7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling north to Angouleme, Blois, Tours, and Bordeaux
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 7-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Angouleme, 1 night in Blois, 1 night in Tours, and 1 night in Bordeaux. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Pau, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Palace Of Versailles and Château De Chambord are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Saint-Émilion, Angouleme, Blois, Versailles, Tours, Bordeaux, Lormont, and Bizanos, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.
Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Pau - arrival day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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- place Clémenceau
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Pau and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Pau for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.
Pau is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Place Clémenceau or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pau. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Don’t miss out on dining at Le Henri IV, a top-rated dining destination in Pau. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Garage, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Au Fin Gourmet. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Pau this evening.
Continue your lively evening at Snug, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Winfield Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Galway ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in France!
Day 2 – Pau, Saint-Émilion, and Angouleme
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Saint-Émilion
- Angoulême
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Drive 334 km, 4 hours 23 min
- Musée Bernadotte
- Parc Beaumont
- Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Pau and Saint-Émilion. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Angouleme, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Start by visiting Musée Bernadotte, a prime spot to begin your journey. This history-steeped museum is sure to impress. Next on your list is Parc Beaumont, another must-visit landmark and increasingly popular park renowned for its eye-catching features.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Saint-Émilion, 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 Saint-Émilion may take around 2 hours 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Saint-Émilion, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Monolithic Church Of Saint-emilion is a worthwhile church we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Angouleme. Angouleme offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Angouleme. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!
Day 3 – Angouleme and Blois
- Angoulême
- Blois
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Drive 317 km, 4 hours 26 min
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Blois. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Blois, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Blois allows for both.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Blois, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Blois. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Relais de la Tour, a highly-rated dining destination in Blois. If you're eager to try something different, consider Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
Say good night to Blois and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!
Day 4 – Blois, Versailles, and Tours
- Blois
- Versailles
- Tours
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Drive 421 km, 4 hours 47 min
- Marie-Antoinette's Estate
- Palace of Versailles
- Gardens of Versailles
- Château de Blois
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On day 4 of your road trip in France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Versailles. In the evening, you’ll end up in Tours, where you will stay for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Blois, featuring a romantic, a breathtaking, a photogenic, a historic, and a symbolic. Start at Château De Blois, a captivating castle in the town.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 2 hours 4 min.
Begin your journey at Marie-antoinette's Estate and explore the enchanting features. Next, make your way to Palace Of Versailles, another highlight in the town. When you’re done exploring the palace, continue to Gardens Of Versailles, an UNESCO world heritage-listed botanical garden.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Tours. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Tours's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at TIA Gourmet, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Les Bartavelles is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hotel Restaurant Le Faisan. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Tours tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Cave À Vins Et À Bières Vins Sur 20, Bar Et Soirées À Thème, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Piraat Cafe Tours is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, L'alexandra also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!
Day 5 – Tours and Bordeaux
- Tours
- Bordeaux
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Drive 378 km, 4 hours 17 min
- Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
- Prébendes d'Oé Garden
- Jardin botanique de Tours
- Château de Villandry
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Tours, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bordeaux. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today's adventure in Tours promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Tours Cathedral. This grand church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Prébendes D'oé Garden, another noteworthy attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Jardin Botanique De Tours, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its eye-catching features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Château De Villandry. This visually striking castle is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As you explore more of Bordeaux, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cent 33, a top-rated dining destination in Bordeaux. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Originel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Clemenceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bordeaux this evening.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Café Brun, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Le Mushroom Café, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Whose Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.
Day 6 – Bordeaux, Lormont, and Pau
- Bordeaux
- Lormont
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 234 km, 3 hours 2 min
- place de la Bourse
- miroir d'eau
- Monument aux Girondins
- jardin public
- Cité du Vin
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux and Lormont. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
A blend of a charming, an enchanting, an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a culturally significant, an UNESCO world heritage-designated, a detailed, and an idyllic await you in Bordeaux on today’s itinerary. First up is the notable public square, Place De La Bourse. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Miroir D'eau. A visit to this art installation is an enriching experience for all.
As you explore Bordeaux’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Monument Aux Girondins. This often recommended monument is an essential stop that should not be missed. Following that, head to Jardin Public, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bordeaux, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lormont may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Lormont, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Your self-guided tour starts at La Cité Du Vin, a well-known museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Pau, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Pau's best restaurants.
Make sure to book a table at Resto Dit Vin, a popular restaurant in Pau. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Pau at Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Little Monkey Bar. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Pau tonight.
Head back to your accommodation in Pau and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!
Day 7 – Pau and Bizanos - departure day
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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- Parc Beaumont
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Day 7 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at m Restaurant, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Maynats is another top choice with a popular menu.
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!
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