6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Narbonne, Marseille, and Carcassonne

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Explore the best of France on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Narbonne, Arles, Marseille, Carcassonne, and Toulouse. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Narbonne, 1 night in Marseille, and 1 night in Carcassonne. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Pau, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Cité De Carcassonne and Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Narbonne, Arles, Marseille, Carcassonne, and Toulouse, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Grottes de BétharramBasilica of Our Lady of the RosaryAnimal Park of the Pyrenees
Ornithological Park of Pont de GauArles AmphitheatreMucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the MediterraneanLes Petits Trains de Marseille
Basilica of Notre-Dame of la GardeParc BorélyCalanques National ParkPalais Longchamp
Château comtal de CarcassonneCité de CarcassonneBasilica of St. SerninJardin Japonais Pierre Baudis

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Day 1

Day 1 – Pau - arrival day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Pau is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Pau. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pau. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Le Henri IV, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Le Garage offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Au Fin Gourmet is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pau.

Continue your lively evening at Snug, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Winfield Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Galway ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2 – Pau, Lourdes, Gez, and Narbonne

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Argelès-Gazost
  • Lourdes
  • Gez
  • Narbonne
  • More

Drive 387 km, 4 hours 34 min

  • Grottes de Bétharram
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Animal Park of the Pyrenees
  • More

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Lourdes and Gez, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Narbonne. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pau and set your GPS to Lourdes. 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 35 min. Upon reaching Lourdes, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Grottes De Bétharram and explore the visually striking features.

Set your GPS to Lourdes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lourdes beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, an up-and-coming church known for its heritage-rich features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lourdes and set your GPS to Gez. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Gez, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make your way to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, an intriguing zoo that draws attention for its peaceful features.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Narbonne. 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.

Dine in style at Les Halles de Narbonne, a top recommendation for dinner tonight.

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

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Day 3

Day 3 – Narbonne, Pont de Gau, Arles, and Marseille

  • Narbonne
  • Arles
  • Marseille
  • More

Drive 272 km, 3 hours 31 min

  • Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
  • Les Petits Trains de Marseille
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Pont de Gau, Arles, and Marseille. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Marseille. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Pont de Gau. This car ride takes around 1 hour 38 min.

Make your way to Ornithological Park Of Pont De Gau, an increasingly popular bird watching area that draws attention for its gorgeous features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Arles, 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 Pont de Gau to Arles may take around 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arles, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Arles Amphitheatre, a well-known archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Set your GPS to Marseille and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Marseille beckons with new experiences!

After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Les Petits Trains De Marseille, a worthwhile tramway that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

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 Marseille. Marseille 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.

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

Make sure to book a table at Chez Roger, a popular restaurant in Marseille. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Marseille at Les Mets des Saintes, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Marseille tonight.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Le Traquenard. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, La Dame Du Mont offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Polikarpov, another top-rated bar in the area.

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.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Marseille and Carcassonne

  • Marseille
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 346 km, 4 hours 41 min

  • Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
  • Parc Borély
  • Calanques National Park
  • Palais Longchamp
  • More

On day 4 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 Marseille. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several a charming, an enchanting, a picture-perfect, a respected, an inviting, a majestic, a detailed, and a beautiful. Whether you decide to explore Marseille on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this enchanting church before continuing your journey. Parc Borély is your next stop. This well-known park is one of the best-rated sights in Marseille.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Calanques National Park. This peaceful national park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Palais Longchamp.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a highly-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

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Day 5

Day 5 – Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Pau

  • Carcassonne
  • Toulouse
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • More

Drive 298 km, 3 hours 36 min

  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Carcassonne and Toulouse. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Pau, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your day at Château Comtal. This symbolic castle is a worthwhile place to see in Carcassonne. Then, wander over to Cité De Carcassonne. If romantic sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Toulouse. This car ride takes around 1 hour 11 min.

Make your way to Basilica Of St. Sernin, a captivating church that draws attention for its grand features.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Pau's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Resto Dit Vin, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular restaurant in Pau. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Monkey Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Say good night to Pau and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

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Day 6

Day 6 – Pau - departure day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
  • More

Day 6 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Pau’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.

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

Dine in style at m Restaurant, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Maynats boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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!

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