9-Day France Road Trip from Toulouse traveling east to Marseille, Lyon, Auxerre, Paris, and Limoges

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Toulouse and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Toulouse for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Toulouse is a beautiful city 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 Saint-Pierre or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Toulouse. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique, a top-rated dining spot in Toulouse. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bapz, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Emile. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Toulouse.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Botanist Pub, known for its inviting atmosphere. Melting Pot Pub is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Pub O'Clock provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Blagnac for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Basilica of St. Sernin. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,287 visitors.

When you’re finished at Basilica of St. Sernin, head to Jardin des Plantes. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,847 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Grand Rond. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,069 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Pont-Neuf. This deck arch bridge is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,845 visitors.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in France that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Blagnac has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in France by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Make sure to book a table at Allegory Coffee Bar, a popular restaurant in Toulouse. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Toulouse at Le Salon d'Eugénie, 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 Borriquito Loco. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Toulouse tonight.

Keep the evening going at Café Populaire, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Black Lion, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day 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.

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 Carcassonne and Marseille. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Marseille, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Toulouse and set your GPS to Carcassonne. 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 1 hour 8 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Château Comtal. This castle is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Carcassonne, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

Cité de Carcassonne is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,968 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Marseille’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Carcassonne behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 9 min. Marseille welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Palais Longchamp. This popular water tower has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Marseille. Marseille 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 Marseille. 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Chez Roger, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at AM par Alexandre Mazzia as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Marseille.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. La dame du mont is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Polikarpov, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Au Petit Nice. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Head back to your accommodation in Marseille and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Marseille. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lyon, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,446 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Calanques National Park. Calanques National Park is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 reviews.

Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,436 visitors.

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

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Café du Rhône, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Vieille Canaille. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting L' Antiquaire, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Black Forest Society is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The James Joyce Pub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip 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 2 vibrant destinations - Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Auxerre. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière one of your first sightseeing stops in Lyon. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Place Bellecour is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This square is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,560 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Auxerre. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 56 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to parc de la Tête d'Or. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 50,621 visitors.

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

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road 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 Paris. In the evening, you’ll end up in Paris, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Paris. This car ride takes around 1 hour 56 min.

Kick off the day at Champ de Mars, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 172,488 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower is a lattice tower with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 322,389 reviews. Attracting more than 6,207,303 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Arc de Triomphe is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This triumphal arch is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 visitors. In a single year, this triumphal arch hosts approximately 2,743,823 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Sacré-Cœur. This church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,527 visitors. Visiting Sacré-Cœur means you'll be one of 11,000,000 people who do so every year.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Tuileries Garden, a famous garden in Paris. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 92,172 travelers.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at L'Imprévu Café, a highly-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Petit Châtelet, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Guy Savoy. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café de Paris V after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Dirty Dick, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Little Red Door also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Paris and Orléans, 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 Limoges. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Louvre Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 260,788 visitors. Louvre Museum welcomes around 2,825,000 visitors every year.

Jardin du Luxembourg is another popular attraction you could visit today. This urban park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 94,043 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Orléans. This car ride takes around 1 hour 39 min.

Make Orléans Cathedral your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,178 reviews.

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

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Le Paris, an iconic dining spot in Limoges. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Pont Saint Etienne, a popular restaurant in Limoges. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Geyracois, a hidden gem nestled in Limoges. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your lively evening at Chez Bernard, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Figeac and Montauban. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Toulouse, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Figeac.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Causses du Quercy Natural Regional Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,949 visitors.

After soaking in Montauban’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Toulouse. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 49 min. When you arrive in Toulouse, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to place Nationale. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,209 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Botanical Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,604 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Port Canal. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,642 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Toulouse, 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 Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Savor the flavors at La Gourmandine - Côté Marché - Toulouse, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bistroquet à la Une beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Oh la vache! With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Toulouse tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Fat Cat, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

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

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

As your final day in France unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Toulouse’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of France. Keep the spirit of your trip to France alive with these special souvenirs.

Drop by the renowned Square Charles de Gaulle. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,579 visitors.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Bièrographe, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Toulouse. 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!