Relaxed 9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Nimes to Lyon

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Photo of chaos de Nimes, Nimes le vieux- famous touristic site in France.

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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 9-day self-drive holiday in France. Along the way, Nimes, Sagriès, Le Grau-du-Roi, Aigues-Mortes, Tarascon, Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, Vaulx-en-velin, Mornas, Orange, and Avignon invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in France, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Nimes and 4 nights in Lyon, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Your journey starts in Nimes, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 9-day relaxed road trip in France to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in France already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Parc De La Tête D'or and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Palais Des Papes.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this France road trip itinerary for 9 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in France.

If you want to make your 9-day relaxed self-drive tour in France even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in France includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 9 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 9-day relaxed self-drive road trip in France today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Day 1

Nîmes - Arrival day
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Clock Tower
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Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Nimes, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Nimes and begin your adventure in France.

Nimes is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Nimes. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 Nimes, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Nimes. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in France. Enjoy your first taste of Nimes as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Nîmes
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Drive 70 km, 1 hour 38 min

Pont du Gard
Pont du Gard Museum
Haribo Candy Museum
Museum Romanité
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Your relaxed road trip in France continues on day 2 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know France better by exploring the top attractions of Nimes and beyond. With 2 nights left in Nimes, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in France.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in France!

Day 3

Nîmes
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Drive 102 km, 1 hour 58 min

Plage Rive Gauche
Constancy Tower
Gardette Gate
Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes
Aigues mortes
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On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Nimes, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Nimes will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Nimes, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across France.

Day 4

Nîmes
Lyon
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Drive 310 km, 4 hours 22 min

Tarascon Castle
Château des Baux-de-Provence
Carrières des Lumières
Site Archéologique de Glanum
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip in France will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in France, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You'll be staying in Lyon on this laid-back road trip through France. You'll stay here for 4 nights.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in France. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in France tomorrow with new energy.

Day 5

Lyon
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Drive 3 km, 27 min

Place Bellecour
Lyon Cathedral
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Fresque des Lyonnais
Vieux Lyon
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France makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, France also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Lyon offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Lyon and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in France!

Day 6

Lyon
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Drive 14 km, 1 hour 11 min

Lyon Zoo
parc de la Tête d'Or
Porte des Enfants du Rhône
Wall of the Canuts
La Croix-Rousse
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On day 6 of your relaxed road trip in France, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Lyon and visit amazing attractions in Caluire-et-Cuire and Lyon, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Lyon, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is La Croix-Rousse. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Lyon, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 7

Lyon
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Drive 44 km, 1 hour 50 min

Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
Mini World Lyon
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Parc des Hauteurs
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Your relaxed road trip in France continues on day 7 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know France better by exploring the top attractions of Lyon and beyond. With 1 night left in Lyon, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Lyon.

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

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Lyon. The bars in Lyon make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Lyon!

Day 8

Lyon
Nîmes
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Drive 281 km, 3 hours 51 min

Fortress Mornas
Triumphal arch
Jardin des doms
Palais des Papes
Pont d'Avignon
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On day 8 of your laid-back road trip adventure in France, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Continue your laid-back road trip in France as you make your way to Nimes. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Nimes has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Nimes.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in France!

Day 9

Nîmes - Departure day
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Jardin de La Fontaine
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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