the evening, you’ll end up in Marseille, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nimes and set your GPS to Arles. 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 40 min. Upon reaching Arles, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Camargue Regional Natural Park is a locally renowned nature reserve we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Arles 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. Arles beckons with new experiences!

Your self-guided tour starts at Arles Amphitheatre, a popular archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Les Baux-de-Provence. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Head to Château Des Baux-de-provence, a well-known castle in Les Baux-de-Provence. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Carrières Des Lumières. This interesting art installation is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Marseille. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Chez Roger, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Les Mets des Saintes? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Marseille.

Keep the evening going at Le Traquenard, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to La Dame Du Mont, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Polikarpov, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 10 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Marseille for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a charming, a picturesque, an awe-inspiring, a visually striking, a standout, a masterful, a symbolic, and a stunning. Whether you decide to explore Marseille on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Calanques National Park is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this romantic national park before continuing your journey. Parc Borély is your next stop. This locally renowned park is one of the best-rated sights in Marseille.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Palais Longchamp. This visually striking palace is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean and Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille).

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Bistro Du Panier, an iconic dining spot in Marseille. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, a popular restaurant in Marseille. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, a hidden gem nestled in Marseille. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Au Petit Nice, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bar Marengo offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out L'unic Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 11 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lyon, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Aix-en-Provence and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 47 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Aix-en-Provence beckons with new experiences!

Head to Zoo Barben, an interesting zoo in Aix-en-Provence.

After soaking in Aix-en-Provence’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Avignon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 46 min. When you arrive in Avignon, it's time to take a break from the road.

Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon) is a well-known historical landmark we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Palais Des Papes, a breathtaking palace that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Jardin Des Doms, a visually striking park.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, an iconic dining spot in Lyon. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bernachon Chocolats, a popular restaurant in Lyon. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of La Mère Léa, a hidden gem nestled in Lyon. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into The James Joyce Pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Broc'bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook La Passagère, another top-rated bar in the area.

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