7-Day Relaxed France Road Trip from Lyon to Nimes

Photo of Lyon cityscape from Saone river with colorful houses and river.
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

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in France with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Lyon and Nimes. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Lyon and 2 nights in Nimes. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Experience an easy 7-day self-drive tour across France with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in France so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Lyon, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in France. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout France.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Place Bellecour. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Jardin de La Fontaine. Get close to the spectacular Pont du Gard and the wonderful Haribo Candy Museum. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else France has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.

By the end of your 7-day road trip through France, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in France and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed 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

The City of Lyon in the daytime.Lyon / 4 nights
Photo of Nimes Arena aerial panoramic view. Nimes is a city in the Occitanie region of southern France.Nîmes / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

Photo of the greenhouse of the Parc de la Tete d'Or, Lyon, France.Parc de la Tête d'Or
Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon 6e Arrondissement, Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, Departemental constituency of Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Metropolitan France, FranceParc de la Tête d'Or
Pont du GardPont du Gard
Aerial view of The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Lyon city.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon.Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
photo of the equestrian monument of King Louis XIV in Place Bellecour at morning in Lyon, France.Place Bellecour
Jardin de La Fontaine, Nimes, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceJardin de La Fontaine
Haribo Candy Museum, Uzès, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceHaribo Candy Museum
Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Saint Jean Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste) in Lyon, France, EuropeLyon Cathedral
The facade of the House of Lawyers where the museum is located.Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes
iFLY Lyon
Cascades du Sautadet, R-2757959, R-3792883, R-2202162Sautadet Falls
Fresque des Lyonnais
Musée de la Romanité de NîmesMusée de la Romanité
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, Lyon 5e Arrondissement, Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, Departemental constituency of Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Metropolitan France, FranceGallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
Mur des Canuts, Lyon 4e Arrondissement, Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, Departemental constituency of Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Metropolitan France, FranceWall of the Canuts
Porte des Enfants du Rhône
Plage Rive Gauche, Le Grau-du-Roi, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FrancePlage Rive Gauche
Pont du Gard Museum
Salin d’Aigues-Mortes
Aigues mortes
Constancy Tower
Espeisses Woods
Carré d'ArtCarré d'Art

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 – Lyon - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day

  • Lyon - Arrival day
  • More
  • Place Bellecour
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through France begins when you reach Lyon, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Lyon is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. Around 20,560 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Exploring the food culture in Lyon offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip.

An excellent example is Bouchon Tupin. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 customers.

L'Institut Restaurant serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Lyon has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 853 reviews.

Flair Restaurant is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 customers, Flair Restaurant is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Lyon looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at L Bar food & drink, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,758 reviews.

The Phantom of the Opera offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Lyon. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Black Forest Society. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in France! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Lyon

Day 2

Day 2 – Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 8 min

  • Parc de la Tête d'Or
  • Porte des Enfants du Rhône
  • Parc de la Tête d'Or
  • Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
  • Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • More

Around 3,967 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,363 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Lyon for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,459 customers, the dining experience Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Le Mirtillo is another pleasant place to eat in Lyon. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 526 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Betty's Bar and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 607 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière", you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Lyon is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Dam's Pub, another well-known bar in Lyon. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,373 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is The King Arthur. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,312 customers, The King Arthur is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Lyon.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Lyon

Day 3

Day 3 – Lyon

  • Lyon
  • More

Drive 55 km, 1 hour 16 min

  • Musée Cinéma et Miniature
  • Lyon Cathedral
  • Wall of the Canuts
  • Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
  • iFLY Lyon
  • More

Around 9,540 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing fresco that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,157 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Grand Parc Miribel Jonage will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,314 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

IFLY Lyon is a well-loved best-rated sightseeing destination by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,468 visitors.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Lyon for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 658 customers, the dining experience Le Garet offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

L'Alexandrin is another pleasant place to eat in Lyon. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 349 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out L'Établi and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 379 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At MOS - Maker of Stories, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Lyon is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Broc'Bar, another well-known bar in Lyon. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 868 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is L' Antiquaire. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 621 customers, L' Antiquaire is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Lyon.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Nimes

Day 4

Day 4 – Nimes

  • Nîmes
  • More

Drive 281 km, 3 hours 35 min

  • Pont du Gard Museum
  • Pont du Gard
  • Haribo Candy Museum
  • Espeisses Woods
  • More

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Nimes. 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.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Pont du Gard Museum is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,292 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Pont du Gard. This unique arch bridge is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,439 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Haribo Candy Museum. With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 17,011 visitors, this museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Espeisses Woods. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,395 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Nimes has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Nimes. In Nimes, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 752 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing L'Instant T.

Locals also recommend Gard O Wine as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Gard O Wine as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 323 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Livestation DIY - Nîmes. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 139 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like O’Flaherty’s. O’Flaherty’s is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 993 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to La bonne mousse. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. La bonne mousse is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 428 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Nimes

Day 5

Day 5 – Nimes

  • Nîmes
  • More

Drive 104 km, 1 hour 58 min

  • Plage Rive Gauche
  • Salin d’Aigues-Mortes
  • Constancy Tower
  • Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes
  • Aigues mortes
  • More

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

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination, the stunning Plage Rive Gauche. Around 3,501 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and another top-rated attraction in Nimes.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Constancy Tower. This local attraction is an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,615 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,652 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Aigues mortes. Aigues mortes is a well-loved must-see tourist destination by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,818 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Nimes. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Nimes and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Nimes that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Nimes to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Nimes for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Nimes.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 101 customers, the dining experience Les Caves de Bernis offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At L'Instant T, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Nimes is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Le Prolé, another well-known bar in Nimes. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 576 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Barberousse Nîmes. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 425 customers, Barberousse Nîmes is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Nimes.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Nimes and Lyon

Day 6

Day 6 – Nimes and Lyon

  • Nîmes
  • Lyon
  • More

Drive 286 km, 3 hours 44 min

  • Jardin de La Fontaine
  • Carré d'Art
  • Musée de la Romanité
  • Sautadet Falls
  • More

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Nimes. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Lyon, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Jardin de La Fontaine is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Carré d'Art. This unique museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,211 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Musée de la Romanité. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,534 visitors, this museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Musée de la Romanité welcomes around 25,271 visitors on a yearly basis.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Sautadet Falls. This popular waterfall and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,240 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Nimes has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Lyon. In Lyon, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 309 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Agastache Restaurant.

Locals also recommend La Mère Léa as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at La Mère Léa as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 518 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Betty's Bar. Betty's Bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 607 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 590 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to La Faute aux Ours. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. La Faute aux Ours is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 586 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Lyon - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Lyon - departure day

  • Lyon - Departure day
  • More
  • Fresque des Lyonnais
  • More

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.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. To end your relaxing road trip in France on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Fresque des Lyonnais is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Lyon. This top sight is a popular fresco, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 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.

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.

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Experiences

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