5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling east to Nimes and Grenoble
Description
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Description
Explore the best of France on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Nimes, Avignon, Grenoble, Les Bossons, and Chamonix Mont Blanc. 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 Lyon, 1 night in Nimes, and 1 night in Grenoble. 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 Lyon, 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. Parc De La Tête D'or and Palais Des Papes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Nimes, Avignon, Grenoble, Les Bossons, and Chamonix Mont Blanc, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
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- Place Bellecour
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Welcome to Lyon, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Lyon's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Lyon 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 Place Bellecour 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 Lyon. 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 Lyon. 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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nuage café, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café du Rhône, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Agastache Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at L' Antiquaire, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Black Forest Society provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pompette offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Nimes
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Nîmes
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Drive 272 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Lyon Cathedral
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- parc de la Tête d'Or
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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 Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nimes, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Start by visiting Lyon Cathedral, a prime spot to begin your journey. This inviting church is sure to impress. Next on your list is Musée Miniature Et Cinéma, another must-visit landmark and intriguing museum renowned for its picture-perfect features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Lyon by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This romantic church is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience.
Caluire-et-Cuire’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lyon behind. This drive usually takes around 22 min. Caluire-et-Cuire welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Spend your afternoon discovering Parc De La Tête D'or, an impressive park known for its peaceful features.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Nimes, 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 Nimes's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Galerie, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Annaba Café offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hôtel des Tuileries. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Nimes.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to La Bonne Mousse, known for its inviting atmosphere. O’flaherty’s is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, News Café provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 3 – Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Avignon, and Grenoble
- Nîmes
- Avignon
- Grenoble
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Drive 294 km, 3 hours 57 min
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Pont du Gard
- Pont d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
- Jardin des doms
- More
On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Avignon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Grenoble, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Start your adventure at Jardin De La Fontaine. This captivating park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This car ride takes around 40 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Pont Du Gard, an interesting monument that everyone visiting La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Avignon. This drive usually takes around 35 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Your self-guided tour starts at Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), a well-known historical landmark that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Palais Des Papes and admire its UNESCO world heritage-listed features. When you’re ready, continue to Jardin Des Doms, an intriguing park beloved by locals and tourists alike.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Grenoble. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Grenoble's best restaurants.
Make sure to book a table at Restaurant Le Rousseau, a popular restaurant in Grenoble. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Grenoble at Bar Au RENCARD, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Ciao a Te. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Grenoble tonight.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Le Groove. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Brasserie La Natation offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Pub Shakesbeer, another top-rated bar 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 4 – Grenoble, Bonneville, Les Bossons, Chamonix Mont Blanc, and Lyon
- Grenoble
- Les Bossons
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Lyon
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Drive 466 km, 5 hours 24 min
- Aiguille du Midi
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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 Bonneville, Les Bossons, and Chamonix Mont Blanc. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lyon, where you will stay for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Grenoble, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bonneville. Your travel time is around 2 hours 10 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Aiguille Du Midi. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the mountain range before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Le Pas Dans Le Vide. This worthwhile observation deck is a traveler-favorite in the region.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Les Bossons, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bonneville to Les Bossons may take around 4 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Les Bossons, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Tunnel Du Mont-blanc.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Les Bossons, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Chamonix Mont Blanc may take around 38 min. Upon your arrival in Chamonix Mont Blanc, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Spend your afternoon discovering Compagnie Du Mont Blanc, a notable ski resort known for its scenic features.
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 Lyon. Lyon 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 Lyon, 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.
Dine in style at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bernachon Chocolats boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Mère Léa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.
Round off your dining experience by visiting The James Joyce Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Broc'bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. La Passagère likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Head back to your accommodation in Lyon and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 5 – Lyon - departure day
- Lyon - Departure day
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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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 Lyon 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 Lyon’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Get ready for a day filled with a breathtaking, an instagrammable, and a historically significant in the charming city of Lyon. Your adventure starts at Fresque Des Lyonnais, a frequently visited local hot spot.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
Savor the flavors at Nosch, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais beckons with its unique menu offerings.
You’ll then say farewell to Lyon. 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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