6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling north to Auxerre, Paris, and Fontainebleau
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in France as you embark on an unforgettable 6-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Auxerre, Paris, Fontainebleau, Dijon, and Beaune.
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 Lyon, 1 night in Auxerre, 1 night in Paris, and 1 night in Fontainebleau. 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 Lyon, 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. Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Auxerre, Paris, Fontainebleau, Dijon, and Beaune, 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 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
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- Place Bellecour
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Welcome to Lyon, 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 Lyon's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Lyon 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 Place Bellecour 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 Lyon. 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 Lyon. 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Nuage café, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Café du Rhône offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Agastache Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lyon.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at L' Antiquaire, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Black Forest Society. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Pompette, another top-rated place in the area.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Auxerre
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Auxerre
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Drive 314 km, 3 hours 34 min
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Lyon Cathedral
- parc de la Tête d'Or
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Auxerre, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
A blend of a charming, a stunning, a visually striking, a history-steeped, a sacred, and a symbolic await you in Lyon on today’s itinerary. First up is the captivating church, Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Lyon Cathedral. A visit to this church is an enriching experience for all.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Your self-guided tour starts at Porte Des Enfants Du Rhône, an underrated monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Parc De La Tête D'or and admire its eye-catching features.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Auxerre, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Auxerre. 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.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 3 – Auxerre and Paris
- Auxerre
- Paris
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Drive 179 km, 2 hours 23 min
- Champ de Mars
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Tuileries Garden
- Louvre Museum
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Paris. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Paris. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Auxerre and set your GPS to Paris. 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 56 min. Upon reaching Paris, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Head to Champ De Mars, an iconic park in Paris. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Eiffel Tower. This timeless monument is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Arc De Triomphe is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most romantic monument in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the spectacular Tuileries Garden and discover what makes this park unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Louvre Museum, a respected museum many travelers find worthwhile the visit.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Paris. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Paris, 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 Mumi, a top-rated dining spot in Paris. If you're in the mood for something new, try Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at L'Imprévu Café. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Paris.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Café De Paris V is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dirty Dick, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Little Red Door. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Head back to your accommodation in Paris and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 4 – Paris and Fontainebleau
- Paris
- Fontainebleau
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Drive 89 km, 2 hours 5 min
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Musée d'Orsay
- place de la Concorde
- Sacré-Cœur
- La Villette
- Louvre Museum
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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 Paris. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fontainebleau, where you will stay for 1 night.
Set out on a day brimming with a charming, an enchanting, an instagrammable, a standout, a noteworthy, a culturally significant, and a profound. Start at the spectacular Jardin Du Luxembourg, a noteworthy park in Paris. Next, go to Musée D'orsay.
After visiting Jardin Du Luxembourg and Musée D'orsay, take time to explore Paris's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Place De La Concorde. This enchanting public square offers a unique experience. Sacré-cœur is another noteworthy stop. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to La Villette, one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Paris.
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 Fontainebleau. Fontainebleau 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.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Fontainebleau's best restaurants.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 5 – Fontainebleau, Dijon, Beaune, and Lyon
- Fontainebleau
- Dijon
- Beaune
- Lyon
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Drive 448 km, 4 hours 45 min
- Darcy square
- Pulpit of Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Dijon and Beaune. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lyon, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Dijon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Fontainebleau behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 23 min. Dijon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Your self-guided tour starts at Darcy Square, a locally appreciated public square that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Dijon Cathedral and admire its instagrammable features.
Set your GPS to Beaune and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 39 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Beaune beckons with new experiences!
Head to Hôtel-dieu Museum - Hospices De Beaune, a well-known museum in Beaune. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Lyon, 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 Lyon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Dine in style at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bernachon Chocolats boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Mère Léa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.
Round off your dining experience by visiting The James Joyce Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Broc'bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. La Passagère likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Say good night to Lyon and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 6 – Lyon - departure day
- Lyon - Departure day
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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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 Lyon before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Start your adventure at Palais De La Bourse De Lyon. This underrated palace is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Lyon. 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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