One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Clermont-Ferrand traveling south to Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Clermont-Ferrand. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lyon, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at the curiosity-inducing Clermont-ferrand Cathedral, a visually striking church in Clermont-Ferrand. Next, go to Panoramic Domes.

After visiting Clermont-ferrand Cathedral and Panoramic Domes, take time to explore Clermont-Ferrand's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Parc Pierre Montgroux. This scenic park offers a unique experience. L'aventure Michelin is another noteworthy stop.

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

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

Savor the flavors at Nuage café, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Café du Rhône beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Agastache Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Lyon tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. L' Antiquaire is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Black Forest Society, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Pompette. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Avignon, 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 2 nights.

Lyon is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Place Bellecour, a well-known public square that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière, enchanting visitors with its grand appeal.

Caluire-et-Cuire welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Parc De La Tête D'or is a top-rated park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Avignon. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 26 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Palais Des Papes, a notable palace in Avignon. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le Traquenard. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to La Dame Du Mont, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Polikarpov provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Marseille has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Marseille by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Start your day at Calanques National Park. This mesmerizing national park is a locally renowned place to see in Marseille. Then, wander over to Parc Borély. If visually striking sites excite you, this park will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Palais Longchamp. This enchanting palace is a favorite among visitors.

Marseille offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean is a notable spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the museum, don’t forget to check out the inviting Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this captivating church in Marseille.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Marseille. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Bistro Du Panier, a highly-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip 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 Arles and Nimes. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arles. This car ride takes around 1 hour 13 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering L'espace Van Gogh, an up-and-coming cultural center known for its picture-perfect features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Roman Theatre Of Arles, a beloved archeological site that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Arles Amphitheatre and uncover the details of this culturally significant archeological site.

Set your GPS to Nimes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 35 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nimes beckons with new experiences!

Begin your journey at Jardin De La Fontaine and explore the history-steeped features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Toulouse, 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 Toulouse. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at Restaurant Le May, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L*Agence boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Perche Pinte. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Toulouse.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Moloko, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Botanist Pub offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Toulouse. Melting Pot Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Toulouse, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Carcassonne allows for both.

Carcassonne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Toulouse behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min. Carcassonne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make your way to Basilique Saint Nazaire, an intriguing church that draws attention for its enchanting features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Cité De Carcassonne, a visually striking castle that stands out in the town. Next, visit Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne, a worthwhile castle that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Château Comtal, a nearby castle, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

Set your GPS to Montolieu and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Montolieu beckons with new experiences!

Make your way to Village Du Livre Et Des Arts De Montolieu, a beloved book store that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Faim des Haricots/TOULOUSE CENTRE VILLE, a highly-rated dining destination in Toulouse. If you're eager to try something different, consider Madame Bovary, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Toulouse this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pub O'clock, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, La Loupiote provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Café Populaire offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Toulouse and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Toulouse and Padirac. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Clermont-Ferrand. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Toulouse is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square and a church. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the beloved Square Charles De Gaulle. Just a short distance away is Basilica Of St. Sernin, a majestic church that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Padirac. This car ride takes around 2 hours.

Spend your afternoon discovering Padirac Cave, a notable cave known for its scenic features.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Fille à papa, a top-rated dining spot in Clermont-Ferrand. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant Le Dôme, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Centre Jaude. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Clermont-Ferrand.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into L’arrozoir. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Kokomo offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bar Des Beaux Arts, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!