5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne traveling west to Albi and Toulouse

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Explore the best of France on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Carcassonne, Albi, Toulouse, Foix, Montgailhard, Montségur, Bélesta, and Mirepoix. 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 Carcassonne, 1 night in Albi, and 1 night in Toulouse. 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 Albi Cathedral are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Basilica Of St. Sernin, learn more about the unique Jardin Des Plantes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Château Comtal.

As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Albi, Toulouse, Foix, Montgailhard, Montségur, Bélesta, and Mirepoix, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
Cité de CarcassonneChâteau comtal de CarcassonneMusée Toulouse-LautrecSainte-Cecile Cathedral of AlbiPont VieuxCollégiale Saint-Salvy
Jardin des PlantesMuséum de ToulousePont-NeufCouvent des JacobinsPlace Saint-PierreBasilica of St. Sernin
Foix CastleLes Forges de PyrèneChâteau de MontségurFountain FontestorbesCathédrale St Maurice
Portail des Jacobins

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
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  • Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
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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. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point, or just taking a stroll in the town center. 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 Carcassonne. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Carcassonne
  • Albi
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Drive 171 km, 2 hours 20 min

  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
  • Pont Vieux
  • Collégiale Saint-Salvy
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Carcassonne and Albi. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Albi, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Carcassonne, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Cité De Carcassonne, a top-rated castle in the town. Then, head to Château Comtal and soak in the ambiance of this UNESCO world heritage-designated castle.

There are many interesting places to see in Carcassonne, and when you are ready for more, go to Musée Toulouse-lautrec. This is one of the town’s most underrated photogenic spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the interesting Albi Cathedral. Not far away, you'll also find Pont Vieux. This historical landmark is a history-steeped highlight in Carcassonne. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Collégiale Saint-salvy (albi), an underrated church in the town.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Albi. Albi offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Albi's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at O'Sully'S Albi, an iconic dining spot in Albi. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Albi
  • Toulouse
  • More

Drive 82 km, 1 hour 50 min

  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Muséum de Toulouse
  • Pont-Neuf
  • Couvent des Jacobins
  • Place Saint-Pierre
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • More

On day 3 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 Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Albi, including a botanical garden, a museum, a monument, a monastery, a public square, a church and much more! Start your day with a visit to Jardin Des Plantes. This intriguing botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Muséum De Toulouse, which may be one of the most standout places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Albi on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Pont-neuf, an underrated monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Couvent Des Jacobins and Place Saint-pierre. End your day with a visit to Basilica Of St. Sernin, a locally renowned church that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Toulouse. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Toulouse, 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant Le May, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, L*Agence offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Perche Pinte is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Toulouse.

Keep the evening going at Moloko, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Botanist Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Melting Pot Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Head back to your accommodation in Toulouse and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Toulouse
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 206 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Foix Castle
  • Les Forges de Pyrène
  • Château de Montségur
  • Fountain Fontestorbes
  • Cathédrale St Maurice
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Foix, Montgailhard, Montségur, Bélesta, and Mirepoix. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at the underrated Foix Castle, a picture-perfect castle in Toulouse. Next, go to Les Forges De Pyrène.

After visiting Foix Castle and Les Forges De Pyrène, have a stroll along Toulouse's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Château De Montségur. This history-steeped castle offers a unique experience. Fountain Fontestorbes is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Cathédrale St Maurice, one of the most instagrammable places to visit in Toulouse.

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

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.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
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  • Portail des Jacobins
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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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Portail Des Jacobins. This up-and-coming monument is a popular place to see in the town.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Carcassonne’s popular marketplace, La Cité Médiévale. 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant La Marquière, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Métairie? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

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!

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