One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne, Lyon, Vichy, Blois, 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 - Lourdes and Gez. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lourdes. This car ride takes around 35 min.

Head to Grottes De Bétharram, an up-and-coming cave system in Lourdes. Explore its idyllic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lourdes, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lourdes may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Lourdes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary is an often recommended church we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lourdes, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Gez. This drive usually takes around 21 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Head to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, an up-and-coming zoo in Gez. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Carcassonne. Carcassonne offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Savor the flavors at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Rapière beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Domaine d'Auriac. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Carcassonne tonight.

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

On day 3 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 Carcassonne and Nimes. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lyon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with a romantic, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a heritage-rich, a grand, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated in Carcassonne. Begin your sightseeing with Château Comtal. This frequently visited castle is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Cité De Carcassonne, another must-visit attraction that enhances the town’s allure.

When you’ve had your share of Carcassonne, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nimes. Your travel time is around 2 hours 2 min.

Make your way to Jardin De La Fontaine, a captivating park that draws attention for its grand features.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Nuage café, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Café du Rhône? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Agastache Restaurant as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Lyon.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at L' Antiquaire, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Black Forest Society offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Pompette. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Vichy, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

A blend of a romantic, a stunning, an eye-catching, a standout, a grand, a remarkable, and a stunning await you in Lyon on today’s itinerary. First up is the well-known public square, Place Bellecour. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Fresque Des Lyonnais. A visit to this street art is an enriching experience for all.

As you explore Lyon’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Basilica Of Notre-dame De Fourvière. This well-known church is an essential stop that should not be missed. Following that, head to Lyon Cathedral, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lyon and set your GPS to Caluire-et-Cuire. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 15 min. Upon reaching Caluire-et-Cuire, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Parc De La Tête D'or, a top-rated park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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

Say good night to Vichy and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux and Le Bouscat. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready for a day filled with a mesmerizing, an eye-catching, a standout, a culturally significant, a detailed, a romantic, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated in the charming city of Bordeaux. Your adventure starts at Monument Aux Girondins, an often recommended local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is The Big Bell Of Bordeaux. This locally appreciated historical landmark is known for its historic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Bordeaux's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Miroir D'eau. This visually striking art installation offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Place De La Bourse is also worth visiting.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Le Bouscat.

Your self-guided tour starts at Parc Bordelais, an underrated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

As you explore more of Pau, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Make sure to reserve a table at Resto Dit Vin, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular restaurant in Pau. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Monkey Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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