Relaxed 12-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Tours to Orléans and Le Mans

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through France means 24 hours of making the best memories in Tours. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Tours. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Tours!

Make time for Jardin Botanique De Tours, a frequently visited botanical garden that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Château De Tours, enchanting visitors with its heritage-rich appeal. Continue your exploration at Tours Cathedral. This church is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing spots.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Tours. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Tours that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Tours to find the best options for you!

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Tours has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Originals Relais, Château de Beaulieu et Magnolia Spa, an iconic dining spot in Tours. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Au Café d' en face, a popular restaurant in Tours. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of L'Escapade, a hidden gem nestled in Tours. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Tours and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Café Bar Jazz Le Strapontin, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le P Tit Soleil provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, La Belle Époque offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in France!

Your relaxed road trip in France continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know France better by exploring the top attractions of Tours and beyond. With 1 night left in Tours, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Tours and set your GPS to Blois. 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 43 min. Upon reaching Blois, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bishopric Rose Garden. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the botanical garden before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Blois Cathedral. This often recommended church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Château De Blois. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the castle.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Tours and your accommodation.

Exploring the food culture in Tours offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at L’atelier gourmand, an iconic dining spot in Tours. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Au Lapin Qui Fume, a popular restaurant in Tours. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of La Dînette, a hidden gem nestled in Tours. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Tours and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip in France will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in France, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Olivet and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 17 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Olivet beckons with new experiences!

Parc Floral De La Source is an increasingly popular botanical garden we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Orléans, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Olivet to Orléans may take around 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Orléans, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Orléans Cathedral, a locally appreciated church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Hôtel Groslot and admire its symbolic features.

In Orléans, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in France.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Orléans, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant des Plantes, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Crêperie Bretonne - Restaurant de spécialités de Galettes et Crêpes fait maison, à base de produits frais & Bar breton is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Paul & Juliette. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Orléans tonight.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Le Moog. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Java Pop offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Le Charbon, another top-rated bar in the area.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Orléans as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in France!

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Orléans, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Orléans will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

When you’ve had your share of Orléans, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Chartres. Your travel time is around 1 hour 4 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Maison Picassiette, a curiosity-inducing 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. Next, head to Old Chartres Fortifications and admire its breathtaking features.

When you’re ready, continue to Notre-dame De Chartres, an interesting church beloved by locals and tourists alike.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Orléans.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Orléans, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Dine in style at La Parenthèse, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Tawouk & Falafel boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Saint Vincent. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Orléans.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in France.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at L'antidote, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in France!

On day 8 of your laid-back road trip adventure in France, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Le Mans. This car ride takes around 1 hour 59 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Museum Of The 24 Hours Of Le Mans and explore the photogenic features. Next, make your way to Cathedral Of Saint Julian Of Le Mans, another highlight in Le Mans. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Cité Plantagenêt, a romantic historical landmark.

Continue your laid-back road trip in France as you make your way to Le Mans. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Les Tontons, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'épi'Curieux? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at L' Office as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Le Mans.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Le Mans. The bars in Le Mans make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in France!

On day 9 of your relaxed road trip in France, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Le Mans and visit amazing attractions in Saumur, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Le Mans, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Saumur, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Le Mans to Saumur may take around 1 hour 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Saumur, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Saumur is Musée Des Blindés, a worthwhile military museum that draws attention for its instagrammable features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Caves Louis De Grenelle, a romantic wine cellar 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 De Saumur, a notable castle that offers a unique experience.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Le Mans and your accommodation.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Le Mans.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Auberge des 7 Plats, a top-rated dining destination in Le Mans. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La plancha gourmande, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Savourez. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Le Mans this evening.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across France.