9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne to Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lourdes and surrounding area

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Photo of chateau comtal in Carcassonne, France.
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Description

Explore the best of France on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Carcassonne, Marseille, Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Toulouse, La Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Lormont, Biarritz, and Lourdes.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in France. You will spend 2 nights in Carcassonne, 2 nights in Marseille, 1 night in Toulouse, 2 nights in Bordeaux, and 1 night in Lourdes. 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne, Marseille, Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Toulouse, La Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Lormont, Biarritz, and Lourdes, 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, accommodations, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
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  • Portail des Jacobins
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Welcome to Carcassonne, 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 discovering what to see in Carcassonne before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Carcassonne is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the town center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Carcassonne. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Carcassonne
  • Marseille
  • More

Drive 320 km, 3 hours 32 min

  • Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Porte Narbonnaise
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • More

Your itinerary for day 2 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Carcassonne. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Marseille, where you'll spend 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Marseille. Marseille offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Marseille is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Marseille.

Say good night to Marseille and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Marseille
  • More

Drive 216 km, 3 hours 23 min

  • Palais des Papes
  • Pont d'Avignon
  • Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
  • Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
  • Palais Longchamp
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Marseille, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Marseille, there’s no need to rush. Experience Avignon and Marseille to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Marseille.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Marseille, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Marseille
  • Toulouse
  • More

Drive 415 km, 4 hours 48 min

  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • Jardin de La Fontaine
  • Museum Romanité
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Arles and Nimes are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Toulouse, where you will stay for 1 night.

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.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Toulouse
  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 378 km, 4 hours 36 min

  • Beach of La Hume
  • Parc Mauresque
  • Observatoire Sainte-Cécile
  • Dune of Pilat
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including La Teste-de-Buch and Arcachon. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bordeaux, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bordeaux. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

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.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 15 km, 1 hour

  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • place de la Bourse
  • miroir d'eau
  • Cité du Vin
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bordeaux, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bordeaux and your accommodation.

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.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in France.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Bordeaux
  • Lourdes
  • More

Drive 408 km, 5 hours 5 min

  • jardin public
  • Monument aux Girondins
  • Rocher de la vierge
  • Le Train de La Rhune
  • More

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 places, which are Bordeaux, Biarritz, and Bayonne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lourdes, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lourdes. Lourdes offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Lourdes's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in France.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Lourdes
  • Toulouse
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 272 km, 3 hours 12 min

  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Basilica of St. Pius X
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • More

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Lourdes and Toulouse. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Carcassonne, 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
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  • André Chénier Garden
  • More

Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

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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How it works

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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