Cheap 6-Day France Road Trip from Pau traveling north to Bordeaux, Albi, and Carcassonne

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

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at place Clémenceau. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,641 visitors.

Make the most of your budget vacation in France by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Pau that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Le Henri IV, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Le Garage - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Resto Dit Vin, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Snug is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Winfield Café is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at The Galway, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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 3 wonderful destinations — Pau, Arjuzanx, and Mimizan. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Bordeaux, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Arjuzanx, 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 Pau to Arjuzanx may take around 1 hour 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arjuzanx, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take the opportunity to see Funiculaire de Pau. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,020 visitors.

Parc Beaumont is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This green space has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,112 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Arjuzanx. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Hunting Reserve and Wildlife Arjuzanx. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,185 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Arjuzanx, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Mimizan may take around 54 min. Upon your arrival in Mimizan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make La Promenade Fleurie your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,780 reviews.

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

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at L'Oiseau Bleu, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Restaurant Le Plana is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Le Confidentiel, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Café Brun. Alternatively, go to Le Bar à Vin, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, La Comtesse provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the town of Albi, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Albi, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Arcachon and Bordeaux.

Upon reaching Arcachon, 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 Dune of Pilat. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 35,111 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bordeaux.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to jardin public. This urban park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,341 visitors.

Place de la Bourse is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to miroir d'eau. Visitors have rated this reflecting pool an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,462 reviews.

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

Discovering the culinary wonders of Albi is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Discover the heart of Albi through its culinary scene, starting with O'Sully'S Albi. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Albi and Gaillac. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the town of Carcassonne, where you'll stay for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Albi, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gaillac may take around 19 min. Upon your arrival in Gaillac, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Kick off the day at Albi Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,049 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Musée Toulouse-Lautrec. Musée Toulouse-Lautrec is an art museum with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,599 reviews. Attracting more than 212,238 yearly visitors, this place of interest is an attraction you don’t want to miss out on.

Parc Rochegude is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,893 visitors.

Set your GPS to Gaillac and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gaillac beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Parc du Chateau de Foucaud manège Belle Epoque. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,433 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Parc de Foucaud. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,424 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Carcassonne 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 town.

A cheap, budget vacation in Carcassonne should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Carcassonne, try some of our top recommendations.

Brasserie a 4 Temps offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to La Rapière. Or, try Le Domaine d'Auriac, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Toulouse and Carcassonne. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Pau, where you'll stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Carcassonne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Toulouse. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive in Toulouse, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Grand Rond. This popular urban park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,069 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Basilica of St. Sernin. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,287 visitors, this minor basilica deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Jardin des Plantes. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,847 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Carcassonne, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Toulouse. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Château Comtal. This extraordinary castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cité de Carcassonne. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.

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

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Le Café du Passage, 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 Ô PETIT PAÙ - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, L'Imparfait promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday 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 Pau.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the town’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of France. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of France forever.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Pau, consider a top-rated restaurant like Gueuleton - Pau, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Le Poulet à 3 Pattes is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Le Dauphin, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Pau.

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!