6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Clermont-Ferrand traveling south to Lyon, Avignon, and Carcassonne

On day 2 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 Clermont-Ferrand. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lyon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Prepare for a day full of a romantic, an enchanting, an eye-catching, a beautiful, a standout, a sacred, and a grand. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Panoramic Domes. This captivating observation deck is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Montjuzet, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out Clermont-ferrand Cathedral, one of the most underrated places to see in Clermont-Ferrand. This church is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, L'aventure Michelin. Wander around and soak in the heritage-rich atmosphere this museum offers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lyon. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Nuage café, a top-rated dining destination in Lyon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café du Rhône, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Agastache Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lyon this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting L' Antiquaire after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Black Forest Society, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pompette also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Avignon, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Lyon. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await. Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most captivating places to visit in Lyon. Next, head to Place Bellecour, a well-known public square, known for its romantic features.

Parc De La Tête D'or is a spectacular park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lyon and set your GPS to Avignon. 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 2 hours 19 min. Upon reaching Avignon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Palais Des Papes. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the palace before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon). This well-known historical landmark is a traveler-favorite in the city.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Avignon's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Pollen, a highly-rated dining destination in Avignon. If you're eager to try something different, consider Chez Bodus Le Garçon Boucher, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Cuisine de Papa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Avignon this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Le 17 Place Aux Vins Avignon • Bar À Vin / Caviste, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Barberousse Avignon offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Red Sky provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Nimes, and Les Baux-de-Provence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

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 La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Pont Du Gard, an interesting monument in La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Explore its UNESCO world heritage-listed features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard and set your GPS to Nimes. 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 41 min. Upon reaching Nimes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Jardin De La Fontaine, a notable park known for its history-steeped features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Les Baux-de-Provence. This car ride takes around 55 min.

Château Des Baux-de-provence is a well-known castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Carrières Des Lumières, a picture-perfect art installation that’s well-regarded in the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Carcassonne. Carcassonne offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 Carcassonne. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Carcassonne and Béziers. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Château Comtal is must-visit castle and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Cité De Carcassonne, a top-rated castle, located just a leisurely stroll away.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Carcassonne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Béziers may take around 58 min. Upon your arrival in Béziers, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make your way to Les 9 Écluses De Fonseranes, a popular historical landmark that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Plateau Des Poètes, a serene park that stands out in the town.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Clermont-Ferrand. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Clermont-Ferrand, 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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurant Fille à papa, a top-rated dining spot in Clermont-Ferrand. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant Le Dôme, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Centre Jaude. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Clermont-Ferrand.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting L’arrozoir, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Kokomo is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar Des Beaux Arts also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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.