6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Bordeaux and Toulouse
Description
Included
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 Pau, Duras, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, Lormont, Arcachon, Blagnac, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Bizanos. 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 2 nights in Pau, 2 nights 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 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 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 Pau, Duras, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, Lormont, Arcachon, Blagnac, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Bizanos, 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 – Pau - arrival day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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- place Clémenceau
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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 Place Clémenceau or 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 Pau. 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 Pau. 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 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.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Snug, known for its inviting atmosphere. Winfield Café is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Galway provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Pau, Duras, Saint-Émilion, and Bordeaux
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Duras
- Saint-Émilion
- Bordeaux
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Drive 304 km, 3 hours 56 min
- Funicular
- Parc Beaumont
- Castle of the Dukes of Duras
- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Pau, Duras, and Saint-Émilion, 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 Bordeaux. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several an awe-inspiring, a photogenic, a heritage-rich, a charming, and an idyllic. Whether you decide to explore Pau on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Funiculaire De Pau is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this instagrammable tramway before continuing your journey. Parc Beaumont is your next stop. This worthwhile park is one of the best-rated sights in Pau.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pau, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Duras. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 9 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Take your self-guided tour to Castle Of The Dukes Of Duras, a curiosity-inducing sightseeing destination that everyone visiting Duras should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Set your GPS to Saint-Émilion and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 45 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Saint-Émilion beckons with new experiences!
Your self-guided tour starts at Monolithic Church Of Saint-emilion, an often recommended church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Le Cent 33, an iconic dining spot in Bordeaux. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of L'Originel, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Clemenceau, a hidden gem nestled in Bordeaux. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Café Brun, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Mushroom Café provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Whose Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Say good night to Bordeaux and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 3 – Bordeaux, Lormont, and Arcachon
- Bordeaux
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Drive 149 km, 2 hours 41 min
- jardin public
- miroir d'eau
- place de la Bourse
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Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Lormont 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.
Bordeaux is home to plenty of attractions that offer a romantic, an idyllic, a mesmerizing, a photogenic, a noteworthy, a heritage-rich, a majestic, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated! Start at Jardin Public, a well-known park that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Miroir D'eau, enchanting visitors with its enchanting appeal. Continue your exploration at Place De La Bourse. This public square is one of the town’s most well-known spots.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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 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.
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.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Grizzly Pub, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Dog And Duck provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
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 4 – Bordeaux, Blagnac, and Toulouse
- Bordeaux
- Blagnac
- Toulouse
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Drive 266 km, 3 hours 9 min
- Musée Aeroscopia
- Pont-Neuf
- Jardin des Plantes
- Square Charles de Gaulle
- place de la Bourse
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Blagnac and Toulouse. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Toulouse. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Blagnac. This car ride takes around 2 hours 25 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Musée Aeroscopia. Spend some time admiring the standout features of the aviation museum before you continue to your next stop.
Toulouse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Blagnac behind. This drive usually takes around 14 min. Toulouse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Make your way to Place Saint-pierre, an underrated public square that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Pont-neuf, a visually striking monument that stands out in the town. Next, visit Jardin Des Plantes, an often recommended botanical garden that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Square Charles De Gaulle, a nearby public square, which is highly recommended by other travelers.
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.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Toulouse. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Le May, a top-rated dining destination in Toulouse. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L*Agence, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Perche Pinte. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Toulouse this evening.
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, Carcassonne, and Pau
- Toulouse
- Carcassonne
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 382 km, 4 hours 17 min
- Basilica of St. Sernin
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
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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 Toulouse and Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Pau, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Start your adventure at Basilica Of St. Sernin. This locally renowned church is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Carcassonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Head to Château Comtal, a curiosity-inducing castle in Carcassonne. Explore its symbolic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Cité De Carcassonne. This famous castle is a top recommendation 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 Pau. Pau 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 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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Resto Dit Vin, a highly-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant L' Ardoise, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Monkey Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pau this 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.
Day 6 – Pau and Bizanos - departure day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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- Parc Beaumont
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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 Pau 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.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.
Savor the flavors at m Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Maynats beckons with its unique menu offerings.
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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