Relaxed 7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Marseille to Nice
Description
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Description
Discover France stress-free with this 7-day relaxed road trip, winding through Marseille, Avignon, Cassis, Nice, and Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy a relaxing self-drive holiday through stunning landscapes and calm adventures.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Marseille, Avignon, Cassis, Nice, and Aix-en-Provence. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Marseille and 2 nights in Nice. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Marseille, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across France with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in France.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Palais Des Papes.
Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Calanques National Park. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean. Get close to the spectacular Castle Hill and the wonderful Marseille Cathedral. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through France's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the France.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!
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Day 1
- Marseille - Arrival day
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- Le Panier
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Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Marseille, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Marseille and begin your adventure in France.
Marseille is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Le Panier, a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. 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 Marseille. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Marseille, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at Chez Roger, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Les Mets des Saintes beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Marseille tonight.
After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Le Traquenard, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to La Dame Du Mont. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Polikarpov, another top-rated place in the area.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in France. Enjoy your first taste of Marseille as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2
- Marseille
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Drive 16 km, 1 hour 17 min
- Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
- Cathédrale La Major
- Les Petits Trains de Marseille
- Old Port of Marseille
- Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
- Palais Longchamp
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On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across France, you’ll go deep into Marseille, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Marseille, and meet locals along the way!
Immerse yourself in Marseille’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille). This culturally significant church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the awe-inspiring features of Marseille Cathedral, a must-visit church in the city.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Les Petits Trains De Marseille, a locally appreciated tramway. For a change of scene, check out Old Port Of Marseille, known for its history-steeped features. We also recommend visiting Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean. This museum is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest. Lastly, end your day with a visit to Palais Longchamp, yet another interesting attraction in Marseille.
Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in France more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Marseille offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Le Bistro Du Panier, a top-rated dining spot in Marseille. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Marseille.
Experience the amazing nightlife in Marseille and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Au Petit Nice, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Marengo, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, L'unic Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in France!
Day 3
- Marseille
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Drive 199 km, 2 hours 48 min
- Jardin des doms
- Palais des Papes
- Basilique Saint-Pierre
- Musée Lapidaire
- Collection Lambert Avignon
- Remparts d'Avignon
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Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in France continues on day 3, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of France and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Marseille and beyond. With 1 night left in Marseille, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.
Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Jardin Des Doms. This increasingly popular park is a history-steeped place to see in Marseille. Continue your discovery at Palais Des Papes, a picture-perfect palace with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Marseille, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Église Saint Pierre (avignon). This intriguing church offers a monumental encounter with Marseille. Next, make your way to Musée Lapidaire D'avignon to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Hotel Caumont, a locally appreciated art gallery that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Remparts D'avignon, an increasingly popular historical landmark in the city. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Marseille.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Marseille.
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Marseille, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
Don’t miss out on dining at Une Table au Sud, a top-rated dining destination in Marseille. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café Bovo, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Maison MV. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Marseille this evening.
Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Marseille.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Friche La Belle De Mai, known for its lively atmosphere. Le Bar De La Plaine is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.
Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in France!
Day 4
- Marseille
- Nice
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Drive 241 km, 3 hours 28 min
- Calanques National Park
- Calanque de Port-Miou
- Domaine du Paternel
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of France will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in France, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Marseille, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Calanques National Park, a notable national park in the city. Then, head to Calanque De Port-miou and soak in the ambiance of this romantic marina.
After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Nice. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in France by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Nice, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Bocal, a top-rated dining destination in Nice. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Makassar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Les Amoureux. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nice this evening.
After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Les Distilleries Idéales stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Diane's offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Wayne's Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in France!
Day 5
- Nice
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Drive 11 km, 51 min
- Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
- place Masséna
- Promenade du Paillon
- Castle Hill
- Old Town (Vieux Nice)
- Carre d'Or
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Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Nice, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in France are extraordinary.
Don’t miss Old Town (Vieux Nice) in Nice today, a must-see neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks. While you’re in the area, consider visiting Carre d'Or, another neighborhood that adds to the charm of Nice.
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots in Nice. Begin your sightseeing with Cathédrale Saint-nicolas De Nice. This often recommended church is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Place Masséna, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Nice, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Promenade Du Paillon. This beloved park is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Castle Hill, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.
Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across France by joining a traveler-approved tour in Nice. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Nice that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in France more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Nice to find the best options for you!
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Nice, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Le Windsor Jungle Art Hotel, a popular restaurant in Nice. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Nice at Snug And Cellar, 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 Le Vingt4. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Nice tonight.
As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Nice’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in France.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Trafalbar Nice stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bay Side offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.
Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in France!
Day 6
- Nice
- Marseille
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Drive 207 km, 2 hours 51 min
- Musée Granet
- Hôtel de Caumont
- Fontaine de la Rotonde
- forum des Cardeurs
- Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence
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Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Aix-en-Provence. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Marseille, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Nice, including a museum, a monument, a public square, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Musée Granet. This curiosity-inducing museum is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Hôtel De Caumont located in Nice for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Fontaine De La Rotonde. Its enchanting features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Place Des Cardeurs. Visitors usually appreciate the picture-perfect features of this public square. Next up is Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-provence, a highly recommended church.
When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Marseille. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Marseille has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Dine in style at Coogee, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Petit Nice Passedat boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Café l'Écomotive. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Marseille.
Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Marseille.
Soak in the unique atmosphere of Marseille as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in France!
Day 7
- Marseille - Departure day
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- Cours Julien
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Marseille.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.
One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Cours Julien, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Marseille. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Marseille or just grab something light to keep you going.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ourea, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Marseille and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
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