Cheap 6-Day France Road Trip from Nice traveling north to Avignon, Lyon, and Marseille

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Nice, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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.

Kick off the day at Albert I Garden, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,739 reviews.

Savor the culinary delights of Nice, 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 of exploring, unwind at the popular Les Amoureux, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Snug And Cellar is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Le Vingt4.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Nice, Riviera & Tours. Les Distilleries Idéales 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 Wayne's Bar, offering popular drinks and a lively atmosphere.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Nice. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Avignon, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,225 visitors.

Marc Chagall National Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,227 visitors.

Castle Hill is also highly recommended by travelers. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,646 visitors.

Parc Phœnix is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This tram stop is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 9,938 reviews.

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.

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, Avignon 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.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Le Carré du Palais, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Avenio offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Bar La place ☀️ Terrasse 🍸 Cocktail 🎶 Music is the perfect spot for you!

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le 17 Place aux Vins Avignon • Bar à vin / Caviste. Alternatively, go to Barberousse Avignon, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Red Sky provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Avignon 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 2 hours 24 min. Upon reaching Lyon, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

When you’re finished at Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, head to Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This one-of-a-kind museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,540 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,228 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Place Bellecour. This square is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,560 visitors.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Lyon has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Lyon 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. Lyon has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

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.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at L' Antiquaire, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Black Forest Society. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The James Joyce Pub, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Lyon, Caluire-et-Cuire, and Vaulx-en-velin. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Marseille, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Fresque des Lyonnais. This fresco is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,927 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lyon, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Caluire-et-Cuire may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Caluire-et-Cuire, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at parc de la Tête d'Or. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caluire-et-Cuire and set your GPS to Vaulx-en-velin. 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 16 min. Upon reaching Vaulx-en-velin, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Grand Parc Miribel Jonage your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 12,314 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Marseille. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Marseille, 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 Marseille offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

Discover the heart of Marseille through its culinary scene, starting with Chez Roger. 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 Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore AM par Alexandre Mazzia, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at La dame du mont after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Polikarpov for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Au Petit Nice 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 5 of your cheap holiday travels in France, you’ll tour 1: Monaco. You'll stay in Nice for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

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 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Musée océanographique de Monaco. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 27,555 visitors. Each year, around 675,000 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Prince's Palace of Monaco. This palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 20,724 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Marseille and set your GPS to Monaco, Monaco. 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 37 min. Upon reaching Monaco, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Monte Carlo Casino. This architectural structure is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,852 reviews.

Set your GPS to Monaco, Monaco and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 37 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Monaco beckons with new experiences!

Make Princess Grace Japanese Garden one of your first sightseeing stops in Monaco. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,744 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Nice 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.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Nice. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Z Restaurant Tapas, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by O’Neill’s Pub - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, le kawa promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in France is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Nice.

Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Nice’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France. Take home a piece of France with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Nice is the remarkable Promenade du Paillon. This greenway and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,770 visitors.

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 Peixes, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. La Langouste is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Oliviera, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of 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!