Relaxed 7-Day France Road Trip Starting from Lyon to Nimes

Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Lyon, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Lyon and begin your adventure in France.

Kick off the day at Place Bellecour, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

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

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café du Rhône, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Vieille Canaille. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lyon.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Lyon. The bars in Lyon make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Keep the evening going at L' Antiquaire, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Black Forest Society, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The James Joyce Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in France. Enjoy your first taste of Lyon as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Caluire-et-Cuire, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the town’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the town's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Caluire-et-Cuire, and meet locals along the way!

Make Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,363 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this minor basilica every year.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Caluire-et-Cuire itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful town.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Lyon, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Dine in style at Cactus Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L Bar food & drink boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Flair Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Lyon. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Keep the evening going at Broc'Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Phantom of the Opera, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through France means 24 hours of making the best memories in Lyon. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Lyon!

Take the opportunity to see Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,540 visitors.

Lyon Cathedral is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,228 travelers.

Lyon is also the home of Wall of the Canuts. Around 4,157 people have rated this fresco an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Lyon. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Lyon that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Lyon to find the best options for you!

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Bouchon Tupin, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The King Arthur, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ninkasi Gerland. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Lyon and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, MOS - Maker of Stories stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the hamlet of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Nimes, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This car ride takes around 2 hours 24 min.

Journey into the unknown at Pont du Gard Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,292 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Pont du Gard is a recommended place to visit. This arch bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 29,439 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sagriès. This car ride takes around 17 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Haribo Candy Museum, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 17,011 reviews.

Set your GPS to Nimes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nimes beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Espeisses Woods. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,395 reviews.

In the city of Nimes, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in France.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Nimes has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

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

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Nimes and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in France!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Le Grau-du-Roi, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Le Grau-du-Roi will make you fall even more in love with the village and uniqueness of France.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nimes, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Le Grau-du-Roi may take around 54 min. Upon your arrival in Le Grau-du-Roi, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Plage Rive Gauche one of your first sightseeing stops in Le Grau-du-Roi. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,501 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Le Grau-du-Roi and set your GPS to Aigues-Mortes. 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 8 min. Upon reaching Aigues-Mortes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes. This point of interest is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,534 visitors.

When you’re finished at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, head to Constancy Tower. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,615 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,652 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Aigues mortes. This sightseeing destination is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,818 visitors.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Nimes.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Les Magnolias - Restaurant - Nîmes, a top-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pinocchio, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Barjoe Nîmes. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Nimes. The bars in Nimes make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across France promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Nimes and drive in the direction of the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Lyon, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Make Jardin de La Fontaine your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,878 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Carré d'Art. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,211 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

Musée de la Romanité is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,534 visitors. Up to 25,271 travelers come to Nimes every year to see Musée de la Romanité with their own eyes.

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Sautadet Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,240 visitors.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Lyon. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in France by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Betty's Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're eager to try something different, consider Dam's Pub, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Nimes can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in France!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Lyon.

As you approach the end of your journey in France, take a moment for some retail therapy in Lyon’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of France, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of France with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Lyon is the remarkable Fresque des Lyonnais. This fresco and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,927 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Lyon or just grab something light to keep you going.

Savor the flavors at Livestation DIY - Lyon, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L'Institut Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Lyon and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.