7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling north to Auxerre, Paris, and Beaune
Description
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Description
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 Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Auxerre, Serris, Paris, Versailles, Beaune, Arc-et-Senans, and Bourg En Bresse.
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 Beaune. 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, Serris, Paris, Versailles, Beaune, Arc-et-Senans, and Bourg En Bresse, 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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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Lyon and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Lyon for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
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 lovely meal at Nuage café, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Café du Rhône is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Agastache Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lyon tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at L' Antiquaire, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Black Forest Society provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pompette offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
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 329 km, 4 hours
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Caluire-et-Cuire and Lyon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Auxerre, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a mesmerizing, an instagrammable, a history-steeped, a romantic, a profound, and a culturally significant. Whether you decide to explore Lyon on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Fresque Des Lyonnais is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect street art before continuing your journey. Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière is your next stop. This captivating church is one of the best-rated sights in Lyon.
Caluire-et-Cuire’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lyon behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Caluire-et-Cuire welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Make your way to Parc De La Tête D'or, a spectacular park that draws attention for its majestic features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Auxerre. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
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, Serris, and Paris
- Auxerre
- Serris
- Paris
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Drive 222 km, 2 hours 49 min
- Disneyland Paris
- Panthéon
- Jardin du Luxembourg
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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 Serris 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.
When you’ve had your share of Serris, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Paris. Your travel time is around 40 min.
Make your way to Panthéon, a captivating monument that draws attention for its standout features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Jardin Du Luxembourg, an enchanting park that stands out in the town.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Paris, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Mumi, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, L'Imprévu Café is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Paris.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Café De Paris V, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dirty Dick, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Little Red Door likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 4 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 21 km, 1 hour 18 min
- Sacré-Cœur
- Tuileries Garden
- Musée d'Orsay
- Eiffel Tower
- Champ de Mars
- Louvre Museum
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Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Paris by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Today’s route brings a romantic, a mesmerizing, a photogenic, a historically significant, a monumental, a majestic, and a noteworthy. The first attraction of today is Sacré-cœur. This world-famous church is a romantic place to see in Paris. Continue your discovery at Tuileries Garden, an enchanting park with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Paris, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Musée D'orsay. This extraordinary museum offers a visually striking encounter with Paris. Eiffel Tower is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Paris.
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.
Dine in style at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Sens Unique boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Caveau de l'isle. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Prescription Cocktail Club, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Boucan provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Mamie Paris offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 5 – Paris, Versailles, and Beaune
- Paris
- Versailles
- Beaune
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Drive 349 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Palace of Versailles
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Paris and Versailles. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Beaune. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Set out on a day brimming with a romantic, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a history-steeped, a culturally significant, and a remarkable. Start at the world-famous Arc De Triomphe, a romantic monument in Paris.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Paris and set your GPS to Versailles. 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 35 min. Upon reaching Versailles, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Spend your afternoon discovering Palace Of Versailles, a timeless palace known for its visually striking features.
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 Beaune. Beaune 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 Beaune. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Ermitage de Corton, an iconic dining spot in Beaune. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Bistrot du Coin, a popular restaurant in Beaune. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Bout du Monde, a hidden gem nestled in Beaune. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 6 – Beaune, Arc-et-Senans, Sur Roche, Bourg En Bresse, and Lyon
- Beaune
- Arc-et-Senans
- Bourg-en-Bresse
- Lyon
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Drive 322 km, 4 hours 27 min
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 Arc-et-Senans, Sur Roche, and Bourg En Bresse. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lyon, where you will stay for 1 night.
After soaking in Beaune’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Arc-et-Senans. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 6 min. When you arrive in Arc-et-Senans, it's time to take a break from the road.
Head to Royal Saltworks At Arc-et-senans, an increasingly popular museum in Arc-et-Senans. Explore its UNESCO world heritage-listed features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Arc-et-Senans, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sur Roche may take around 58 min. Upon your arrival in Sur Roche, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Take your self-guided tour to Cascade Des Tufs, an up-and-coming waterfall that everyone visiting Sur Roche should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sur Roche, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bourg En Bresse may take around 1 hour 18 min. Upon your arrival in Bourg En Bresse, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Take your self-guided tour to Royal Monastery Of Brou, an underrated monastery that everyone visiting Bourg En Bresse should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lyon. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour 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.
Dine in style at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bernachon Chocolats boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Mère Léa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The James Joyce Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Broc'bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, La Passagère provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Start your adventure at Palais De La Bourse De Lyon. This beloved palace is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Nosch, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais? It's another excellent option with a diverse 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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