4-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne
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Description
Explore the best of France on a 4-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Carcassonne, and Toulouse. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, and 1 night in Carcassonne. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Pau, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Cité de Carcassonne and Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Carcassonne, and Toulouse, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.
Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Pau - arrival day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Pau and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Pau for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.
Pau is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pau. 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.
Dine in style at Le Henri IV, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Garage boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Resto Dit Vin. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Pau.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Snug, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Winfield Café is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Galway also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Pau, Lourdes, Gez, and Carcassonne
- Carcassonne
- Argelès-Gazost
- Lourdes
- Gez
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Drive 329 km, 4 hours 3 min
- Grottes de Bétharram
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lourdes, and Gez. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Pau, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lourdes may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Lourdes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Grottes de Bétharram, a remarkable show cave where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,262 reviews.
Set your GPS to Lourdes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lourdes beckons with new experiences!
Journey into the unknown at Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,163 reviews.
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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a highly-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 3 – Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Pau
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Carcassonne
- Toulouse
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Drive 298 km, 3 hours 36 min
- Château Comtal
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse
- Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Carcassonne, and 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 Pau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Château Comtal. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,823 reviews.
Continue your journey at Cité de Carcassonne. This fortress is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 travelers from near and far.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Carcassonne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 11 min. Upon your arrival in Toulouse, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Basilica of St. Sernin. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,287 reviews.
Continue your journey at Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,683 travelers from near and far.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Pau, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pau's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Make sure to book a table at Le Café du Passage, a popular restaurant in Pau. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Pau at Ô PETIT PAÙ, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is L'Imparfait. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Pau tonight.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 4 – Pau - departure day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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Day 4 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Pau’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.
Savor the flavors at Gueuleton - Pau, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Le Poulet à 3 Pattes beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Pau. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!
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