One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon to Beaune, Paris, and Auxerre

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Explore the best of France on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Beaune, Fontainebleau, Paris, Versailles, Auxerre, and Dijon. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

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 Lyon, 1 night in Beaune, 3 nights in Paris, and 1 night in Auxerre. 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 Lyon, 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. Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Beaune, Fontainebleau, Paris, Versailles, Auxerre, and Dijon, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Place Bellecour
Lyon CathedralMusée Cinéma et MiniatureLa Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvièreparc de la Tête d'Or
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de BeaunePalace of Fontainebleau
Notre-Dame de ParisLouvre MuseumPalais GarnierEiffel TowerChamp de Mars
Sacré-Cœurplace de la ConcordeTuileries GardenMusée d'OrsayLa VilletteLouvre Museum
Jardin des plantesJardin du LuxembourgPanthéonArc de TriomphePalace of VersaillesLouvre Museum
Darcy GardenColombière Park
La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

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Day 1

Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day

  • Lyon - Arrival day
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  • Place Bellecour
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Welcome to Lyon, 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 Lyon's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Lyon 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 Place Bellecour or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Lyon. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Nuage café, an iconic dining spot in Lyon. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Café du Rhône, a popular restaurant in Lyon. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Agastache Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Lyon. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at L' Antiquaire, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Black Forest Society offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Pompette provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

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Day 2

Day 2 – Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Beaune

  • Lyon
  • Caluire-et-Cuire
  • Beaune
  • More

Drive 169 km, 2 hours 33 min

  • Lyon Cathedral
  • Musée Cinéma et Miniature
  • La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
  • parc de la Tête d'Or
  • More

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

Lyon is home to plenty of attractions that offer a charming, a mesmerizing, an eye-catching, a historic, a sacred, and a grand! Start at Lyon Cathedral, a popular church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Musée Miniature Et Cinéma, enchanting visitors with its visually striking appeal. Continue your exploration at Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This church is one of the city’s most locally renowned spots.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make your way to Parc De La Tête D'or, an extraordinary park that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Beaune by securing a reservation at La Table du Square. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Clos du Cèdre, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Le Carmin, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day 3

Day 3 – Beaune, Fontainebleau, and Paris

  • Beaune
  • Fontainebleau
  • Paris
  • More

Drive 324 km, 3 hours 51 min

  • Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
  • Palace of Fontainebleau
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Beaune and Fontainebleau. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Beaune. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await. Hôtel-dieu Museum - Hospices De Beaune is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most captivating places to visit in Beaune. Next, head to La Moutarderie Fallot, a locally appreciated museum, known for its photogenic features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Fontainebleau, 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 Beaune to Fontainebleau may take around 2 hours 22 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Fontainebleau, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Palace Of Fontainebleau. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Beaune, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Fontainebleau. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 22 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Forêt De Fontainebleau and explore the mesmerizing features.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Kei in Paris by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Kei delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern and creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Le Pré Catelan, acclaimed for its delectable creative and contemporary specialties. This local 3-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Épicure, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 3-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café De Paris V, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Dirty Dick offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Paris. Little Red Door is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Day 4

Day 4 – Paris

  • Paris
  • More

Drive 13 km, 1 hour 20 min

  • Notre-Dame de Paris
  • Louvre Museum
  • Palais Garnier
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Champ de Mars
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Paris. You have 2 nights left in Paris. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Paris, featuring a romantic, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a culturally significant, a majestic, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated. Start at Notre-dame De Paris, an interesting church in the city. Then, head to Louvre Museum and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Paris and when you are ready for more, go to Palais Garnier. This is one of the city’s most popular spots. After exploring the opera house, visit the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the timeless Champ De Mars, a timeless park in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. 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 Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Le Sens Unique offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Caveau de l'isle is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Paris.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Prescription Cocktail Club is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Le Boucan, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Mamie Paris. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

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Day 5

Day 5 – Paris

  • Paris
  • More

Drive 42 km, 2 hours

  • Sacré-Cœur
  • place de la Concorde
  • Tuileries Garden
  • Musée d'Orsay
  • La Villette
  • Louvre Museum
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Paris. You’ll stay in Paris for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s agenda in Paris includes a church, a public square, a park, a museum and much more! Sacré-cœur is must-visit church and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Place De La Concorde, an astonishing public square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Tuileries Garden, a history-steeped park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Paris. If you’re looking for more, Musée D'orsay is also a top-rated attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss La Villette, an impressive gem to see in the city.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Paris. 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 The Harp Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Bistro des Augustins, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Petit Châtelet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Sherry Butt, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Highlander, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Le Sully likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Day 6

Day 6 – Paris, Versailles, and Auxerre

  • Paris
  • Versailles
  • Auxerre
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Drive 212 km, 3 hours 20 min

  • Jardin des plantes
  • Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Panthéon
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Louvre Museum
  • More

On day 6 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 Paris and Versailles. In the evening, you’ll end up in Auxerre, where you will stay for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Paris, featuring a charming, a picturesque, a stunning, an instagrammable, a standout, a noteworthy, and a culturally significant. Start at Jardin Des Plantes, a locally renowned botanical garden in the city. Then, head to Jardin Du Luxembourg and soak in the ambiance of this romantic park.

There are many interesting places to see in Paris and when you are ready for more, go to Panthéon. This is one of the city’s most popular spots. After exploring the monument, visit the iconic Arc De Triomphe.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Paris, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Versailles. This drive usually takes around 35 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your self-guided tour starts at Palace Of Versailles, a wondrous palace that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring 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 Auxerre. Auxerre 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 Auxerre's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

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Day 7

Day 7 – Auxerre, Dijon, and Lyon

  • Auxerre
  • Dijon
  • Lyon
  • More

Drive 344 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Darcy Garden
  • Colombière Park
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Auxerre and Dijon, 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 Lyon. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Begin your adventure at Cathédrale Saint-étienne D'auxerre - Baie 129. This is a worthwhile church you should not miss.

Set your GPS to Dijon and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Dijon beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Darcy Garden, an increasingly popular park known for its history-steeped features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Parc De La Colombière, a worthwhile park that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lyon, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Lyon by booking a table at Takao Takano, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Lyon, Le Neuvième Art shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Mère Brazier is known as a top local spot for its delicious classic cuisine in Lyon. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The James Joyce Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Broc'bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, La Passagère is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

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Day 8

Day 8 – Lyon - departure day

  • Lyon - Departure day
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  • La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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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 Lyon before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Lyon’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Start by visiting Fresque Des Lyonnais, a prime spot to begin your journey. This picture-perfect street art is sure to impress.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Lyon. 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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