7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne to Nimes and Marseille

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Carcassonne, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Carcassonne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Cité De Carcassonne, an impressive castle that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Basilique Saint Nazaire, enchanting visitors with its grand appeal. Continue your exploration at Château Comtal. This castle is one of the town’s most intriguing spots.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Marmonières and set your GPS to Carcassonne. 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 28 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make your way to Grotte De Limousis, an underrated cave that draws attention for its visually striking features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Carcassonne and your accommodation.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at V and B Carcassonne, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Auberge des Lices offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Adélaïde. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Toulouse and Nimes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Toulouse and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Toulouse beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Pont-neuf, an often recommended monument that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Basilica Of St. Sernin, a stunning church that stands out in the city. Next, visit Jardin Des Plantes, an increasingly popular botanical garden that offers a unique experience.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Toulouse, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nimes may take around 2 hours 52 min. Upon your arrival in Nimes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Jardin De La Fontaine is a well-known park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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 Nimes. Nimes 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 Nimes. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Galerie, a highly-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're eager to try something different, consider Annaba Café, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel des Tuileries. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to La Bonne Mousse, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. O’flaherty’s is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, News Café is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

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 - Avignon and Marseille. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Avignon today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’ve had your share of Nimes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Avignon. Your travel time is around 53 min.

Your self-guided tour starts at Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), a captivating historical landmark that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Palais Des Papes and admire its culturally significant features.

When you’ve had your share of Avignon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Marseille. Your travel time is around 1 hour 11 min.

Your self-guided tour starts at Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, a captivating museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Les Petits Trains De Marseille and admire its stunning features. When you’re ready, continue to Centre Commercial Centre Bourse, a locally renowned shopping mall beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Chez Roger, a top-rated dining spot in Marseille. If you're in the mood for something new, try Les Mets des Saintes, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Marseille.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Le Traquenard after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to La Dame Du Mont for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Polikarpov is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Marseille for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start by visiting Calanques National Park, a prime spot to begin your journey. This majestic national park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Parc Borély, another must-visit landmark and locally renowned park renowned for its visually striking features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Marseille by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). This visually striking church is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Marseille Cathedral also adds charm to your journey, and Palais Longchamp wraps up your day with its visually striking appeal.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 Marseille. 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 delicious dinner at Le Bistro Du Panier, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Marseille.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Au Petit Nice, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Marengo is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, L'unic Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Carcassonne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

After soaking in Marseille’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Arles. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 9 min. When you arrive in Arles, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Alpilles Natural Regional Park, a locally appreciated nature reserve that draws visitors from near and far.

Les Baux-de-Provence welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Château Des Baux-de-provence, a captivating castle known for its majestic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Carrières Des Lumières, a well-known art installation that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Marseille, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Arles may take around 1 hour 9 min. Upon your arrival in Arles, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Arles Amphitheatre, an interesting archeological site in Arles. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

As you explore more of Carcassonne, 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 lovely meal at Restaurant La Marquière, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Métairie is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Carcassonne tonight.

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