6-Day France Road Trip from Bordeaux traveling north to La Rochelle
Description
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Description
Explore the best of France on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Lormont, La Rochelle, La Brée-les-Bains, Rochefort, Le Château-d'Oléron, Nantes, and Arcachon. 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 Bordeaux, and 3 nights in La Rochelle. 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 Bordeaux, 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. Dune Of Pilat and Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Lormont, La Rochelle, La Brée-les-Bains, Rochefort, Le Château-d'Oléron, Nantes, and Arcachon, 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 – Bordeaux - arrival day
- Bordeaux - Arrival day
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- Monument aux Girondins
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Say hello to Bordeaux! 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 Bordeaux for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Bordeaux 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 Monument Aux Girondins or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bordeaux. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
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.
Dine in style at Le Cent 33, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Clemenceau boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out L'Oiseau Bleu. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bordeaux.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café Brun, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Mushroom Café offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bordeaux. Whose Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Lormont, and La Rochelle
- La Rochelle
- Bordeaux
- Le Bouscat
- Lormont
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Drive 195 km, 2 hours 44 min
- Bordeaux Cathedral
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
- parc bordelais
- Cité du Vin
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On day 2 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, Le Bouscat, and Lormont. In the evening, you’ll end up in La Rochelle, where you will stay for 3 nights.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Bordeaux Cathedral, a remarkable catholic cathedral where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.
Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Place De La Bourse. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 travelers.
Miroir D'eau is another must-visit attraction. This renowned reflecting pool offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bordeaux and set your GPS to Le Bouscat. 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 11 min. Upon reaching Le Bouscat, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Kick off the day at Parc Bordelais, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,855 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to La Rochelle, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in La Rochelle. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Boussole, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Les Flots offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Palem Café. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in La Rochelle.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Mac Ewan's Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Plan B offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Le Dock Café is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Head back to your accommodation in La Rochelle and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 3 – La Rochelle, La Conche, La Brée-les-Bains, Rochefort, and Le Château-d'Oléron
- La Rochelle
- La Brée-les-Bains
- Rochefort
- Le Château-d'Oléron
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Drive 204 km, 3 hours 49 min
- Chassiron lighthouse
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At the end of the day, you'll drive back to La Rochelle, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. La Conche, 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 La Rochelle to La Conche may take around 1 hour 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in La Conche, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Make Chassiron Lighthouse your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this lighthouse an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,221 reviews. More than 164,000 people visit this place of interest every year.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. La Brée-les-Bains, 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 La Conche to La Brée-les-Bains may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in La Brée-les-Bains, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Take the opportunity to see Beach Of La-brée-les-bains. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,066 visitors.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rochefort. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Fort Boyard. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,321 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to La Rochelle and your accommodation.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in La Rochelle. 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.
Dine in style at Christopher Coutanceau, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Chat’Ren’Thé - CatCoffee & Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in La Rochelle.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le Mary Lili. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to L'alibi, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Le Saint-nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Say good night to La Rochelle and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 4 – La Rochelle, and Nantes
- La Rochelle
- Nantes
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Drive 277 km, 3 hours 53 min
- Machines of the Isle of Nantes
- Château des ducs de Bretagne
- Botanical Garden
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On day 4 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Nantes, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to La Rochelle for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Nantes to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to La Rochelle and set your GPS to Nantes. 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 50 min. Upon reaching Nantes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes. This art project is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Nantes, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,332 visitors.
Château Des Ducs De Bretagne is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,724 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 167,867 people visit this museum every year.
If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Botanical Garden. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,694 reviews.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in La Rochelle.
As you explore more of La Rochelle, 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.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Bistrot de Mémé, a top-rated dining spot in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Famous Pub, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Iséo. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in La Rochelle.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Académie De La Bière after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Lili La Rochelle for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Corrigans Traditional Irish Pub is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 5 – La Rochelle, Arcachon, and Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
- Arcachon
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Drive 334 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Parc Mauresque
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Arcachon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bordeaux, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Rochelle, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Arcachon. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Parc Mauresque. This english garden is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,892 reviews.
Next up, make your way to Observatoire Sainte-cécile. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,811 reviews.
When you’ve had your share of La Rochelle, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arcachon. Your travel time is around 2 hours 39 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dune Of Pilat. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Arcachon, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,111 visitors.
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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux 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 explore more of Bordeaux, 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 delicious meal at Restaurant Soléna, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hôtel De Sèze, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Locadillos. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Grizzly Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Dog And Duck. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Say good night to Bordeaux and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 6 – Bordeaux - departure day
- Bordeaux - Departure day
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- jardin public
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Day 6 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux’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.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Jardin Public. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,341 reviews.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bordeaux.
If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Confidentiel, another premier location with a delectable menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Bordeaux. 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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