7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bayonne to Tarbes, Toulouse, and Bordeaux

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Gez, Lourdes, and Tarbes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Toulouse, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in Tarbes. Begin your sightseeing with Massey Garden. This underrated botanical garden is one of the top attractions in the village.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Tarbes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Gez. This drive usually takes around 36 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make your way to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, a beloved zoo that draws attention for its majestic features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Gez, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lourdes may take around 19 min. Upon your arrival in Lourdes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take your self-guided tour to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, an often recommended church that everyone visiting Lourdes should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Basilica Of St. Pius X.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Toulouse, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Stéphane Tournié - Les Jardins de l'Opéra, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Py-r is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Toulouse. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Michel Sarran. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Moloko, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Botanist Pub, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Melting Pot Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for 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.

On day 4 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Toulouse, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Toulouse for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Carcassonne to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Carcassonne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Toulouse behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Carcassonne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Head to Château Comtal, an intriguing castle in Carcassonne. Explore its UNESCO world heritage-designated features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne. This increasingly popular castle is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Cité De Carcassonne is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most UNESCO world heritage-listed castle in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the curiosity-inducing Musée De L'ecole and discover what makes this museum unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the town, head to Basilique Saint Nazaire, a history-steeped church many travelers find worthwhile the visit.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Toulouse.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Toulouse. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at La Faim des Haricots/TOULOUSE CENTRE VILLE, an iconic dining spot in Toulouse. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Madame Bovary, a popular restaurant in Toulouse. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique, a hidden gem nestled in Toulouse. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Pub O'clock, known for its inviting atmosphere. La Loupiote is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Café Populaire provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

On day 5 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 Toulouse and Blagnac. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. The first attraction of today is Couvent Des Jacobins. This beloved monastery is a majestic place to see in Toulouse. Continue your discovery at Basilica Of St. Sernin, an awe-inspiring church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Toulouse, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Jardin Des Plantes. This intriguing botanical garden offers a romantic encounter with Toulouse.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Blagnac, 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 Toulouse to Blagnac may take around 22 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Blagnac, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Musée Aeroscopia, an up-and-coming aviation museum that draws visitors from near and far.

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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Bordeaux by securing a table at Ressources. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern cuisine in Bordeaux. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café Brun, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Le Mushroom Café. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Whose Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux, Lormont, and Arcachon. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bayonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Bordeaux on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Place De La Bourse is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this culturally significant public square before continuing your journey. Miroir D'eau is your next stop. This locally renowned art installation is one of the best-rated sights in Bordeaux.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Jardin Public. This eye-catching park is a sight to behold.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lormont.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is La Cité Du Vin. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arcachon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Dune Of Pilat is a notable sand dunes we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bayonne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As you explore more of Bayonne, 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 delightful dinner at Le Victor Hugo, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bar Remy? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant La Grange as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bayonne.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at La Karafe, where the evening is just getting started.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!