9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Lyon to Auxerre, Paris, Mâcon, Nimes, and Marseille and surrounding area

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Auxerre, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day at Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This history-steeped church is a notable place to see in Lyon. Then, wander over to Lyon Cathedral. If enchanting sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lyon, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. This drive usually takes around 11 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Porte Des Enfants Du Rhône is an up-and-coming monument we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Parc De La Tête D'or, an eye-catching park that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

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.

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

Set your GPS to Paris and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Paris beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Champ De Mars. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Eiffel Tower. This globally renowned monument is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Arc De Triomphe. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument. Next, continue your journey to Louvre Museum, a wondrous museum. End your day at Jardin Du Luxembourg, known for its remarkable features.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Mumi, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at L'Imprévu Café. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Paris tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Café De Paris V, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dirty Dick, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Little Red Door provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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 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 Noisiel, Champs-sur-Marne, and Beaune. In the evening, you’ll end up in Mâcon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Noisiel and set your GPS to Champs-sur-Marne. 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 2 min. Upon reaching Champs-sur-Marne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at Château De Champs-sur-marne, a locally appreciated castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Beaune, 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 Champs-sur-Marne to Beaune may take around 3 hours 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Beaune, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Hôtel-dieu Museum - Hospices De Beaune, a notable museum that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, and Nimes. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nimes, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

After soaking in Mâcon’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 13 min. When you arrive in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Pont Du Gard, a locally renowned monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sagriès may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Sagriès, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Haribo Candy Museum, a popular museum in Sagriès. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nimes. This car ride takes around 31 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Jardin De La Fontaine. Spend some time admiring the history-steeped features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Galerie, a highly-rated dining destination in Nimes. If you're eager to try something different, consider Annaba Café, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hôtel des Tuileries. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Nimes this evening.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into La Bonne Mousse. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, O’flaherty’s offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook News Café, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Aix-en-Provence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’ve had your share of Nimes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arles. Your travel time is around 42 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Arles Amphitheatre, a locally renowned archeological site that draws visitors from near and far.

Les Baux-de-Provence’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Arles behind. This drive usually takes around 27 min. Les Baux-de-Provence welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take your self-guided tour to Château Des Baux-de-provence, an interesting castle that everyone visiting Les Baux-de-Provence should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Carrières Des Lumières. This visually striking art installation is one of the most locally renowned attractions in the region.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Aix-en-Provence. This drive usually takes around 45 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Zoo Barben, a popular zoo that everyone visiting Aix-en-Provence should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

As you explore more of Marseille, 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 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 Les Mets des Saintes, 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 Hôtel Maison Montgrand 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.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Le Traquenard, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Dame Du Mont. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Polikarpov, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Marseille. You’ll stay in Marseille for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Calanques National Park. This captivating national park is an instagrammable place to see in Marseille. Continue your discovery at Parc Borély, a romantic park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Marseille, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). This well-known church offers a romantic encounter with Marseille. Centre Commercial Centre Bourse is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Marseille.

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 you explore more of Marseille, 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 Bistro Du Panier, a highly-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

Keep the evening going at Au Petit Nice, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Marengo, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is L'unic Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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

Just a short distance away is Marseille Cathedral, a picture-perfect church that draws visitors from far and near.

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

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon), an interesting historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Palais Des Papes, where you can soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

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 Lyon. Lyon 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.

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

Dine in style at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bernachon Chocolats boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Mère Léa. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The James Joyce Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Broc'bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, La Passagère offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!