9-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Bordeaux, Tours, Paris, Blois, and Angouleme

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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 9-day road trip through France. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Bordeaux, 1 night in Tours, 2 nights in Paris, 1 night in Blois, and 1 night in Angouleme. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Pau, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Gez, Bordeaux, Amboise, Tours, Paris, Versailles, Blois, and Angouleme, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!

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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Grottes de BétharramBasilica of Our Lady of the RosaryAnimal Park of the Pyrenees
Château d'AmboiseJardin botanique de ToursVieux-Toursplace de la Bourse
Musée d'OrsayTuileries GardenLouvre MuseumThe Centre Pompidou
Sacré-CœurLa VilletteJardin des plantesPanthéonJardin du LuxembourgLouvre Museum
place de la ConcordeChamp de MarsEiffel TowerArc de TriomphePalace of VersaillesLouvre Museum

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Day 1

Day 1 – Pau - arrival day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
  • More

Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Pau is a beautiful town with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Pau. 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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Le Henri IV, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Garage is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Au Fin Gourmet. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Pau tonight.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2 – Pau, Lourdes, Gez, and Bordeaux

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Argelès-Gazost
  • Lourdes
  • Gez
  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 322 km, 4 hours 7 min

  • Grottes de Bétharram
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Animal Park of the Pyrenees
  • More

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 Bordeaux. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

After soaking in Pau’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lourdes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 35 min. When you arrive in Lourdes, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Grottes De Bétharram, a curiosity-inducing cave system known for its picturesque features.

Lourdes’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lourdes behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Lourdes welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, an underrated church known for its monumental features.

When you’ve had your share of Lourdes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Gez. Your travel time is around 21 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, an intriguing zoo that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Le Cent 33, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L'Originel beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Clemenceau. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bordeaux tonight.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in France.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Bordeaux, Amboise, and Tours

  • Bordeaux
  • Amboise
  • Tours
  • More

Drive 428 km, 5 hours

  • Château d'Amboise
  • Jardin botanique de Tours
  • Vieux-Tours
  • place de la Bourse
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Amboise and Tours. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Tours, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

A blend of a charming, an enchanting, a photogenic, a historically significant, a symbolic, and an UNESCO world heritage-designated await you in Bordeaux on today’s itinerary. First up is the locally renowned public square, Place De La Bourse. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit.

After soaking in Loches’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Amboise. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 23 min. When you arrive in Amboise, it's time to take a break from the road.

Head to Château D'amboise, a well-known château in Amboise.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tours, 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 Amboise to Tours may take around 41 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Tours, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your journey at Jardin Botanique De Tours and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Vieux Tours, another highlight in the town.

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 Tours. Tours 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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at TIA Gourmet, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Les Bartavelles is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Hotel Restaurant Le Faisan. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Tours tonight.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Cave À Vins Et À Bières Vins Sur 20, Bar Et Soirées À Thème, known for its lively atmosphere. Piraat Cafe Tours is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, L'alexandra offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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Day 4

Day 4 – Tours and Paris

  • Tours
  • Paris
  • More

Drive 242 km, 2 hours 50 min

  • Musée d'Orsay
  • Tuileries Garden
  • Louvre Museum
  • The Centre Pompidou
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Paris, 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 Paris. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Paris, 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 Tours to Paris may take around 2 hours 31 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Paris, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your journey at Musée D'orsay and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Tuileries Garden, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Louvre Museum, a respected museum. Nearby, you will also find Centre Georges Pompidou. This top-rated art museum is a top place to see in the area.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Paris, 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 Paris. 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mumi, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Beaurepaire Ambassade du Béarn - Restaurant Paris Terrasse offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss L'Imprévu Café. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Paris.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Café De Paris V, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Dirty Dick offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Little Red Door. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 5

Day 5 – Paris

  • Paris
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour 31 min

  • Sacré-Cœur
  • La Villette
  • Jardin des plantes
  • Panthéon
  • Jardin du Luxembourg
  • Louvre Museum
  • More

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Paris, featuring a romantic, a gorgeous, an eye-catching, a standout, a stunning, a grand, a beautiful, and a detailed. Start at Sacré-cœur, a timeless church in the city. Then, head to La Villette and soak in the ambiance of this picture-perfect park.

There are many interesting places to see in Paris and when you are ready for more, go to Jardin Des Plantes. This is one of the city’s most popular spots. After exploring the botanical garden, visit the notable Panthéon. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the impressive Jardin Du Luxembourg, an impressive park in the city.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Sens Unique? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Le Caveau de l'isle as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Paris.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Prescription Cocktail Club stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Le Boucan offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Mamie Paris is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day 6

Day 6 – Paris, Versailles, and Blois

  • Paris
  • Versailles
  • Blois
  • More

Drive 214 km, 2 hours 59 min

  • place de la Concorde
  • Champ de Mars
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Louvre Museum
  • More

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Paris and Versailles. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Blois, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with a romantic, an awe-inspiring, a picture-perfect, a historically significant, a majestic, and a masterful in Paris. Begin your sightseeing with Place De La Concorde. This extraordinary public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Champ De Mars, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Paris, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Eiffel Tower. This world-famous monument is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Arc De Triomphe, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Versailles. This drive usually takes around 35 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make your way to Palace Of Versailles, a world-famous palace that draws attention for its romantic features.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Relais de la Tour, an iconic dining spot in Blois. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne, a popular restaurant in Blois. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

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

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Day 7

Day 7 – Blois and Angouleme

  • Blois
  • Angoulême
  • More

Drive 332 km, 4 hours 29 min

  • Château de Blois
  • More

On day 7 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 Blois. In the evening, you’ll end up in Angouleme, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s route brings a romantic, a stunning, a picture-perfect, a respected, and a majestic. The first attraction of today is Château De Blois. This interesting castle is an awe-inspiring place to see in Blois.

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 Angouleme. Angouleme 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.

As you explore more of Angouleme, 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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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Day 8

Day 8 – Angouleme, Bordeaux, and Pau

  • Angoulême
  • Bordeaux
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • More

Drive 339 km, 3 hours 58 min

  • jardin public
  • Monument aux Girondins
  • place de la Bourse
  • miroir d'eau
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux. 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bordeaux. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 28 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make your way to Jardin Public, a well-known park that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Monument Aux Girondins, a breathtaking monument that stands out in the city. Next, visit Miroir D'eau, a notable art installation that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, a nearby historical landmark, which is highly recommended by other travelers.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at Resto Dit Vin, a popular restaurant in Pau. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Pau at Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Little Monkey Bar. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Pau tonight.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Pau - departure day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
  • More

Day 9 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Pau before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in France unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Pau's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to France.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Pau.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Maynats, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!

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