Cheap 5-Day France Road Trip from Montpellier traveling north to Avignon, and Lyon

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Montpellier, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Montpellier and begin your adventure in France.

Montpellier is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Montpellier 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Arc de Triomphe. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Montpellier, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,323 visitors.

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

Les Enfants Rouges offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre. Or, try Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Montpellier, Triskell Montpellier. Kraken bar is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. Locals also recommend Le Rebuffy, offering popular drinks and a lively atmosphere.

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

Day 2 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 touring 2 wonderful destinations — Montpellier, and La Grande-Motte. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Avignon, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. This botanical garden is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Montpellier, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,446 visitors.

Comedy Square is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,883 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to esplanade Charles de Gaulle. Visitors have rated this square an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,915 reviews.

Planet Ocean World is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an aquarium rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 8,786 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Montpellier and set your GPS to La Grande-Motte. 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 20 min. Upon reaching La Grande-Motte, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Sunset Beach. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,416 visitors.

Avignon 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.

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

Start your foodie adventure at Le Carré du Palais, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Avenio, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Bar La place ☀️ Terrasse 🍸 Cocktail 🎶 Music, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Continue your lively evening at Le 17 Place aux Vins Avignon • Bar à vin / Caviste, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Barberousse Avignon is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Red Sky ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Avignon, Orange, and Vaison-la-Romaine. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Lyon, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Make Palais des Papes one of your first sightseeing stops in Avignon. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This palace attracts 616,210 visitors every year.

Jardin des doms is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This urban park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,201 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,658 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Orange. This car ride takes around 27 min.

Kick off the day at Triumphal arch, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,483 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vaison-la-Romaine. This car ride takes around 29 min.

Drop by the renowned Roman Bridge. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,024 visitors.

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 your preferred affordable place to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Lyon, 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.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Café du Rhône, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Vieille Canaille, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at L' Antiquaire after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Black Forest Society for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The James Joyce Pub is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in France, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Nimes. You'll stay in Montpellier for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Place Bellecour. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Continue your journey at Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,228 travelers from near and far.

Caluire-et-Cuire welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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.

Nimes’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lyon behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 43 min. Nimes welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Jardin de La Fontaine. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,878 visitors.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Montpellier has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Discover the heart of Montpellier through its culinary scene, starting with Balthazar café & restaurant. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Georges Café Montpellier, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Restaurant la Jalade, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Black Out, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Petit Nice is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Espit Chupitos Montpellier also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in France is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Montpellier.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Montpellier is the remarkable Aqueduc Saint-Clément. This aqueduct and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,224 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Montpellier, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at La Diligence, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, DELI'S COFFEE features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Le 1789 Restaurant - Bar is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Montpellier. 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!