9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Carcassonne traveling north to Toulouse, Albi, Sarlat La Caneda, and Tours

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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Carcassonne, 1 night in Toulouse, 1 night in Albi, 1 night in Sarlat La Caneda, and 2 nights in Tours. 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 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 Château De Chambord are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Château De Chenonceau, learn more about the unique Château D'amboise, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Château De Beynac.

As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Balma, Toulouse, Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Sarlat La Caneda, Montignac-Lascaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Domme, Blois, Cheverny, Tours, Amboise, and Limoges, 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!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Carcassonne
Château comtal de CarcassonnePorte NarbonnaiseCité de CarcassonneMusée de l'EcoleChurch of Saints Nazaire and CelseSaint-Gimer Church
Cité de l'EspaceJardin des PlantesMusée des AugustinsBasilica of St. SerninPlace Saint-PierrePont-Neuf
Parc RochegudeSainte-Cecile Cathedral of AlbiBerbie PalaceMusée Toulouse-LautrecPont VieuxHalles de Cordes-sur-Ciel
Manor GissonLascaux 2Château de BeynacLes Mystérieux graffitiPanorama
Château de ChambordJacques-Gabriel BridgeExposition Permanente Tintin Les Secrets de Moulinsart

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
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  • Carcassonne
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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 2 nights immersing yourself in Carcassonne's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Carcassonne is a beautiful town 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 Carcassonne, or just taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Carcassonne. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Carcassonne, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Carcassonne
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Drive 5 km, 30 min

  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Porte Narbonnaise
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Musée de l'Ecole
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Saint-Gimer Church
  • More

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Carcassonne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Carcassonne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Château Comtal, an intriguing castle that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Porte Narbonnaise, enchanting visitors with its breathtaking appeal. Continue your exploration at Cité De Carcassonne. This castle is one of the town’s most astonishing spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Carcassonne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Musée De L'ecole. After exploring the museum, head to the locally appreciated Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the town.

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 Carcassonne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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 in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Carcassonne
  • Toulouse
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Drive 101 km, 2 hours 19 min

  • Cité de l'Espace
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Musée des Augustins
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Place Saint-Pierre
  • Pont-Neuf
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Balma and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Carcassonne is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a science center, a botanical garden, a museum, a church, a public square, a monument and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the frequently visited Cité De L'espace. Just a short distance away is Jardin Des Plantes, a romantic botanical garden that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Musée Des Augustins, one of the town’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Basilica Of St. Sernin. Last up on today’s itinerary is a public square. Make your way to Place Saint-pierre for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Carcassonne.

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.

As you explore more of Toulouse, 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.

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.

Continue your lively evening at Moloko, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Botanist Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Melting Pot Pub ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Toulouse
  • Albi
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • Parc Rochegude
  • Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi
  • Berbie Palace
  • Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Pont Vieux
  • Halles de Cordes-sur-Ciel
  • More

On day 4 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 Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel. In the evening, you’ll end up in Albi, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming town of Toulouse. Your adventure starts at Parc Rochegude, a frequently visited local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Albi Cathedral. This popular church is known for its serene appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Toulouse's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Berbie Palace. This historic palace offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Musée Toulouse-lautrec is also worth visiting, along with Pont Vieux. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment. End your day at Halles De Cordes-sur-ciel. This up-and-coming market provides a fitting finale to your sightseeing.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at O'Sully'S Albi, an iconic dining spot in Albi. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Albi
  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
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Drive 294 km, 4 hours 32 min

  • Manor Gisson
  • Lascaux 2
  • Château de Beynac
  • Les Mystérieux graffiti
  • Panorama
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Sarlat La Caneda, Montignac-Lascaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac, and Domme. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sarlat La Caneda, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Albi promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Manor Gisson. This visually striking museum is a highlight of any visit in the town. Then, enjoy Lascaux, another scenic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Château De Beynac, one of the town’s most captivating attractions, known for its culturally significant features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Sarlat La Caneda. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Sarlat La Caneda. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • Tours
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Drive 484 km, 5 hours 51 min

  • Château de Chambord
  • Jacques-Gabriel Bridge
  • Exposition Permanente Tintin Les Secrets de Moulinsart
  • More

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Blois and Cheverny. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Tours, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Start by visiting Château De Chambord, a prime spot to begin your journey. This visually striking castle is sure to impress. Next on your list is Jacques-gabriel Bridge, another must-visit landmark and intriguing monument renowned for its enchanting features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Sarlat La Caneda by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Exposition Permanente Tintin Les Secrets De Moulinsart. This instagrammable museum is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Tours, 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 Tours's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at TIA Gourmet, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Les Bartavelles beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hotel Restaurant Le Faisan. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Tours tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Cave À Vins Et À Bières Vins Sur 20, Bar Et Soirées À Thème, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Piraat Cafe Tours provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, L'alexandra offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Tours and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Tours
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Drive 230 km, 3 hours 20 min

  • Château de Chenonceau
  • Château de Villandry
  • Château d'Amboise
  • Castle of Aulée
  • Prébendes d'Oé Garden
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Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Tours has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Tours by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Start your day at Château De Chenonceau. This instagrammable castle is a captivating place to see in Tours. Then, wander over to Château De Villandry. If history-steeped sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Château D'amboise.

Tours offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Castle Of Aulée is an intriguing spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the point of interest, don’t forget to check out the remarkable Prébendes D'oé Garden. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this up-and-coming park in Tours.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tours. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Originals Relais, Château de Beaulieu et Magnolia Spa, a top-rated dining destination in Tours. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Au Café d' en face, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at L'Escapade. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Tours this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Café Bar Jazz Le Strapontin stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le P Tit Soleil offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. La Belle Époque is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Tours
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 606 km, 6 hours 38 min

  • Parc Victor Thuillat
  • Limoges Cathedral
  • Jardin botanique de l'Evêché
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Limoges. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A blend of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Tours on today’s itinerary. First up is the locally appreciated park, Parc Victor Thuillat. Afterward, continue to Limoges Cathedral, a church every traveler should visit.

As you explore Tours’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Jardin Botanique De L'evêché. This increasingly popular botanical garden is an essential stop.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurant La Marquière, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Métairie offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Buffalo Grill Carcassonne is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Carcassonne.

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
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  • Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
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Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Carcassonne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point. This frequently visited castle is a popular place to see in the town.

As your final day in France unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Carcassonne's best shopping area, Place Carnot. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to France. When you need a break, visit a cafe and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Carcassonne.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Carcassonne, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Celt offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss L'Oliveraie.

You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. 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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