5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne to Perpignan and surrounding area

Greet day 2 of your road trip in France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Carcassonne, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Carcassonne and Lastours.

Cité De Carcassonne makes a great addition to your morning plans. This extraordinary castle is a visually striking place to see in Carcassonne. Continue your discovery at Basilique Saint Nazaire, a history-steeped church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Carcassonne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Château Comtal. This curiosity-inducing castle offers an enchanting encounter with Carcassonne. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Carcassonne.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Lastours, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Carcassonne to Lastours may take around 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lastours, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Les Quatre Châteaux De Lastours is an underrated castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at V and B Carcassonne, an iconic dining spot in Carcassonne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Auberge des Lices, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Adélaïde, a hidden gem nestled in Carcassonne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

On day 3 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Prades, Ille-sur-Têt, Villefranche-de-Conflent, and Collioure are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Perpignan, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Prades, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Carcassonne to Prades may take around 1 hour 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Prades, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Gorge De Galamus is an increasingly popular canyon we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Ille-sur-Têt may take around 55 min. Upon your arrival in Ille-sur-Têt, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Les Orgues D’ille-sur-têt, an intriguing rock formation in Ille-sur-Têt. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ille-sur-Têt and set your GPS to Villefranche-de-Conflent. 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 34 min. Upon reaching Villefranche-de-Conflent, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Villefranche-de-Conflent is Ramparts Of Villefranche De Conflent, an underrated castle that draws attention for its UNESCO world heritage-listed features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Perpignan, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Perpignan is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Perpignan.

Don’t miss out on dining at Le 17, a top-rated dining destination in Perpignan. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Les Brunettes: bar et restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffalo Grill Perpignan. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Perpignan this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Dry States, known for its inviting atmosphere. Black Pearl 66 is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Café De La Source provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Perpignan, Salses-le-Château, and Albi. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Catch Perpignan Cathedral before the crowds roll in. This breathtaking church is sure to ignite your curiosity.

Salses-le-Château’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Perpignan behind. This drive usually takes around 19 min. Salses-le-Château welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Salses Fortress is an often recommended castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Albi’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Salses-le-Château behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 37 min. Albi welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Albi Cathedral, a popular church that everyone visiting Albi should see.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Carcassonne. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant La Marquière, a highly-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Métairie, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

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