7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon to Auxerre, Paris, and Fontainebleau
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
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 Lyon, 1 night in Auxerre, 2 nights in Paris, and 1 night in Fontainebleau. 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 Lyon, 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. Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Auxerre, Versailles, Paris, Serris, Fontainebleau, and Dijon, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
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- Place Bellecour
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Say hello to Lyon! 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 city. You will stay in Lyon for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Lyon is a beautiful city 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 Bellecour or taking a stroll in the city 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 Lyon. 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 Lyon. 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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nuage café, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café du Rhône, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Agastache Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into L' Antiquaire. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Black Forest Society offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Pompette, another top-rated bar in the area.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Auxerre
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Auxerre
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Drive 314 km, 3 hours 34 min
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Lyon Cathedral
- parc de la Tête d'Or
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire, 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 Auxerre. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Lyon. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most captivating places to visit in Lyon. Next, head to Lyon Cathedral, a popular church, known for its enchanting features.
When you’ve had your share of Lyon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. Your travel time is around 11 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Porte Des Enfants Du Rhône, an underrated monument that everyone visiting Caluire-et-Cuire should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Parc De La Tête D'or. This mesmerizing park is one of the most extraordinary attractions in the region.
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 Auxerre. Auxerre 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 Auxerre's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 3 – Auxerre, Versailles, and Paris
- Auxerre
- Versailles
- Paris
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Drive 206 km, 2 hours 45 min
- Palace of Versailles
- Eiffel Tower
- Champ de Mars
- Tuileries Garden
- Notre-Dame de Paris
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Versailles and Paris. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Auxerre, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Versailles may take around 1 hour 53 min. Upon your arrival in Versailles, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Palace Of Versailles is an iconic palace we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its symbolic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Versailles, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Paris. This drive usually takes around 31 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Eiffel Tower. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the monument before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Champ De Mars. This iconic park is a traveler-favorite in the town. Not far away, you’ll also find Tuileries Garden. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park. Next, continue your journey to Notre-dame De Paris, an interesting church.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Paris. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mumi, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at L'Imprévu Café as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Paris.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Café De Paris V is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Dirty Dick, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Little Red Door. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 4 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 22 km, 1 hour 23 min
- Sacré-Cœur
- Louvre Museum
- Musée d'Orsay
- Arc de Triomphe
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On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Paris. You’ll stay in Paris for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Paris, including a church, a museum, and a monument. Start your day at Sacré-cœur. This enchanting church is a globally renowned place to see in Paris. Then, wander over to Louvre Museum. If photogenic sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Musée D'orsay. This history-steeped museum is a favorite among visitors.
Paris offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Arc De Triomphe is an iconic spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.
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 Paris. 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 wonderful meal at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top-rated dining spot in Paris. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Sens Unique, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Caveau de l'isle. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Paris.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Prescription Cocktail Club after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Boucan for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Mamie Paris is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 5 – Paris, Serris, and Fontainebleau
- Paris
- Serris
- Fontainebleau
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Drive 115 km, 1 hour 51 min
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Panthéon
- Disneyland Paris
- Louvre Museum
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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 Paris and Serris. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fontainebleau, where you will stay for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Paris’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Jardin Du Luxembourg. This detailed park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the picture-perfect features of Panthéon, a must-visit monument in the city.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Fontainebleau, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Fontainebleau. 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.
Head back to your accommodation in Fontainebleau and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 6 – Fontainebleau, Dijon, and Lyon
- Fontainebleau
- Dijon
- Lyon
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Drive 445 km, 4 hours 45 min
- Church of Our Lady
- Arquebuse Botanical Garden
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Dijon. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lyon. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Fontainebleau, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dijon. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 28 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Church Of Our Lady, a romantic church that stands out in the city. Next, visit Arquebuse Botanical Garden, a frequently visited botanical garden that offers a unique experience.
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 Lyon. Lyon 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 explore more of Lyon, 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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, an iconic dining spot in Lyon. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bernachon Chocolats, a popular restaurant in Lyon. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of La Mère Léa, a hidden gem nestled in Lyon. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The James Joyce Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Broc'bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, La Passagère also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Say good night to Lyon and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 7 – Lyon - departure day
- Lyon - Departure day
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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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 Lyon 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 Lyon’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Start your adventure at Palais De La Bourse De Lyon. This worthwhile palace is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
If you're in the mood for something new, try Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais, another premier location with a delectable menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Lyon. 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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