9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Tours traveling south to Nantes, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Poitiers, and Fontainebleau
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Description
Explore the best of France on a 9-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Tours, Nantes, La Rochelle, Fouras, Le Château-d'Oléron, Rochefort, Bordeaux, Arcachon, Le Bouscat, Lormont, Poitiers, Blois, Fontainebleau, and Blandy. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Tours, 1 night in Nantes, 1 night in La Rochelle, 2 nights in Bordeaux, 1 night in Poitiers, and 1 night in Fontainebleau. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Tours, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Dune Of Pilat and Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Palace Of Fontainebleau, learn more about the unique La Cité Du Vin, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Château Des Ducs De Bretagne.
As you hit the open road and drive through Tours, Nantes, La Rochelle, Fouras, Le Château-d'Oléron, Rochefort, Bordeaux, Arcachon, Le Bouscat, Lormont, Poitiers, Blois, Fontainebleau, and Blandy, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.
Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Tours - Arrival day
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- Vieux-Tours
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Welcome to Tours, 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 Tours's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Tours 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 Vieux Tours, or just taking a stroll in the city center. 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 Tours. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Tours, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at TIA Gourmet, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Les Bartavelles beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hotel Restaurant Le Faisan. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Tours tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Cave À Vins Et À Bières Vins Sur 20, Bar Et Soirées À Thème stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Piraat Cafe Tours offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. L'alexandra is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in France!
Day 2
- Tours
- Nantes
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Drive 225 km, 3 hours 14 min
- Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
- Parc de la Perraudière
- Jardin botanique de Tours
- Château de Villandry
- Château d'Ussé
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Tours. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nantes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Tours Cathedral. This intriguing church is a majestic place to see in Tours. Continue your discovery at Parc De La Perraudière, an eye-catching park with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Tours, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Jardin Botanique De Tours. This intriguing botanical garden offers a majestic encounter with Tours. Next, make your way to Château De Villandry to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Château D'ussé, a worthwhile castle that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Tours.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Nantes, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Nantes. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Nantes by booking a table at L’Épicurien - Abbaye de Villeneuve. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Les Cadets, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover LuluRouget, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Le Chat Noir, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 3
- Nantes
- La Rochelle
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Drive 143 km, 2 hours 43 min
- Château des ducs de Bretagne
- Le Lieu unique
- Botanical Garden
- Île de Versailles (Nantes)
- Machines of the Isle of Nantes
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Nantes, 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.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots in the charming city of Nantes. Your adventure starts at Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, a locally renowned local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Le Lieu Unique. This intriguing cultural center is known for its historic appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Nantes's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Botanical Garden. This romantic botanical garden offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Île De Versailles (nantes) is also worth visiting, along with Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in La Rochelle by securing a table at L'Hysope. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative and modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Christopher Coutanceau, famous for its scrumptious seafood and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Mac Ewan's Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Cadre offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Le Plan B is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!
Day 4
- La Rochelle
- Bordeaux
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Drive 273 km, 3 hours 52 min
- Fouras Fort
- Marché de Fouras
- Citadelle du Château-d'Oléron
- Pont Transbordeur
- Place Colbert
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Fouras, Le Château-d'Oléron, and Rochefort. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bordeaux, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.
La Rochelle is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a market, a historical landmark, a public square and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally appreciated Fouras Fort and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Marché De Fouras, an instagrammable market that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Citadelle Du Château-d'oléron, one of the village’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the increasingly popular Pont Transbordeur. When you're finished at the historical landmark, Place Colbert awaits your visit. This public square is a standout highlight on today's itinerary.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bordeaux by reserving a table at Ressources. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bordeaux.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Café Brun, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le Mushroom Café is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Whose Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Head back to your accommodation in Bordeaux and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 5
- Bordeaux
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Drive 177 km, 3 hours 14 min
- Parc Mauresque
- Dune of Pilat
- parc bordelais
- The big bell of Bordeaux
- Cité du Vin
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At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Bordeaux, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Bordeaux is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a sand dunes, a historical landmark, a museum and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the curiosity-inducing Parc Mauresque and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Dune Of Pilat, a romantic sand dunes that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Parc Bordelais, one of the town’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the frequently visited The Big Bell Of Bordeaux. When you're finished at the historical landmark, La Cité Du Vin awaits your visit. This museum is a romantic highlight on today's itinerary.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bordeaux.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at L'Oiseau Bleu, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Soléna offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hôtel De Sèze. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bordeaux.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Grizzly Pub for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Dog And Duck is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!
Day 6
- Bordeaux
- Poitiers
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Drive 253 km, 3 hours 9 min
- Bordeaux Cathedral
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
- Monument aux Girondins
- jardin public
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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 Bordeaux. In the evening, you’ll end up in Poitiers, where you will stay for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bordeaux, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Bordeaux Cathedral, a captivating church in the city. Then, head to Place De La Bourse and soak in the ambiance of this history-steeped public square.
There are many interesting places to see in Bordeaux, and when you are ready for more, go to Miroir D'eau. This is one of the city’s most popular enchanting spots of interest. After exploring the art installation, visit the underrated Monument Aux Girondins. Not far away, you'll also find Jardin Public. This park is a romantic highlight in Bordeaux.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Poitiers, 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 Poitiers. 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.
Start your culinary exploration in Poitiers by securing a reservation at La Chênaie. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hotel Ibis site du Futuroscope, a popular restaurant in Poitiers. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Le Zinc, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Café Des Arts. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Le Bar Des Papas, another top-rated place in the area.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!
Day 7
- Poitiers
- Fontainebleau
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Drive 347 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Natural History Museum
- Château de Blois
- Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Blois. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Fontainebleau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Poitiers, including a museum and a castle. Start your day with a visit to Natural History Museum. This frequently visited museum is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Château De Blois, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Poitiers on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Robert-houdin House Of Magic, an increasingly popular museum in the town.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Fontainebleau. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Fontainebleau's best restaurants.
Experience a symphony of flavors at L'Axel in Fontainebleau by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, L'Axel delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine.
Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 8
- Fontainebleau
- Tours
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Drive 301 km, 3 hours 36 min
- Diana Garden
- Palace of Fontainebleau
- Forêt de Fontainebleau
- Blandy Castle
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On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Fontainebleau and Blandy. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Tours, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Start by visiting Diana Garden, a prime spot to begin your journey. This masterful park is sure to impress. Next on your list is Palace Of Fontainebleau, another must-visit landmark and popular castle renowned for its enchanting features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Fontainebleau by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Forêt De Fontainebleau. This peaceful nature reserve is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Fontainebleau experience. We also recommend visiting Blandy Castle, an up-and-coming castle.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Tours. Tours offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you explore more of Tours, 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.
Experience a harmony of flavors at L'Opidom in Tours by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, L'Opidom offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative and modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore L'Évidence, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative and modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Café Bar Jazz Le Strapontin is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Le P Tit Soleil, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is La Belle Époque. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 9
- Tours - Departure day
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- Prébendes d'Oé Garden
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Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Tours before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Prébendes D'oé Garden. This curiosity-inducing park is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Tours’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Centre Commercial Les Atlantes. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.
Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Tours.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Au Fût et à mesure, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Café Bistrot Restaurant Le Vieux Mûrier is another top choice with a popular menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Tours. 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!
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