One-Week France Road Trip from Marseille to Monaco, Nimes, and Carcassonne and surrounding area
Description
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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 Marseille, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Nimes, Sagriès, Aigues-Mortes, and Carcassonne.
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 Marseille, 3 nights in Monaco, 1 night in Nimes, and 1 night in Carcassonne. 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 Marseille, 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. Cité de Carcassonne and Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Marseille, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Nimes, Sagriès, Aigues-Mortes, and Carcassonne, 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
- Marseille - Arrival day
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- Palais Longchamp
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Marseille and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Marseille for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Marseille 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 Palais Longchamp 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 Marseille. 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 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Chez Roger, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Marseille.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Le Traquenard stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, La dame du mont offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Polikarpov is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Monaco
- Marseille
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 44 min
- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- Parc Borély
- Calanques National Park
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On day 2 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 Marseille. In the evening, you’ll end up in Monaco, where you will stay for 3 nights.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,446 visitors.
Next, make your way to Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 36,436 reviews.
While in Marseille, we also recommend a visit to Parc Borély. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,618 reviews.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Calanques National Park. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,632 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Marseille.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Monaco, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As you explore more of Monaco, 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 Steak 'n Shake Monaco, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Bionda offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, La Tavernetta is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Monaco.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Blue Gin, known for its inviting atmosphere.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.
Day 3
- Monaco
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Drive 11 km, 31 min
- Musée océanographique de Monaco
- Collection Privée des Voitures de S A S Le Prince de Monaco
- Prince's Palace of Monaco
- Jardin Exotique de Monaco
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Day 3 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Monaco. You have 2 nights left in Monaco. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Musée océanographique de Monaco. Over 675,000 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 27,908 reviews.
Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,468 reviews.
Another attraction you won't want to miss is Prince's Palace of Monaco. This palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,029 reviews.
Jardin Exotique de Monaco is another outstanding experience in Monaco. Around 3,474 travelers have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Monaco, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Monaco below.
As you explore more of Monaco, 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Casa del Caffe, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Maya Jah offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Sensais. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Monaco.
Say good night to Monaco and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 4
- Monaco
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Drive 5 km, 16 min
- Monte Carlo Casino
- Princess Grace Japanese Garden
- Grimaldi Forum
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Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Monaco has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Monaco by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Make Monte Carlo Casino your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this architectural structure an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 35,526 reviews.
Next up, make a stop at Princess Grace Japanese Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,818 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this park every year.
Grimaldi Forum is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This architectural structure has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,596 visitors.
Your discoveries in Monaco do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Monaco on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Monaco's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Bella Vita, a highly-rated dining destination in Monaco. If you're eager to try something different, consider Woo Monaco, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Il Terrazzino. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Monaco this evening.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 5
- Nîmes
- Nice
- Cannes
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Drive 310 km, 4 hours 32 min
- Castle Hill
- Jardin Albert 1er
- place Masséna
- Vieux Port de Cannes
- Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Nice, and Cannes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nice, France. This car ride takes around 34 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Castle Hill. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,646 visitors.
Albert I Garden is another popular attraction you could visit today. This urban park has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,739 visitors.
Place Masséna is also highly recommended by travelers. This square has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,132 visitors.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cannes. This car ride takes around 46 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Vieux Port de Cannes. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cannes, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,893 visitors.
Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 18,284 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Nimes, 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 Nimes's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at La Galerie, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Annaba Café beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hôtel des Tuileries. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Nimes tonight.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. La bonne mousse is an excellent place to start. You could also check out O’Flaherty’s, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is News Café. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 6
- Carcassonne
- Nîmes
- Sagriès
- Aigues-Mortes
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Drive 290 km, 3 hours 51 min
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Haribo Candy Museum
- Pont du Gard
- Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes
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Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Nimes, Sagriès, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Aigues-Mortes, 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 Carcassonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Be one of the day’s first visitors at Jardin de La Fontaine. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.
After soaking in Nimes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sagriès. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 33 min. When you arrive in Sagriès, it's time to take a break from the road.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Haribo Candy Museum. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 visitors.
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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Rapière is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Carcassonne tonight.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 7
- Marseille
- Carcassonne
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Drive 321 km, 3 hours 36 min
- Proche cité
- Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
- Cité de Carcassonne
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Carcassonne, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,201 visitors.
Château Comtal is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Basilique Saint Nazaire. Visitors have rated this church an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,146 reviews.
Cité de Carcassonne is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a fortress rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Marseille, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Marseille. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at AM par Alexandre Mazzia, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Une Table au Sud? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Coogee as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Marseille.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Au Petit Nice stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Marengo offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. L'unic Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 8
- Marseille - Departure day
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- Old Port of Marseille
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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 Marseille 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 Marseille’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Old Port of Marseille. This much-appreciated seaport is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,120 reviews.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Marseille.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Les 3 Frères, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Marseille. 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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