7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling south to Nimes, Carcassonne, and Marseille
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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, Nimes, Sagriès, Aigues-Mortes, Carcassonne, Arles, Marseille, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Avignon.
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 Nimes, 1 night in Carcassonne, and 2 nights in Marseille. 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. Cité De Carcassonne and Parc De La Tête D'or 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, Nimes, Sagriès, Aigues-Mortes, Carcassonne, Arles, Marseille, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Avignon, 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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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
- More
- Place Bellecour
- More
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.
Find your way to your hotel in Lyon. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
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 highly-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're eager to try something different, consider Café du Rhône, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Agastache Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.
Continue your lively evening at L' Antiquaire, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Black Forest Society is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Pompette ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Nimes
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Nîmes
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Drive 285 km, 3 hours 51 min
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Lyon Cathedral
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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 Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Set out on a day brimming with a romantic, a stunning, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a profound, and a culturally significant. Start at the well-known Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière, a romantic church in Lyon. Next, go to Lyon Cathedral.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lyon and set your GPS to Caluire-et-Cuire. 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 16 min. Upon reaching Caluire-et-Cuire, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Parc De La Tête D'or, a top-rated park that draws visitors from near and far.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nimes. 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 Nimes. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at La Galerie, 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 Annaba Café, 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 Hôtel des Tuileries, a hidden gem nestled in Nimes. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at La Bonne Mousse, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out O’flaherty’s, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, News Café provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 3 – Nimes, Sagriès, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Aigues-Mortes, and Carcassonne
- Nîmes
- Sagriès
- Carcassonne
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Drive 290 km, 3 hours 51 min
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Haribo Candy Museum
- Pont du Gard
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Nimes, Sagriès, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Aigues-Mortes, 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 Carcassonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Start your adventure at Jardin De La Fontaine. This popular park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sagriès, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Nimes to Sagriès may take around 33 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sagriès, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Head to Haribo Candy Museum, a well-known museum in Sagriès. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sagriès to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Spend your afternoon discovering Pont Du Gard, a popular monument known for its enchanting 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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal 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.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 4 – Carcassonne, Arles, and Marseille
- Carcassonne
- Arles
- Marseille
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Drive 321 km, 3 hours 44 min
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne and Arles. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Just a short distance away is Cité De Carcassonne, a history-steeped castle that draws visitors from far and near.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arles. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 19 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Begin your journey at Roman Theatre Of Arles and explore the breathtaking features. Next, make your way to Arles Amphitheatre, another highlight in the town.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Marseille, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Marseille's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Chez Roger, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Les Mets des Saintes offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Marseille.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Le Traquenard, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, La Dame Du Mont offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Marseille. Polikarpov is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Say good night to Marseille and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 5 – Marseille and Les Baux-de-Provence
- Marseille
- Les Baux-de-Provence
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Drive 204 km, 3 hours 32 min
- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Parc Borély
- Calanques National Park
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- More
On day 5 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Marseille, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Marseille for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Les Baux-de-Provence and Marseille to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Get ready for a day filled with a charming, a stunning, a photogenic, a respected, a noteworthy, a serene, a profound, and a grand in the charming village of Marseille. Your adventure starts at Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, a popular local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Parc Borély.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Marseille's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Calanques National Park. This awe-inspiring national park offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) is also worth visiting.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Marseille, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Les Baux-de-Provence. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Carrières Des Lumières. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the art installation before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Château Des Baux-de-provence. This interesting castle is a traveler-favorite in the village.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Marseille and your accommodation.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Marseille. 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 Le Bistro Du Panier, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Marseille.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Au Petit Nice after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Marengo, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, L'unic Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
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.
Day 6 – Marseille, Avignon, and Lyon
- Marseille
- Avignon
- Lyon
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Drive 343 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- Palais Longchamp
- Pont d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Marseille and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lyon, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with a charming, a stunning, an eye-catching, a heritage-rich, a culturally significant, and a detailed in the charming city of Marseille. Your adventure starts at Palais Longchamp, a locally renowned local hot spot.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Marseille and set your GPS to Avignon. 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 1 hour 8 min. Upon reaching Avignon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Spend your afternoon discovering Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), a captivating historical landmark known for its culturally significant features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Palais Des Papes, a notable palace that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lyon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bernachon Chocolats is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at La Mère Léa. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lyon tonight.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The James Joyce Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Broc'bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, La Passagère also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 7 – Lyon - departure day
- Lyon - Departure day
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- Bartholdi Fountain
- 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.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Lyon, featuring a gorgeous, an eye-catching, a historically significant, a culturally significant, and a detailed. Start at Bartholdi Fountain, an underrated monument in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
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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