One-Week France Road Trip from Lourdes traveling north to Carcassonne, Nimes, Toulouse, and Bordeaux

Gave de Pau river beside the Basilica Notre Dame in Lourdes, France
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through France.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in France. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Lourdes, 1 night in Carcassonne, 1 night in Nimes, 1 night in Toulouse, 1 night in Bordeaux, and 1 night in Bayonne, experiencing the ultimate road trip in France. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Lourdes, Carcassonne, Arles, Nimes, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Bayonne. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in France you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Lourdes, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in France, including the stunning Cité de Carcassonne and Jardin de La Fontaine.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in France. From the magnificent place de la Bourse to the breathtaking Carrières des Lumières and La Cité du Vin, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Rocher de la vierge and learn more about the unique Le Train de La Rhune to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Lourdes, Carcassonne, Arles, Nimes, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Bayonne, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in France. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through France.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in France.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything France has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of France. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in France extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in France today!

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Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Lourdes - city in FranceLourdes / 2 nights
Photo of Nimes Arena aerial panoramic view. Nimes is a city in the Occitanie region of southern France.Nîmes / 1 night
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 1 night
Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne / 1 night
Photo of Toulouse and Garonne river aerial panoramic view, France.Toulouse / 1 night
Bayonne - city in FranceBayonne / 1 night
Arles - city in FranceArles

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic view of Carcassone medieval city in France against summer sky.Cité de Carcassonne
Carrières des Lumières
Cité du VinCité du Vin
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
Jardin de La Fontaine, Nimes, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceJardin de La Fontaine
Le Train de La Rhune, Sare, Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, New Aquitaine, Metropolitan France, FranceLe Train de La Rhune
photo of the famous Rocher de la Vierge it's a rock of the Virgin Mary at beautiful morning in Biarritz, France.Rocher de la Vierge
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
Château des Baux-de-Provence
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Jardin PublicJardin Public
Biarritz Aquarium, Biarritz, Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, New Aquitaine, Metropolitan France, FranceBiarritz Aquarium
Saint Andre Cathedral of Bordeaux - France, AquitaineBordeaux Cathedral
Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Comtal
photo of Monument aux Girondins at morning in Bordeaux, France.Monument aux Girondins
Animal Park of the Pyrenees
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Lourdes, Argelès-Gazost, Hautes Pyrenees, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceBasilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de BayonneBayonne Cathedral
Parc Bordelais, R-105270, R-1667452, R-2202162, R-3792880, R-7405Parc bordelais
Grottes de Bétharram, Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, Argelès-Gazost, Hautes Pyrenees, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceGrottes de Bétharram
Grosse ClocheThe big bell of Bordeaux
Gironde, Bordeaux, AERIAL VIEW, Zone CLASSEE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO, FLOATING BASINS, UNDERWATER BASE, AERIAL ViewBETASOM
photo of The Porte Cailhau or Porte du Palais is a former town gate of the city of Bordeaux, France. It is one of the main touristic attractions of the city.Porte Cailhau
Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
Funiculaire du Pic du JerFuniculaire du pic du Jer
L'espace Van Gogh
Roman Theatre of Arles
Les Halles

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Lourdes - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Lourdes - arrival day

  • Lourdes - Arrival day
  • More
  • Funiculaire du pic du Jer
  • More

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Lourdes. You’ll stay in Lourdes for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Lourdes has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible funiculaire du pic du Jer. This attraction is a funicular and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,493 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Lourdes also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in France!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Lourdes and Carcassonne

Day 2

Day 2 – Lourdes and Carcassonne

  • Carcassonne
  • Lourdes
  • More

Drive 313 km, 3 hours 50 min

  • Animal Park of the Pyrenees
  • Grottes de Bétharram
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Lourdes. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Carcassonne for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Lourdes’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Lourdes, start your day with a visit to the amazing Grottes de Bétharram. This much-appreciated show cave and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,262 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This church and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,163 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Lourdes has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Carcassonne. Carcassonne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Arles and Nimes

Day 3

Day 3 – Arles and Nimes

  • Nîmes
  • Arles
  • More

Drive 289 km, 4 hours 1 min

  • L'espace Van Gogh
  • Roman Theatre of Arles
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • Château des Baux-de-Provence
  • Carrières des Lumières
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Arles and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Nimes. You will stay in Nimes for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Arles is the amazing L'espace Van Gogh. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,003 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible top-tier point of interest, Roman Theatre of Arles. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,900 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Arles is the outstanding Arles Amphitheatre. This popular roman amphitheatre and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.

