5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Carcassonne and Bordeaux

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lourdes and Gez, 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 Carcassonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Lourdes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 35 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lourdes beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Grottes De Bétharram, an intriguing cave system that everyone visiting Lourdes 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 Lourdes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lourdes. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a frequently visited church that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gez. This car ride takes around 21 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, an increasingly popular zoo known for its eye-catching 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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal 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 your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Carcassonne and Toulouse. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Château Comtal. This increasingly popular castle is a history-steeped place to see in Carcassonne. Continue your discovery at Cité De Carcassonne, a history-steeped castle with stories to tell.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to Toulouse. 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 1 hour 3 min. Upon reaching Toulouse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to Jardin Des Plantes, a beloved botanical garden that everyone visiting Toulouse should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Cent 33, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try L'Originel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Clemenceau as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.

Continue your lively evening at Café Brun, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Le Mushroom Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Whose Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Say good night to Bordeaux and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

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 Bordeaux and Biarritz. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pau, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Bordeaux today. One of the most well-known attractions included on the itinerary is Jardin Public. This romantic park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Monument Aux Girondins and learn what makes this historic monument unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the popular Place De La Bourse. After exploring the public square, head to Miroir D'eau. This notable art installation is a highlight in Bordeaux.

After soaking in Bordeaux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Biarritz. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 16 min. When you arrive in Biarritz, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make your way to Rocher De La Vierge, a notable rock formation that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pau, 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 Pau, 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Resto Dit Vin, a top-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant L' Ardoise, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Monkey Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!