Cheap 7-Day France Road Trip from Pau to Lourdes, Carcassonne, and Bordeaux and surrounding area

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.

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.

Le Henri IV offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Le Garage. Or, try Resto Dit Vin, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lourdes, 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 Lourdes may take around 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lourdes, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Grottes de Bétharram is a great place to start. This show cave is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,262 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Pont d'Espagne. This protected area has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,075 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lourdes. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a remarkable church where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 6,163 reviews.

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

When you're ready to see some sights, Animal Park of the Pyrenees is a great place to start. This zoo is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,169 visitors.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Lourdes, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the town offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Hôtel Roissy, Lourdes 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, Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres Bike & NUXE Spa offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Hôtel Saint-Sébastien, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

A road trip vacation in Lourdes can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in France!

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in France, you’ll tour 1 destination: Carcassonne. You'll stay in Carcassonne for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lourdes 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 2 hours 39 min. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Cité de Carcassonne, a remarkable fortress where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,146 travelers.

Château Comtal is another must-visit attraction. This renowned castle offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Carcassonne Cathedral. This well-loved catholic cathedral boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,294 reviews.

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

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the town's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Carcassonne 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 Brasserie a 4 Temps, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, La Rapière is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Le Domaine d'Auriac, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

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 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Bordeaux. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Bordeaux, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Carcassonne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bordeaux may take around 3 hours 10 min. Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to miroir d'eau. This much-appreciated reflecting pool is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,462 reviews.

Next up is place de la Bourse. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Porte Cailhau. This city gate has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,609 reviews.

Monument aux Girondins is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This column has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,483 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to jardin public. This urban park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 12,341 reviews.

Bordeaux 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 city.

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

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Le Cent 33, 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 Le Clemenceau - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, L'Oiseau Bleu promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Café Brun, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Mushroom Café is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Whose bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Ready for day 5 of your road trip vacation in France? Discover more of Bordeaux and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The big bell of Bordeaux. This bell tower is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,871 visitors.

Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,684 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Bordeaux Cathedral. Visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Merignac, 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 Bordeaux to Merignac may take around 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Merignac, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Parc de Bourran one of your first sightseeing stops in Merignac. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,592 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Le Bouscat, 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 Merignac to Le Bouscat may take around 13 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Le Bouscat, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at parc bordelais. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,855 visitors.

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

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

Start your foodie adventure at Restaurant Soléna, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Hôtel De Sèze, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Locadillos, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Bordeaux, Lila and the Barber - Café ludique - Bar à Jeux. Alternatively, visit The Grizzly Pub, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by The Dog And Duck, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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

Day 6 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 2 wonderful destinations — Biarritz, and Bayonne. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Pau, where you'll be spending 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Bordeaux, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Biarritz. Your travel time is around 2 hours 17 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rocher de la vierge. This rock is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,700 visitors.

Biarritz Aquarium is another popular attraction you could visit today. This aquarium has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 13,072 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Biarritz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bayonne. This drive usually takes around 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Le Train de La Rhune your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 16,223 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.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Pau, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the town'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.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Le Café du Passage, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Ô PETIT PAÙ, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss L'Imparfait, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

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

Maximize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Pau’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in France.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Pau, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Gueuleton - Pau, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Le Poulet à 3 Pattes features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Le Dauphin is a highly recommended spot.

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!