One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Poitiers, Nantes, and Rennes and surrounding area
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in France as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Poitiers, Amboise, Langeais, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, Nantes, Rennes, Les Herbiers, Vendrennes, and Lucon.
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 La Rochelle, 2 nights in Bordeaux, 1 night in Poitiers, 1 night in Nantes, and 1 night in Rennes. 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 La Rochelle, 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. Château De Chenonceau and Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Poitiers, Amboise, Langeais, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, Nantes, Rennes, Les Herbiers, Vendrennes, and Lucon, 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!
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Day 1 – La Rochelle - arrival day
- La Rochelle - Arrival day
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Welcome to La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
La Rochelle 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 Botanical Garden or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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.
Dine in style at La Côte Rôtie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Boussole boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Les hédonistes. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in La Rochelle.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Mac Ewan's Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le Cadre is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Le Plan B provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – La Rochelle and Bordeaux
- La Rochelle
- Bordeaux
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Drive 188 km, 2 hours 8 min
- Grosse Horloge
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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 1 vibrant destinations - La Rochelle. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bordeaux. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in La Rochelle allows for both. Start by heading to Grosse Horloge. This underrated monument provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle, a frequently visited park.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bordeaux. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bordeaux. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Originel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Clemenceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café Brun after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Le Mushroom Café, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Whose Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 3 – Bordeaux and Biarritz
- Bordeaux
- Biarritz
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Drive 407 km, 4 hours 41 min
- Rocher de la vierge
- Biarritz Aquarium
- place de la Bourse
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On day 3 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Bordeaux, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bordeaux for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Biarritz and Bordeaux to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Begin your adventure at Place De La Bourse. This is a well-known public square you should not miss.
Set your GPS to Biarritz and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Biarritz beckons with new experiences!
Head to Sainte-eugénie Church Of Biarritz, an underrated church in Biarritz. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Rocher De La Vierge. This well-known rock formation is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Biarritz Aquarium is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most stunning aquarium in the region.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bordeaux and your accommodation.
As you explore more of Bordeaux, 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at L'Oiseau Bleu, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Soléna offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Hôtel De Sèze is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bordeaux.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Grizzly Pub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Dog And Duck offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 4 – Bordeaux and Poitiers
- Bordeaux
- Poitiers
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Drive 255 km, 2 hours 51 min
- Monument aux Girondins
- place de la Bourse
- The big bell of Bordeaux
- miroir d'eau
- jardin public
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On day 4 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 Bordeaux. In the evening, you’ll end up in Poitiers, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today’s route brings a gorgeous, an instagrammable, a heritage-rich, a grand, a noteworthy, a romantic, and a serene. The first attraction of today is Monument Aux Girondins. This locally appreciated monument is a breathtaking place to see in Bordeaux. Continue your discovery at The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a picture-perfect historical landmark with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Bordeaux, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Miroir D'eau. This interesting art installation offers an awe-inspiring encounter with Bordeaux. Jardin Public is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bordeaux.
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 Poitiers. Poitiers 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 Poitiers. 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 Le 16 Carnot, a highly-rated dining destination in Poitiers. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel Ibis site du Futuroscope, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Oh le Bistro. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Poitiers this evening.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Le Zinc, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Café Des Arts is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Le Bar Des Papas also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 5 – Poitiers, Amboise, Langeais, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, and Nantes
- Poitiers
- Amboise
- Langeais
- Nantes
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Drive 405 km, 4 hours 47 min
- Château d'Amboise
- Château de Langeais
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Amboise, Langeais, and Sainte-luce-sur-loire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nantes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Loches, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Amboise may take around 23 min. Upon your arrival in Amboise, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Château D'amboise is a well-known château we recommend making time to visit today.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Langeais. This car ride takes around 49 min.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Château De Langeais. Spend some time admiring the visually striking features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Nantes, 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 Nantes's best restaurants.
Don’t miss out on dining at Gigg's Irish Pub, a top-rated dining destination in Nantes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Parallèle. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nantes this evening.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Le Chat Noir, known for its inviting atmosphere. Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 6 – Nantes and Rennes
- Nantes
- Rennes
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Drive 119 km, 2 hours
- Botanical Garden
- Château des ducs de Bretagne
- Machines of the Isle of Nantes
- parc de Procé
- Île de Versailles (Nantes)
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Nantes. 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.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Nantes, including a botanical garden, a castle, an art installation, a park and much more! Start your day with a visit to Botanical Garden. This captivating botanical garden is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Nantes 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 Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes, one of the city’s most locally renowned art installation. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Parc De Procé and Île De Versailles (nantes).
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rennes. 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 Rennes. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Le Loup, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant IMA is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at La Taverne. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rennes tonight.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into La Cité D'ys. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, L'annexe offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Tiffany's Pub Rennes, another top-rated bar in the area.
Say good night to Rennes and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 7 – Rennes, Les Herbiers, Vendrennes, Lucon, and La Rochelle
- Rennes
- Les Herbiers
- Vendrennes
- Luçon
- La Rochelle
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Drive 293 km, 4 hours 5 min
Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Les Herbiers, Vendrennes, and Lucon, 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 La Rochelle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Les Herbiers promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Les Herbiers, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Rennes to Les Herbiers may take around 2 hours 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Les Herbiers, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Municipal Park Landreau. Spend some time admiring the picturesque features of the park before you continue to your next stop.
Set your GPS to Vendrennes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Vendrennes beckons with new experiences!
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Labyrinthe En Vendée Vallée, a worthwhile maze that draws visitors from near and far.
After soaking in Vendrennes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lucon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 44 min. When you arrive in Lucon, it's time to take a break from the road.
Begin your journey at Jardin Dumaine and explore the romantic features.
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 La Rochelle. La Rochelle 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.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of La Rochelle's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Les Flots, a top-rated dining spot in La Rochelle. If you're in the mood for something new, try Palem Café, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Christopher Coutanceau. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in La Rochelle.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Le Dock Café, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Le Mary Lili, a bar catering to every mood and preference. L'alibi likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 8 – La Rochelle - departure day
- La Rochelle - Departure day
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Day 8 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of La Rochelle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Set out on a day brimming with an instagrammable, a history-steeped, a grand, and a remarkable. Start at the beloved Fontaine Du Pilori, a noteworthy monument in La Rochelle.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in La Rochelle.
You’ll then say farewell to La Rochelle. 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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