9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle traveling south to Perigueux, Toulouse, and Bordeaux

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - La Rochelle and Saint-Émilion. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Perigueux. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today's adventure in La Rochelle promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Musée Maritime De La Rochelle. This picture-perfect maritime museum is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy La Rochelle Aquarium, another photogenic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Monolithic Church Of Saint-emilion, one of the city’s most intriguing attractions, known for its stunning features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Perigueux. Perigueux offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Perigueux. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Perigueux by booking a table at Le Bel'Art. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to L'Essentiel, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Table du Pouyaud, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Padirac and Gourdon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Toulouse, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Immerse yourself in Perigueux’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Railway Tourist Haut Quercy. This picture-perfect heritage railway is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the awe-inspiring features of Padirac Cave, a must-visit cave in the village.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Animal Park Of Gramat, an increasingly popular zoo.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Toulouse. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Toulouse's best restaurants.

Have a memorable dining experience in Toulouse by booking a table at Stéphane Tournié - Les Jardins de l'Opéra, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Toulouse, Py-r shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Hedone is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative cuisine in Toulouse. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Moloko, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Botanist Pub is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Melting Pot Pub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Toulouse for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in the charming town of Toulouse. Your adventure starts at Basilique Saint Nazaire, an intriguing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Cité De Carcassonne. This top-rated castle is known for its visually striking appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Toulouse's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Château Comtal. This enchanting castle offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Place Saint-pierre is also worth visiting, along with Musée Aeroscopia. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Toulouse. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at La Faim des Haricots/TOULOUSE CENTRE VILLE, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Madame Bovary? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Toulouse.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Pub O'clock, known for its lively atmosphere. La Loupiote is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Café Populaire offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!

Day 5 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Toulouse. You have 1 night left in Toulouse. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Toulouse is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a botanical garden, a park, a monument, a monastery, a church and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Jardin Des Plantes and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Grand Rond, a mesmerizing park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Pont-neuf, one of the city’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the often recommended Couvent Des Jacobins. When you're finished at the monastery, Basilica Of St. Sernin awaits your visit. This church is a historic highlight on today's itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. France is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Bapz, a popular restaurant in Toulouse. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Toulouse at Cabaret Le Kalinka, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurant Emile. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Toulouse tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Filochard, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Black Lion is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Dry Dock also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Montauban and Moissac, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bordeaux. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Toulouse is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square, a botanical garden, a marina, a church and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally appreciated Place Nationale and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Botanical Garden, an eye-catching botanical garden that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Port Canal, one of the town’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the worthwhile Saint-pierre Abbey In Moissac.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bordeaux, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bordeaux. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Bordeaux by booking a table at Ressources, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Bordeaux. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Café Brun, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Mushroom Café provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Whose Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Bordeaux and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bordeaux, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Arcachon and Bordeaux. You still have 1 night left in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a sand dunes, an art installation, a public square, a monument, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular Dune Of Pilat and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Miroir D'eau, a visually striking art installation that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Place De La Bourse, one of the city’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the curiosity-inducing Monument Aux Girondins. When you're finished at the monument, Jardin Public awaits your visit. This park is a romantic highlight on today's itinerary.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bordeaux and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at L'Oiseau Bleu, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Restaurant Soléna offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hôtel De Sèze. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bordeaux.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Grizzly Pub, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The Dog And Duck. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

On day 8 of your road trip in France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, and Lormont. In the evening, you’ll end up in La Rochelle, where you will stay for 1 night.

Bordeaux is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views! Start at Bordeaux Cathedral, an interesting church that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Parc Bordelais. This park is one of the city’s most locally appreciated spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bordeaux at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit La Cité Du Vin.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in La Rochelle. La Rochelle offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in La Rochelle. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in La Rochelle by reserving a table at L'Hysope. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative and modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Christopher Coutanceau, recognized for its delicious seafood and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday.

Keep the evening going at Le Dock Café, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Mary Lili, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is L'alibi, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.