One-Week Relaxed France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Nantes to Paris
Description
Included
Description
Experience France like never before on this 8-day relaxed road trip, traversing through Nantes, Le Mans, Paris, and Angers. This self-drive vacation offers a tranquil journey through the heart-stopping beauty found in France.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Nantes, Le Mans, Paris, and Angers. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Nantes and 4 nights in Paris. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Nantes, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 8-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across France with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in France.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Eiffel Tower. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Louvre Museum.
Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Arc De Triomphe. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through France's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the France.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 7 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 8 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 8-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Nantes - arrival day
- Nantes - Arrival day
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- Reflecting pool
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Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Nantes, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Nantes and begin your adventure in France.
Nantes 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 Miroir D'eau 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 Nantes. 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.
When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Nantes.
Savor the flavors at Gigg's Irish Pub, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Parallèle. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Nantes tonight.
As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Nantes’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in France.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Le Chat Noir, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in France. Enjoy your first taste of Nantes as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2 – Nantes
- Nantes
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Drive 15 km, 43 min
- parc de Procé
- Île de Versailles (Nantes)
- Botanical Garden
- Château des ducs de Bretagne
- Machines of the Isle of Nantes
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Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Nantes, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in France are extraordinary.
Start by visiting Parc De Procé, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Île De Versailles (nantes), another must-visit landmark and increasingly popular park renowned for its eye-catching features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Nantes by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Botanical Garden. This romantic botanical garden is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Château Des Ducs De Bretagne also adds charm to your journey, and Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes wraps up your day with its picture-perfect appeal.
France makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, France also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Nantes has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Enjoy a delicious meal at La Cigale, a highly-rated dining destination in Nantes. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Bistro des Enfants Nantais, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at L'Abbaye de Villeneuve. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Nantes this evening.
As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Nantes. The bars in Nantes make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Les Berthom. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Coffee House, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bateau-lavoir provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across France.
Day 3 – Nantes, Le Mans, and Paris
- Nantes
- Sarthe
- Paris
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Drive 402 km, 4 hours 32 min
- Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Botanical Garden
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Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in France is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. You’ll stay in Paris for 4 nights.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nantes, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Le Mans may take around 1 hour 54 min. Upon your arrival in Le Mans, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Museum Of The 24 Hours Of Le Mans. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Cathedral Of Saint Julian Of Le Mans. This increasingly popular church is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Park Théodore Monod. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park.
In the city of Paris, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in France.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
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.
As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Paris’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in France.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Café De Paris V, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dirty Dick provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Little Red Door offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in France!
Day 4 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 15 km, 52 min
- Champ de Mars
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Tuileries Garden
- Musée d'Orsay
- Louvre Museum
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through France means 24 hours of making the best memories in Paris. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Paris. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Paris!
Today’s itinerary in Paris covers several incredible sights, including a park, a monument, and a museum. Start your adventure at Champ De Mars. This timeless park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the history-steeped wonders of Eiffel Tower, a must-see monument in the city.
Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Arc De Triomphe. This wondrous monument offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Tuileries Garden, where you can take in its enchanting features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Musée D'orsay. This history-steeped museum offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.
Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in France more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Paris offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Paris, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
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.
After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Paris and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Prescription Cocktail Club. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Le Boucan offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Mamie Paris, another top-rated bar in the area.
Soak in the unique atmosphere of Paris as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in France!
Day 5 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 30 km, 1 hour 33 min
- Louvre Museum
- place de la Concorde
- Palais Garnier
- Sacré-Cœur
- La Villette
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On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Paris, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Paris, and meet locals along the way!
Prepare for a day full of a romantic, an awe-inspiring, an instagrammable, a historically significant, a majestic, a noteworthy, and a sacred. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Place De La Concorde. This top-rated public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Palais Garnier, one of the city’s most promising highlights.
Next, check out Sacré-cœur, one of the most iconic places to see in Paris. This church is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, La Villette. Wander around and soak in the eye-catching atmosphere this park offers.
Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Paris. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Paris that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Paris to find the best options for you!
Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Paris, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.
Dine in style at The Harp Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Bistro des Augustins boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Petit Châtelet. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.
Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Paris. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.
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.
Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!
Day 6 – Paris
- Paris
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Drive 7 km, 33 min
- Jardin des plantes
- Panthéon
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Sainte Chapelle
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Louvre Museum
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Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Paris, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in France are extraordinary.
Immerse yourself in Paris’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Jardin Des Plantes. This romantic botanical garden is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the culturally significant features of Panthéon, a must-visit monument in the city.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Jardin Du Luxembourg, a widely recognized park. For a change of scene, check out Sainte Chapelle, known for its enchanting features.
Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about France. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in France and ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Exploring the food culture in Paris offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.
Make sure to reserve a table at Granite, an iconic dining spot in Paris. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Guy Savoy, a popular restaurant in Paris. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Saint James Paris, a hidden gem nestled in Paris. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café Klein Holland after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Tiger, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The 46 Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in France!
Day 7 – Paris, Angers, and Nantes
- Paris
- Angers
- Nantes
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Drive 389 km, 4 hours 13 min
- Jardin des Plantes d'Angers
- Angers Cathedral
- Château d'Angers
- Louvre Museum
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across France promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Angers and drive in the direction of the city of Nantes for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Nantes, where you’ll stay for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Paris, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Angers. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 53 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Make your way to Jardin Des Plantes D'angers, an up-and-coming botanical garden that draws attention for its mesmerizing features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Angers Cathedral, a visually striking church that stands out in the city. Next, visit Château D'angers, a captivating castle that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Balzac Park, a nearby park, which is highly recommended by other travelers.
You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Nantes in this laid-back road trip in France. You'll stay here for 1 night.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Nantes has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Dine in style at Le 1, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L'instinct gourmand boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Macallan - Irish Pub Nantes. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Nantes.
If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in France.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Plein Sud, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to 4.44 Bar Lounge. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Délirium Café, another top-rated place in the area.
Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across France.
Day 8 – Nantes - departure day
- Nantes - Departure day
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- Botanical Garden
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Nantes.
Maximize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Nantes’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in France.
If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.
Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Nantes or just grab something light to keep you going.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Nantes and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
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