Cheap 7-Day France Road Trip from Montpellier traveling west to Lyon, Perigueux, and Toulouse

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

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Arc de Triomphe. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Montpellier, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,323 visitors.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Montpellier offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Les Enfants Rouges, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Le Paresseur Restaurant | Montpellier Centre is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Triskell Montpellier is an excellent example of a great bar in Montpellier offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Kraken bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Montpellier. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Montpellier, Le Rebuffy is for you.

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 1 wonderful destinations — Montpellier. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Lyon, where you'll be spending 2 nights.

When you're ready to see some sights, promenade of Peyrou is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,308 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is esplanade Charles de Gaulle. This square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,915 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Comedy Square. The square has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,883 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Planet Ocean World. This aquarium is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 8,786 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly 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 your preferred affordable place to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in France shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Lyon is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Café du Rhône, 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 Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie - 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 Vieille Canaille, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Cap off your dinner by heading to L' Antiquaire, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Black Forest Society is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The James Joyce Pub is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 3 of your affordable vacation in France, you’ll start and end your day in Lyon, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city. With 1 night left in Lyon, you'll have enough time to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience.

Kick off the day at Place Bellecour, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Lyon Cathedral. Lyon Cathedral is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,228 reviews.

Fresque des Lyonnais is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This fresco is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,927 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

Set your GPS to Caluire-et-Cuire 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. Caluire-et-Cuire beckons with new experiences!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is parc de la Tête d'Or. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 50,621 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Lyon.

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. Lyon has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Cactus Bar stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, L Bar food & drink offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Flair Restaurant, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Lyon, Broc'Bar. The Phantom of the Opera is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. Locals also recommend Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits, offering popular drinks and a lively atmosphere.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in France! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Lyon!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the town of Perigueux, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Perigueux, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Clermont-Ferrand.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Clermont-Ferrand, 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 Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand may take around 1 hour 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Clermont-Ferrand, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Jardin Lecoq. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,878 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Panoramic Domes. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,215 visitors, this zoo deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Puy Pariou. This mountain has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,078 reviews.

Perigueux 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.

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

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

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

Bordeaux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Perigueux behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 32 min. Bordeaux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to jardin public. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,341 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Monument aux Girondins. This column has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,483 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to place de la Bourse. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 visitors.

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

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Bapz offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Restaurant Emile is the perfect spot for you!

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Botanist Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Melting Pot Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pub O'Clock is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Toulouse and set your GPS to Carcassonne. 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 1 hour 9 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, 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 Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,201 visitors.

When you’re finished at Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne, head to Château Comtal. This one-of-a-kind castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,823 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Cité de Carcassonne. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,146 visitors.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Montpellier, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Balthazar café & restaurant stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Georges Café Montpellier offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Restaurant la Jalade, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Black Out, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Le Petit Nice offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Espit Chupitos Montpellier provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Montpellier.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Montpellier is the remarkable Aqueduc Saint-Clément. This aqueduct and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,224 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Montpellier, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at La Diligence, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, DELI'S COFFEE features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Le 1789 Restaurant - Bar is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Montpellier. 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!