One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon traveling north to Beaune, Paris, and Fontainebleau
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Lyon, 1 night in Beaune, 2 nights in Paris, and 1 night in Fontainebleau. 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, Cluny, Cormatin, Arc-et-Senans, Beaune, Versailles, Paris, Serris, Fontainebleau, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
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- Place Bellecour
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Say hello to Lyon! Your exciting road trip through France is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Lyon for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!
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.
Find your way to your hotel in Lyon. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Nuage café, a highly-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're eager to try something different, consider Café du Rhône, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Agastache Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, L' Antiquaire offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Black Forest Society is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pompette is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire
- Lyon
- Caluire-et-Cuire
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Drive 27 km, 58 min
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- Lyon Cathedral
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in France. With 1 night left in Lyon, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
Discover a day packed with a photogenic, a charming, a mesmerizing, a historically significant, a culturally significant, and a majestic in Lyon. Begin your sightseeing with Musée Miniature Et Cinéma. This underrated museum is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Lyon Cathedral, another must-visit attraction that enhances the town’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Lyon, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This interesting church is a traveler-favorite.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Caluire-et-Cuire, 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 Lyon to Caluire-et-Cuire may take around 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Spend your afternoon discovering Parc De La Tête D'or, a top-rated park known for its idyllic features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Lyon and your accommodation.
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.
Dine in style at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bernachon Chocolats boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Mère Léa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. The James Joyce Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Broc'bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is La Passagère. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!
Day 3 – Lyon, Cluny, Cormatin, Arc-et-Senans, and Beaune
- Lyon
- Cluny
- Cormatin
- Arc-et-Senans
- Beaune
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Drive 355 km, 4 hours 15 min
- Cluny Abbey
- Château de Cormatin Stephen Abragan
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Cluny, Cormatin, and Arc-et-Senans. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Beaune, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lyon, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cluny may take around 1 hour. Upon your arrival in Cluny, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Cluny Abbey, a locally appreciated monastery that draws visitors from near and far.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cluny, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cormatin may take around 17 min. Upon your arrival in Cormatin, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Take your self-guided tour to Château De Cormatin, a locally appreciated castle that everyone visiting Cormatin should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arc-et-Senans. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Make your way to Royal Saltworks At Arc-et-senans, an underrated museum that draws attention for its UNESCO world heritage-designated 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.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Beaune. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Ermitage de Corton, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Bistrot du Coin is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Bout du Monde. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Beaune tonight.
Head back to your accommodation in Beaune and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 4 – Beaune, Versailles, and Paris
- Beaune
- Versailles
- Paris
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Drive 347 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Palace of Versailles
- place de la Concorde
- Tuileries Garden
- Louvre Museum
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Versailles and Paris. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Paris. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Immerse yourself in Beaune’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Hôtel-dieu Museum - Hospices De Beaune. This culturally significant museum is sure to ignite your curiosity.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 3 hours 4 min.
Head to Palace Of Versailles, a globally renowned palace in Versailles. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Paris. This drive usually takes around 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Head to Place De La Concorde, an extraordinary public square in Paris. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Tuileries Garden. This extraordinary park is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Louvre Museum is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most heritage-rich museum in the region.
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 Paris. Paris 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.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Mumi, a top-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at L'Imprévu Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.
Keep the evening going at Café De Paris V, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Dirty Dick, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Little Red Door, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 5 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 33 km, 1 hour 37 min
- Champ de Mars
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Sacré-Cœur
- La Villette
- Louvre Museum
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Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Paris today. One of the most globally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Champ De Mars. This enchanting park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Eiffel Tower and learn what makes this romantic monument unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the wondrous Arc De Triomphe. After exploring the monument, head to Sacré-cœur. This globally renowned church is a highlight in Paris. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the widely recognized La Villette. Enjoy exploring this incredible park at your own pace.
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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le Sens Unique offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Caveau de l'isle. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Paris.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Prescription Cocktail Club, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Boucan provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Mamie Paris offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 6 – Paris, Serris, and Fontainebleau
- Paris
- Serris
- Fontainebleau
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Drive 115 km, 1 hour 51 min
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Panthéon
- Disneyland Paris
- Louvre Museum
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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 Serris. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fontainebleau, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Paris, including a park and a monument. Start your day with a visit to Jardin Du Luxembourg. This impressive park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Panthéon, which may be one of the most stunning places you will experience today.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Serris, 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 Paris to Serris may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Serris, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Disneyland Paris is a world-famous amusement park we recommend making time to visit today.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Fontainebleau. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you explore more of Fontainebleau, 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.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 7 – Fontainebleau, Dijon, Beaune, and Lyon
- Fontainebleau
- Dijon
- Beaune
- Lyon
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Drive 448 km, 4 hours 45 min
- Darcy square
- Arquebuse Botanical Garden
- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Dijon and Beaune, 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.
Dijon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Fontainebleau behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 23 min. Dijon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Darcy Square is an intriguing public square we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour to Arquebuse Botanical Garden, a mesmerizing botanical garden that’s well-regarded in the area.
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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lyon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Nosch, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Auberge des canuts - Bouchon Lyonnais offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Vieille Canaille is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Lyon.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like La Raffinerie, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Mos - Maker Of Stories offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
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.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Lyon’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.
Start your adventure at Palais De La Bourse De Lyon. This intriguing palace is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Lyon.
If you're in the mood for something new, try Café Terroir, another premier location with a delectable menu.
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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