Cheap 7-Day France Road Trip Vacation from Marseille traveling west to Lyon, Nimes, Montpellier & Arles

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Marseille, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Marseille and begin your adventure in France.

Marseille is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Marseille is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations in France.

In Marseille, one best-rated budget hotel we recommend is Intercontinental Marseille Hotel Dieu. This 5-star hotel is a favorite among travelers, as seen in its average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,430 guests.

Budget-conscious travelers also enjoy staying at Nh Collection Marseille. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,784 former guests, this 4-star hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a temporary place to stay in Marseille.

Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles is another low-cost accommodation best for price-conscious travelers. This budget-friendly 3-star hotel in Marseille has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars in over 4,794 reviews.

These top-rated accommodations in Marseille are popular and get fully-booked fast. If unavailable during your trip to the city, our system will automatically recommend you the best, affordable alternatives.

When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Marseille and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Old Port of Marseille will make your cheap holiday in France truly special. This attraction is a fascinating seaport that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,120 visitors.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Marseille. An excellent example is the popular Twist Avenue. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 614 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful O'Malley. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,796 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Carry Nation is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 834 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Marseille we recommend is La Caravelle, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

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

Day 2 of your exciting, laid-back road trip across France is proof that there's more to the city of Marseille than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Marseille and discover what this fabulous and cheap holiday destination offers. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 2 nights left in Marseille.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Calanques National Park. This incredible attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 19,632 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Parc Borély. This spectacular park and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,618 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Marseille Cathedral during a vacation in Marseille. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Marseille Cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,075 reviews.

This day of your road trip in France is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This popular place of interest in Marseille is a valued museum that has a rating of 4.4 out of a 5-star rating from 17,959 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Marseille when you include the fantastic Palais Longchamp to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating water tower with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,768 travelers.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package to make your road trip in France more special. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

After taking in the best of Marseille, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Marseille for a well-deserved rest. When you’re ready to eat, indulge yourself to a nice meal at one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

La Caravelle is an excellent example. Here you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,587 customers.

Le Bouchon Provençal is another great restaurant option for budget travelers in Marseille. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,207 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at La cigale vieux port, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 918 reviews.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Marseille, visit one of the most popular drinking spots in the city. Relax, grab a drink or two, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the rest of your evening in Marseille.

Bar Bu is a fantastic bar many locals in Marseille recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Bar Marengo, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 539 customers.

La dame du mont is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Marseille. Customers have rated the exciting La dame du mont an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 273 reviews.

Raise your glass and savor every moment of your cheap holiday experience in France!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in France gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Marseille and end your day in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Lyon for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in France.

While you’re in Marseille, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). The fantastic Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is a popular church building and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,965 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible The Little Trains of Marseille, a well-known must-see tourist destination in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.3 out of a 5 star-rating from 8,022 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Marseille, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Make Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) your first stop. This popular church building among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,965 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the outstanding The Little Trains of Marseille. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,022 visitors, this remarkable must-see tourist destination and attraction deserves a spot on your France travel bucket list.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Fontaine de la Rotonde. This attraction, a stunning fountain, has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,851 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Palais des Papes. This well-loved palace gets around 616,210 annual visitors. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 36,931 travelers, this palace is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about France. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in France and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

A top-rated budget hotel suitable for cheap holiday goers is the fantastic Hotel Boscolo Lyon. This 5-star hotel in Lyon offers low-cost accommodations that feature many useful amenities. Around 1,896 travelers who chose to stay at this hotel during their trip to the city rated their experience an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The lovely Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon is another excellent choice for anyone who prefers a cozy and practical place to stay in the city. This 4-star hotel has been rated by 3,176 former guests an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

If you’re looking for a place that is simple and homey, Campanile - Lyon Centre Forum Part Dieu is for you. This hotel allows guests access to many amenities that are perfect for everyday use. In addition, this 3-star hotel has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 3,080 previous guests.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L Bar food & drink, one of the best restaurants in Lyon. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,758 customers.

Bouchon Tupin is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Bouchon Tupin is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at L'Institut Restaurant, another well-loved restaurant in Lyon. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in France.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Lyon, The Phantom of the Opera. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 bar goers.

