7-Day France Road Trip from Nimes to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, and Carcassonne and surrounding area

Welcome to Nimes, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Nimes's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Nimes 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 Auguste gate or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Nimes. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nimes. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Annaba Café, a top-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hôtel des Tuileries, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Vatel and Spa. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Nimes, Sagriès, and La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Musée de la Romanité. This museum gets 25,271 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,534 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Jardin de La Fontaine. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,878 reviews.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sagriès.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Haribo Candy Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sagriès, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Lyon, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Café du Rhône, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Vieille Canaille. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Lyon.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at L' Antiquaire, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Black Forest Society offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The James Joyce Pub. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 3 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 and Caluire-et-Cuire. In the evening, you’ll end up in Avignon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Place Bellecour. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lyon, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,560 visitors.

Lyon Cathedral is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,228 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Visitors have rated this minor basilica an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,765 reviews.

After soaking in Lyon’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Caluire-et-Cuire. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 22 min. When you arrive in Caluire-et-Cuire, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at parc de la Tête d'Or, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 50,621 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Avignon. Avignon offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Carré du Palais, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Avenio offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bar La place ☀️ Terrasse 🍸 Cocktail 🎶 Music is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Avignon.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Le 17 Place aux Vins Avignon • Bar à vin / Caviste offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Barberousse Avignon is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Red Sky is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Avignon and Marseille, 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 Marseille. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Palais des Papes, a remarkable palace where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 36,931 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 616,210 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 17,658 travelers.

Set your GPS to Marseille and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 11 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Marseille beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Palais Longchamp, a remarkable water tower where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,768 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Calanques National Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 travelers.

Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is another must-visit attraction. This renowned church building offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,436 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

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.

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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Chez Roger, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at AM par Alexandre Mazzia. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Marseille tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La dame du mont, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Polikarpov. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Au Petit Nice, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Les Petits Trains de Marseille. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 9,053 reviews.

Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,446 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Marseille Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,714 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Marseille, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Arles may take around 1 hour 3 min. Upon your arrival in Arles, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Arles Amphitheatre your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this roman amphitheatre an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,060 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Carcassonne, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

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 highly-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Carcassonne, Narbonne, and Gruissan. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Château Comtal. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 visitors.

Cité de Carcassonne is another popular attraction you could visit today. This fortress has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,968 visitors.

Narbonne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Réserve Africaine de Sigean. This popular zoo has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 18,879 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Nimes. Nimes offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Nimes. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Les Magnolias - Restaurant - Nîmes, a top-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pinocchio, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Barjoe Nîmes. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Nimes before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Nimes’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France. Take home a piece of France with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

When you're ready to see some sights, Espeisses Woods is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,395 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Nimes.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at L'Instant T, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Questel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Nimes. 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!