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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Lourdes and Gez. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Lourdes today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lourdes, 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 Pau to Lourdes may take around 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lourdes, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Grottes De Bétharram is an up-and-coming cave system we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its idyllic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lourdes and set your GPS to Lourdes. 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 16 min. Upon reaching Lourdes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a curiosity-inducing church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lourdes and set your GPS to Gez. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Gez, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, a beloved zoo known for its majestic 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.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Rapière offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Domaine d'Auriac is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Carcassonne.

Say good night to Carcassonne and look forward to another great 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 Carcassonne and Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

A blend of a romantic, a stunning, an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed await you in Carcassonne on today’s itinerary. First up is the worthwhile castle, Château Comtal. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Cité De Carcassonne. A visit to this castle is an enriching experience for all.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Toulouse, 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 Carcassonne to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Toulouse, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Head to Jardin Des Plantes, an underrated botanical garden in Toulouse. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This interesting park is a top recommendation in the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bordeaux, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bordeaux. 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 Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Originel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Clemenceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café Brun after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Le Mushroom Café, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Whose Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Bordeaux and Biarritz, 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 Pau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s agenda in Bordeaux includes a park, a monument, a public square, an art installation and much more! Jardin Public is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Monument Aux Girondins, a beloved monument, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Place De La Bourse, a picture-perfect public square, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Bordeaux. If you’re looking for more, Miroir D'eau is also a locally renowned attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Biarritz. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Rocher De La Vierge is a captivating rock formation we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Pau. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Resto Dit Vin, a popular restaurant in Pau. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Pau at Restaurant L' Ardoise, 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 Little Monkey Bar. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Pau tonight.

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