12-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Montpellier traveling west to Carcassonne, Bordeaux, Nantes, Caen, Paris, Orléans, and Clermont-Ferrand

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

To truly experience Montpellier, make sure to drop by La Panacée. This underrated art gallery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Montpellier Cathedral, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Jardin Des Plantes De Montpellier, one of the most curiosity-inducing places to see in Montpellier. This botanical garden is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining spot in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Rapière, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Carcassonne.

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

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in France includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Carcassonne and Bordeaux. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bordeaux, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Carcassonne is complete without Château Comtal. This beloved castle is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Carcassonne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Cité De Carcassonne. This widely recognized castle is a traveler-favorite.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Carcassonne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bordeaux. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 11 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Miroir D'eau, an interesting art installation known for its awe-inspiring features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Place De La Bourse, an interesting public square.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Originel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Clemenceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Rezé and Nantes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Nantes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rezé may take around 3 hours 19 min. Upon your arrival in Rezé, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Les Anneaux, a worthwhile art installation that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Nantes welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Nantes is Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes, a captivating art installation that draws attention for its detailed features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Botanical Garden, an eye-catching botanical garden that stands out in the town.

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 Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, a captivating castle that offers a unique experience.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gigg's Irish Pub, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Parallèle. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Nantes.

Continue your lively evening at Le Chat Noir, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Versailles and Paris. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Paris, where you'll spend 3 nights.

As you explore Versailles’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 2 hours 20 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Palace Of Versailles. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the palace before you continue to your next stop.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Paris may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in Paris, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Champ De Mars. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Les Invalides. This well-known museum is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Notre-dame De Paris. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Paris. Paris 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 Paris's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Mumi, a popular restaurant in Paris. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Paris at Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated L'Imprévu Café. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Paris tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Café De Paris V is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dirty Dick, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Little Red Door. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Paris. You’ll stay in Paris for 2 nights.

One of the most wondrous attractions included on the itinerary is Eiffel Tower. This history-steeped monument will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Arc De Triomphe and learn what makes this detailed monument unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the wondrous Sacré-cœur. After exploring the church, head to La Villette. This astonishing park is a highlight in Paris. As your day continues, stop by Bois De Vincennes, known for its eye-catching features.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Sens Unique is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Caveau de l'isle. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Paris tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Prescription Cocktail Club, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Boucan offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Paris. Mamie Paris is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day 8 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Paris.

Paris is brimming with adventures.

Check out the well-known botanical garden, Jardin Des Plantes. Afterward, continue to Louvre Museum, a museum every traveler should visit. As you explore Paris’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Next, make your way to Musée D'orsay. This extraordinary museum is an essential stop. Following that, head to Tuileries Garden, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Place De La Concorde, a famous public square in the city.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Harp Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Paris. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Bistro des Augustins, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Petit Châtelet. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Paris.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Sherry Butt, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Highlander. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Le Sully, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Your itinerary for day 10 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Cheverny. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Cheverny’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Clermont-Ferrand. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 47 min. When you arrive in Clermont-Ferrand, it's time to take a break from the road.

Exposition Permanente Tintin Les Secrets De Moulinsart is an increasingly popular museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Clermont-Ferrand, 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 Clermont-Ferrand's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Comptoir Des Saveurs, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Five Guys Clermont-Ferrand? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant Le 62, Bib Gourmand Michelin, terrasse ombragée as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Clermont-Ferrand.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Les Berthom. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Le Bar Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook The Viking Pub Counter, another top-rated bar in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!