Affordable One-Week Relaxed France Road Trip Vacation from Marseille to Lyon

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through France begins when you reach Marseille, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Marseille is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Old Port of Marseille. Around 4,120 visitors have rated this fascinating seaport and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Marseille offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is L'Épuisette. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 830 customers.

Twist Avenue serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Marseille has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 618 reviews.

AM par Alexandre Mazzia is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 614 customers, AM par Alexandre Mazzia is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Marseille looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Les 3 Frères, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,017 reviews.

Bistrot l’Horloge offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Marseille. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

Locals like unwinding at O'BRADY'S IRISH PUB. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,572 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in France! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in France!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Marseille, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Marseille will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating park, the stunning Calanques National Park. Around 19,632 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Parc Borély, a popular park and another top-rated attraction in Marseille.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Palais Longchamp. This local attraction is an amazing water tower that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Centre Commercial Centre Bourse will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by 16,249 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean is a well-loved museum by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Marseille. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Marseille and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Marseille that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Marseille to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Marseille for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Marseille.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 533 customers, the dining experience Coogee offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Le Bouchon Provençal is another pleasant place to eat in Marseille. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,207 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Chez Roger and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,502 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At O'Malley, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Marseille is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at La Caravelle, another well-known bar in Marseille. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,587 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Le Café de la Banque. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers, Le Café de la Banque is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Marseille.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Marseille. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Lyon, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is waiting for you. This church building has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,436 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Les Petits Trains de Marseille. This unique top-tier point of interest is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 9,053 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Parc Émile Duclaux. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,372 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Marseille Cathedral. This popular catholic cathedral and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,714 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Marseille has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Lyon. In Lyon, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 969 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Bouchon Tupin.

Locals also recommend L'Institut Restaurant as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at L'Institut Restaurant as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Flair Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like L Bar food & drink. L Bar food & drink is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,758 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Black Forest Society. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Kaffee Berlin. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Kaffee Berlin is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,079 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Caluire-et-Cuire, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Caluire-et-Cuire will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating park, the stunning Porte des Enfants du Rhône. Around 3,967 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular parc de la Tête d'Or, a popular park and another top-rated attraction in Caluire-et-Cuire.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Caluire-et-Cuire. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Caluire-et-Cuire and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Caluire-et-Cuire that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Caluire-et-Cuire to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Lyon for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,459 customers, the dining experience Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Slake Coffee House is another pleasant place to eat in Lyon. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,684 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Dam's Pub and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,373 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Ninkasi Sans Souci, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Lyon is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,985 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Livestation DIY - Lyon, another well-known bar in Lyon. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,452 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière". Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers, Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière" is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Lyon.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Lyon, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Lyon will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating urban park, the stunning Parc des Berges du Rhône. Around 744 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Place de la République, a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and another top-rated attraction in Lyon.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Place Bellecour. This local attraction is an amazing square that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,560 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Musée Miniature et Cinéma will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,540 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Lyon Cathedral. Lyon Cathedral is a well-loved catholic cathedral by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,228 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Lyon. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Lyon and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Lyon that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Lyon to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Lyon for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,186 customers, the dining experience Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in France.

Culina Hortus is another pleasant place to eat in Lyon. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Vieille Canaille and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 839 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Dam's Pub, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Lyon is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,373 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at The James Joyce Pub, another well-known bar in Lyon. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,135 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is The King Arthur. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,312 customers, The King Arthur is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Lyon.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Lyon, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Lyon will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

One of the city’s best travel destinations is a fascinating fresco, the stunning Fresque des Lyonnais. Around 4,927 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Travelers also come to the city to visit the spectacular Fresco "The library of the city", a popular must-see tourist destination and another top-rated attraction in Lyon.

You might discover a new thing or two about the city at the incredible Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière. This local attraction is an amazing museum that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,363 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Parc des Hauteurs will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in France more memorable. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,241 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through France is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

If you’re feeling a little eager to wander around the city a bit more, we recommend you visit the fantastic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a well-loved minor basilica by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Lyon. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Lyon and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Lyon that will make your self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Lyon to find the best options for you!

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Lyon for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of France by eating at one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Lyon is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,186 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Vieille Canaille, another well-known bar in Lyon. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 839 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is MOS - Maker of Stories. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers, MOS - Maker of Stories is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of Lyon.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in France is all about!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the hamlet of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Marseille, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Pont du Gard is waiting for you. This arch bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 29,439 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Marseille. In Marseille, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Nimes is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Nul Part Ailleurs, one of the best restaurants in Nimes. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,400 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Nul Part Ailleurs.

Locals also recommend Paulette - Restaurant Vieux Port as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Paulette - Restaurant Vieux Port as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,345 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at La cigale vieux port. La cigale vieux port is another of the most popular places to eat in Nimes. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 918 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Bar Bu. Bar Bu is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Friche la Belle de Mai. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,400 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to The Queen Victoria. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. The Queen Victoria is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 3,995 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Marseille.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Marseille once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in France on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Porte d'Aix is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Marseille. This top sight is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination, rated an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars by 4,944 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Marseille or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Marseille and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.