7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne traveling north to Toulouse, Albi, and Sarlat La Caneda

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Experience the freedom of the open road in France as you embark on an unforgettable 7-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Carcassonne, Toulouse, Albi, Sarlat La Caneda, Rocamadour, Padirac, Montignac-Lascaux, and Cahors.

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 Carcassonne, 1 night in Toulouse, 1 night in Albi, and 2 nights in Sarlat La Caneda. 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 Carcassonne, 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. Marvel at the remarkable Lascaux International Center Of Parietal Art, learn more about the unique Albi Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Basilica Of St. Sernin.

As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Toulouse, Albi, Sarlat La Caneda, Rocamadour, Padirac, Montignac-Lascaux, 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, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
Cité de CarcassonneChâteau comtal de CarcassonneBasilica of St. SerninMuséum de ToulouseJardin des Plantes
Parc RochegudeJardin NationalSainte-Cecile Cathedral of AlbiBerbie PalaceMusée Toulouse-LautrecPont Vieux
La Forêt des ÉcureuilsManor Gisson
Rocher des AiglesSanctuaire Notre-Dame de RocamadourMonkey ForestPadirac Cave
Lascaux International Center of Parietal ArtLascaux 2Église Saint-BarthélemyLa Barbacane
Portail des Jacobins

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
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  • Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
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Say hello to Carcassonne! 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 Carcassonne for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point, or just taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Carcassonne. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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 Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Carcassonne
  • Toulouse
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Drive 103 km, 2 hours 5 min

  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Muséum de Toulouse
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • More

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

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Carcassonne, including a castle, a church, a museum, a botanical garden and much more! Start your adventure at Cité De Carcassonne. This spectacular castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Château Comtal located in Carcassonne for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Basilica Of St. Sernin. Its monumental features will captivate you. After the church, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Muséum De Toulouse. Visitors usually appreciate the visually striking features of this museum. Next up is Jardin Des Plantes, a highly recommended botanical garden.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Le May, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? L*Agence offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Perche Pinte. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Toulouse.

Keep the evening going at Moloko, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Botanist Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Melting Pot Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Toulouse
  • Albi
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Drive 80 km, 1 hour 31 min

  • Parc Rochegude
  • Jardin National
  • Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
  • Berbie Palace
  • Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Pont Vieux
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Albi, 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 Albi. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Parc Rochegude. This increasingly popular park is an eye-catching place to see in Toulouse. Continue your discovery at Jardin National, an eye-catching park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Toulouse, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Albi Cathedral. This well-known church offers a breathtaking encounter with Toulouse. Next, make your way to Berbie Palace to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Musée Toulouse-lautrec, a locally appreciated museum that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Pont Vieux, a worthwhile historical landmark in the town. 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.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Albi. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at O'Sully'S Albi, a top-rated dining spot in Albi.

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.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Albi
  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
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Drive 202 km, 2 hours 39 min

  • La Forêt des Écureuils
  • Manor Gisson
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of La Falgueyrade and Sarlat La Caneda. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sarlat La Caneda, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Albi allows for both. Start by heading to La Forêt Des Écureuils. This often recommended adventure park provides an insightful glimpse into the hamlet's identity. Next, discover Manor Gisson, a respected museum, promising a delightful encounter.

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

As you explore more of Sarlat La Caneda, 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.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
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Drive 127 km, 3 hours 28 min

  • Rocher des Aigles
  • Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour
  • Monkey Forest
  • Padirac Cave
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On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Sarlat La Caneda, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Sarlat La Caneda is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a bird watching area, a church, a wildlife reserve, a cave and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Le Rocher Des Aigles and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Sanctuaire Notre-dame De Rocamadour, an inviting church that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Monkey Forest, one of the village’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Padirac Cave.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sarlat La Caneda. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 337 km, 4 hours 31 min

  • Lascaux International Center of Parietal Art
  • Lascaux 2
  • Église Saint-Barthélemy
  • La Barbacane
  • More

On day 6 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 Montignac-Lascaux and Cahors. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your adventure at Lascaux International Center Of Parietal Art. This is an interesting museum you should not miss. Another must-see is Lascaux, an increasingly popular cave in Sarlat La Caneda.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Église Saint-barthélemy. From there, take a leisurely stroll to La Barbacane, another of the village’s frequently visited attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Carcassonne. Carcassonne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at V and B Carcassonne, an iconic dining spot in Carcassonne. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Auberge des Lices, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Adélaïde, a hidden gem nestled in Carcassonne. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
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  • Portail des Jacobins
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Day 7 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Carcassonne 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, we recommend visiting Portail Des Jacobins, a photogenic monument before you head out.

Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Carcassonne’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing La Cité Médiévale. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider La Métairie, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. 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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