9-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling east to Angouleme, Blois, Paris, Auxerre, Lyon, and Montpellier

Say hello to Pau! Your exciting road trip through France is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the town. You will stay in Pau for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Pau is a beautiful town 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 place Clémenceau or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Pau. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.

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

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Snug, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Winfield Café is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Galway also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Funiculaire de Pau. This funicular is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Pau, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,020 visitors.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 554 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 18,267 people visit this art museum every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Parc Beaumont. Visitors have rated this green space an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,112 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Angouleme, 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 Angouleme's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Chenonceaux, Amboise, Chambord, and Blois, 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 Blois. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Chenonceaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Chenonceaux beckons with new experiences!

Journey into the unknown at Château de Chenonceau, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable château has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,253 reviews.

After soaking in Chenonceaux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Amboise. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 23 min. When you arrive in Amboise, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Château d'Amboise. This château is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Amboise, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,016 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 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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne, an iconic dining spot in Blois. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Paris. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

After soaking in Blois’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Paris. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 59 min. When you arrive in Paris, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Eiffel Tower, a remarkable lattice tower where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 322,389 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 6,207,303 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Champ de Mars. This urban park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 172,488 travelers.

Arc de Triomphe is another must-visit attraction. This renowned triumphal arch offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 travelers and attracting 2,743,823 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Sacré-Cœur. This well-loved church building boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 118,527 reviews. In a single year, approximately 11,000,000 visitors add this sightseeing spot to their travel itineraries.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, place de la Concorde awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a square, this is a top pick rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 54,229 previous visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Paris, 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 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.

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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Café de Paris V, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dirty Dick offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Little Red Door. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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 5 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 Auxerre, where you will stay for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Musée d'Orsay. This extraordinary art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 71,115 visitors. Each year, around 3,651,616 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Tuileries Garden. This garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 92,172 reviews.

While in Paris, we also recommend a visit to Louvre Museum. Hosting around 2,825,000 visitors every year, Louvre Museum is one of the best places to visit. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 260,788 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Panthéon. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 43,649 travelers, this mausoleum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Paris.

Make your way to Jardin du Luxembourg, perhaps the most famous urban park in Paris. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 94,043 reviews.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Auxerre. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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 - Caluire-et-Cuire, and Lyon. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lyon. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Auxerre, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Caluire-et-Cuire may take around 2 hours 56 min. Upon your arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make parc de la Tête d'Or one of your first sightseeing stops in Caluire-et-Cuire. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Porte des Enfants du Rhône is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,967 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lyon. This car ride takes around 17 min.

Drop by the renowned Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This popular minor basilica has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Place Bellecour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,560 visitors, this square deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

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 you explore more of Lyon, 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 book a table at Café du Rhône, a popular restaurant in Lyon. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Lyon at Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, 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 Vieille Canaille. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Lyon tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, L' Antiquaire offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Black Forest Society is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The James Joyce Pub is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Nimes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Montpellier, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lyon, you’ll hit the road in the direction of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 28 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Drop by the renowned Pont du Gard. This popular arch bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,439 visitors.

Set your GPS to Nimes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nimes beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Jardin de La Fontaine is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Musée de la Romanité. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,534 travelers. Every year, 25,271 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Nimes.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Montpellier, 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Montpellier. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Les Enfants Rouges, a top-rated dining destination in Montpellier. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Montpellier this evening.

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

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

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Carcassonne, 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.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Carcassonne. This car ride takes around 1 hour 43 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cité de Carcassonne. Previous visitors have rated this fortress an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.

Musée de l'Ecole is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 287 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,146 reviews.

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.

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

Dine in style at Le Café du Passage, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Ô PETIT PAÙ boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out L'Imparfait. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Pau.

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

Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gueuleton - Pau, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Poulet à 3 Pattes? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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!