5-Day France Road Trip from Bordeaux traveling south to Toulouse and Pau

Photo of Japanese Garden with small pond on a sunny day. Compans Caffarelli district. Toulouse.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through France.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in France. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Bordeaux, 1 night in Toulouse, and 1 night in Pau, experiencing the ultimate road trip in France. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Pau, and Bayonne.

We'll help you experience the best 5 days in France you can imagine, so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Bordeaux, you’ll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you’ll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in France, including the stunning place de la Bourse and miroir d'eau.

You’ll have your choice of the country's best hotels and places to stay throughout your road trip, suitable for all budgets. For example, in the city of B&B Hôtel BORDEAUX Centre Gare Saint-Jean, you could choose to stay at a popular hotel like the 4-star Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel. Travelers looking for the best cheap accommodation could choose the 3-star B&B Hôtel BORDEAUX Centre Gare Saint-Jean. No matter which price range you’re looking for, our local experts will assist you in finding the best stay option for your visit.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in France. From the magnificent jardin public to the breathtaking Cité de Carcassonne and Rocher de la vierge, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Pau, and Bayonne, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in France. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you’ll never have a boring moment on your road trip through France.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in France.

You’ll return home having experienced the very best of everything France has to offer.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of France. You’ll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You’ll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in France extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in France today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 2 nights
Photo of Toulouse and Garonne river aerial panoramic view, France.Toulouse / 1 night
Pyrénées-Atlantiques - region in FrancePyrénées-Atlantiques / 1 night
Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne
Bayonne - city in FranceBayonne

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic view of Carcassone medieval city in France against summer sky.Cité de Carcassonne
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
photo of the famous Rocher de la Vierge it's a rock of the Virgin Mary at beautiful morning in Biarritz, France.Rocher de la Vierge
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
Le Train de La Rhune, Sare, Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, New Aquitaine, Metropolitan France, FranceLe Train de La Rhune
Jardin PublicJardin Public
Basilica of Saint Sernin is a Roman Catholic church in Toulouse, FranceBasilica of St Sernin
Biarritz Aquarium, Biarritz, Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, New Aquitaine, Metropolitan France, FranceBiarritz Aquarium
Jardin des Plantes, Saint-Michel, Le Busca, Empalot, Saint-Agne, Toulouse Sud-Est, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceJardin des Plantes
Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Comtal
photo of Monument aux Girondins at morning in Bordeaux, France.Monument aux Girondins
Parc Bordelais, R-105270, R-1667452, R-2202162, R-3792880, R-7405Parc bordelais
Grosse ClocheThe big bell of Bordeaux
Gironde, Bordeaux, AERIAL VIEW, Zone CLASSEE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO, FLOATING BASINS, UNDERWATER BASE, AERIAL ViewBETASOM

Travel details

Travel dates
Jan 1 - Jan 5

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

1 traveler1 room
1 traveler1 room

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Bordeaux - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Bordeaux - arrival day

  • Bordeaux - Arrival day
  • More
  • Jardin Public
  • More

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bordeaux has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible jardin public. This attraction is an urban park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,341 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city.

We also recommend the best 4-star accommodations, like Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,451 guests.

Alternatively, one of the best cheap hotel options in Bordeaux is B&B Hôtel BORDEAUX Centre Gare Saint-Jean. This 3-star hotel is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,510 guests.

If these hotels are unavailable during your vacation in Bordeaux, our system will automatically help you find the best alternative for your stay.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bordeaux, suzzi. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 852 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bordeaux is Symbiose. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 896 customers.

Locals recommend L'Oiseau Bleu as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bordeaux. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

Bordeaux also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bordeaux is The Connemara. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Bordeaux is Molly Malone's. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in France!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Bordeaux and Toulouse

Day 2

Day 2 – Bordeaux and Toulouse

  • Bordeaux
  • Toulouse
  • More

Drive 257 km, 3 hours 13 min

  • Parc bordelais
  • BETASOM
  • Place de la Bourse
  • Miroir d'eau
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bordeaux. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Toulouse. You’ll stay in Toulouse for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bordeaux’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bordeaux, start your day with a visit to the amazing parc bordelais. This much-appreciated urban park and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,855 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating BETASOM. This submarine base and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,804 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular place de la Bourse to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular place de la Bourse is a square that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 visitors.

