9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Bordeaux, Tours, Paris, Blois, and Angouleme

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lourdes and Gez, 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 Bordeaux. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lourdes, 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 Pau to Lourdes may take around 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lourdes, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Grottes De Bétharram, an intriguing cave system that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lourdes. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Head to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, an often recommended church in Lourdes. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lourdes and set your GPS to Gez. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Gez, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, a worthwhile zoo in Gez. Explore its majestic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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 Bordeaux. Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Cent 33, an iconic dining spot in Bordeaux. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of L'Originel, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Clemenceau, a hidden gem nestled in Bordeaux. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café Brun, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Mushroom Café offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bordeaux. Whose Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tours. This car ride takes around 41 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Jardin Botanique De Tours, a beloved botanical garden that everyone visiting Tours should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Vieux Tours. This history-steeped street is one of the most increasingly popular attractions in the region.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at TIA Gourmet, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Les Bartavelles is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hotel Restaurant Le Faisan. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Tours tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Cave À Vins Et À Bières Vins Sur 20, Bar Et Soirées À Thème. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Piraat Cafe Tours, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, L'alexandra provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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.

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 Paris. In the evening, you’ll end up in Paris, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Paris. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your journey at Musée D'orsay and explore the history-steeped features. Next, make your way to Tuileries Garden, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Louvre Museum, a heritage-rich museum. Nearby, you will also find Centre Georges Pompidou. This astonishing art museum is a top place to see in the area.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Mumi, a top-rated dining spot in Paris. If you're in the mood for something new, try Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at L'Imprévu Café. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Paris.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Café De Paris V, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Dirty Dick offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Little Red Door provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Get ready for an exciting day in Paris. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a church, a park, a botanical garden, a monument and much more! Begin your adventure at Sacré-cœur. This is a wondrous church you should not miss. Another must-see is La Villette, a widely recognized park in Paris.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Jardin Des Plantes. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Panthéon, another of the city’s interesting attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with an awe-inspiring park. Jardin Du Luxembourg is a truly remarkable place to visit in Paris.

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.

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

Dine in style at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Sens Unique boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Caveau de l'isle. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Prescription Cocktail Club, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Boucan is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Mamie Paris also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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 2 vibrant destinations - Paris and Versailles. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Blois. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Paris on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Place De La Concorde is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this romantic public square before continuing your journey. Champ De Mars is your next stop. This world-famous park is one of the best-rated sights in Paris.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Eiffel Tower. This enchanting monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Arc De Triomphe.

After soaking in Paris’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Versailles. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Versailles, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your self-guided tour starts at Palace Of Versailles, a timeless palace that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Le Relais de la Tour, a top-rated dining destination in Blois. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Bordeaux, 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 Pau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Angouleme, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bordeaux. Your travel time is around 1 hour 28 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Jardin Public, a locally renowned park that everyone visiting Bordeaux should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Monument Aux Girondins. This picture-perfect monument is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Place De La Bourse, a history-steeped public square, popular among locals as well as travelers. Miroir D'eau is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this popular art installation before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a breathtaking historical landmark and top attraction in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pau, 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 Pau, 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 delightful dinner at Resto Dit Vin, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant L' Ardoise? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Little Monkey Bar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Pau.

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