Cheap 5-Day France Road Trip from Bordeaux traveling south to Carcassonne and Toulouse

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

Bordeaux is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Bordeaux and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing jardin public will make your cheap holiday in France truly special. This attraction is a fascinating urban park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,341 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. An excellent example is the popular Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans). Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,090 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is suzzi. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 852 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Symbiose. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 896 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

The Connemara is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,896 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Bordeaux we recommend is Molly Malone's, 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 1,951 customers.

Le Bar à Vin is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,327 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Bordeaux and end your day in the city of Carcassonne, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Bordeaux is the amazing Bordeaux Cathedral. This travel destination is a catholic cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,591 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible miroir d'eau. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 travelers, a visit to this well-known reflecting pool and sightseeing spot in Bordeaux is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Bordeaux is the outstanding La Cité du Vin. This museum has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 21,487 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in France, drop by the popular place de la Bourse. This attraction, an amazing square, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 travelers.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in France. To have the best affordable travel experience in France, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in France unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in France.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Carcassonne. Carcassonne is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in France can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Carcassonne that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Carcassonne is Restaurant La Marquière. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 680 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Carcassonne, Brasserie a 4 Temps is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,551 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Adélaïde. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Carcassonne enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,584 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Carcassonne’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit Comte Roger. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is The Celt. This popular bar in Carcassonne has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,000 bar-goers.

You can also go to La Métairie as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular La Métairie is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 756 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Carcassonne and the enchanting Toulouse, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Carcassonne and end the day in Toulouse, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 3 of your affordable vacation in France will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Carcassonne is the magnificent Château Comtal. Around 8,823 visitors have rated this excellent castle and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Cité de Carcassonne on this leg of your self-drive tour in France. This attraction is a well-known fortress that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 76,968 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Carcassonne, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Toulouse.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Musée Aeroscopia. This popular site is a valued museum in Toulouse and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,683 visitors.

Another must-visit in Toulouse is the spectacular Basilica of St. Sernin. This outstanding minor basilica and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 11,287 travelers.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across France. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in France. Make your cheap holiday experience in France more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Toulouse offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Toulouse offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,068 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Toulouse is Oh la vache!, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,333 customers.

Bapz offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Toulouse. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,239 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Toulouse’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery is an excellent example of a great bar in Toulouse offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 647 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at The Black Lion, another of locals’ go-to bars in Toulouse. The Black Lion is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 3,606 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

La Gourmandine - Côté Marché - Toulouse is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Toulouse. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 1,396 bar-goers.

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 of your self-drive vacation in France gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Toulouse and end your day in the city of La Teste-de-Buch.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Bordeaux for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in France.

While you’re in Toulouse, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Jardin des Plantes. The fantastic Jardin des Plantes is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,847 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Couvent des Jacobins, a well-known church in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.6 out of a 5 star-rating from 5,770 travelers.

The top-rated Pont-Neuf is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular deck arch bridge and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 4,845 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Toulouse, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of La Teste-de-Buch.

Make Dune of Pilat your first stop. This popular park among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,111 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about France. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in France and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Oiseau Bleu, one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 577 customers.

Chai Les Copains is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Chai Les Copains is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 501 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at L'Autre Petit Bois, another well-loved restaurant in Bordeaux. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,474 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in France.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Bordeaux, Café Brun. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,749 bar goers.

Restaurant Le Plana is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Bordeaux, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,688 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by The Houses Of Parliament, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to France as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Bordeaux.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in France.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Bordeaux is the remarkable Monument aux Girondins. This column and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,483 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Bordeaux, consider a top-rated restaurant like Books & Coffee. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers.

Restaurant Melodie 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 1,499 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Le Confidentiel. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,544 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Bordeaux.

You’ll then say farewell to Bordeaux and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in France!