7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Albi
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
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 Pau, 1 night in Tarbes, 1 night in Carcassonne, 1 night in Toulouse, and 1 night in Albi. 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 Pau, 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 Albi Cathedral are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Basilica Of St. Sernin, learn more about the unique Jardin Des Plantes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Château Comtal.
As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Albi, and Auch, 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
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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- Parc Beaumont
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Pau and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Pau 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 town.
Pau is a beautiful town 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 Parc Beaumont, or just taking a stroll in the town 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 Pau. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Le Henri IV, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Garage is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Au Fin Gourmet. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Pau tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Snug, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Winfield Café is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Galway is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Tarbes
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Drive 70 km, 1 hour 43 min
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
- Basilica of St. Pius X
- funiculaire du pic du Jer
- Massey Garden
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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 Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Tarbes. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Tarbes, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Start your day with a visit to Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes. This underrated church is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Pau on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Basilica Of St. Pius X, an up-and-coming minor basilica in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Funiculaire Du Pic Du Jer and Massey Garden.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Tarbes. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Tarbes. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Tarbes.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 3
- Tarbes
- Carcassonne
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Drive 243 km, 2 hours 39 min
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Musée de l'Ecole
- Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Carcassonne, 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.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Tarbes, including a castle, a museum, and a church. Start your adventure at Château Comtal. This intriguing castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Cité De Carcassonne located in Tarbes for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Musée De L'ecole. Its visually striking features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Basilique Saint Nazaire. Visitors usually appreciate the visually striking features of this church.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Carcassonne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Don’t miss out on dining 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.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Carcassonne
- Toulouse
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Drive 95 km, 1 hour 52 min
- Jardin des Plantes
- Muséum de Toulouse
- Pont-Neuf
- Couvent des Jacobins
- Basilica of St. Sernin
- Square Charles de Gaulle
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Toulouse. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Toulouse, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Carcassonne, including a botanical garden, a museum, a monument, a monastery, a church, a public square and much more! Start your day at Jardin Des Plantes. This awe-inspiring botanical garden is an underrated place to see in Carcassonne. Then, wander over to Muséum De Toulouse. If heritage-rich sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Pont-neuf. This enchanting monument is a favorite among visitors.
Carcassonne offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Couvent Des Jacobins is a beloved spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the monastery, don’t forget to check out the picture-perfect Basilica Of St. Sernin. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this interesting church. Wrap up your self-guided tour of Carcassonne's top attractions with a visit to Square Charles De Gaulle.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Toulouse. Toulouse offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Toulouse's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at Restaurant Le May, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L*Agence beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Perche Pinte. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Toulouse tonight.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Moloko offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Botanist Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Melting Pot Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Head back to your accommodation in Toulouse and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 5
- Toulouse
- Albi
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Drive 76 km, 1 hour 21 min
- Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
- Berbie Palace
- Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
- Pont Vieux
- Collégiale Saint-Salvy
- Jardin National
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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 Albi. In the evening, you’ll end up in Albi, where you will stay for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Toulouse’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Albi Cathedral. This stunning church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the breathtaking features of Berbie Palace, a must-visit palace in the town.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Musée Toulouse-lautrec, an up-and-coming museum. For a change of scene, check out Pont Vieux, known for its enchanting features. We also recommend visiting Collégiale Saint-salvy (albi). This church is a must for anyone looking to experience the town to the fullest. Lastly, end your day with a visit to Jardin National, yet another curiosity-inducing attraction in Toulouse.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Albi. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you explore more of Albi, 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 O'Sully'S Albi, a top-rated dining spot in Albi.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 6
- Albi
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 261 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Park Couloumé
- Musée des Jacobins
- Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Auch. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
A blend of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Albi on today’s itinerary. First up is the worthwhile park, Park Couloumé. Afterward, continue to Musée Des Jacobins, a museum every traveler should visit.
As you explore Albi’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Cathédrale Sainte-marie. This frequently visited church is an essential stop.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Pau, 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 Pau. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Resto Dit Vin, a highly-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant L' Ardoise, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Little Monkey Bar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.
Say good night to Pau and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 7
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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- place Clémenceau
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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 Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Place Clémenceau, a heritage-rich public square before you head out.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Pau’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Les Halles de Pau. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at m Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Maynats offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Café du Passage.
You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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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