One-Week France Road Trip from Caen traveling south to Angers, Nantes, Rennes, and Saint-Malo

Welcome to Caen, 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 Caen's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Caen is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Caen. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Bar de la Fac, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Yaki Sushi offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Refuge. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Caen.

Keep the evening going at Kokomo, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Delirium Café, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is La Rhumba, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, Caen, Ouistreham, and Mont Myrrha. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Angers. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Take the opportunity to see Mémorial de Caen. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,288 visitors and gets around 349,455 visits every year.

Set your GPS to Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Colline aux Oiseaux, a remarkable green space where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,950 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Angers, 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 Angers. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Wallaby's Australian Café, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Cour - Angers is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Brasserie de la Gare. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Angers tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Le Snooker offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Les BerThoM Angers is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Le Welsh is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Angers, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Tours, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, and Saumur. You still have 1 night left in Angers.

Set your GPS to Tours and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Tours beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Château de Villandry, a remarkable château where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,506 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Tours, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Fontevraud-l’Abbaye may take around 38 min. Upon your arrival in Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud. This extraordinary place of worship has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,966 visitors.

After soaking in Fontevraud-l’Abbaye’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Saumur. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Saumur, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Musée des Blindés. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,372 reviews.

Continue your journey at Château de Saumur. This museum is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,097 travelers from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Angers and your accommodation.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Angers. 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 Black Peat, a highly-rated dining destination in Angers. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bistrot des Ducs, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mamie Fada. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Angers this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Joker's Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le Héron carré is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Angers, Maulévrier, and Le Puy du Fou. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nantes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Château d'Angers. This château is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Angers, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,556 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Maulévrier. This drive usually takes around 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a great place to start. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,607 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Nantes. Nantes 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.

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

Dine in style at Gigg's Irish Pub, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le 1 boast a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out L'instinct gourmand. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Nantes.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Le Chat noir, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Oceania Hôtel de France Nantes, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Nantes and Rennes. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Rennes, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Château des ducs de Bretagne, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 167,867 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 18,724 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Botanical Garden. Botanical Garden is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,694 reviews.

Le Lieu Unique is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,945 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Machines of the Isle of Nantes. This art project is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,332 visitors.

Set your GPS to Rennes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rennes beckons with new experiences!

Kick off the day at parc du Thabor, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,132 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rennes, 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 Rennes, 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.

Make sure to book a table at Fuji Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Rennes. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Rennes at La Réserve, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Bar À Cocktails Le Irish Pub Shamrock. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Rennes tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at La Cité d'Ys, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out L'Annexe, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Tiffany's Pub Rennes provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Fougères, La Ville Huchet, and Saint-Malo, 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 Saint-Malo. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Fougères. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Drop by the renowned Château de Fougères. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,734 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Fougères, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to La Ville Huchet may take around 59 min. Upon your arrival in La Ville Huchet, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Grand Aquarium Saint Malo. This extraordinary aquarium is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 16,369 visitors.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Home Burger - Saint-Malo Intra Muros, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bergamote offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Les Embruns is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Saint-Malo.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Saint Patrick stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Hôtel Oceania Saint-Malo offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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

On day 7 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 Sainte-Mère-Église, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Longues-sur-Mer, and Bayeux. In the evening, you’ll end up in Caen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Saint-Malo and set your GPS to Sainte-Mère-Église. 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 1 hour 58 min. Upon reaching Sainte-Mère-Église, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Airborne Museum. This extraordinary military museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,064 visitors. Each year, around 180,922 people visit this site to learn more about it.

When you’ve had your share of Sainte-Mère-Église, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Your travel time is around 32 min.

Make Omaha Beach Memorial one of your first sightseeing stops in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,995 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Caen. Caen 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 Caen. 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ju'ste Chez Moi, a top-rated dining spot in Caen. If you're in the mood for something new, try Stéphane Carbone Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Beef & Cow. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Caen.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Vertigo, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Les Déserteurs offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Caen. Vous êtes ici is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day 8 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Caen before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in France unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Caen’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of France. Keep the spirit of your trip to France alive with these special souvenirs.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Caen Castle. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 9,915 reviews.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Balthazar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Mian Mian offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le comptoir.

You’ll then say farewell to Caen. 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!