The lovely miroir d'eau is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 14,462 visitors have left this reflecting pool average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular The big bell of Bordeaux. This attraction is a bell tower rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,871 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bordeaux has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Toulouse. Toulouse offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

We recommend you stay at the exclusive La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa Toulouse-MGallery, one of the best 5-star hotel options in Bordeaux. At this hotel, you’ll have access to many exceptional amenities that will ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay. This hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 415 guests.

Alternatively, check out one of the best 4-star hotel options in Toulouse, like Aparthotel Adagio Toulouse Aeroport. This hotel is a popular choice among travelers in the city and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 690 guests.

If you’re looking for a top-rated budget hotel, we recommend you stay at Campanile Toulouse Ouest - Purpan. This 3-star hotel offers value-for-money accommodation and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 1,273 guest reviews.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular La Cantine Des Sales Gosses. This popular restaurant is one of locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,095 reviews.

The remarkable Grain De Folie is another top restaurant in Toulouse we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 623 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Le Restaurant is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 517 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Toulouse, the fantastic The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 647 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The George and Dragon. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,383 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is The London Town. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,388 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Pau

Day 3

Day 3 – Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Pau

  • Toulouse
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 386 km, 4 hours 26 min

  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Basilica of St Sernin
  • Château Comtal
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • More

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

One of the best places to visit in the city of Bordeaux is the amazing Jardin des Plantes. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,847 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Basilica of St. Sernin. This minor basilica and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,287 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Bordeaux 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 Comtal in the city of Carcassonne for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a castle and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Carcassonne is the outstanding Cité de Carcassonne. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors, this fortress deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

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

One of the best hotel options in the city of Pau is the 4-star hotel Hotel Kyriad Prestige Pau - Zenith - Palais des Sports. This hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,061 guests.

You can also stay at one of the best 5-star hotel. The hotel Hotel Parc Beaumont Pau - MGallery Collection is a luxurious place to stay in the city of Pau. This hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 494 guests.

If you’re looking for the best cheap hotel, we recommend staying at the 3-star hotel All Suites Appart Hotel Pau. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars by 967 guests.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Opéra, one of the best restaurants in the city of Pau. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

Locals also recommend Le Garage as one of the best restaurants in the city of Pau. Le Garage is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,953 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Pau is Le Berry. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,274 customers.

After dinner, visit The Galway, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Pau. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Au Fût et à mesure. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 585 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 4 – Bayonne and Bordeaux

Day 4

Day 4 – Bayonne and Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • Bayonne
  • More

Drive 367 km, 4 hours 43 min

  • Rocher de la Vierge
  • Biarritz Aquarium
  • Le Train de La Rhune
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Pau and embark on a scenic drive to Bordeaux, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Pau and Bayonne 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.

Wave goodbye to Bordeaux 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 Bayonne has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Rocher de la vierge. This attraction is a rock that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,700 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Le Train de La Rhune. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 16,223 reviews.

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

A frequently recommended hotel in the city of Bordeaux is the 4-star Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons Hotel. This hotel offers plenty of functional amenities and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,451 guests.

A top-rated budget hotel that is popular among travelers in Bordeaux is the 3-star B&B Hôtel BORDEAUX Centre Gare Saint-Jean. This hotel is a practical place to stay in the city and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,510 guests.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Chai Les Copains. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 501 customers.

Locals also recommend The Connemara, another of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. The Connemara is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Restaurant Melodie. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,499 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Le Bar à Vin to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Houses Of Parliament. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Houses Of Parliament has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Sherlock Holmes Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,224 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!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Bordeaux - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Bordeaux - departure day

  • Bordeaux - Departure day
  • More
  • Monument aux Girondins
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bordeaux 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.

Monument aux Girondins is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bordeaux. This column and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bordeaux at Molly Malone's before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Le Confidentiel for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bordeaux. The Le Confidentiel restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,544 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Le K Baroque. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,059 customers.

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

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Experiences

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