Cheap 8-Day France Road Trip Vacation from Marseille traveling north to Saint-Étienne & Lyon

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 Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port Hotel. This 5-star hotel is a favorite among travelers, as seen in its average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 930 guests.

Budget-conscious travelers also enjoy staying at Residhotel Vieux Port. Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by 1,233 former guests, this 4-star hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a temporary place to stay in Marseille.

Kyriad MARSEILLE PALAIS DES CONGRES - Velodrome 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 1,614 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 Palais Longchamp during a vacation in Marseille. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Palais Longchamp has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,768 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 Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating church building with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,965 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 road trip across France offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and the enchanting Apt, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and end the day in Apt, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 3 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 Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the magnificent Fontaine de la Rotonde. Around 6,851 visitors have rated this excellent fountain and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing The Ocher Trail on this leg of your self-drive tour in France. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 14,092 travelers.

The remarkable Palais des Papes is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in France. Attracting more than 616,210 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Palais des Papes is a perfect add-on to your itinerary. This attraction, an amazing palace, is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Apt.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable The Ocher Trail. This popular site is a valued park in Apt and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,092 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.

Saint-Étienne 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 Du Golf is one of the best budget hotel options for price-conscious travelers in the city. In fact, this 4-star hotel has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars in 673 reviews.

Another practical choice for travelers looking to enjoy a cheap vacation in Saint-Étienne is Novotel Saint Etienne Centre Gare (Opening March 2019). This 4-star hotel offers reasonably-priced accommodations with many handy amenities, and is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 229 former guests.

We also recommend staying at the charming 3-star Kyriad Saint Etienne Centre to take advantage of their cheap holiday deals. Rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 623 former guests, this hotel is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, cozy, and budget-friendly place to stay in Saint-Étienne.

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

Soggy Bottom is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 726 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Saint-Étienne is Lipopette Bar, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 470 customers.

Hop Square offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Saint-Étienne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 386 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 Saint-Étienne’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

The Smoking Dog is an excellent example of a great bar in Saint-Étienne offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 548 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Thunderbird Lounge, another of locals’ go-to bars in Saint-Étienne. Thunderbird Lounge is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 162 customers having rated it an average of 4.7 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 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 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and end your day in the city of Lyon, where you'll stay for 3 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the amazing Safari de Peaugres. This travel destination is a zoo that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,251 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 Lyon. Lyon 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 Lyon is the 5-star Hotel Boscolo Lyon. This hotel has been rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,896 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Hotel Charlemagne. This 4-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,501 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Away Hostel & Coffee Shop to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Lyon. In fact, around 2,066 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 4 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 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 The Phantom of the Opera. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Black Forest Society. This popular bar in Lyon has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 500 bar-goers.

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

Today's agenda is to explore Lyon Metropolis 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 Lyon.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Place Bellecour. This incredible attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 20,947 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Musée Miniature et Cinéma. This spectacular museum and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,788 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Lyon Cathedral during a vacation in Lyon Metropolis. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Lyon Cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,349 reviews.

This day of your road trip in France is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding parc de la Tête d'Or. This popular place of interest in Lyon Metropolis is a valued park that has a rating of 4.6 out of a 5-star rating from 50,905 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Lyon Metropolis when you include the fantastic Mini World Lyon to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating miniature park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,726 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 Lyon Metropolis, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Lyon 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.

Flair Restaurant is an excellent example. Here you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 customers.

Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie is another great restaurant option for budget travelers in Lyon. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,459 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière", and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,225 reviews.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Lyon, 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 Lyon.

Dam's Pub is a fantastic bar many locals in Lyon recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,373 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at The King Arthur, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,312 customers.

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

Today's agenda is to explore Lyon Metropolis 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 1 night left in Lyon.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Wall of the Canuts. This incredible attraction is a fresco that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 4,272 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Rhône Children's Gate. This spectacular park and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,001 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Fresque des Lyonnais during a vacation in Lyon Metropolis. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Fresque des Lyonnais has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,975 reviews.

This day of your road trip in France is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière. This popular place of interest in Lyon Metropolis is a valued museum that has a rating of 4.6 out of a 5-star rating from 4,449 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Lyon Metropolis when you include the fantastic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating minor basilica with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,232 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 Lyon Metropolis, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Lyon 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.

Dam's Pub 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 1,373 customers.

The King Arthur is another great restaurant option for budget travelers in Lyon. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,312 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Le Mirtillo, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 526 reviews.

After a lovely dinner at one of the best places to eat in Lyon, 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 Lyon.

MOS - Maker of Stories is a fantastic bar many locals in Lyon recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Broc'Bar, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 868 customers.

L' Antiquaire is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Lyon. Customers have rated the exciting L' Antiquaire an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 621 reviews.

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

Day 7 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 Nimes and end your day in the city of Arles.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Marseille 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 Nimes, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Pont du Gard. The fantastic Pont du Gard is a popular arch bridge and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,833 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Fountain Garden, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.6 out of a 5 star-rating from 14,257 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Nimes, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Arles.

Make Roman Theatre of Arles your first stop. This popular must-see tourist destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,900 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Arles is the outstanding Arles Amphitheatre. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors, this remarkable roman amphitheatre and attraction deserves a spot on your France travel bucket list.

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 Marseille. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Marseille, 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 Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port Hotel. This 5-star hotel in Marseille offers low-cost accommodations that feature many useful amenities. Around 930 travelers who chose to stay at this hotel during their trip to the city rated their experience an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

The lovely Residhotel Vieux Port 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 1,233 former guests an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

If you’re looking for a place that is simple and homey, Kyriad MARSEILLE PALAIS DES CONGRES - Velodrome 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 1,614 previous guests.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, one of the best restaurants in Marseille. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 934 customers.

Trattoria Marco is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Trattoria Marco is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 725 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at O'Bidul, another well-loved restaurant in Marseille. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 461 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 Marseille, The Champ De Mars. 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 404 bar goers.

L'unic Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Marseille, with its average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 341 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Beer District Marseille, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 224 customers.

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