5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Marseille traveling west to Montpellier
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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 Marseille, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Nimes, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Avignon.
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 Marseille and 2 nights in Montpellier. 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 Marseille, 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 Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Marseille, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Nimes, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, 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!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Marseille - arrival day
- Marseille - Arrival day
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- Palais Longchamp
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Welcome to Marseille, 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 Marseille's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Marseille 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 Palais Longchamp 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 Marseille. 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 Marseille. 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 Chez Roger, a highly-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're eager to try something different, consider Les Mets des Saintes, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Le Traquenard, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, La Dame Du Mont provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Polikarpov 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 – Marseille and Montpellier
- Marseille
- Montpellier
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Drive 202 km, 3 hours 11 min
- Les Petits Trains de Marseille
- Calanques National Park
- Parc Borély
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- Cathédrale La Major
- More
Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Marseille, 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 Montpellier. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Set out on a day brimming with a stunning, a photogenic, a charming, a majestic, a heritage-rich, a detailed, an inviting, and a symbolic. Start at the often recommended Les Petits Trains De Marseille, a visually striking tramway in Marseille. Next, go to Calanques National Park.
After visiting Les Petits Trains De Marseille and Calanques National Park, take time to explore Marseille's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Parc Borély. This history-steeped park offers a unique experience. Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) is another noteworthy stop. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Marseille Cathedral, one of the most respected places to visit in Marseille.
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 Montpellier. Montpellier 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Montpellier's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Palavasien, a top-rated dining spot in Montpellier. If you're in the mood for something new, try Les Enfants Rouges, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Tord Boyaux. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Montpellier.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Triskell Montpellier, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Kraken Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Le Rebuffy provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 3 – Montpellier, Carcassonne, and Nimes
- Montpellier
- Carcassonne
- Nîmes
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Drive 416 km, 4 hours 54 min
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- More
At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Montpellier, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Carcassonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 43 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Take your self-guided tour to Cité De Carcassonne, a top-rated castle that everyone visiting Carcassonne should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Château Comtal. This enchanting castle is one of the most beloved attractions in the region.
After soaking in Carcassonne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nimes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 3 min. When you arrive in Nimes, it's time to take a break from the road.
Take your self-guided tour to Jardin De La Fontaine, a popular park that everyone visiting Nimes should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Espeisses Woods. This mesmerizing park is one of the most beloved attractions in the region.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Montpellier and your accommodation.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Montpellier. 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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre, an iconic dining spot in Montpellier. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub, a popular restaurant in Montpellier. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Balthazar café & restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Montpellier. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Black Out after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Petit Nice for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Espit Chupitos Montpellier is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
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 – Montpellier, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille
- Montpellier
- Arles
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Avignon
- Marseille
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Drive 236 km, 3 hours 43 min
- Arles Amphitheatre
- Pont d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Marseille, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arles. This car ride takes around 1 hour 11 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Arles Amphitheatre, a well-known archeological site that everyone visiting Arles should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Arles and set your GPS to Les Baux-de-Provence. 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 27 min. Upon reaching Les Baux-de-Provence, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Take your self-guided tour to Château Des Baux-de-provence, a well-known castle that everyone visiting Les Baux-de-Provence should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Carrières Des Lumières. This eye-catching art installation is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Avignon. This car ride takes around 42 min.
Your self-guided tour starts at Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), an interesting 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 picture-perfect features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Marseille. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Marseille, 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 Le Bistro Du Panier, a popular restaurant in Marseille. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Marseille at Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, 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 Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Marseille tonight.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Au Petit Nice. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Marengo offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook L'unic Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 5 – Marseille - departure day
- Marseille - Departure day
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- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
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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 Marseille before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Marseille’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.
Get ready for a day filled with a visually striking and much more in the charming city of Marseille. Your adventure starts at Friche La Belle De Mai, a worthwhile 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 Marseille.
You’ll then say farewell to Marseille. 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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