6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux traveling south to Pau and Toulouse
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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, Arcachon, Biarritz, Pau, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Blagnac. 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 3 nights in Bordeaux, 1 night in Pau, and 1 night in Toulouse. 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. Cité De Carcassonne and Dune Of Pilat 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, Arcachon, Biarritz, Pau, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Blagnac, 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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Day 1 – Bordeaux - arrival day
- Bordeaux - Arrival day
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- Monument aux Girondins
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Welcome to Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
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.
Find your way to your hotel in Bordeaux. 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 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, L'Originel boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Clemenceau. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bordeaux.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Café Brun, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Mushroom Café is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Whose Bar 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 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, and Lormont
- Bordeaux
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Drive 16 km, 1 hour 4 min
- Bordeaux Cathedral
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
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Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Le Bouscat has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Bordeaux by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the town.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Bordeaux. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await. Bordeaux Cathedral is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most notable places to visit in Bordeaux. Next, head to Place De La Bourse, a popular public square, known for its enchanting features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Miroir D'eau. This romantic art installation offers a unique experience that is highly recommended.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
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.
Don’t miss out on dining at L'Oiseau Bleu, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Soléna, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel De Sèze. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Grizzly Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Dog And Duck provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Say good night to Bordeaux and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 3 – Bordeaux, Arcachon, Biarritz, and Pau
- Bordeaux
- Arcachon
- Biarritz
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 387 km, 4 hours 42 min
- Rocher de la vierge
- Biarritz Aquarium
- place de la Bourse
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Arcachon and Biarritz. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bordeaux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Arcachon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Your self-guided tour starts at Dune Of Pilat, a well-known sand dunes that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
Biarritz’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Arcachon behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 7 min. Biarritz welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Rocher De La Vierge is a well-known rock formation we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Biarritz Aquarium, an instagrammable aquarium that’s well-regarded in the area.
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.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Pau's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Henri IV, a top-rated dining spot in Pau. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Garage, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Au Fin Gourmet. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Pau.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Snug is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Winfield Café, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Galway. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4 – Pau, Carcassonne, and Toulouse
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Carcassonne
- Toulouse
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Drive 379 km, 4 hours 15 min
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Jardin des Plantes
- Basilica of St. Sernin
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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 Carcassonne and Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Carcassonne promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Pau, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Carcassonne may take around 2 hours 49 min. Upon your arrival in Carcassonne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Head to Château Comtal, a beloved castle in Carcassonne. Explore its grand features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Cité De Carcassonne. This impressive castle is a top recommendation in the area.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Carcassonne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 3 min. Upon your arrival in Toulouse, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Spend your afternoon discovering Jardin Des Plantes, a locally appreciated botanical garden known for its romantic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Basilica Of St. Sernin, a popular church that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Toulouse. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Savor the flavors at Restaurant Le May, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L*Agence beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Perche Pinte. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Toulouse tonight.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Moloko, known for its lively atmosphere. The Botanist Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 5 – Toulouse, Blagnac, and Bordeaux
- Toulouse
- Blagnac
- Bordeaux
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Drive 256 km, 3 hours 15 min
- Couvent des Jacobins
- Pont-Neuf
- Musée Aeroscopia
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Toulouse and Blagnac. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Set out on a day brimming with a gorgeous, a visually striking, a standout, a profound, a grand, and a romantic. Start at the underrated Couvent Des Jacobins, a monumental monastery in Toulouse. Next, go to Pont-neuf.
After visiting Couvent Des Jacobins and Pont-neuf, take time to explore Toulouse's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Place Saint-pierre. This romantic public square offers a unique experience.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Blagnac. This car ride takes around 15 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Musée Aeroscopia. Spend some time admiring the respected features of the aviation museum before you continue to your next stop.
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 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 Locadillos, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Le Plana boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Blind. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bordeaux.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Casey's Pub, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Le Bar À Vin offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Thecity. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 6 – Bordeaux - departure day
- Bordeaux - Departure day
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- jardin public
- place de la Bourse
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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.
Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Jardin Public. This romantic park is sure to ignite your curiosity.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bordeaux.
Dine in style at Le Confidentiel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Chicoula Bistrot d'art boasts a menu that's sure to impress.
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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