9-Day France Road Trip from Grenoble traveling south to Valence, Carcassonne, Nimes, Nice, and Marseille

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Grenoble and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Grenoble for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Grenoble 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 Parc Paul Mistral 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 Grenoble. 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 Grenoble. 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Bar Au RENCARD, a top-rated dining spot in Grenoble. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ciao a Te, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at La Bobine. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Grenoble.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Le Groove, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Brasserie La Natation, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Pub Shakesbeer provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Grenoble, La Sône, and Pont-en-Royans. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Valence, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Musée de Grenoble. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,100 visitors.

Fort de La Bastille is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,303 visitors.

Museum of the French Revolution - Domaine de Vizille is also highly recommended by travelers. This museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,504 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grenoble and set your GPS to La Sône. 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 51 min. Upon reaching La Sône, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Fontaines Pétrifiantes Garden. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,128 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Valence, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Valence's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

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 Montpellier. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Montpellier. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 59 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Planet Ocean World is a great place to start. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,786 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is esplanade Charles de Gaulle. This square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,915 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Comedy Square. The square has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,883 visitors.

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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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.

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.

Make sure to book a table at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Carcassonne at La Rapière, 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 Le Domaine d'Auriac. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Carcassonne 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 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 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne, and Béziers. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Nimes. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Château Comtal your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,823 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Cité de Carcassonne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this fortress every year.

Basilique Saint Nazaire is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This church has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,146 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Béziers, 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 Carcassonne to Béziers may take around 1 hour without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Béziers, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire. This extraordinary church is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,146 visitors.

Next, make your way to Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,123 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Nimes, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Don’t miss out on dining 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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, La bonne mousse stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, O’Flaherty’s offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. News Café is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Nimes, and Les Baux-de-Provence. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nice, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Musée de la Romanité. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,534 visitors. Each year, around 25,271 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Fontaine Pradier. This fountain is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 704 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Les Baux-de-Provence. This car ride takes around 49 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Château des Baux-de-Provence is a great place to start. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,346 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Carrières des Lumières. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 22,791 travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Nice, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le Bocal, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Les Amoureux offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Snug And Cellar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Nice.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Les Distilleries Idéales after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Diane's, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Wayne's Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, 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 Nice, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Albert I Garden. Previous visitors have rated this urban park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,739 reviews.

Castle Hill is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,646 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nice and set your GPS to Monaco, Monaco. 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 42 min. Upon reaching Monaco, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Musée océanographique de Monaco. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 27,908 visitors. Each year, around 675,000 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Prince's Palace of Monaco. This top attraction is a palace with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,029 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Monte Carlo Casino. This architectural structure is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 35,526 travelers.

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

As you explore more of Nice, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Vingt4, a highly-rated dining destination in Nice. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hôtel West End Nice, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Z Restaurant Tapas. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Nice this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Trafalbar Nice stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, BAY SIDE offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Marseille, 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 Marseille. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Marseille’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nice behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 36 min. Marseille welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Calanques National Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 visitors.

Next, make your way to Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 36,436 reviews.

While in Marseille, we also recommend a visit to Marseille Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,714 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 travelers, this museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Marseille.

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 Marseille. Marseille 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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Chez Roger, an iconic dining spot in Marseille. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, a popular restaurant in Marseille. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, a hidden gem nestled in Marseille. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your lively evening at Le Traquenard, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. La dame du mont is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Polikarpov ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Grenoble, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Marseille and set your GPS to Avignon. 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 8 min. Upon reaching Avignon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take the opportunity to see Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This attraction has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 17,658 visitors.

Palais des Papes is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This palace has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 travelers. Up to 616,210 people visit Palais des Papes every year.

Avignon is also the home of Jardin des doms. Around 3,201 people have rated this urban park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Grenoble, 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 Grenoble, 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 reserve a table at Restaurant Une Semaine sur Deux, an iconic dining spot in Grenoble. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of restaurant brasserie L'Albatros Grenoble, a popular restaurant in Grenoble. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of La Ferme à Dédé, a hidden gem nestled in Grenoble. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Pub des copains, known for its inviting atmosphere. BLIND PIG is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Grenoble 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 Grenoble’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in France.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fontaine du Lion. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Grenoble, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 773 visitors.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurant La Baratte, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Grenoble. 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!