9-Day France Road Trip from Marseille to Monaco, Nimes, and Carcassonne and surrounding area
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes and local cultures of Marseille, Cassis, Monaco, Sagriès, Nimes, Aigues-Mortes, Carcassonne, Arles, and Les Baux-de-Provence. 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 Marseille, 3 nights in Monaco, 1 night in Nimes, and 1 night in Carcassonne. 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 Marseille, 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 Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Marseille, Cassis, Monaco, Sagriès, Nimes, Aigues-Mortes, Carcassonne, Arles, and Les Baux-de-Provence, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Marseille - Arrival day
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- Friche la Belle de Mai
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Welcome to Marseille, 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 Marseille's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Marseille 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 Friche la Belle de Mai 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 Marseille. 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 Marseille. 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.
Savor the flavors at Chez Roger, 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.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Le Traquenard after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to La dame du mont, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Polikarpov also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Marseille
- Cassis
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Drive 102 km, 2 hours 43 min
- Calanques National Park
- Parc Borély
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- Cathédrale La Major
- Calanque de Port-Miou
- More
On day 2 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Marseille, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Marseille for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Marseille, and Cassis to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Calanques National Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,632 reviews.
Parc Borély is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,618 reviews.
Another attraction you won't want to miss is Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 36,436 reviews.
Marseille Cathedral is another outstanding experience in Marseille. Around 12,714 travelers have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
After soaking in Marseille’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cassis. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 42 min. When you arrive in Cassis, it's time to take a break from the road.
A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Calanque de Port-Miou. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,728 reviews.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Marseille.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at AM par Alexandre Mazzia, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Une Table au Sud offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Coogee is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Marseille.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Au Petit Nice. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bar Marengo, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, L'unic Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 3
- Monaco
- Marseille
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Drive 228 km, 2 hours 53 min
- Les Petits Trains de Marseille
- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Old Port of Marseille
- Centre Commercial Centre Bourse
- Palais Longchamp
- More
Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Marseille. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Monaco. You will spend 3 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Drop by the renowned Les Petits Trains de Marseille. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,053 visitors.
Another unforgettable place to experience is Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.
We also recommend a visit to Old Port of Marseille. This seaport has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,120 reviews.
Another favorite attraction in the area is Centre Commercial Centre Bourse. This shopping mall and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 16,249 local and international travelers.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Palais Longchamp. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,768 travelers, this water tower is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Marseille.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Monaco, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Monaco's best restaurants.
Make sure to book a table at Steak 'n Shake Monaco, a popular restaurant in Monaco. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Monaco at La Bionda, 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 La Tavernetta. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Monaco tonight.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Blue Gin. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 4
- Monaco
- More
Drive 7 km, 18 min
- Musée océanographique de Monaco
- Prince's Palace of Monaco
- Collection Privée des Voitures de S A S Le Prince de Monaco
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Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Monaco has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Monaco by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Drop by the renowned Musée océanographique de Monaco. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 27,908 visitors. Based on recent data, this attraction is visited by more than 675,000 travelers every year.
Another unforgettable place to experience is Prince's Palace of Monaco. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,029 visitors, this palace deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.
We also recommend a visit to Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco. This museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,468 reviews.
If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Monaco on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Monaco. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Don’t miss out on dining at Casa del Caffe, a top-rated dining destination in Monaco. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Maya Jah, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Sensais. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Monaco this evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.
Day 5
- Monaco
- More
Drive 5 km, 16 min
- Monte Carlo Casino
- Princess Grace Japanese Garden
- Grimaldi Forum
- More
Day 5 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Monaco. You have 1 night left in Monaco. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Monte Carlo Casino. This extraordinary architectural structure has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,526 visitors.
Next, make your way to Princess Grace Japanese Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,818 reviews.
While in Monaco, we also recommend a visit to Grimaldi Forum. This architectural structure has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,596 reviews.
One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Monaco has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Monaco offers and add your favorites to your France travel package below.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Monaco. 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Bella Vita, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Woo Monaco offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Il Terrazzino is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Monaco.
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.
Day 6
- Nîmes
- Monaco
- Sagriès
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Drive 347 km, 4 hours 24 min
- Jardin Exotique de Monaco
- Pont du Gard
- Haribo Candy Museum
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- More
On day 6 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 Monaco, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, and Nimes. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nimes, where you will stay for 1 night.
Kick off the day at Jardin Exotique de Monaco, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,474 reviews.
When you’ve had your share of Monaco, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France. Your travel time is around 3 hours 18 min.
Take the opportunity to see Pont du Gard. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 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 explore more of Nimes, 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 La Galerie, a top-rated dining spot in Nimes. If you're in the mood for something new, try Annaba Café, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hôtel des Tuileries. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Nimes.
Continue your lively evening at La bonne mousse, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. O’Flaherty’s is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, News Café 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.
Day 7
- Carcassonne
- Nîmes
- Aigues-Mortes
- More
Drive 225 km, 2 hours 52 min
- Museum Romanité
- Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Cité de Carcassonne
- Château comtal de Carcassonne
- Proche cité
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Nimes, Aigues-Mortes, and Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Musée de la Romanité, a remarkable museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,534 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 25,271 visitors.
After soaking in Nimes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Aigues-Mortes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 40 min. When you arrive in Aigues-Mortes, it's time to take a break from the road.
Make Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,652 reviews.
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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Rapière offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Le Domaine d'Auriac is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Carcassonne.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!
Day 8
- Marseille
- Arles
- Les Baux-de-Provence
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Drive 338 km, 4 hours 24 min
- Arles Amphitheatre
- Château des Baux-de-Provence
- Carrières des Lumières
- More
Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Arles, and Les Baux-de-Provence, 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.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne 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 2 hours 23 min. Upon reaching Arles, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Arles Amphitheatre. This extraordinary roman amphitheatre is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Château des Baux-de-Provence. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 13,346 reviews.
Next up, make your way to Carrières des Lumières. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 22,791 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Marseille, 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 Marseille. 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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Le Petit Nice Passedat, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Les 3 Frères is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Café l'Écomotive. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Marseille tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Friche la Belle de Mai stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Bar de la Plaine 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!
Day 9
- Marseille - Departure day
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- Porte d'Aix
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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 Marseille before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Porte d'Aix. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars by 4,944 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Marseille.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Roy René - Restaurant Marseille, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Marseille. 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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