6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour

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Photo of aerial view of Paroisse Eglise Saint Martin in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France.
Photo of a bridge over river Gave de Pau in Orthez and Pic du midi Ossau ,France.
6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour
6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour
6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour
6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour
6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Rocamadour
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Explore the best of France on a remarkable 6-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Pau, Lourdes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Sarlat La Caneda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Rocamadour, Padirac, Autoire, and Cahors.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in France. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Carcassonne, 1 night in Toulouse, and 1 night in Rocamadour. 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 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 Padirac Cave are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Sarlat La Caneda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Rocamadour, Padirac, Autoire, and Cahors, 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, accommodations, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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  • Parc Beaumont
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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 discovering what to see in Pau 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 Parc Beaumont. Taking a stroll in the town center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Pau. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the town.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Henri IV, a highly-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Garage, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Fin Gourmet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Snug, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Winfield Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Galway ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Lourdes
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 305 km, 3 hours 41 min

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • More

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Lourdes and Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Carcassonne, where you'll spend 1 night.

Lourdes’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Pau behind. This drive usually takes around 47 min. Lourdes welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Lourdes is Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, an underrated church that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a culturally significant church that stands out in the town.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Carcassonne. This car ride takes around 2 hours 40 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Carcassonne is Château Comtal, an often recommended castle that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Cité De Carcassonne, a romantic castle that stands out in the town.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Carcassonne. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining spot in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Rapière, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Carcassonne.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Carcassonne
  • Toulouse
  • More

Drive 96 km, 2 hours

  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Muséum de Toulouse
  • Pont-Neuf
  • Couvent des Jacobins
  • Place Saint-Pierre
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • More

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Toulouse. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Toulouse, where you'll spend 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Toulouse.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to Toulouse. 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 6 min. Upon reaching Toulouse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Jardin Des Plantes and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Muséum De Toulouse, another highlight in Toulouse. When you’re done exploring the museum, continue to Pont-neuf, an enchanting monument.

Nearby, you will also find Couvent Des Jacobins. This intriguing monastery is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Place Saint-pierre, a romantic public square that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

Dine in style at Restaurant Le May, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L*Agence boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Perche Pinte. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Toulouse.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Moloko. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Botanist Pub offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Melting Pot Pub, another top-rated bar in the area.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Toulouse
  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • Beynac
  • Rocamadour
  • More

Drive 270 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • Manor Gisson
  • Château de Beynac
  • Monkey Forest
  • La Maison des Abeilles
  • Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour
  • More

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 3 places, which are Sarlat La Caneda, Beynac-et-Cazenac, and Rocamadour. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rocamadour, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Sarlat La Caneda, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Toulouse to Sarlat La Caneda may take around 2 hours 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sarlat La Caneda, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Manor Gisson is an increasingly popular museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Beynac-et-Cazenac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Beynac-et-Cazenac beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Château De Beynac. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rocamadour. This car ride takes around 1 hour 9 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Monkey Forest. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the wildlife reserve before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to La Maison Des Abeilles. This intriguing museum is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Sanctuaire Notre-dame De Rocamadour. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rocamadour, 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Rocamadour, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Rocamadour
  • Padirac
  • Autoire
  • Cahors
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • More

Drive 433 km, 5 hours 18 min

  • Padirac Cave
  • Cascade d'Autoire
  • La Barbacane
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Padirac, Autoire, and Cahors. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Pau, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Padirac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 26 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Padirac beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Padirac Cave, a captivating cave known for its stunning features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Padirac and set your GPS to Autoire. 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 11 min. Upon reaching Autoire, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Cascade D'autoire, a frequently visited waterfall that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking in Autoire’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cahors. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive in Cahors, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit La Barbacane, a locally appreciated sightseeing destination that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Pau. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Pau. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Make sure to reserve a table at Resto Dit Vin, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular restaurant in Pau. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Monkey Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Head back to your accommodation in Pau and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in France.

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Day6

Day 6

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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  • place Clémenceau
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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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Place Clémenceau. This locally appreciated public square is a hotspot among locals.

Take some time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace, Centre Bosquet. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.

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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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
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Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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