6-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling north to Bordeaux, Albi, and Carcassonne
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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 Pau, Arjuzanx, Mimizan, Bordeaux, Arcachon, Albi, Gaillac, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Bizanos.
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, 1 night in Bordeaux, 1 night in Albi, and 1 night in Carcassonne. 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, Arjuzanx, Mimizan, Bordeaux, Arcachon, Albi, Gaillac, Carcassonne, Toulouse, 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!
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Day 1 – Pau - arrival day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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- place Clemenceau
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Say hello to Pau! Your exciting road trip through France is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the town. You will stay in Pau for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
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.
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 hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.
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.
Savor the flavors at Le Henri IV, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Le Garage beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Resto Dit Vin. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Pau tonight.
Keep the evening going at Snug, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Winfield Café, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Galway, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Pau, Arjuzanx, Mimizan, and Bordeaux
- Bordeaux
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Arjuzanx
- Mimizan
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Drive 301 km, 4 hours 27 min
- Funicular
- Parc Beaumont
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Pau, Arjuzanx, and Mimizan. 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.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Funiculaire de Pau. This funicular is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,020 reviews.
Continue your journey at Parc Beaumont. This green space is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,112 travelers from near and far.
When you’ve had your share of Pau, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arjuzanx. Your travel time is around 1 hour 40 min.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Hunting Reserve and Wildlife Arjuzanx. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,185 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bordeaux, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore 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 delightful dinner at Le Cent 33, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Clemenceau? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at L'Oiseau Bleu as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Café Brun. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Le Mushroom Café offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Whose bar, 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!
Day 3 – Bordeaux, Arcachon, and Albi
- Albi
- Bordeaux
- Arcachon
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Drive 441 km, 4 hours 45 min
- Jardin Public
- Place de la Bourse
- Miroir d'eau
- More
On day 3 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 Bordeaux, and Arcachon. In the evening, you’ll end up in Albi, where you will stay for 1 night.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like jardin public. This extraordinary urban park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,341 visitors.
Next, make your way to place de la Bourse. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 16,251 reviews.
While in Bordeaux, we also recommend a visit to miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,462 reviews.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arcachon. This car ride takes around 1 hour 4 min.
When you're ready to see some sights, Dune of Pilat is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,111 visitors.
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 Albi. Albi 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Albi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at O'Sully'S Albi, an iconic dining spot in Albi. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 4 – Albi, Gaillac, and Carcassonne
- Carcassonne
- Albi
- Gaillac
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Drive 173 km, 1 hour 58 min
- Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
- Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
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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 - Albi, and Gaillac. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Take the opportunity to see Albi Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,049 visitors.
Musée Toulouse-Lautrec is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,599 travelers. Up to 212,238 people visit Musée Toulouse-Lautrec every year.
Albi is also the home of Parc Rochegude. Around 1,893 people have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Albi and set your GPS to Gaillac. 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 19 min. Upon reaching Gaillac, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Make Parc du Chateau de Foucaud manège Belle Epoque one of your first sightseeing stops in Gaillac. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,433 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.
Parc de Foucaud is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,424 reviews.
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.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Rapière is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Carcassonne tonight.
Say good night to Carcassonne and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 5 – Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Pau
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Carcassonne
- Toulouse
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Drive 298 km, 3 hours 41 min
- Château Comtal
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Grand Rond
- Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse
- Jardin des Plantes
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Carcassonne, and Toulouse, 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 Pau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Château Comtal. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,823 reviews.
Cité de Carcassonne is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Toulouse, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Carcassonne to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 1 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Toulouse, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Be one of the day’s first visitors at Grand Rond. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,069 visitors.
When you’re finished at Grand Rond, head to Basilica of St. Sernin. This one-of-a-kind minor basilica is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,287 reviews.
Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Jardin des Plantes. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,847 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Pau, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.
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 town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at Le Café du Passage, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ô PETIT PAÙ beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider L'Imparfait. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Pau tonight.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 6 – Pau, and Bizanos - departure day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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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.
On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace. 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gueuleton - Pau, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Poulet à 3 Pattes offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Dauphin.
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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