12-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling east to Angoulême, Blois, Paris, and Auxerre

Pau has many popular destinations you can explore.

Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Pau, L'Opéra. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pau is Le Garage. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,953 customers.

Locals recommend Le Berry as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pau. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,274 customers.

Pau also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Pau is The Galway. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Pau is Au Fût et à mesure. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 585 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Pau and embark on a scenic drive to Angouleme, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Pau and New Aquitaine 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 Pau. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Parc Beaumont. This attraction is a green space that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,112 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible place Clémenceau. This attraction, a beloved square, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,641 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Pau is the stunning Funiculaire de Pau. This funicular and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,020 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in New Aquitaine, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Angouleme. When you arrive in Angouleme you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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!

Day 3 of your road trip through France is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Pau and the city of Suèvres. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Pau is the amazing Château de Chenonceau. This attraction is a château and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,253 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Château d'Amboise. This château and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,016 visitors.

Château du Clos Lucé is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Pau. This well-known attraction, a spectacular museum, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 19,292 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Pau is another excellent way to spend your new day in France. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of France’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to France’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of France’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Château de Blois in the city of Suèvres for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a château and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,926 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Blois.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne, one of the best restaurants in the city of Blois. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 160 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Pau and the city of Paris. You’ll stay in Paris for 3 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Pau today is Gardens of Versailles. This excellent attraction is a french formal garden that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,133 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Palace of Versailles, an outstanding château, in the city of Pau. Around 119,665 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars. Given the incredible Palace of Versailles's popularity, more than 4,741,758 people stop by Palace of Versailles to explore it.

To experience the local culture, see more of France, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in France. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Eiffel Tower for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Paris. This popular attraction is a lattice tower and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 322,389 visitors. Approximately 6,207,303 people visit Paris every year to see the fantastic Eiffel Tower.

This outstanding garden has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 92,172 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Louvre Museum in the city of Paris. Hosting around 2,825,000 visitors every year, Louvre Museum is one of the best places to visit in Paris. This attraction, a stunning art museum, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260,788 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Paris.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris, Restaurant Guy Savoy. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

Locals recommend Le Bistrot Du Perigord as one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris. Le Bistrot Du Perigord is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Paris is Kitchen Galerie Bis. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 512 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Paris, Le Calbar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 775 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Little Red Door. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,722 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through France with a toast!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Paris, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Paris.

Today you'll explore the city of Pau. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is La Villette. This incredible attraction is a commune of france and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 56,497 visitors.

Palais Garnier is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Pau. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,053 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Pau is place de la Concorde. This amazing attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 54,229 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Arc de Triomphe. This triumphal arch and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 visitors. Each year, approximately 2,743,823 people come to this outstanding attraction to enhance their travel experience in Pau.

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 Paris.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris, like Le Train Bleu. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,110 customers.

The Bombardier is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Paris. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,775 customers.

Locals enjoy Jules Verne, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Paris. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,525 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Paris, Experimental Cocktail Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,338 customers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Paris, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Paris.

Today you'll explore the city of Pau. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Panthéon. This incredible attraction is a mausoleum and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 43,649 visitors.

Musée d'Orsay is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Pau. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 71,115 visitors. Musée d'Orsay attracts about 3,651,616 travelers annually.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Pau is Pont Alexandre III. This amazing attraction is a deck arch bridge and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,899 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Les Invalides. This building complex and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,459 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Champ de Mars. This urban park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 172,488 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 Paris.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris, like Le Petit Châtelet. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,057 customers.

Les Fous de l'Île is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Paris. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Paris, The Highlander. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,285 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Velvet Bar Paris. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

Café de Paris V is another of the best bars in the city of Paris. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

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

Day 7 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 Pau and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Auxerre. You will stay in Auxerre for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Pau is the amazing Sainte Chapelle. This attraction is a chapel that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,376 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible catholic cathedral, Notre-Dame de Paris. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,788 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Notre-Dame de Paris welcomes around 12,000,000 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Pau is the outstanding place des Vosges. This popular square and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 23,305 visitors.

The spectacular Jardin des plantes is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating botanical garden and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 40,461 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Jardin du Luxembourg. This attraction is a popular urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 94,043 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Pau 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 Auxerre, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

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

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Auxerre and embark on a scenic drive to Lyon, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Auxerre and Lyon Metropolis 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 Auxerre. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre - Baie 129. This attraction is a stained glass window that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,232 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Abbey of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre. This attraction, a beloved place of worship, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 569 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Auxerre is the stunning Muséum d’Histoire naturelle d’Auxerre. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 174 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable parc de la Tête d'Or. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 50,621 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Porte des Enfants du Rhône. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,967 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This minor basilica and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

The lovely Place Bellecour is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 20,560 visitors have left this square an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Lyon Metropolis, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Lyon. When you arrive in Lyon you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like L Bar food & drink. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,758 customers.

Locals also recommend Bouchon Tupin, another of the best restaurants in Lyon. Bouchon Tupin is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at L'Institut Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit The Phantom of the Opera to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Lyon, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Black Forest Society. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Black Forest Society has an average rating 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!

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Palais des Papes. This attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 visitors. As one of the top sights in the area, around 616,210 people visit Palais des Papes every year.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Église Saint Pierre (Avignon). This church building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 297 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Pau is another excellent way to spend your new day in France. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of France’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to France’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of France’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean in the city of Marseille for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Marseille.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Twist Avenue, one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

Locals also recommend AM par Alexandre Mazzia as one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. AM par Alexandre Mazzia is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 614 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille is O'Malley. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

After dinner, visit Carry Nation, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Caravelle. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

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

Day 10 of your road trip will take you to the city of Pau and the city of Nimes. You’ll stay in Montpellier for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Pau today is Calanques National Park. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,632 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille), an outstanding church building, in the city of Pau. Around 36,436 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of France, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in France. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Pont du Gard for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Nimes. This popular attraction is an arch bridge and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,439 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Montpellier.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Montpellier, Coldrip food and coffee. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Locals recommend Empanadas Club as one of the best restaurants in the city of Montpellier. Empanadas Club is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,371 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Montpellier is Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,623 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Montpellier, The Shakespeare. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 903 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Restaurant Le Tapas - Montpellier. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 659 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through France with a toast!

Rise and shine on day 11 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Montpellier and embark on a scenic drive to Pau, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Montpellier and Carcassonne 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 Montpellier. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Comedy Square. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,883 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Planet Ocean World. This attraction, a beloved aquarium, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 8,786 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Montpellier is the stunning esplanade Charles de Gaulle. This square and travel destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,915 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Pau and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Carcassonne has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Cité de Carcassonne. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,968 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,146 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Château Comtal. This castle and travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Carcassonne, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Pau. When you arrive in Pau you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Cotes & Mer. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 835 customers.

Locals also recommend Ô PETIT PAÙ, another of the best restaurants in Pau. Ô PETIT PAÙ is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 570 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Le Poulet à 3 Pattes. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 735 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Snug to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Pau, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 306 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like New Red Lion. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. New Red Lion has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

V and B Pau is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 224 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!

Day 12 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Pau 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.

Parc Beaumont is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Pau. This green space and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,112 visitors.

If you're interested in seeing something else, the place Clémenceau square is another great option. This attraction certainly lives up to its reputation for its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,641 reviews.

You can also stop at Funiculaire de Pau funicular to capture the beauty and wonder of Pau one last time. This outstanding attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,020 travelers.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Pau at Au Fût et à mesure before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 585 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant Le SUD for your last chance at a meal in the city of Pau. The Restaurant Le SUD restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 512 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Le Dauphin. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 510 customers.

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