6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne traveling west to Tarbes, Bordeaux, and Toulouse
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
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 Carcassonne, 1 night in Tarbes, 1 night in Bordeaux, 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 Carcassonne, 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 La Cité Du Vin are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Place De La Bourse, learn more about the unique Miroir D'eau, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jardin Public.
As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Tarbes, Bayonne, Anglet, Bordeaux, Lormont, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Carcassonne - Arrival day
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- Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
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Welcome to Carcassonne, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Carcassonne's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point, 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Carcassonne at La Rapière, 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 Domaine d'Auriac. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Carcassonne tonight.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Carcassonne
- Tarbes
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Drive 295 km, 3 hours 34 min
- Grotte de Limousis
- Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Marmonières and Carcassonne, 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 Tarbes. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Grotte De Limousis. This worthwhile cave is a stunning place to see in Carcassonne. Continue your discovery at Basilique Saint Nazaire, a visually striking church with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Carcassonne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this hamlet so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Cité De Carcassonne. This famous castle offers a romantic encounter with Carcassonne. Next, make your way to Château Comtal to add another highlight to your day. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Carcassonne.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Tarbes. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tarbes. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
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.
Day 3
- Tarbes
- Bordeaux
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Drive 342 km, 4 hours 3 min
- Bayonne Cathedral
- Forêt de Chiberta
- Basque Museum in Bayonne
- Pierre IBAIALDE - Artisan du jambon à Bayonne
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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 Bayonne and Anglet. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.
Start by visiting Bayonne Cathedral, a prime spot to begin your journey. This picture-perfect church is sure to impress. Next on your list is Forêt De Chiberta, another must-visit landmark and curiosity-inducing park renowned for its serene features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Tarbes by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Basque Museum In Bayonne. This instagrammable museum is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Tarbes experience. We also recommend visiting Pierre Ibaialde - Artisan Du Jambon À Bayonne, an increasingly popular food market.
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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bordeaux. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Begin your culinary exploration in Bordeaux by securing a reservation at Ressources. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
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.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 4
- Bordeaux
- Toulouse
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Drive 256 km, 3 hours 16 min
- jardin public
- Cité du Vin
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Bordeaux and Lormont. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Toulouse, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Bordeaux is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a museum, a public square, an art installation and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the interesting Jardin Public and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, La Cité Du Vin, an enchanting museum that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Place De La Bourse, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the popular Miroir D'eau.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Toulouse. Toulouse offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Toulouse's best restaurants.
Have a memorable dining experience in Toulouse by booking a table at Stéphane Tournié - Les Jardins de l'Opéra, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Toulouse, Py-r shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Hedone is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative cuisine in Toulouse. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Moloko, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Botanist Pub, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Melting Pot Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 5
- Toulouse
- Carcassonne
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 21 min
- Basilica of St. Sernin
- Place Saint-Pierre
- Pont-Neuf
- Jardin des Plantes
- Musée Aeroscopia
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Toulouse and Blagnac. 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.
Today's adventure in Toulouse promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Basilica Of St. Sernin. This breathtaking church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Place Saint-pierre, another romantic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Pont-neuf, one of the city’s most often recommended attractions, known for its visually striking features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Jardin Des Plantes. This eye-catching botanical garden is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Musée Aeroscopia, a curiosity-inducing aviation museum, and take a stroll around the area.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Carcassonne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
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.
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Carcassonne by reserving a table at La Table de Franck Putelat. Renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and creative menu. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Auberge des Lices, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 6
- Carcassonne - Departure day
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- Portail des Jacobins
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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 Carcassonne 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, begin at Portail Des Jacobins. This frequently visited monument is a popular place to see in the town.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Carcassonne’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Place Carnot. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France. Savor your final moments in France at a cozy cafe while relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Carcassonne.
You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. 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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