7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Albi

On day 2 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Tarbes are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Tarbes, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Pau, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lourdes. This drive usually takes around 47 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, an underrated church that everyone visiting Lourdes should see. Next, head to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary. This culturally significant church is one of the most beloved attractions in the region.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Aspin-en-Lavedan. This drive usually takes around 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Funiculaire Du Pic Du Jer is a worthwhile tramway we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tarbes. This car ride takes around 29 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Massey Garden, an underrated botanical garden in Tarbes. 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 Tarbes. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

Tarbes is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Tarbes.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Carcassonne.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Carcassonne, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Tarbes to Carcassonne may take around 2 hours 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Carcassonne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Château Comtal, a beloved castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Cité De Carcassonne and admire its majestic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Musée De L'ecole, an increasingly popular museum beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Basilique Saint Nazaire, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Brasserie a 4 Temps, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Rapière? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Carcassonne.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Toulouse. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Toulouse, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Toulouse and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Toulouse beckons with new experiences!

Jardin Des Plantes is a worthwhile botanical garden we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Muséum De Toulouse, a heritage-rich museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Pont-neuf, a visually striking monument. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Couvent Des Jacobins, a breathtaking and truly unique monastery. End your sightseeing at Basilica Of St. Sernin, an interesting church that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Toulouse. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Le May, a top-rated dining spot in Toulouse. If you're in the mood for something new, try L*Agence, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Perche Pinte. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Toulouse.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Moloko, known for its lively atmosphere. The Botanist Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Albi. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Albi, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Albi. This drive usually takes around 56 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Albi Cathedral, a captivating church known for its majestic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Berbie Palace, a frequently visited palace.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Musée Toulouse-lautrec and uncover the details of this photogenic museum. Make sure to also explore Pont Vieux, an underrated historical landmark. For your last stop, consider Collégiale Saint-salvy (albi), a stunning church that many travelers find worth the detour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Albi. Check in and relax 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 Albi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Savor the flavors at O'Sully'S Albi, a top pick for dinner tonight.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter 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 1 place, which are Auch. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking in Albi’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Auch. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 43 min. When you arrive in Auch, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Park Couloumé, a frequently visited park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Musée Des Jacobins, where you can soak in the heritage-rich surroundings.

Next, explore Cathédrale Sainte-marie, yet another increasingly popular place to see in the area.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pau's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Resto Dit Vin, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant L' Ardoise offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Little Monkey Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pau.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.