One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Nimes to Lyon, Auxerre, Paris, and Beaune
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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 Nimes, Uzès, Sagriès, Lyon, Vézelay, Auxerre, Versailles, Paris, Beaune, and Caluire-et-Cuire.
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 Nimes, 1 night in Lyon, 1 night in Auxerre, 2 nights in Paris, and 1 night in Beaune. 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 Nimes, 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 Nimes, Uzès, Sagriès, Lyon, Vézelay, Auxerre, Versailles, Paris, Beaune, and Caluire-et-Cuire, 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
- Nîmes - Arrival day
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- Jardin de La Fontaine
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Welcome to Nimes, 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 Nimes's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Nimes 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 Jardin De La Fontaine 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 Nimes. 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 Nimes. 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 La Galerie, a top-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Annaba Café, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel des Tuileries. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at La Bonne Mousse. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to O’flaherty’s, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, News Café provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Nîmes
- Uzès
- Sagriès
- Lyon
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Drive 280 km, 3 hours 46 min
- Carré d'Art
- La vallée de l'Eure à Uzès
- Haribo Candy Museum
- Jardin de La Fontaine
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Nimes, Uzès, Sagriès, and La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lyon. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Start your day with a visit to Carré D'art. This locally appreciated museum is a must-visit in the city.
Set your GPS to Uzès and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Uzès beckons with new experiences!
Your self-guided tour starts at La Vallée De L'eure À Uzès, an underrated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sagriès, 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 Uzès to Sagriès may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sagriès, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Haribo Candy Museum. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the museum 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 Lyon. Lyon 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 Lyon's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
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.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at L' Antiquaire, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Black Forest Society, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Pompette provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 3
- Lyon
- Vézelay
- Auxerre
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Drive 324 km, 3 hours 53 min
- Vézelay Abbey
- Église Saint-Eusèbe
- Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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On day 3 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 Vézelay and Auxerre. In the evening, you’ll end up in Auxerre, where you will stay for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with a charming, a stunning, a photogenic, a history-steeped, a sacred, and a grand in Lyon. Begin your sightseeing with Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This popular church is one of the top attractions in the village.
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 Vézelay may take around 2 hours 50 min. Upon your arrival in Vézelay, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Take your self-guided tour to Abbey Of La Madaleine, a locally appreciated church that everyone visiting Vézelay should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
After soaking in Vézelay’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Auxerre. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 49 min. When you arrive in Auxerre, it's time to take a break from the road.
Spend your afternoon discovering Église Saint-eusèbe, an often recommended church known for its culturally significant features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Cathédrale Saint-étienne D'auxerre - Baie 129, a worthwhile church that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Auxerre. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Auxerre. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Auxerre.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.
Day 4
- Auxerre
- Versailles
- Paris
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Drive 211 km, 3 hours 10 min
- Palace of Versailles
- Arc de Triomphe
- place de la Concorde
- Panthéon
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d'Auxerre
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Versailles and Paris. 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 2 nights.
Versailles’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Auxerre behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 53 min. Versailles welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Make your way to Palace Of Versailles, a world-famous palace that draws attention for its romantic features.
When you’ve had your share of Versailles, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Paris. Your travel time is around 36 min.
Arc De Triomphe is a world-famous monument we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Place De La Concorde, a history-steeped public square that’s well-regarded in the area. Next, stop by Panthéon, a picture-perfect monument. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Jardin Du Luxembourg, a masterful and truly unique park.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Paris, 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 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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Mumi, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at L'Imprévu Café. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Paris tonight.
Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Café De Paris V, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dirty Dick offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Little Red Door. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 5
- Paris
- More
Drive 28 km, 1 hour 40 min
- Musée d'Orsay
- Tuileries Garden
- Palais Garnier
- Sacré-Cœur
- La Villette
- Louvre Museum
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Day 5 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Paris. You have 1 night left in Paris. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a charming, a stunning, a photogenic, a history-steeped, a masterful, a symbolic, and a stunning. Whether you decide to explore Paris on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Musée D'orsay is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking museum before continuing your journey. Tuileries Garden is your next stop. This top-rated park is one of the best-rated sights in Paris.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Palais Garnier. This grand opera house is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Sacré-cœur and La Villette.
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 Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, 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 Le Sens Unique, 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 Le Caveau de l'isle, a hidden gem nestled in Paris. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Keep the evening going at Prescription Cocktail Club, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Boucan, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Mamie Paris, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 6
- Paris
- Beaune
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Drive 320 km, 3 hours 54 min
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Louvre Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Champ de Mars
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On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Paris. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Beaune, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
A blend of a charming, an awe-inspiring, a photogenic, a respected, a profound, a culturally significant, and an UNESCO world heritage-listed await you in Paris on today’s itinerary. First up is the locally renowned church, Notre-dame De Paris. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Eiffel Tower. A visit to this monument is an enriching experience for all.
As you explore Paris’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Champ De Mars. This globally renowned park is an essential stop that should not be missed.
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 Beaune. Beaune 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.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Beaune. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Dine in style at Ermitage de Corton, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Bistrot du Coin boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Bout du Monde. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Beaune.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 7
- Beaune
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Lyon
- Nîmes
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Drive 419 km, 5 hours 2 min
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Caluire-et-Cuire and Lyon, 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 Nimes. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caluire-et-Cuire. This car ride takes around 1 hour 40 min.
Spend your afternoon discovering Parc De La Tête D'or, an extraordinary park known for its mesmerizing features.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lyon. This drive usually takes around 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Musée Miniature Et Cinéma. Spend some time admiring the photogenic features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nimes. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Nimes, 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.
Make sure to book a table at La Criée, a popular restaurant in Nimes. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Nimes at Hotel Vatel and Spa, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Les Magnolias - Restaurant - Nîmes. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Nimes tonight.
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
- Nîmes - Departure day
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- Porta Augusta
- Jardin de La Fontaine
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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 Nimes before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Maximize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Nimes’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in France.
Get ready for a day filled with an instagrammable, a standout, and a symbolic in the charming city of Nimes. Your adventure starts at Auguste Gate, a locally appreciated local hot spot.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Nimes.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Pinocchio, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Barjoe Nîmes offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Nimes. 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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