The spectacular Château des Baux-de-Provence is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,346 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Carrières des Lumières. This attraction is a popular must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 22,791 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Arles by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Nimes, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Instant T, one of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.

Locals also recommend Gard O Wine as one of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes. Gard O Wine is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 323 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Nimes is Livestation DIY - Nîmes. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 139 customers.

After dinner, visit O’Flaherty’s, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Nimes. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Alternatively, La bonne mousse is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Nimes. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 428 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Nimes, Carcassonne, and Toulouse

Day 4

Day 4 – Nimes, Carcassonne, and Toulouse

  • Nîmes
  • Toulouse
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 294 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • Jardin de La Fontaine
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Château Comtal
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Nimes and the city of Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Toulouse for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Nimes today is Jardin de La Fontaine. This excellent attraction is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of France, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in France. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Basilique Saint Nazaire for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Carcassonne. This popular attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,146 visitors.

This outstanding fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Château Comtal in the city of Carcassonne. This attraction, a stunning castle, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Toulouse.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Toulouse, La Cantine Des Sales Gosses. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,095 customers.

Locals recommend Grain De Folie as one of the best restaurants in the city of Toulouse. Grain De Folie is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 623 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Toulouse is Le Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 517 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Toulouse, The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 647 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The George and Dragon. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,383 customers.

The London Town is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Toulouse. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,388 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through France with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Bordeaux

Day 5

Day 5 – Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 245 km, 2 hours 53 min

  • Miroir d'eau
  • Place de la Bourse
  • Porte Cailhau
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • More

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Toulouse and embark on a scenic drive to Bordeaux, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Toulouse and Bordeaux before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Toulouse. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Basilica of St. Sernin. This attraction is a minor basilica that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,287 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Jardin des Plantes. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,847 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Toulouse is the stunning Couvent des Jacobins. This church and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,770 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Bordeaux and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Bordeaux has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable miroir d'eau. This attraction is a reflecting pool that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,462 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible place de la Bourse. This square and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Porte Cailhau. This city gate and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,609 visitors.

The lovely The big bell of Bordeaux is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,871 visitors have left this bell tower an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Bordeaux Cathedral is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Bordeaux. This point of interest is a catholic cathedral rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Bordeaux, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Bordeaux. When you arrive in Bordeaux you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like suzzi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 852 customers.

Locals also recommend L'Oiseau Bleu, another of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. L'Oiseau Bleu is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Chai Les Copains. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 501 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Symbiose to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 896 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Connemara. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Connemara has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

Molly Malone's is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Bordeaux and Bayonne

Day 6

Day 6 – Bordeaux and Bayonne

  • Bordeaux
  • Bayonne
  • More

Drive 202 km, 2 hours 55 min

  • Monument aux Girondins
  • Jardin Public
  • Cité du Vin
  • BETASOM
  • Parc bordelais
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bordeaux. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bayonne. You’ll stay in Bayonne for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bordeaux’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bordeaux, start your day with a visit to the amazing Monument aux Girondins. This much-appreciated column and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating jardin public. This urban park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,341 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular La Cité du Vin to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular La Cité du Vin is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 21,487 visitors.

The lovely BETASOM is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,804 visitors have left this submarine base average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular parc bordelais. This attraction is an urban park rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,855 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bordeaux has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bayonne. Bayonne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Bakera. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 327 reviews.

The remarkable Bar Basque is another top restaurant in Bayonne we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 294 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Bar Remy is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 419 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bayonne, the fantastic Katie Daly's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 677 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Bar du Marché. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Kubata & Kukubat. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 351 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Bayonne and Lourdes

Day 7

Day 7 – Bayonne and Lourdes

  • Lourdes
  • Bayonne
  • More

Drive 210 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Bayonne Cathedral
  • Rocher de la Vierge
  • Biarritz Aquarium
  • Le Train de La Rhune
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bayonne and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Lourdes. You will stay in Lourdes for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bayonne is the amazing Bayonne Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,743 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible rock, Rocher de la vierge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,700 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bayonne is the outstanding Le Train de La Rhune. This popular must-see tourist destination and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 16,223 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bayonne by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lourdes, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 8 – Lourdes - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Lourdes - departure day

  • Lourdes - Departure day
  • More
  • Les Halles
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Lourdes before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Les Halles is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Lourdes. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,871 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Lourdes and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in France.

You’ll then say farewell to Lourdes. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in France!

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Experiences

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