7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Marseille traveling north to Lyon, Nimes, and Carcassonne

Day 2 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Marseille. You have 1 night left in Marseille. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Calanques National Park. This locally renowned national park is a mesmerizing place to see in Marseille. Continue your discovery at Parc Borély, a visually striking park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Marseille, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Palais Longchamp. This notable palace offers a history-steeped encounter with Marseille. Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean 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 Marseille.

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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Marseille. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Bistro Du Panier, a highly-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Au Petit Nice offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Marengo is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. L'unic Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Avignon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Lyon, 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 Lyon. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Avignon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Marseille behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Avignon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon). Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Palais Des Papes. This popular palace is a traveler-favorite in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caluire-et-Cuire. This car ride takes around 2 hours 31 min.

Begin your journey at Parc De La Tête D'or and explore the romantic features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caluire-et-Cuire and set your GPS to Lyon. 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 Lyon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Place Bellecour is a well-known public square we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Lyon's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Nuage café, 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 Café du Rhône, 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 Agastache Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Lyon. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

On day 4 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 Lyon. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nimes, where you will stay for 1 night.

Lyon is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a church and a museum. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the well-known Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. Just a short distance away is Musée Miniature Et Cinéma, a visually striking museum that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Lyon Cathedral, one of the city’s most notable spots that you shouldn’t miss.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Nimes, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Nimes, 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Galerie, a top-rated dining spot in Nimes. If you're in the mood for something new, try Annaba Café, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hôtel des Tuileries. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Nimes.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting La Bonne Mousse after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to O’flaherty’s, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, News Café also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Nimes, Sagriès, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Aigues-Mortes. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Carcassonne, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Jardin De La Fontaine is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day.

After soaking in Nimes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sagriès. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 33 min. When you arrive in Sagriès, it's time to take a break from the road.

Haribo Candy Museum is a popular museum we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

Head to Pont Du Gard, a well-known monument in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Carcassonne. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Carcassonne's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Brasserie a 4 Temps, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Rapière offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Domaine d'Auriac. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

Head back to your accommodation in Carcassonne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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 3 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne, Arles, and Les Baux-de-Provence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Carcassonne, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Cité De Carcassonne, a famous castle in the town.

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 17 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Arles Amphitheatre, a popular archeological site that draws visitors from near and far.

Les Baux-de-Provence’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Arles behind. This drive usually takes around 27 min. Les Baux-de-Provence welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at Château Des Baux-de-provence and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Carrières Des Lumières, another highlight in the town.

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 Marseille. Marseille 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 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at AM par Alexandre Mazzia, a top-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Une Table au Sud, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Bovo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Friche La Belle De Mai is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Le Bar De La Plaine, offering a different kind of charm.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!