5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne traveling north to Bordeaux and Perigueux
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in France as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Carcassonne, Bordeaux, Lormont, Arcachon, Perigueux, Padirac, and Toulouse.
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 Carcassonne, 1 night in Bordeaux, and 1 night in Perigueux. 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 Carcassonne, 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 Dune Of Pilat are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Bordeaux, Lormont, Arcachon, Perigueux, Padirac, 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!
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Carcassonne - arrival day
- Carcassonne - Arrival day
- More
Say hello to Carcassonne! Your exciting road trip through France is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the town. You will stay in Carcassonne for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Carcassonne is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Carcassonne. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Carcassonne. 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.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Brasserie a 4 Temps, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Rapière? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Carcassonne.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Carcassonne and Bordeaux
- Carcassonne
- Bordeaux
- More
Drive 342 km, 3 hours 39 min
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bordeaux, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with a charming, a mesmerizing, an eye-catching, a historic, a majestic, an UNESCO world heritage-designated, and a sacred in Carcassonne. Begin your sightseeing with Cité De Carcassonne. This extraordinary castle is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Basilique Saint Nazaire, another must-visit attraction that enhances the town’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Carcassonne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne. This beloved castle is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Château Comtal, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Bordeaux, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Cent 33, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'Originel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Clemenceau as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café Brun, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Le Mushroom Café. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Whose Bar, another top-rated place in the area.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 3 – Bordeaux, Lormont, Arcachon, and Perigueux
- Bordeaux
- Lormont
- Arcachon
- Périgueux
- More
Drive 280 km, 3 hours 42 min
- Monument aux Girondins
- Cité du Vin
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
- More
On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Bordeaux, Lormont, and Arcachon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Perigueux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Prepare for a day full of a breathtaking, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a grand, a detailed, a romantic, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Monument Aux Girondins. This intriguing monument is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Place De La Bourse, one of the city’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Miroir D'eau, one of the most interesting places to see in Bordeaux. This art installation is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Upon reaching Lormont, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to La Cité Du Vin, a locally renowned museum that draws visitors from near and far.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bordeaux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Arcachon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Dune Of Pilat. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the sand dunes before you continue to your next stop.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Perigueux. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Perigueux's best restaurants.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Perigueux.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 4 – Perigueux, Padirac, Toulouse, and Carcassonne
- Périgueux
- Padirac
- Toulouse
- Carcassonne
- More
Drive 395 km, 4 hours 52 min
- Padirac Cave
- Basilica of St. Sernin
- Jardin des Plantes
- More
On day 4 of your road trip in France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Padirac and Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Padirac allows for both.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Perigueux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Padirac. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Take your self-guided tour to Padirac Cave, a popular cave that everyone visiting Padirac should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Toulouse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Padirac behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours. Toulouse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Spend your afternoon discovering Basilica Of St. Sernin, a popular church known for its picture-perfect features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Jardin Des Plantes, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
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.
As you explore more of Carcassonne, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
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.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 5 – Carcassonne - departure day
- Carcassonne - Departure day
- More
- Porte de l'Aude
- Cité de Carcassonne
- More
Day 5 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Carcassonne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Carcassonne’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Carcassonne.
Dine in style at Restaurant La Marquière, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Métairie boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. 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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in France
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.