9-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling north to Angouleme, Orléans, Paris, Rennes, and La Rochelle

Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Pau is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Restaurant Le Canard Royal. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Pau has received a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from around 633 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, L'Opéra should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Pau, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 537 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Le Garage. This highly regarded restaurant in Pau has earned a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 1,953 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend The Galway, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Au Fût et à mesure. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 585 customers.

Snug is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 306 customers.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Pau and Angouleme. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Angouleme. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Funiculaire de Pau. This funicular is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,020 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau. This art museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 554 reviews. Usually, around 18,267 people visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Parc Beaumont. This green space has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,112 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Angouleme, 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 Angouleme may take around 3 hours 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Angouleme, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at a bar.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Amboise, Chambord, and Orléans. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Orléans. Orléans will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Auzouer-en-Touraine’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Angouleme behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 42 min. Auzouer-en-Touraine welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set your GPS to Suèvres and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 59 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Suèvres beckons with new experiences!

At the end of the day, you will drive to Orléans, 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 Orléans. 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.

Plan ahead and secure a table at La Parenthèse, an acclaimed dining establishment in Orléans. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 888 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Le Brin de Zinc Restaurant while experiencing the best of Orléans. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 2,754 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Les Fils À Maman Orléans, an elegant culinary destination in Orléans. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,573 previous guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Crêperie Bretonne - Restaurant de spécialités de Galettes et Crêpes fait maison, à base de produits frais & Bar breton, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,162 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is L'antidote. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 610 customers.

Garden Ice Café is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,403 customers.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Versailles and Paris. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Paris, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Orléans, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Villepreux. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 27 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

After soaking in Villepreux’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 44 min. When you arrive in Paris, it's time to take a break from the road.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Paris. Paris offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Paris.

Don't miss out on experiencing Restaurant Guy Savoy, a renowned dining spot in Paris. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,143 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Le Bistrot Du Perigord while immersing yourself in Paris. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Kitchen Galerie Bis, a beloved dining establishment within Paris. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 512 satisfied customers.

An excellent example is La Coupole, which has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9,580 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Le Fumoir. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,606 customers.

Locals also enjoy Le Mesturet, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,547 customers, an after-dinner drink at Le Mesturet is the perfect way to end this day.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip 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.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Paris.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Angelina, an acclaimed dining establishment in Paris. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 13,038 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Au Pied de Cochon while experiencing the best of Paris. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 10,684 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of The Bombardier, an elegant culinary destination in Paris. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,775 previous guests.

Little Red Door is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,722 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Paris we recommend is Bisou. , an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,248 customers.

Experimental Cocktail Club is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,338 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

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 Paris and Rennes. In the evening, you’ll end up in Rennes, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Louvre Museum. This art museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Paris, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260,788 visitors. Around 2,825,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Tuileries Garden is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 92,172 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Panthéon. Visitors have rated this mausoleum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 43,649 reviews.

Jardin du Luxembourg is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an urban park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 94,043 reviews.

After soaking in Paris’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Rennes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 27 min. When you arrive in Rennes, it's time to take a break from the road.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Rennes, 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 Rennes's best restaurants.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at La Saint-Georges. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Rennes boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,621 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Rennes is Café Joyeux Rennes. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 583 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Roadside | Burger Restaurant Rennes, in Rennes. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,342 satisfied customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Fox and Friends Pub is a popular option with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,370 customers.

Another top option is O'Connell's Irish Pub. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,586 customers.

Penny Lane is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,548 customers.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Nantes and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nantes. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Île de Versailles (Nantes), a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable river island has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,112 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Botanical Garden is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,694 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Nantes is Château des ducs de Bretagne. This spectacular museum gets over 167,867 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,724 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Nantes offers an experience you will remember.

Machines of the Isle of Nantes is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Nantes. This art project promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,332 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Nantes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of La Rochelle. Your travel time is around 1 hour 44 min.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Christopher Coutanceau, an iconic dining spot in La Rochelle. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,006 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ while in La Rochelle. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, treasured by 978 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Iséo, a favorite in La Rochelle. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 4,577 discerning guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit The Famous Pub, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. The Famous Pub is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,154 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at The Children of Rock. Around 1,254 customers have rated their experience at The Children of Rock an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The Jolly Sailor also belongs to the list of the best bars in the La Rochelle, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 903 bar-goers.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux and Pau. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Bordeaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bordeaux beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at jardin public. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,341 visitors.

When you’re finished at jardin public, head to Monument aux Girondins. This one-of-a-kind column is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,483 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit place de la Bourse. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,462 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Pau. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Pau. Pau offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 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.

Reserve a table at Le Berry, a renowned restaurant in Pau. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 2,274 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Restaurant Cotes & Mer while in Pau. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 835 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Pau at Le Henri IV, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 751 customers.

Winfield Café is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 791 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Pau we recommend is L'Imparfait, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 152 customers.

Manhattan Bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 109 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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.

Optimize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Pau’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in France, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

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

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!