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

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

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Château Comtal, a romantic castle that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Basilique Saint Nazaire, one of the town’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the underrated Porte Narbonnaise. When you're finished at the monument, Cité De Carcassonne awaits your visit. This castle is an enchanting highlight on today's itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Marseille. 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 Marseille. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Le Traquenard, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of La Dame Du Mont, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Polikarpov likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

Greet day 3 of your road trip in France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Marseille, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Avignon and Marseille.

No visit to Marseille is complete without Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean. This locally renowned museum is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille), another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Marseille, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Palais Longchamp. This captivating palace is a traveler-favorite.

After soaking in Marseille’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Avignon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 10 min. When you arrive in Avignon, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Palais Des Papes, a popular palace that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon) and admire its enchanting features.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Le Bistro Du Panier, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Marseille tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Au Petit Nice, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Marengo offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, L'unic Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Arles and Nimes. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Toulouse, where will spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Arles and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Arles beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Arles Amphitheatre, a notable archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nimes may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Nimes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Jardin De La Fontaine, a captivating park known for its culturally significant features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Musée De La Romanité, an underrated museum.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Le May, a top-rated dining spot in Toulouse. If you're in the mood for something new, try L*Agence, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Perche Pinte. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Toulouse.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Moloko, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Botanist Pub is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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.

As you explore La Teste-de-Buch’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Toulouse, you’ll hit the road in the direction of La Teste-de-Buch. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 53 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Beach Of La Hume, a curiosity-inducing beach that everyone visiting La Teste-de-Buch should see.

Arcachon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of La Teste-de-Buch behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Arcachon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Parc Mauresque, a beloved park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Observatoire Sainte-cécile, where you can soak in the visually striking surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Arcachon, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from La Teste-de-Buch to Arcachon may take around 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arcachon, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Arcachon is Dune Of Pilat, a well-known sand dunes that draws attention for its romantic features.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bordeaux's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, L'Originel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Clemenceau. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bordeaux tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Café Brun. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Le Mushroom Café offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Whose Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

On day 6 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Bordeaux, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Bordeaux, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bordeaux and Lormont to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Whatever your travel style is, Bordeaux Cathedral is an essential stop in Bordeaux. This interesting church provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a breathtaking historical landmark, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Place De La Bourse, an interesting public square. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Miroir D'eau.

Set your GPS to Lormont and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lormont beckons with new experiences!

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit La Cité Du Vin, a popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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 Bordeaux, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at L'Oiseau Bleu, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant Soléna is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hôtel De Sèze. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bordeaux tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Grizzly Pub offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Dog And Duck is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in France includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Bordeaux, Biarritz, and Bayonne. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lourdes, where you'll spend 1 night.

To truly experience Bordeaux, make sure to drop by Jardin Public. This captivating park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Monument Aux Girondins, one of the city’s best highlights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bordeaux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Biarritz. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 16 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Rocher De La Vierge, a notable rock formation in Biarritz. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Bayonne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Biarritz behind. This drive usually takes around 38 min. Bayonne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Le Train De La Rhune is a locally renowned heritage railway we recommend visiting today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Lourdes 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 Lourdes.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Hôtel Roissy, Lourdes, a top-rated dining destination in Lourdes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres Bike & NUXE Spa, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel Saint-Sébastien. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lourdes this evening.

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.

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.

Your adventure in Lourdes is only getting started when you visit Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, a locally appreciated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Basilica Of St. Pius X. This locally appreciated minor basilica is known for its photogenic appeal.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Toulouse, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Lourdes to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Toulouse, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Toulouse is Basilica Of St. Sernin, a notable church that draws attention for its stunning features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Jardin Des Plantes, a romantic botanical garden that stands out in the town.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at V and B Carcassonne, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Auberge des Lices? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Adélaïde as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Carcassonne.

Head back to your accommodation in Carcassonne and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in France.