7-Day France Road Trip from Bordeaux traveling north to La Rochelle

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Explore the best of France on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Bordeaux, Lormont, Le Bouscat, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Le Château-d'Oléron, La Rochelle, Nantes, and La Teste-de-Buch. 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 4 nights in Bordeaux and 2 nights in La Rochelle. 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 Bordeaux, 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. Dune of Pilat and Machines of the Isle of Nantes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bordeaux, Lormont, Le Bouscat, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Le Château-d'Oléron, La Rochelle, Nantes, and La Teste-de-Buch, 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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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Saint-Denis-d'Oléron
Photo of the Erdre River in Nantes, France.Nantes
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 4 nights
Photo of Dune of Pilat in La Teste-de-Buch, France.La Teste-de-Buch
La Rochelle - city in FranceLa Rochelle / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

Dune of Pilat
photo of people enjoying the experience with Machines of the Isle of Nantes in Nantes, France.Machines of the Isle of Nantes
Cité du VinCité du Vin
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes - France, Pays de la LoireChâteau des ducs de Bretagne
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
Botanical Garden, Coulmiers - Jardin des Plantes, Malakoff - Saint-Donatien, Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, Metropolitan France, FranceBotanical Garden
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
Jardin PublicJardin Public
Saint Andre Cathedral of Bordeaux - France, AquitaineBordeaux Cathedral
photo of Monument aux Girondins at morning in Bordeaux, France.Monument aux Girondins
Citadelle du Château-d'Oléron
Lighthouse of La Coubre
Parc Bordelais, R-105270, R-1667452, R-2202162, R-3792880, R-7405Parc bordelais
Porte de BourgognePorte de Bourgogne
Grosse ClocheThe big bell of Bordeaux
Gironde, Bordeaux, AERIAL VIEW, Zone CLASSEE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO, FLOATING BASINS, UNDERWATER BASE, AERIAL ViewBETASOM
Parc Mauresque, R-1665459, R-7405, R-3792880, R-2202162Parc Mauresque
photo of The Porte Cailhau or Porte du Palais is a former town gate of the city of Bordeaux, France. It is one of the main touristic attractions of the city.Porte Cailhau
France, Bordeaux, the St. Michel basilicaBasilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
Place Colbert
Pont Transbordeur
Association Hermione La Fayette
Observatoire Sainte-Cécile

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Bordeaux - arrival day

  • Bordeaux - Arrival day
  • More
  • Monument aux Girondins
  • More

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Bordeaux and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 3 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Bordeaux is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bordeaux. 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 city.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans) while you’re in Bordeaux. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 1,090 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Bordeaux is suzzi. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 852 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

While in Bordeaux, enjoy Symbiose’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 896 satisfied guests.

One of the best bars in Bordeaux you could visit tonight after your dinner is The Connemara. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is Molly Malone's. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Locals also enjoy Le Bar à Vin. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Bordeaux and Lormont

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 12 km, 57 min

  • Porte Cailhau
  • Place de la Bourse
  • Miroir d'eau
  • Cité du Vin
  • BETASOM
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Bordeaux. You have 2 nights left in Bordeaux. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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.

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

Don't forget to book a table at L'Autre Petit Bois, a well-known eatery in Bordeaux. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,474 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Books & Coffee while exploring Bordeaux. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 2,243 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Melodie, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,499 discerning diners.

After dinner, visit Café Brun to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,749 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Restaurant Le Plana. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Restaurant Le Plana has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers.

The Houses Of Parliament is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Bordeaux and Le Bouscat

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 9 km, 52 min

  • Parc bordelais
  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • Porte de Bourgogne
  • Basilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
  • More

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Bordeaux for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Your discoveries in Bordeaux do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bordeaux on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bordeaux's best restaurants.

Don't miss out on experiencing Le Confidentiel, a renowned dining spot in Bordeaux. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,544 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at A Cantina Comptoir Corse while immersing yourself in Bordeaux. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,274 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Le K Baroque, a beloved dining establishment within Bordeaux. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,059 satisfied customers.

Sherlock Holmes Pub is one of the best bars in Bordeaux and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers.

You may also want to check out Chez Dupont, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Chez Dupont is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is The Cock And Bull. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Le Château-d'Oléron, Rochefort, and La Rochelle

  • La Rochelle
  • Saint-Denis-d'Oléron
  • More

Drive 259 km, 4 hours 2 min

  • Lighthouse of La Coubre
  • Citadelle du Château-d'Oléron
  • Pont Transbordeur
  • Association Hermione La Fayette
  • Place Colbert
  • More

On day 4 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 Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, Le Château-d'Oléron, Rochefort, and La Rochelle. In the evening, you’ll end up in La Rochelle, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. La Rochelle, 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 Saint-Denis-d'Oléron to La Rochelle may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of La Rochelle. La Rochelle offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of La Rochelle's best restaurants.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Christopher Coutanceau. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in La Rochelle boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,006 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in La Rochelle is LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 978 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Iséo, in La Rochelle. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,577 satisfied customers.

The Famous Pub is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,154 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like The Children of Rock. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,254 customers.

The Jolly Sailor is another of the best bars in the city of La Rochelle that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 903 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in La Rochelle and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Nantes and La Rochelle

  • Nantes
  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 277 km, 3 hours 53 min

  • Machines of the Isle of Nantes
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Botanical Garden
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Nantes. You’ll stay in Nantes for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in France that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Nantes has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in France by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in La Rochelle.

Plan ahead and secure a table at La Boussole, an acclaimed dining establishment in La Rochelle. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,452 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Restaurant Les Flots while experiencing the best of La Rochelle. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,671 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Amorino Gelato - La Rochelle, an elegant culinary destination in La Rochelle. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 796 previous guests.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in La Rochelle, Mac Ewan's Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 622 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Corrigans Traditional Irish Pub. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 262 customers.

Lili la Rochelle is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 212 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6

Day 6 – La Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, and Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • La Teste-de-Buch
  • More

Drive 334 km, 4 hours 7 min

  • Parc Mauresque
  • Observatoire Sainte-Cécile
  • Dune of Pilat
  • More

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 - La Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, and Bordeaux. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bordeaux. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

La Teste-de-Buch’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of La Rochelle behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 39 min. La Teste-de-Buch welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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.

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

Reserve a table at Le Michel's, a renowned restaurant in Bordeaux. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,235 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at La P'tite Brasserie while in Bordeaux. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 909 discerning diners.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is La Comtesse. This place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 732 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at VINTAGE BAR - Rhumerie & Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 693 customers.

Ô p'tit Bahut is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 473 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Experiences

Day 7

Day 7 – Bordeaux - departure day

  • Bordeaux - Departure day
  • More
  • Jardin Public
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bordeaux before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in France unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Bordeaux’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of France.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Bordeaux. 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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Experiences

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