Cheap 9-Day France Road Trip from Montpellier to Carcassonne, Nimes, Lyon, Avignon, and Marseille and surrounding area

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the town of Carcassonne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Carcassonne, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Montpellier, and Sete.

Make Jardin des plantes de Montpellier one of your first sightseeing stops in Montpellier. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,446 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Fabre museum is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This art museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,372 reviews. Up to 253,041 travelers visit this site every year to make their time in Montpellier special.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Planet Ocean World. This aquarium has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,786 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Sete, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Montpellier to Sete may take around 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Sete, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Panoramique du Mont Saint-Clair, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,111 reviews.

Carcassonne offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the town.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Carcassonne is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Start your foodie adventure at Brasserie a 4 Temps, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to La Rapière, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike.

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 2 charming destinations — Carcassonne, and Générargues. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Nimes, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,146 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Cité de Carcassonne. This fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,968 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Château Comtal. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 visitors.

After soaking in Carcassonne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Générargues. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 30 min. When you arrive in Générargues, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is The Bamboo Cevennes. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,234 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly 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 your preferred affordable place to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Nimes offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La bonne mousse, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to O’Flaherty’s. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at News Café, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in France, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Nimes, Sagriès, and La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. You'll stay in Lyon for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Jardin de La Fontaine. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,878 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nimes, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sagriès may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in Sagriès, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Haribo Candy Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sagriès, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Sagriès, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Your travel time is around 15 min.

Journey into the unknown at Pont du Gard, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable arch bridge has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 29,439 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Pont du Gard Museum is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,292 reviews.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Lyon has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Lyon on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Lyon should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Lyon, try some of our top recommendations.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like L' Antiquaire, known for its lively atmosphere. Black Forest Society is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The James Joyce Pub offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

A road trip vacation in Nimes can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in France!

Day 5 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Lyon, and Caluire-et-Cuire. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Avignon, where you'll stay for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Place Bellecour. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Lyon Cathedral is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,228 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,765 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Caluire-et-Cuire. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Make parc de la Tête d'Or your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 50,621 reviews.

Avignon offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Avignon, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le 17 Place aux Vins Avignon • Bar à vin / Caviste. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Barberousse Avignon, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Red Sky provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in France! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Avignon!

Day 7 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in France. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Marseille and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

When you're ready to see some sights, Palais Longchamp is a great place to start. This water tower is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Centre Commercial Centre Bourse. This shopping mall has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 16,249 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). The church building has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,436 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Parc Borély. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,618 reviews.

Calanques National Park is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this park, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,632 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Marseille, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Marseille and the culture of past or present-day France.

Make the most of your budget vacation in France by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Marseille that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Discover the heart of Marseille through its culinary scene, starting with AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Une Table au Sud, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Coogee, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Marseille, Au Petit Nice. Alternatively, visit Bar Marengo, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by L'unic Bar, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in France! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Marseille!

Day 8 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Montpellier, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Montpellier, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Marseille, and Avignon.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Les Petits Trains de Marseille. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 9,053 reviews.

Continue your journey at Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 travelers from near and far.

Marseille is also the home of Marseille Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,714 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Marseille, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Avignon. Your travel time is around 1 hour 4 min.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Palais des Papes. This palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 visitors. Attracting more than 616,210 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Palais des Papes, head to Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 17,658 reviews.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Montpellier has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Montpellier on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Montpellier, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Keep the evening going at Black Out, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Petit Nice, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Espit Chupitos Montpellier, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!