5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne

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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 Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Auch.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Pau and 1 night in Carcassonne. 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 Pau, 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 Basilica Of St. Sernin are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Château Comtal, learn more about the unique Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Couvent Des Jacobins.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Auch, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Parc Beaumont
Sanctuary of Our Lady of LourdesBasilica of Our Lady of the RosaryBasilica of St. Pius XChâteau Fort Musée PyrénéenParc Bel-AirMassey Garden
Château comtal de CarcassonneSaint Michael of CarcassonneChurch of Saints Nazaire and CelseCité de CarcassonnePorte Narbonnaise
Muséum de ToulousePont-NeufCouvent des JacobinsBasilica of St. SerninPark Couloumé
place Clémenceau

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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  • Parc Beaumont
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Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Pau is a beautiful town 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 Parc Beaumont, or just taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Pau. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Le Henri IV, a top-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Garage, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Fin Gourmet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Snug, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Winfield Café is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Galway also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 112 km, 2 hours 24 min

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Basilica of St. Pius X
  • Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen
  • Parc Bel-Air
  • Massey Garden
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Pau, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. The first attraction of today is Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes. This frequently visited church is a picture-perfect place to see in Pau. Continue your discovery at Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a culturally significant church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Pau, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Basilica Of St. Pius X. Next, make your way to Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Parc Bel-air, a curiosity-inducing park that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Massey Garden, an underrated botanical garden in the town. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Pau.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Pau and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Pau. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Resto Dit Vin, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant L' Ardoise offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Little Monkey Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pau.

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.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Carcassonne
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Drive 289 km, 3 hours 16 min

  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Saint Michael of Carcassonne
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Porte Narbonnaise
  • More

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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Pau, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Château Comtal, a frequently visited castle in the town.

There are many interesting places to see in Pau, and when you are ready for more, go to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This is one of the town’s most curiosity-inducing enchanting spots of interest. After exploring the church, visit the widely recognized Cité De Carcassonne. Not far away, you'll also find Porte Narbonnaise. This monument is a culturally significant highlight in Pau.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Carcassonne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Brasserie a 4 Temps, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Rapière offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Domaine d'Auriac. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Carcassonne
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • More

Drive 276 km, 4 hours 36 min

  • Muséum de Toulouse
  • Pont-Neuf
  • Couvent des Jacobins
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Park Couloumé
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Toulouse and Auch. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Pau, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Carcassonne today. One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Muséum De Toulouse. This instagrammable museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Pont-neuf and learn what makes this romantic monument unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the up-and-coming Couvent Des Jacobins. After exploring the monastery, head to Basilica Of St. Sernin. This notable church is a highlight in Carcassonne. As your day continues, stop by Park Couloumé, known for its mesmerizing features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Pau. Pau offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at m Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Pau. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Pau at Maynats, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Le Café du Passage. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Pau tonight.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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  • place Clémenceau
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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 Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Place Clémenceau, a heritage-rich public square before you head out.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace, Centre Bosquet. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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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