5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling west to Clermont-Ferrand and Nimes
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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, Clermont-Ferrand, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Générargues, Nimes, and Avignon. 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 Clermont-Ferrand, and 1 night in Nimes. 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, Clermont-Ferrand, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Générargues, Nimes, and Avignon, 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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Say hello to Lyon! 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 Lyon for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
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.
Find your way to your hotel in Lyon. 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 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.
Savor the flavors at Nuage café, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Café du Rhône beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Agastache Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Lyon tonight.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, L' Antiquaire offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Black Forest Society is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pompette is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Clermont-Ferrand
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Clermont-Ferrand
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Drive 182 km, 2 hours 45 min
- Lyon Cathedral
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- More
Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Clermont-Ferrand. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Lyon promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Lyon Cathedral. This inviting church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Musée Miniature Et Cinéma, another instagrammable attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière, one of the city’s most locally renowned attractions, known for its visually striking features.
When you’ve had your share of Lyon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. Your travel time is around 22 min.
Head to Parc De La Tête D'or, a famous park in Caluire-et-Cuire. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
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 Clermont-Ferrand. Clermont-Ferrand 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.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Clermont-Ferrand. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Don’t miss out on dining at Le Comptoir Des Saveurs, a top-rated dining destination in Clermont-Ferrand. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Five Guys Clermont-Ferrand, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Le 62, Bib Gourmand Michelin, terrasse ombragée. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Clermont-Ferrand this evening.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Les Berthom, known for its lively atmosphere. Le Bar Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Viking Pub Counter offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
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 – Clermont-Ferrand, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Générargues, and Nimes
- Clermont-Ferrand
- Saint-Jean-du-Gard
- Générargues
- Nîmes
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Drive 335 km, 4 hours 53 min
- place de Jaude
- Jardin Lecoq
- The Bamboo Cevennes
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Clermont-Ferrand, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, and Générargues. 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.
Get ready for a day filled with a charming, an awe-inspiring, an eye-catching, a historic, a majestic, a remarkable, and a peaceful in the charming city of Clermont-Ferrand. Your adventure starts at Place De Jaude, an interesting local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Jardin Lecoq. This beloved park is known for its remarkable appeal.
Saint-Jean-du-Gard’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Clermont-Ferrand behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 33 min. Saint-Jean-du-Gard welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Make your way to Steam Train Of Cevennes, an intriguing heritage railway that draws attention for its romantic features.
When you’ve had your share of Saint-Jean-du-Gard, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Générargues. Your travel time is around 20 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Bamboo Cevennes. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the botanical garden before you continue to your next stop.
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.
As you explore more of Nimes, 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 book a table at La Galerie, a popular restaurant in Nimes. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Nimes at Annaba Café, 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 Hôtel des Tuileries. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Nimes tonight.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La Bonne Mousse, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to O’flaherty’s. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at News Café, another top-rated place in the area.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 4 – Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Avignon, and Lyon
- Nîmes
- Avignon
- Lyon
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Drive 299 km, 4 hours 1 min
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Pont du Gard
- Pont d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
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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 - Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Avignon. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lyon. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s route brings a charming, an enchanting, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a culturally significant, and a remarkable. The first attraction of today is Jardin De La Fontaine. This popular park is an enchanting place to see in Nimes.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Nimes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This drive usually takes around 40 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Take your self-guided tour to Pont Du Gard, a captivating 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.
Begin your journey at Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon) and explore the enchanting features. Next, make your way to Palais Des Papes, another highlight in the city.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lyon. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top-rated dining spot in Lyon. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bernachon Chocolats, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at La Mère Léa. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Lyon.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into The James Joyce Pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Broc'bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook La Passagère, another top-rated bar in the area.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure 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.
Today's adventure in Lyon promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Fresque Des Lyonnais. This awe-inspiring street art is a highlight of any visit in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
If you're eager to try something different, consider Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
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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