5-Day France Road Trip from La Rochelle traveling south to Perigueux and Bordeaux

Say hello to La Rochelle! 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 city. You will stay in La Rochelle for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

La Rochelle is a beautiful city 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 Charruyer Park of La Rochelle or taking a stroll in the city 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Boussole, a top-rated dining spot in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant Les Flots, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Palem Café. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in La Rochelle.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Mac Ewan's Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Le Plan B, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Le Dock Café likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, La Rochelle and Saint-Émilion. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Perigueux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Musée maritime de La Rochelle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,865 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, La Rochelle Aquarium is a recommended place to visit. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 6,656 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Saint-Émilion. This car ride takes around 2 hours 10 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, a remarkable church where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,946 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Perigueux. Perigueux offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Perigueux.

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

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 Martel, Padirac, and Rocamadour. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Perigueux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Martel. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 17 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Railway Tourist Haut Quercy. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,626 visitors.

Set your GPS to Padirac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Padirac beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Padirac Cave. This pit cave is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,172 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bordeaux, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bordeaux. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at L'Oiseau Bleu, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Le Plana? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Confidentiel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Café Brun after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Bar à Vin for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, La Comtesse is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux, Lormont, and Arcachon. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in La Rochelle. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like place de la Bourse. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

Next, make your way to miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,462 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bordeaux and set your GPS to Lormont. 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 9 min. Upon reaching Lormont, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make La Cité du Vin one of your first sightseeing stops in Lormont. Rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 21,487 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Savor the flavors at Christopher Coutanceau, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Chat’Ren’Thé - CatCoffee & Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in La Rochelle tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Le Mary Lili. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, L'Alibi offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Le Saint-Nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 5 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of La Rochelle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in France unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in La Rochelle’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of France. Keep the spirit of your trip to France alive with these special souvenirs.

Make Grosse Horloge one of your first sightseeing stops in La Rochelle. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 441 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in La Rochelle.

If you're eager to try something different, consider The Famous Pub, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to La Rochelle. 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!