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 exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Marseille, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Château Et Remparts De La Cité De Carcassonne makes a great addition to your morning plans. This underrated castle is an UNESCO world heritage-listed place to see in Carcassonne. Continue your discovery at Château Comtal, a culturally significant castle with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Carcassonne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This often recommended church offers a visually striking encounter with Carcassonne. Next, make your way to Porte Narbonnaise to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Cité De Carcassonne, an astonishing castle that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Carcassonne.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Chez Roger, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Les Mets des Saintes offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Marseille.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Le Traquenard, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, La Dame Du Mont offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Polikarpov. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

One of the most well-known attractions included on the itinerary is Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) and learn what makes this enchanting church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the well-known Palais Longchamp.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Marseille, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Avignon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Avignon is Palais Des Papes, a well-known palace that draws attention for its breathtaking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), an enchanting historical landmark that stands out in the city.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Bistro Du Panier, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Marseille.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Au Petit Nice, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Marengo, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, L'unic Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Marseille and set your GPS to Arles. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 10 min. Upon reaching Arles, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Arles Amphitheatre. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Nimes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 35 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nimes beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Jardin De La Fontaine, a well-known park in Nimes. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Musée De La Romanité. This worthwhile museum is a top recommendation in the area.

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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Toulouse. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Moloko, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Botanist Pub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Melting Pot Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in La Teste-de-Buch. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 53 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Beach Of La Hume is a worthwhile beach we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Parc Mauresque, an intriguing park 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 Observatoire Sainte-cécile and admire its enchanting features.

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.

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.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining spot in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood for something new, try L'Originel, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Clemenceau. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bordeaux.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Café Brun, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Le Mushroom Café, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Whose Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

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

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the captivating Bordeaux Cathedral and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a historic historical landmark that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Place De La Bourse, one of the city’s most notable spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the well-known 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!

Spend your afternoon discovering La Cité Du Vin, a locally renowned museum known for its visually striking features.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at L'Oiseau Bleu, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bordeaux at Restaurant Soléna, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Hôtel De Sèze. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bordeaux tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Grizzly Pub, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Dog And Duck also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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.

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.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the popular Jardin Public and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Monument Aux Girondins, a culturally significant monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Biarritz. This car ride takes around 2 hours 16 min.

Rocher De La Vierge is a notable rock formation we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bayonne, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Biarritz to Bayonne may take around 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bayonne, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Le Train De La Rhune, a popular heritage railway in Bayonne. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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 lovely dining experience at Hôtel Roissy, Lourdes, a popular restaurant in Lourdes. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Lourdes at Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres Bike & NUXE Spa, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Hôtel Saint-Sébastien. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Lourdes tonight.

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

One of the most worthwhile attractions included on the itinerary is Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary. This inviting church will help you start your sightseeing on top.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

After soaking in Lourdes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Toulouse. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 53 min. When you arrive in Toulouse, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Basilica Of St. Sernin. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Jardin Des Plantes. This intriguing botanical garden is a traveler-favorite 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.

Dine in style at V and B Carcassonne, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Auberge des Lices boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Adélaïde. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

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