9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Perpignan traveling north to Marseille, Lyon, Nimes, and Toulouse

On day 3 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 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles, and Marseille to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Marseille, featuring a charming, an awe-inspiring, an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a sacred, and a symbolic. Start at Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille), a popular church in the village.

After soaking in Marseille’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Les Baux-de-Provence. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 10 min. When you arrive in Les Baux-de-Provence, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Carrières Des Lumières, a well-known art installation that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Château Des Baux-de-provence, where you can soak in the romantic surroundings.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Les Baux-de-Provence, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Arles. This drive usually takes around 29 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Head to Arles Amphitheatre, a notable archeological site in Arles. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Arles and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Arles beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Camargue Regional Natural Park, a well-known nature reserve that everyone visiting Arles should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Bistro Du Panier, an iconic dining spot in Marseille. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Drip's Hôtel & Restaurant Arty, a popular restaurant in Marseille. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, a hidden gem nestled in Marseille. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Au Petit Nice, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Marengo. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at L'unic Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Marseille. You have 1 night left in Marseille. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Discover a day packed with a charming, a beautiful, an awe-inspiring, an eye-catching, a historically significant, a remarkable, and a symbolic in Marseille. Begin your sightseeing with Calanques National Park. This popular national park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Parc Borély, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Marseille, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Palais Longchamp. This captivating palace is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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 Marseille's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at AM par Alexandre Mazzia, a top-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Une Table au Sud, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Café Bovo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Friche La Belle De Mai, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Le Bar De La Plaine offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Avignon, 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Avignon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon). Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Palais Des Papes. This captivating palace is a traveler-favorite in the city.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Avignon, 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 31 min. Upon your arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take your self-guided tour to Parc De La Tête D'or, a spectacular park that everyone visiting Caluire-et-Cuire should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Lyon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Caluire-et-Cuire behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Lyon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take your self-guided tour to Place Bellecour, an interesting public square that everyone visiting Lyon should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

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

Dine in style at Nuage café, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Café du Rhône boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Agastache Restaurant. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lyon.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at L' Antiquaire. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Black Forest Society, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Pompette provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

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 Lyon. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nimes, where you will stay for 1 night.

Lyon is home to plenty of attractions that offer a romantic, a gorgeous, a picture-perfect, a historic, a profound, and a symbolic! Start at Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière, a locally renowned church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Musée Miniature Et Cinéma, enchanting visitors with its photogenic appeal. Continue your exploration at Lyon Cathedral. This church is one of the city’s most well-known spots.

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.

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

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La Bonne Mousse, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to O’flaherty’s. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at News Café, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Nimes, Sagriès, and La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, 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 Toulouse. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nimes and set your GPS to Sagriès. 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 33 min. Upon reaching Sagriès, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Haribo Candy Museum. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the museum before you continue to your next stop.

After soaking in Sagriès’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 15 min. When you arrive in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Pont Du Gard, an interesting monument known for its UNESCO world heritage-listed features.

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 Toulouse. Toulouse 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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Le May, a top-rated dining destination in Toulouse. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L*Agence, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Perche Pinte. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Toulouse this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Moloko, known for its lively atmosphere. The Botanist Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Toulouse and Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Perpignan, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s route brings a charming, a beautiful, a mesmerizing, a visually striking, a historically significant, a sacred, and a culturally significant. The first attraction of today is Jardin Des Plantes. This increasingly popular botanical garden is an eye-catching place to see in Toulouse. Continue your discovery at Basilica Of St. Sernin, a picture-perfect church with stories to tell.

Set your GPS to Carcassonne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Carcassonne beckons with new experiences!

Château Comtal is a frequently visited castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour to Cité De Carcassonne, a visually striking castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Perpignan. 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 book a table at Access - TotalEnergies, a popular restaurant in Perpignan. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Perpignan at Le Tartard, 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 Villa Duflot Perpignan Restaurant Hôtel&Spa. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Perpignan tonight.

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.