Cheap 8-Day France Road Trip Vacation from Perpignan to Marseille, Lyon, Nimes & Carcassonne

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

Perpignan is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Perpignan is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations in France.

In Perpignan, one best-rated budget apartment we recommend is Appart' City Perpignan Centre. This 3-star apartment is a favorite among travelers, as seen in its average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 1,907 guests.

Budget-conscious travelers also enjoy staying at Htel Porte d'Espagne. Rated 3.7 out of 5 stars by 1,180 former guests, this 2-star hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a temporary place to stay in Perpignan.

These top-rated accommodations in Perpignan 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 Perpignan and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Sports Park will make your cheap holiday in France truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,992 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 Perpignan. An excellent example is the popular O'Flaherty's. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,082 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is Arena Bar. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 361 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

Les Brunettes: bar et restaurant is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 258 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.

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 Pyrénées-Orientales and end your day in the city of Marseille, 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 Pyrénées-Orientales is the amazing Gorge De Galamus. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,397 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Salses Fortress. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,683 travelers, a visit to this well-known in Pyrénées-Orientales is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Pyrénées-Orientales is the outstanding Musée d'art Hyacinthe Rigaud. This art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,095 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 Marseille. Marseille 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 Marseille is the 4-star Nh Collection Marseille. This hotel has been rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,784 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Holiday Inn Express Marseille - Saint Charles. This 3-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars by 3,210 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star Staycity Aparthotels Marseille - Centre Vieux Port to anyone looking for a popular budget apartment in Marseille. In fact, around 2,142 travelers who were once guests of this apartment rated it an average of 3.9 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 Marseille that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Marseille is Twist Avenue. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 618 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Marseille, AM par Alexandre Mazzia 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 614 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is O'Malley. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Marseille enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,796 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Marseille’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit Carry Nation. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 834 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a celebratory drink is La Caravelle. This popular bar in Marseille has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,587 bar-goers.

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

Day 3 of your exciting 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.

You’ll begin this day’s adventure with a visit to the top-rated Palais Longchamp. This incredible attraction is a water tower that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 12,768 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Les Petits Trains de Marseille. This spectacular tourist destination has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,022 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde during a vacation in Marseille. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 31,965 reviews.

This day of your road trip in France is also the perfect opportunity to see the outstanding Parc Borély. This popular place of interest in Marseille is a valued park that has a rating of 4.5 out of a 5-star rating from 11,618 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Marseille when you include the fantastic Calanques National Park to your road trip itinerary. This local attraction is a captivating park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 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!

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 Marseille 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 Marseille is the amazing Old Port of Marseille. This travel destination is a seaport that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,120 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,959 travelers, a visit to this well-known museum and sightseeing spot in Marseille is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Marseille is the outstanding Cathédrale La Major. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,075 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in France, drop by the popular La Vieille Charité. This attraction, an amazing hospital, has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,537 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 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 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon. This hotel has been rated 4 out of 5 stars by 3,176 former guests.

Another accommodation suitable for budget-conscious travelers is the amazing Hotel Axotel Lyon Perrache, Qualys. This 3-star hotel offers practical amenities that will make your stay in the city pleasant. This hotel is rated an average of 3.6 out of 5 stars by 2,689 guests.

Travelers also recommend the cozy 3-star B&B Hotel Lyon Centre Gambetta to anyone looking for a popular budget hotel in Lyon. In fact, around 2,230 travelers who were once guests of this hotel rated it an average of 3.8 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 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!

Day 5 of your exciting road trip across France is proof that there's more to the region of Metropolis of Lyon than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Metropolis of Lyon 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 Porte des Enfants du Rhône. This incredible attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 3,967 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Mur des Canuts. This spectacular fresco and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,157 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Fresque des Lyonnais during a vacation in Metropolis of Lyon. 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 4,927 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 Metropolis of Lyon is a valued museum that has a rating of 4.6 out of a 5-star rating from 4,363 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Metropolis of Lyon when you include the fantastic La Basilique 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 25,765 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 Metropolis of Lyon, 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!

Day 6 of your exciting road trip across France is proof that there's more to the region of Metropolis of Lyon than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Metropolis of Lyon 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.

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 20,560 visitors.

Another highlight of this cheap holiday package is a trip to the fascinating Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste. This spectacular catholic cathedral and tourist destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,228 reviews.

It’s hard to pass up the chance to see the famous Musée Cinéma et Miniature during a vacation in Metropolis of Lyon. Ranking high up on many travelers’ bucket lists, the amazing Musée Cinéma et Miniature has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,540 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 Metropolis of Lyon is a valued park that has a rating of 4.6 out of a 5-star rating from 50,621 visitors.

You’ll be making the most of your time in Metropolis of Lyon 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,637 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 Metropolis of Lyon, 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 Carcassonne.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Perpignan. 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 25,720 travelers.

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

Make Porte Narbonnaise your first stop. This popular city gate among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 378 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Carcassonne is the outstanding Cité de Carcassonne. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,451 visitors, this remarkable fortress 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 Perpignan. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Perpignan, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A top-rated budget apartment suitable for cheap holiday goers is the fantastic Appart' City Perpignan Centre. This 3-star apartment in Perpignan offers low-cost accommodations that feature many useful amenities. Around 1,907 travelers who chose to stay at this apartment during their trip to the city rated their experience an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

The lovely Htel Porte d'Espagne is another excellent choice for anyone who prefers a cozy and practical place to stay in the city. This 2-star hotel has been rated by 1,180 former guests an average of 3.7 out of 5 stars.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Les Brunettes: bar et restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Perpignan. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 258 customers.

O Shannon is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. O Shannon is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 188 diners.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Perpignan, Black pearl 66. 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 4.6 out of 5 stars by 155 bar goers.

La Divine is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Perpignan, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 141 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 Perpignan.

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 Perpignan is the remarkable Parc Saint-Vincent. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,599 visitors.

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