6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle traveling south to Bordeaux, Carcassonne, and Toulouse

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of La Rochelle and Saint-Émilion. 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.

Get ready for a day filled with a mesmerizing, a picture-perfect, and a historic in the charming city of La Rochelle. Your adventure starts at Musée Maritime De La Rochelle, a frequently visited local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is La Rochelle Aquarium. This underrated aquarium is known for its picture-perfect appeal.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of La Rochelle, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Saint-Émilion may take around 2 hours 10 min. Upon your arrival in Saint-Émilion, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Monolithic Church Of Saint-emilion, a worthwhile church known for its majestic features.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining spot in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood for something new, try L'Originel, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Clemenceau. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bordeaux.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Café Brun stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Mushroom Café offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Whose Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Montauban and Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Bordeaux promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Place De La Bourse. This visually striking public square is a highlight of any visit in the town.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bordeaux and set your GPS to Montauban. 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 2 hours 9 min. Upon reaching Montauban, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Place Nationale. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the public square before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Montauban, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Carcassonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your self-guided tour starts at Basilique Saint Nazaire, an intriguing church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Cité De Carcassonne and admire its history-steeped features. When you’re ready, continue to Château Comtal, a worthwhile castle beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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.

As you explore more of Carcassonne, 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 reserve a table at Brasserie a 4 Temps, an iconic dining spot in Carcassonne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Rapière, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Domaine d'Auriac, a hidden gem nestled in Carcassonne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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 Narbonne, Gruissan, and Toulouse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Narbonne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Narbonne beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Réserve Africaine De Sigean, an interesting wildlife reserve that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

Set your GPS to Gruissan and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gruissan beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Le Salin De L'île Saint-martin De Gruissan, a frequently visited nature reserve that draws attention for its serene features.

Toulouse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Gruissan behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 48 min. Toulouse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Jardin Des Plantes is a frequently visited botanical garden we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its serene features before continuing your self-guided tour to Basilica Of St. Sernin, a historic church that’s well-regarded in the area.

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 Toulouse. Toulouse 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Le May, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? L*Agence offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Perche Pinte. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Toulouse.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Moloko. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Botanist Pub, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Bordeaux, 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 La Rochelle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bordeaux. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Miroir D'eau, an interesting art installation that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Monument Aux Girondins, where you can soak in the picture-perfect surroundings. Next, explore Jardin Public, yet another interesting place to see in the area.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Les Flots, a top-rated dining destination in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Palem Café, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Christopher Coutanceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in La Rochelle this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Le Dock Café after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Mary Lili for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, L'alibi is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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