6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Carcassonne and Bordeaux and surrounding area
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 Pau, 2 nights in Carcassonne, and 1 night in Bordeaux. 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 Pau, 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 Place De La Bourse are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Miroir D'eau, learn more about the unique Jardin Public, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bordeaux Cathedral.
As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Carcassonne, Lastours, Bordeaux, and Le Bouscat, 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
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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Welcome to Pau, 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 Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Pau 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 taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
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 Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at Le Henri IV, a top-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Garage, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Fin Gourmet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Snug stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Winfield Café offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Galway is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Carcassonne
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Drive 329 km, 4 hours 3 min
- Grottes de Bétharram
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Animal Park of the Pyrenees
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lourdes and Gez. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Start by visiting Grottes De Bétharram, a prime spot to begin your journey. This visually striking cave system is sure to impress. Next on your list is Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, another must-visit landmark and beloved church renowned for its photogenic features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Pau by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees. This visually striking zoo is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Pau experience.
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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Carcassonne's best restaurants.
Don’t miss out on dining at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.
Head back to your accommodation in Carcassonne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 3
- Carcassonne
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Drive 42 km, 1 hour 6 min
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours
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Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in France. With 1 night left in Carcassonne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Carcassonne, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Cité De Carcassonne, a top-rated castle in the town. Then, head to Basilique Saint Nazaire and soak in the ambiance of this majestic church.
There are many interesting places to see in Carcassonne, and when you are ready for more, go to Château Comtal. This is one of the town’s most frequently visited enchanting spots of interest. After exploring the castle, visit the underrated Les Quatre Châteaux De Lastours.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Carcassonne and your accommodation.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at V and B Carcassonne, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Auberge des Lices offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Adélaïde is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Carcassonne.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 4
- Carcassonne
- Bordeaux
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Drive 341 km, 3 hours 42 min
- Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux
- The big bell of Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Cathedral
- parc bordelais
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bordeaux and Le Bouscat. 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 to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Carcassonne, including a church, a historical landmark, and a park. Start your day at Basilica Of St. Michael, Bordeaux. This awe-inspiring church is an underrated place to see in Carcassonne. Then, wander over to The Big Bell Of Bordeaux. If respected sites excite you, this historical landmark will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Bordeaux Cathedral. This inviting church is a favorite among visitors.
Carcassonne offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Parc Bordelais is a locally appreciated spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Cent 33, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, L'Originel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Clemenceau is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight 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.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 5
- Bordeaux
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 221 km, 2 hours 31 min
- jardin public
- Monument aux Girondins
- Porte Cailhau
- miroir d'eau
- place de la Bourse
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux. 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.
Bordeaux is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Jardin Public, a well-known park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Monument Aux Girondins, enchanting visitors with its picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Porte Cailhau. This monument is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bordeaux at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Miroir D'eau. After exploring the art installation, head to the captivating Place De La Bourse.
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.
As you explore more of Pau, 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 Resto Dit Vin, a top-rated dining spot in Pau. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant L' Ardoise, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Little Monkey Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Pau.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 6
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
- More
Day 6 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau 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 Pau’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Quartier du Hédas. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices. 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 Pau.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Maynats, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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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