Cheap 9-Day France Road Trip from Lyon traveling east to Mulhouse, Mâcon, Marseille, Monaco, and Nimes

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

Lyon 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 Lyon and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Place Bellecour will make your cheap holiday in France truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,560 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 Lyon. An excellent example is the popular L Bar food & drink. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,758 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is Bouchon Tupin. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 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 L'Institut Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 853 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Black Forest Society is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 500 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Lyon we recommend is Livestation DIY - Lyon, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.

Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière" is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,225 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Caluire-et-Cuire and end your day in the city of Mulhouse, 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 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.

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 Mulhouse. Mulhouse 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 Mulhouse that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Mulhouse is Volfoni Mulhouse. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,646 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Mulhouse, L'Entrecôte de Mulhouse is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,603 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Crêperie Crampous Mad. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Mulhouse enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,070 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Mulhouse’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France. For example, you can visit Los Buenos Días. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 855 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Le Cellier. This popular bar in Mulhouse has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 831 bar-goers.

You can also go to The Tavern of the Teutonic Knights as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular The Tavern of the Teutonic Knights is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 700 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 3 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 Colmar and end your day in the city of Mâcon, 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 Colmar is the amazing Petite Venise in Colmar. This travel destination is a neighborhood that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,311 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Parc du Champ de Mars. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,547 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Colmar 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 Mâcon. Mâcon 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 Mâcon that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Mâcon enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Mâcon’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in France.

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

Day 4 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 Marseille and end your day in the city of Avignon.

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 Marseille, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Palais Longchamp. The fantastic Palais Longchamp is a popular water tower and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,768 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Les Petits Trains de Marseille, a well-known best-rated sightseeing destination in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.3 out of a 5 star-rating from 9,053 travelers.

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

Make Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon) your first stop. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,658 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Avignon is the outstanding Palais des Papes. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 visitors, this remarkable palace 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.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Épuisette, one of the best restaurants in Marseille. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 830 customers.

Twist Avenue is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Twist Avenue is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Coogee, another well-loved restaurant in Marseille. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 533 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, Bistrot l’Horloge. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 bar goers.

O'Malley 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,796 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by La Caravelle, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Marseille and the enchanting Cannes, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Marseille and end the day in Cannes, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Buckle up because day 5 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 Marseille is the magnificent Marseille Cathedral. Around 12,714 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 Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) on this leg of your self-drive tour in France. This attraction is a well-known church building that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 36,436 travelers.

The remarkable Calanques National Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in France. This attraction, an amazing park, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,632 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes. This popular site is a valued movie theater in Cannes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 18,284 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.

Monaco 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 Monaco offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

La Tavernetta is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 345 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Monaco is l'Express, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 339 customers.

Le Petit Bar Monaco offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Monaco. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 236 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 Monaco’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

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 6 of your road trip adventures in France, you’ll go deep into Monte Carlo, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the neighborhood’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the neighborhood's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Monte Carlo, and meet locals along the way!

Monte Carlo offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Monte Carlo. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 884 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Fairmont Monte Carlo. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Monte Carlo. Fairmont Monte Carlo has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,419 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Monte Carlo should also consider Novotel Monte-Carlo. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the neighborhood. Novotel Monte-Carlo has been rated by 4,103 guests with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Monte Carlo offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the neighborhood, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Monte Carlo the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the neighborhood offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding architectural structure, Monte Carlo Casino. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,883 visitors.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Monte Carlo prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to France. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Monte Carlo.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Monte Carlo, La Montgolfière, Henri Geraci. Locals enjoy eating at La Montgolfière, Henri Geraci for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 185 diners.

Arrow Burger serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 319 food lovers.

If you want more options, Saint Nicolas pizzeria is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Saint Nicolas pizzeria has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 110 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Monte Carlo? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Monte Carlo after dinner.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation 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 Les Baux-de-Provence.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Nimes 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 Musée de la Romanité. The fantastic Musée de la Romanité is a popular museum and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,534 travelers and draws around 25,271 visitors every year.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Nimes, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Make Château des Baux-de-Provence your first stop. This popular must-see tourist destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,346 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Les Baux-de-Provence is the outstanding Carrières des Lumières. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 22,791 visitors, this remarkable must-see tourist destination 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 Nimes. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Nimes, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try The Bird, one of the best restaurants in Nimes. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 659 customers.

Restaurant Skab is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Restaurant Skab is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 591 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand, another well-loved restaurant in Nimes. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,576 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 Nimes, O’Flaherty’s. 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 bar goers.

Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Nimes, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 993 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Le Questel, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

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

On day 8 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 Nimes and end your day in the city of Lyon, 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 Nimes is the amazing Jardin de La Fontaine. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Haribo Candy Museum. Rated 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 travelers, a visit to this well-known museum and sightseeing spot in Nimes is likely to make your vacation in France even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Nimes is the outstanding Pont du Gard. This arch bridge has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in France, drop by the popular Sautadet Falls. This attraction, an amazing waterfall, has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,240 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.

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 Flair Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 726 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Lyon, Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie 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 2,459 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Slake Coffee House. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Lyon enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,684 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 Dam's Pub. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,373 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is The James Joyce Pub. This popular bar in Lyon has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,135 bar-goers.

You can also go to The King Arthur as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular The King Arthur is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,312 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Lyon.

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 Lyon is the remarkable Wall of the Canuts. This fresco and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,157 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Lyon, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bulle - Restaurant de Fourvière - Guy Lassausaie. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,186 customers.

Culina Hortus 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 4.7 out of 5 stars from 781 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Vieille Canaille. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 839 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Lyon.

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