One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Montpellier to Toulouse, Bordeaux, Perpignan, and Marseille and surrounding area
Description
Included
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 Montpellier, La Grande-Motte, Toulouse, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Lormont, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, and Nimes.
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 Montpellier, 1 night in Toulouse, 1 night in Bordeaux, 1 night in Perpignan, and 2 nights in Marseille. 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 Montpellier, 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 Montpellier, La Grande-Motte, Toulouse, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Lormont, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, and Nimes, 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 – Montpellier - arrival day
- Montpellier - Arrival day
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- Arc de Triomphe
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Montpellier and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Montpellier 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.
Montpellier 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 Arc De Triomphe 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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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 Le Palavasien, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Les Enfants Rouges offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Tord Boyaux is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Montpellier.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Triskell Montpellier is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Kraken Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Le Rebuffy. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Montpellier, La Grande-Motte, and Toulouse
- Montpellier
- La Grande-Motte
- Toulouse
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Drive 293 km, 3 hours 39 min
- esplanade Charles de Gaulle
- Comedy Square
- Planet Ocean World
- Sunset Beach
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Montpellier and La Grande-Motte, 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 Toulouse. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Montpellier, including a park, a public square, and an aquarium. Start your adventure at Esplanade Charles De Gaulle. This often recommended park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Comedy Square located in Montpellier for an enchanting atmosphere.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Planet Ocean World. Its picture-perfect features will captivate you.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in La Grande-Motte. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Take your self-guided tour to Sunset Beach, an underrated beach that everyone visiting La Grande-Motte should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Toulouse, 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 Toulouse's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Le May, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? L*Agence offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Perche Pinte. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Toulouse.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Moloko is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Botanist Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Melting Pot Pub. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 3 – Toulouse, Arcachon, Bordeaux, and Lormont
- Toulouse
- Arcachon
- Bordeaux
- Lormont
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Drive 379 km, 4 hours 33 min
- miroir d'eau
- Cité du Vin
- jardin public
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Arcachon, Bordeaux, and Lormont. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arcachon. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Dune Of Pilat. Spend some time admiring the peaceful features of the sand dunes before you continue to your next stop.
Set your GPS to Bordeaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bordeaux beckons with new experiences!
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Miroir D'eau. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the art installation before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Jardin Public. This interesting park is a traveler-favorite in the city.
Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Lormont.
Make your way to La Cité Du Vin, a notable museum that draws attention for its 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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cent 33, a highly-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're eager to try something different, consider L'Originel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Clemenceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café Brun, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Mushroom Café offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bordeaux. Whose Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 4 – Bordeaux, Carcassonne, and Perpignan
- Bordeaux
- Carcassonne
- Perpignan
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Drive 452 km, 4 hours 37 min
- place de la Bourse
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Cité de Carcassonne
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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 and Carcassonne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Perpignan, where you will stay for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with a romantic, a gorgeous, an instagrammable, a respected, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed in the charming city of Bordeaux. Your adventure starts at Place De La Bourse, a popular local hot spot.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Carcassonne. This car ride takes around 3 hours 12 min.
Make your way to Château Comtal, an often recommended castle that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Cité De Carcassonne, an enchanting castle that stands out in the city.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Perpignan. 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 Perpignan. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le 17, a top-rated dining destination in Perpignan. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Les Brunettes: bar et restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Buffalo Grill Perpignan. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Perpignan this evening.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Dry States stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Black Pearl 66 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Café De La Source is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing 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 5 – Perpignan, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Marseille
- Perpignan
- Arles
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Marseille
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Drive 343 km, 4 hours 26 min
- Arles Amphitheatre
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Marseille, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
Arles’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Perpignan behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 25 min. Arles welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Head to Arles Amphitheatre, a popular archeological site in Arles. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Your self-guided tour starts at Château Des Baux-de-provence, an interesting castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Carrières Des Lumières and admire its picture-perfect features.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Arles, 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 Perpignan to Arles may take around 2 hours 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arles, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Head to Alpilles Natural Regional Park, a locally appreciated nature reserve in Arles. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Marseille, 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 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.
Dine in style at Chez Roger, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Les Mets des Saintes boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Marseille.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Le Traquenard, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Dame Du Mont. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Polikarpov, another top-rated place in the area.
Say good night to Marseille and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 6 – Marseille
- Marseille
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Drive 41 km, 1 hour 52 min
- Calanques National Park
- Parc Borély
- Palais Longchamp
- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
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Day 6 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Marseille. You have 1 night left in Marseille. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Marseille allows for both. Start by heading to Calanques National Park. This interesting national park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Parc Borély, an enchanting park, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Palais Longchamp, an interesting palace. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the popular Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean. Round off your day at Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille), another gem in Marseille with visually striking features to discover.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. 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 Marseille. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Bistro Du Panier, a top-rated dining spot in Marseille. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Marseille.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Au Petit Nice offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Marengo is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. L'unic Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 7 – Marseille, Avignon, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Nimes, and Montpellier
- Marseille
- Avignon
- Nîmes
- Montpellier
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Drive 227 km, 3 hours 25 min
- Palais des Papes
- Jardin des doms
- Pont d'Avignon
- Pont du Gard
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
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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 3 vibrant destinations - Avignon, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Nimes. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Montpellier. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Marseille, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Avignon may take around 1 hour 10 min. Upon your arrival in Avignon, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Spend your afternoon discovering Palais Des Papes, a popular palace known for its picture-perfect features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Jardin Des Doms, an up-and-coming park that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon) and uncover the details of this UNESCO world heritage-listed historical landmark.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Avignon, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard may take around 32 min. Upon your arrival in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Head to Pont Du Gard, a popular monument in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
After soaking in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Nimes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Nimes, it's time to take a break from the road.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Jardin De La Fontaine. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the park before you continue to your next stop.
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 Montpellier. Montpellier 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 Montpellier's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Don’t miss out on dining at Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre, a top-rated dining destination in Montpellier. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Banane, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Petit Troc. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Montpellier this evening.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Black Out, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Le Petit Nice offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Espit Chupitos Montpellier. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!
Day 8 – Montpellier - departure day
- Montpellier - Departure day
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- Aqueduc Saint-Clément
- Comedy Square
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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 Montpellier 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.
Today's adventure in Montpellier promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Aqueduc Saint-clément. This culturally significant monument is a highlight of any visit in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Montpellier.
If you're eager to try something different, consider Balthazar café & restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Montpellier. 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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