Black Forest Society is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Lyon, with its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 500 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Lyon Metropolis and the enchanting Nimes, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Lyon Metropolis and end the day in Nimes, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 4 of your affordable vacation in France will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Lyon Metropolis is the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Around 26,232 visitors have rated this excellent minor basilica and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing parc de la Tête d'Or on this leg of your self-drive tour in France. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 50,905 travelers.

The remarkable Place Bellecour is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in France. This attraction, an amazing square, is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,947 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Lyon Metropolis, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Nimes.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Pont du Gard. This popular site is a valued arch bridge in Nimes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,833 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across France. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in France. Make your cheap holiday experience in France more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Nimes offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

Hotel Imperator is one of the best budget hotel options for price-conscious travelers in the city. In fact, this 5-star hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 329 reviews.

Another practical choice for travelers looking to enjoy a cheap vacation in Nimes is C Suites. This 4-star hotel offers reasonably-priced accommodations with many handy amenities, and is rated 3.7 out of 5 stars by 1,215 former guests.

We also recommend staying at the charming 3-star Logis Nimotel to take advantage of their cheap holiday deals. Rated an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars by 1,726 former guests, this hotel is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, cozy, and budget-friendly place to stay in Nimes.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Nimes offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 993 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Nimes is L'Instant T, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.

Gard O Wine offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Nimes. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 323 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Nimes’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

O’Flaherty’s is an excellent example of a great bar in Nimes offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at La bonne mousse, another of locals’ go-to bars in Nimes. La bonne mousse is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 428 customers having rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Montpellier and end your day in the city of Montpellier, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Montpellier is the amazing Comedy Square. This travel destination is a square that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,354 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Planet Ocean World. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 7,562 travelers, a visit to this well-known aquarium and sightseeing spot in Montpellier is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Montpellier is the outstanding esplanade Charles de Gaulle. This square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,528 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in France, drop by the popular Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. This attraction, an amazing botanical garden, has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,841 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Triumphal arch. This best-rated sightseeing destination is a popular attraction rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,747 visitors from all over the globe.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in France. To have the best affordable travel experience in France, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in France unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in France.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Montpellier. Montpellier is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

One of the best budget stay options in Montpellier is the 4-star Crowne Plaza Montpellier - Corum. This hotel has been rated 4 out of 5 stars by 1,080 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Golden Tulip Montpellier Centre St Roch. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,814 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Holiday Inn Express Montpellier - Odysseum to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Montpellier. In fact, around 1,754 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in France can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Montpellier that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Montpellier is Coldrip food and coffee. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 644 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Montpellier, Empanadas Club is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,371 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Montpellier enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,623 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Montpellier’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit The Shakespeare. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 903 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Restaurant Le Tapas - Montpellier. This popular bar in Montpellier has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 659 bar-goers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Arles and end your day in the city of Marseille, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Arles is the amazing Camargue Regional Natural Park. This travel destination is a zoo that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,381 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,102 travelers, a visit to this well-known zoo and sightseeing spot in Arles is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Arles is the outstanding Arles Amphitheatre. This roman amphitheatre has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,060 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in France. To have the best affordable travel experience in France, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in France unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in France.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Marseille. Marseille is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

One of the best budget stay options in Marseille is the 5-star Intercontinental Marseille Hotel Dieu. This hotel has been rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,430 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Nh Collection Marseille. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,784 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Marseille. In fact, around 4,794 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in France can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Marseille that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Marseille is Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 934 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Marseille, Trattoria Marco is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 725 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is O'Bidul. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Marseille enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 461 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Marseille’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit The Champ De Mars. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 404 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is L'unic Bar. This popular bar in Marseille has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 341 bar-goers.

You can also go to Beer District Marseille as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Beer District Marseille is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 224 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to France as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Marseille.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in France.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your leisurely self-drive vacation in France.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Marseille is the remarkable La Vieille Charité. This hospital and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,537 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Marseille, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bar Bu. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers.

Restaurant Bubo - Bistronomie Marseille is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 184 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is La Cantine de Nour d'Égypte. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,125 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Marseille.

You’ll then say farewell to Marseille and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in France!