Cheap 11-Day France Road Trip from Nice traveling west to Nimes, Lyon, Valence, and Marseille

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Nice, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Nice and begin your adventure in France.

Nice is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Nice is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in France shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Nice is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Les Amoureux. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,622 customers.

Chez Acchiardo is another local-favorite restaurant in Nice. Chez Acchiardo serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,467 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Les Sens is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Nice. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 920 customers.

Enjoy a drink or two at Wayne's Bar. Around 2,557 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at La Shounga, where you can relax and have some fun. La Shounga is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,693 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Les Distilleries Idéales, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,572 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in France!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Nice, proving that cheap holidays in France can be extraordinary.

Your discovery of Nice does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Nice on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, France.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in France, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Nice that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Le Galet. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,632 customers.

Another dining option is Peixes. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Peixes has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,157 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Le Frog for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,109 customers have rated the irresistible Le Frog an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy a drink or two at Riviera & Tours. Around 820 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Le Vingt4, where you can relax and have some fun. Le Vingt4 is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 453 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Ma Nolan's Irish Pub, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars in 3,215 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

Day 3 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles, and Nimes. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Nimes.

Arles’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nice behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 41 min. Arles welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Arles Amphitheatre. This popular roman amphitheatre has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Musée départemental de l'Arles antique. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,817 visitors, this archaeological museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’ve had your share of Arles, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nimes. Your travel time is around 34 min.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Nimes has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Nimes on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Nimes, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

The Bird is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 659 customers.

Restaurant Skab is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 591 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,576 reviews.

Make your way to O’Flaherty’s. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes? This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars among 993 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Le Questel. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

Day 4 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in France, Montpellier. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Montpellier!

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Montpellier. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Montpellier offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in France worth remembering for a lifetime.

Savor the culinary delights of Nimes, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is La Locanda Comptoir italien. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,356 customers.

Pinocchio is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,253 customers.

Amorino Gelato - Nîmes has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 681 reviews.

La bonne mousse offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 428 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Nimes, check out Barjoe Nîmes. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,311 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Bar Le Victor Hugo. Bar Le Victor Hugo offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 1,137 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

Day 5 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in France. Prepare to be blown away by the village of Générargues!

France is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in France, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to France. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in France that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Nimes, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Restaurant Vincent Croizard is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 449 customers.

Bistr'AU de Jérôme Nutile is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,575 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at L'Instant T, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 752 reviews.

One great example is Seven Hills Pub_restaurant-nimes. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,032 customers.

London Tavern is another popular bar in Nimes. If you ask the 712 customers who have rated it an average of 4 out of 5 stars, London Tavern is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across France. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in France!

Day 6 of your road trip across France is another proof that cheap holidays in France can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, and Lyon.

Start your day with a visit to Musée de la Romanité. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,534 visitors. Each year, around 25,271 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Jardin de La Fontaine. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

After soaking in Nimes’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lyon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 29 min. When you arrive in Lyon, it's time to take a break from the road.

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.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Lyon. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Lyon, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Lyon offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

We recommend a local favorite like L Bar food & drink. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,758 customers.

Bouchon Tupin is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Lyon. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Lyon you might want to check out is L'Institut Restaurant. L'Institut Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 853 reviews.

When you’ve finished your meal, Black Forest Society is one of the best bars in Lyon for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

Livestation DIY - Lyon is another of the most popular bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.

Alternatively, check out Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière". This popular place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, as rated by 1,225 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in France! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Lyon!

Day 7 of your exciting road trip across France is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Lyon and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This minor basilica is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lyon, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,363 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Caluire-et-Cuire, 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 Lyon to Caluire-et-Cuire may take around 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your day with a visit to Porte des Enfants du Rhône. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,967 visitors.

Next, make your way to parc de la Tête d'Or. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vaulx-en-velin. This car ride takes around 13 min.

Drop by the renowned Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 12,314 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Vaulx-en-velin and set your GPS to Lyon. 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 27 min. Upon reaching Lyon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Lyon and your accommodation.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Lyon, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out Flair Restaurant, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,459 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Slake Coffee House. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Slake Coffee House has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,684 customer reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at Dam's Pub. Around 1,373 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at The James Joyce Pub, where you can relax and have some fun. The James Joyce Pub is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,135 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is The King Arthur, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,312 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in France!

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Lyon, Bron, and Valence. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Valence.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Place Bellecour. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,228 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,540 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Fresque des Lyonnais. This fresco is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,927 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bron. This car ride takes around 26 min.

Kick off the day at iFLY Lyon, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,468 reviews.

After soaking in Bron’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Valence. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive in Valence, it's time to take a break from the road.

Valence offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in France shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Valence is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

Day 9 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Marseille, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Marseille, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Marseille, Avignon, and Marseille.

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 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Palais des Papes. This palace gets 616,210 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 36,931 reviews.

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 Marseille may take around 1 hour 34 min. Upon your arrival in Marseille, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Marseille has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Marseille on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Marseille, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Marseille is L'Épuisette. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 830 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Marseille, Twist Avenue is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 618 diners.

After dinner, visit Bistrot l’Horloge to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Marseille, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like O'Malley. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. O'Malley has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

La Caravelle is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in France!

Day 10 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Monaco and Nice. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Nice.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Marseille, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Monaco, Monaco. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Monaco. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 38 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Nice. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Nice, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Nice, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

You could check out L'antica, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 863 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Comptoir du Marché is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 658 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at le kawa. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Le kawa has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 552 customer reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Waka Bar is a popular option with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,333 customers.

Another top option is Ma Nolan's Irish Pub, Nice Port. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,847 customers.

Z Restaurant Tapas is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 896 customers.

A road trip vacation in Monaco can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in France!

Your budget road trip vacation in France is about to end. Day 11 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Nice.

Optimize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Nice’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 Nice.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Nice, consider a top-rated restaurant like Restaurant Le Lunel. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 662 customers.

La Langouste is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 606 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Caffè Vergnano 1882. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 792 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Nice.

You’ll then say farewell to Nice. 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!