Cheap One-Week France Road Trip from Carcassonne traveling east to Nimes, Lyon, and Avignon

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Carcassonne, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Carcassonne and begin your adventure in France.

Carcassonne is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Carcassonne and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Portail des Jacobins will make your cheap holiday in France truly special. This attraction is a fascinating gate that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 296 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

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 Carcassonne. An excellent example is the popular Restaurant La Marquière. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is Brasserie a 4 Temps. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,551 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 Adélaïde. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,584 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Comte Roger is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,143 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Carcassonne we recommend is The Celt, 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 1,000 customers.

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

On day 2 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 Carcassonne and end your day in the city of Nimes, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Carcassonne is the amazing Château Comtal. This travel destination is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Cité de Carcassonne. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 travelers, a visit to this well-known fortress and sightseeing spot in Carcassonne is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Carcassonne is the outstanding Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,146 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in France, drop by the popular Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point. This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 467 travelers.

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 Nimes. Nimes is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

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 Nimes that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Nimes is The Bird. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 659 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Nimes, Restaurant Skab 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 591 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Nimes enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,576 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Nimes’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit O’Flaherty’s. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This popular bar in Nimes has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 993 bar-goers.

You can also go to Le Questel as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Le Questel is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 575 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!

Day 3’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Nimes, proving that cheap holidays in France can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Pont du Gard. This attraction is an arch bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Haribo Candy Museum. This popular place of interest is a stunning museum that boasts an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 17,011 visitors.

To make your trip to Nimes more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Jardin de La Fontaine. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,878 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Jardin de La Fontaine is often mentioned in France road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Musée de la Romanité is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This museum and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,534 reviews, with a recently recorded annual visit of 25,271 people.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Towers and Walls of Aigues-Mortes. More than 9,652 visitors have rated this top-tier point of interest and tourist destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Nimes does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Nimes on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, France.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in France, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at La Locanda Comptoir italien, one of the best restaurants in Nimes. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,356 reviews.

You can also check out Pinocchio. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,253 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Amorino Gelato - Nîmes. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 681 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Nimes.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Nimes for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at La bonne mousse and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 428 customers.

Barjoe Nîmes is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,311 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Bar Le Victor Hugo. Rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,137 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Nimes.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Nimes!

On day 4 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 Caluire-et-Cuire and end your day in the city of Lyon, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Caluire-et-Cuire is the amazing parc de la Tête d'Or. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Porte des Enfants du Rhône. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,967 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Caluire-et-Cuire is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

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 Lyon. Lyon is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

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 Lyon that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Lyon is L Bar food & drink. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,758 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Lyon, Bouchon Tupin is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 969 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is L'Institut Restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Lyon enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 853 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Lyon’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit Black Forest Society. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Livestation DIY - Lyon. This popular bar in Lyon has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,452 bar-goers.

You can also go to Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière" as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière" is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,225 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!

Day 5’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Lyon, proving that cheap holidays in France can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,363 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This popular place of interest is a stunning minor basilica that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,765 visitors.

To make your trip to Lyon more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Fresque des Lyonnais. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,927 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Fresque des Lyonnais is often mentioned in France road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Wall of the Canuts is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This fresco and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,157 reviews.

Your discovery of Lyon does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Lyon on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, France.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in France, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Flair Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Lyon. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 reviews.

You can also check out Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,459 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Slake Coffee House. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,684 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Lyon.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Lyon for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Dam's Pub and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,373 customers.

The James Joyce Pub is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,135 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The King Arthur. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,312 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Lyon.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Lyon!

Day 6 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Lyon and the enchanting Avignon, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Lyon and end the day in Avignon, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 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 is the magnificent Lyon Cathedral. Around 11,228 visitors have rated this excellent catholic cathedral and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Musée Miniature et Cinéma on this leg of your self-drive tour in France. This attraction is a well-known museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 9,540 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This popular site is a valued best-rated sightseeing destination in Avignon and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,658 visitors.

Another must-visit in Avignon is the spectacular Palais des Papes. This outstanding palace and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 36,931 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Jardin des doms to make your cheap holiday experience in Avignon truly special. This urban park and place of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,201 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.

Avignon 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.

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

Avenio is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 655 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Avignon is Restaurant EAT, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 515 customers.

Le Vintage offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Avignon. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,980 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 Avignon’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

O'Collins's Irish Pub is an excellent example of a great bar in Avignon offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,425 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Le Carré du Palais, another of locals’ go-to bars in Avignon. Le Carré du Palais is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,194 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Restaurant Bar à Vin Le 46 is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Avignon. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 637 bar-goers.

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 7 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 Les Baux-de-Provence and end your day in the city of Carcassonne, 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 Les Baux-de-Provence is the amazing Château des Baux-de-Provence. This travel destination is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,346 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Carrières des Lumières. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,791 travelers, a visit to this well-known top-tier point of interest and sightseeing spot in Les Baux-de-Provence is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne is another cheap travel destination in France where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

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 Carcassonne that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Carcassonne is Auberge des Lices. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 908 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Carcassonne, Le Blé Noir is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 932 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Le Parc Franck Putelat. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Carcassonne enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 621 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Carcassonne’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit La Métairie. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. This popular bar in Carcassonne has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,813 bar-goers.

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 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Carcassonne.

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.

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 Carcassonne is the remarkable André Chénier Garden. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 169 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Carcassonne, consider a top-rated restaurant like La Rapière. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 816 customers.

Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne 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 out of 5 stars from 2,650 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is V and B Carcassonne. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 745 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Carcassonne.

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