Affordable 7-Day Relaxed France Road Trip Vacation from Carcassonne to Bordeaux

Photo of old town of Carcassonne and pont vieux in France.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in France with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Carcassonne and Bordeaux. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Carcassonne and 2 nights in Bordeaux. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Experience an easy 7-day self-drive tour across France with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in France so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Carcassonne, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in France. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout France.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Cité de Carcassonne in Carcassonne. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Château Comtal.

Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent place de la Bourse. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable miroir d'eau. Get close to the spectacular jardin public and the wonderful Bordeaux Cathedral. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else France has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.

By the end of your 7-day road trip through France, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in France and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne / 4 nights
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic view of Carcassone medieval city in France against summer sky.Cité de Carcassonne
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
Jardin PublicJardin Public
Saint Andre Cathedral of Bordeaux - France, AquitaineBordeaux Cathedral
Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Comtal
photo of Monument aux Girondins at morning in Bordeaux, France.Monument aux Girondins
Proche cité
Parc Bordelais, R-105270, R-1667452, R-2202162, R-3792880, R-7405Parc bordelais
Grosse ClocheThe big bell of Bordeaux
Gironde, Bordeaux, AERIAL VIEW, Zone CLASSEE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO, FLOATING BASINS, UNDERWATER BASE, AERIAL ViewBETASOM
photo of The Porte Cailhau or Porte du Palais is a former town gate of the city of Bordeaux, France. It is one of the main touristic attractions of the city.Porte Cailhau
France, Bordeaux, the St. Michel basilicaBasilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
Museum of Aquitaine in the centre of Bordeaux city in FranceMusée d'Aquitaine tram stop
Parc de BourranParc de Bourran
Place du ParlementPlace du Parlement
photo of morning view on the square with Tour Pey-Berland in Bordeaux city, France.Tour Pey-Berland
Grotte de Limousis, R-2753432, R-2202162, R-3792883Grotte de Limousis
LE PARC AUSTRALIEN parc animalier intéractif
Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours, Lastours, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceLes Quatre Châteaux de Lastours
Carcassonne Cathedral, R-37774, R-2753432, R-2202162, R-3792883Carcassonne Cathedral
Village du Livre et des Arts de Montolieu
Écluse de Saint-JeanÉcluse de Saint-Jean

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Carcassonne - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Carcassonne - arrival day

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through France begins when you reach Carcassonne, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Carcassonne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Carcassonne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Restaurant La Marquière. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.

Brasserie a 4 Temps serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Carcassonne has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,551 reviews.

Adélaïde is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,584 customers, Adélaïde is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Carcassonne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Comte Roger, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,143 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in France! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Lastours and Carcassonne

Day 2

Day 2 – Lastours and Carcassonne

  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 64 km, 1 hour 30 min

  • LE PARC AUSTRALIEN parc animalier intéractif
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Écluse de Saint-Jean
  • Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours
  • Grotte de Limousis
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Carcassonne will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating fortress, the stunning Cité de Carcassonne. Around 76,968 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Carcassonne. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Carcassonne and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Carcassonne that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Carcassonne to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Carcassonne for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Carcassonne.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 908 customers, the dining experience Auberge des Lices offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Le Blé Noir is another pleasant place to eat in Carcassonne. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 932 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Le Parc Franck Putelat and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 621 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At The Celt, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Carcassonne is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Carcassonne

Day 3

Day 3 – Carcassonne

  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 45 km, 1 hour 21 min

  • Proche cité
  • Carcassonne Cathedral
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Château Comtal
  • Village du Livre et des Arts de Montolieu
  • More

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Carcassonne will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating catholic cathedral, the stunning Carcassonne Cathedral. Around 1,294 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Basilique Saint Nazaire, a popular church and another top-rated attraction in Carcassonne.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Château Comtal. This local attraction is an amazing castle that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Carcassonne. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Carcassonne and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Carcassonne that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Carcassonne to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Carcassonne for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Carcassonne.

With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,813 customers, the dining experience Buffalo Grill Carcassonne offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne is another pleasant place to eat in Carcassonne. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,650 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out V and B Carcassonne and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 745 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At La Métairie, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Carcassonne is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Bordeaux

Day 4

Day 4 – Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 336 km, 3 hours 24 min

  • Basilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • Tour Pey-Berland
  • More

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bordeaux. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bordeaux, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux is waiting for you. This church building has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,684 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is The big bell of Bordeaux. This unique bell tower is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,871 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Bordeaux Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,591 visitors, this catholic cathedral is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Tour Pey-Berland. This popular tower and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,070 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bordeaux has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,090 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans).

Locals also recommend suzzi as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at suzzi as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 852 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Symbiose. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 896 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Connemara. The Connemara is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Molly Malone's. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Le Bar à Vin. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Le Bar à Vin is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Le Bouscat, Lormont, Merignac, and Bordeaux

Day 5

Day 5 – Le Bouscat, Lormont, Merignac, and Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 25 km, 1 hour 27 min

  • Parc de Bourran
  • Parc bordelais
  • Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop
  • Jardin Public
  • BETASOM
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Bordeaux will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating park, the stunning Parc de Bourran. Around 3,592 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular parc bordelais, a popular urban park and another top-rated attraction in Bordeaux.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop. This local attraction is an amazing tram stop that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,662 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding jardin public will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,341 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic BETASOM. BETASOM is a well-loved submarine base by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,804 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bordeaux. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Bordeaux and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bordeaux that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bordeaux to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Bordeaux for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Bordeaux.

With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 577 customers, the dining experience L'Oiseau Bleu offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Chai Les Copains is another pleasant place to eat in Bordeaux. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 501 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out L'Autre Petit Bois and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,474 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Café Brun, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Bordeaux is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,749 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Restaurant Le Plana, another well-known bar in Bordeaux. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,688 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is The Houses Of Parliament. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers, The Houses Of Parliament is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Bordeaux.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Carcassonne

Day 6

Day 6 – Carcassonne

  • Bordeaux
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 340 km, 3 hours 42 min

  • Monument aux Girondins
  • Porte Cailhau
  • Place du Parlement
  • Miroir d'eau
  • Place de la Bourse
  • More

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bordeaux. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Carcassonne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Monument aux Girondins is waiting for you. This column has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Porte Cailhau. This unique city gate is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,609 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible place du Parlement. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,489 visitors, this square is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding miroir d'eau. This popular reflecting pool and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to place de la Bourse. This attraction is a valued square in the area that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bordeaux has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Carcassonne. In Carcassonne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 816 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing La Rapière.

Locals also recommend Le Domaine d'Auriac as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Le Domaine d'Auriac as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 426 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at L'Oliveraie. This restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 529 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. Buffalo Grill Carcassonne is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,813 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

Read more

Experiences

Day 7 – Carcassonne - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Carcassonne - departure day

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Carcassonne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Carcassonne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in France on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Carcassonne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Carcassonne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Experiences

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