Affordable 7-Day Relaxed France Road Trip Vacation from Lyon to Nimes
Description
Included
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. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Lyon and 2 nights in Nimes. 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 Lyon, 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 parc de la Tête d'Or in Caluire-et-Cuire. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Place Bellecour. Get close to the spectacular Pont du Gard and the wonderful Jardin de La Fontaine. 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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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Lyon - arrival day
- Lyon - Arrival day
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- Place Bellecour
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Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through France begins when you reach Lyon, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.
Lyon is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Place Bellecour. Around 20,560 visitors have rated this fascinating square and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
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 Lyon 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 Café du Rhône. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 820 customers.
Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Lyon has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,186 reviews.
Vieille Canaille is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 839 customers, Vieille Canaille is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.
If you’re curious about what Lyon 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 L' Antiquaire, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 621 reviews.
Black Forest Society offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Lyon. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.
Locals like unwinding at The James Joyce Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,135 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.
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!
Day 2 – Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire
- Caluire-et-Cuire
- Lyon
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Drive 24 km, 1 hour 8 min
- parc de la Tête d'Or
- Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- More
On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you'll explore the best attractions in Caluire-et-Cuire at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Caluire-et-Cuire, where you can sample some delicious local food.
The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Porte des Enfants du Rhône. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,967 travelers.
Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in France by seeing another popular site in Caluire-et-Cuire, the wonderful parc de la Tête d'Or. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,967 travelers.
Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Caluire-et-Cuire itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through France extra special!
After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Caluire-et-Cuire. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Cactus Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 861 customers.
You may also try the variety of dishes served at L Bar food & drink, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. L Bar food & drink is rated 4.8 stars out of 5 by 2,758 customers.
You can also eat at the highly recommended Flair Restaurant. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 726 food lovers.
After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Caluire-et-Cuire and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Broc'Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 868 customers.
If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Phantom of the Opera. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.
Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 590 bar goers.
Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!
Day 3 – Lyon, Vaulx-en-velin, and Bron
- Lyon
- Vaulx-en-Velin
- Bron
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Drive 55 km, 1 hour 16 min
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- Lyon Cathedral
- Wall of the Canuts
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On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, you'll explore the best attractions in Lyon at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Lyon, where you can sample some delicious local food.
The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This incredible museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,540 travelers.
Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in France by seeing another popular site in Lyon, the wonderful Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,540 travelers.
You can then move on to the incredible Wall of the Canuts. This fresco has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,157 visitors.
Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Lyon itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through France extra special!
After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Lyon. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Bouchon Tupin. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 customers.
You may also try the variety of dishes served at The King Arthur, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. The King Arthur is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 1,312 customers.
You can also eat at the highly recommended Ninkasi Gerland. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 12,559 food lovers.
After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Lyon and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular MOS - Maker of Stories. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.
Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.
Enjoy the rest of day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!
Day 4 – Lyon, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, and Nimes
- Nîmes
- Sagriès
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Drive 281 km, 3 hours 35 min
- Pont du Gard
- Haribo Candy Museum
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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 hamlet of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Nimes, 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 Pont du Gard Museum is waiting for you. This museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,292 visitors.
The next stop on your road trip vacation is Pont du Gard. This unique arch bridge is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,439 visitors.
Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard 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 Nimes. In Nimes, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.
After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Sagriès is an excellent idea.
A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Annaba Café, one of the best restaurants in Sagriès. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 264 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Annaba Café.
Locals also recommend Hôtel des Tuileries as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hôtel des Tuileries as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 150 customers.
If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Hotel Vatel and Spa. Hotel Vatel and Spa is another of the most popular places to eat in Sagriès. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,050 customers.
Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.
If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like La bonne mousse. La bonne mousse is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 428 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.
Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is O’Flaherty’s. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.
Alternatively, head to News Café. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. News Café is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 69 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!
Day 5 – Nimes, Le Grau-du-Roi, and Aigues-Mortes
- Nîmes
- Le Grau-du-Roi
- Aigues-Mortes
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Drive 104 km, 1 hour 58 min
- Plage Rive Gauche
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On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Le Grau-du-Roi, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Le Grau-du-Roi 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 top-tier point of interest, the stunning Plage Rive Gauche. Around 3,501 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.3 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 Le Grau-du-Roi. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Le Grau-du-Roi and the unique culture of the country.
There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Le Grau-du-Roi 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 Le Grau-du-Roi to find the best options for you!
After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Nimes for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Nimes.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 494 customers, the dining experience Les Magnolias - Restaurant - Nîmes offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.
Pinocchio is another pleasant place to eat in Nimes. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,253 customers.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Barjoe Nîmes and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,311 customers.
When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city.
Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!
Day 6 – Nimes, La Roque-sur-Cèze, and Lyon
- Lyon
- Nîmes
- La Roque-sur-Cèze
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Drive 286 km, 3 hours 44 min
- Jardin de La Fontaine
- Carré d'Art
- Museum Romanité
- Sautadet Falls
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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 Nimes. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Lyon, 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 Jardin de La Fontaine is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.
The next stop on your road trip vacation is Carré d'Art. This unique museum is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,211 visitors.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Musée de la Romanité. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,534 visitors, this museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Musée de la Romanité welcomes around 25,271 visitors on a yearly basis.
Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Nimes 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 Lyon. In Lyon, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.
After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in La Roque-sur-Cèze is an excellent idea.
A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Betty's Bar, one of the best restaurants in La Roque-sur-Cèze. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 607 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Betty's Bar.
Locals also recommend Dam's Pub as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Dam's Pub as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,373 customers.
If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie. Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie is another of the most popular places to eat in La Roque-sur-Cèze. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,459 customers.
Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.
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!
Day 7 – Lyon - departure day
- Lyon - Departure day
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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 Lyon.
Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Lyon 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.
Fresque des Lyonnais is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Lyon. This top sight is a popular fresco, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,927 visitors.
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 Lyon or just grab something light to keep you going.
Check out the menu at Livestation DIY - Lyon. Dining at Livestation DIY - Lyon is one of the best food experiences you can have in Lyon. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.
Another top recommendation in Lyon is L'Institut Restaurant. If you go to L'Institut Restaurant, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 customers.
Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Culina Hortus. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Culina Hortus is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Lyon 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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