5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Carcassonne

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Explore the best of France on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Auch. This road trip itinerary in France seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Pau and 1 night in Carcassonne. 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. Cité De Carcassonne and Basilica Of St. Sernin are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Château Comtal, learn more about the unique Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Couvent Des Jacobins.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Auch, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Parc Beaumont
Sanctuary of Our Lady of LourdesBasilica of Our Lady of the RosaryBasilica of St. Pius XChâteau Fort Musée PyrénéenParc Bel-AirMassey Garden
Château comtal de CarcassonneSaint Michael of CarcassonneChurch of Saints Nazaire and CelseCité de CarcassonnePorte Narbonnaise
Muséum de ToulousePont-NeufCouvent des JacobinsBasilica of St. SerninPark Couloumé
place Clémenceau

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
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  • Parc Beaumont
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Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Pau and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Pau for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.

Pau is a beautiful town 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 Parc Beaumont, or just taking a stroll in the town 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 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Henri IV, 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 Le Garage, 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 Au Fin Gourmet, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Snug. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Winfield Café, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Galway provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 112 km, 2 hours 24 min

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
  • Basilica of St. Pius X
  • Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen
  • Parc Bel-Air
  • Massey Garden
  • More

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in France. With 1 night left in Pau, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Pau on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect church before continuing your journey. Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary is your next stop. This curiosity-inducing church is one of the best-rated sights in Pau.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Basilica Of St. Pius X. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen and Parc Bel-air. If time allows, end your day with Massey Garden, a mesmerizing botanical garden that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Pau and your accommodation.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Resto Dit Vin, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurant L' Ardoise is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Little Monkey Bar. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Pau tonight.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Carcassonne
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Drive 289 km, 3 hours 16 min

  • Château comtal de Carcassonne
  • Saint Michael of Carcassonne
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Porte Narbonnaise
  • More

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today's adventure in Pau promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Château Comtal. This UNESCO world heritage-listed castle is a highlight of any visit in the town. Next, head over to Basilique Saint Nazaire, one of the town’s most underrated attractions, known for its majestic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Cité De Carcassonne. This grand castle is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Porte Narbonnaise, an intriguing monument, and take a stroll around the area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dine in style at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Rapière boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Domaine d'Auriac. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Carcassonne
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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Drive 276 km, 4 hours 36 min

  • Muséum de Toulouse
  • Pont-Neuf
  • Couvent des Jacobins
  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Park Couloumé
  • More

On day 4 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 Toulouse and Auch. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pau, where you will stay for 1 night.

Carcassonne is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a monument, a monastery, a church, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the intriguing Muséum De Toulouse and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Pont-neuf, a majestic monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Couvent Des Jacobins, one of the city’s most locally appreciated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Basilica Of St. Sernin. When you're finished at the church, Park Couloumé awaits your visit. This park is an eye-catching highlight on today's itinerary.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at m Restaurant, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Maynats offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Café du Passage. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Pau.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
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  • place Clémenceau
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Day 5 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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Place Clémenceau. This locally appreciated public square is a popular place to see in the town.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace, Centre Bosquet. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ô PETIT PAÙ, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, L'Imparfait is another top choice with a popular 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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