7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Nice traveling west to Montpellier, Lyon, and Marseille

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Nice. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Montpellier, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Prepare for a day full of a charming, a peaceful, a gorgeous, a visually striking, a historically significant, a profound, and a symbolic. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Castle Hill. This popular park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Cathédrale Saint-nicolas De Nice, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Parc Phœnix, one of the most beloved places to see in Nice. This botanical garden is a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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 Le Palavasien, a highly-rated dining destination in Montpellier. If you're eager to try something different, consider Les Enfants Rouges, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Tord Boyaux. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Montpellier this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Triskell Montpellier stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Kraken Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Le Rebuffy is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in France. With 1 night left in Montpellier, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Set your GPS to Carcassonne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 43 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Carcassonne beckons with new experiences!

Cité De Carcassonne is a spectacular castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its grand features before continuing your self-guided tour to Château Comtal, a romantic castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Nimes, 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 Carcassonne to Nimes may take around 2 hours 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Nimes, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Jardin De La Fontaine. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Montpellier.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Balthazar café & restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Montpellier.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Black Out, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Le Petit Nice, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Espit Chupitos Montpellier provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire, 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.

Set your GPS to Lyon and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 13 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lyon beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière, a captivating church known for its inviting features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Lyon Cathedral, a well-known church that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Place Bellecour and uncover the details of this noteworthy public square.

When you arrive in Caluire-et-Cuire, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make your way to Parc De La Tête D'or, a famous park that draws attention for its romantic features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lyon, 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 Lyon's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Nuage café, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Café du Rhône? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Agastache Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Lyon.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at L' Antiquaire. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Black Forest Society, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Pompette provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 5 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 Marseille. In the evening, you’ll end up in Marseille, where you will stay for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Marseille’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

After soaking in Lyon’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Marseille. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 3 min. When you arrive in Marseille, it's time to take a break from the road.

Next, make your way to Parc Borély, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Calanques National Park, an instagrammable national park. Nearby, you will also find Palais Longchamp. This interesting palace is a top place to see in the area.

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 you explore more of Marseille, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Chez Roger, a top-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Les Mets des Saintes, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Le Traquenard after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to La Dame Du Mont for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Polikarpov is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg 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 2 vibrant destinations - Marseille and Monaco. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Nice. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today's adventure in Marseille promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). This visually striking church is a highlight of any visit in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Monaco, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Monaco. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Musée Océanographique De Monaco. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the aquarium before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Prince's Palace Of Monaco. This popular palace is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Monte Carlo Casino. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the casino.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Windsor Jungle Art Hotel, an iconic dining spot in Nice. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Snug And Cellar, a popular restaurant in Nice. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Vingt4, a hidden gem nestled in Nice. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Trafalbar Nice, known for its lively atmosphere. Bay Side is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!