10-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux traveling north to Poitiers, Orléans, Paris, Le Mans, and La Rochelle

On day 2 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 Bordeaux. In the evening, you’ll end up in Poitiers, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start by visiting Bordeaux Cathedral, a prime spot to begin your journey. This majestic church is sure to impress. Next on your list is Place De La Bourse, another must-visit landmark and captivating public square renowned for its majestic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Bordeaux by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Miroir D'eau. This awe-inspiring art installation is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Bordeaux experience. We also recommend visiting Jardin Public, a popular park.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Poitiers. Poitiers offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Poitiers, 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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Poitiers by securing a reservation at La Chênaie. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel Ibis site du Futuroscope boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Le Zinc, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Café Des Arts is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Le Bar Des Papas also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at the captivating Château De Chenonceau, a stunning castle in Poitiers. Next, go to Château D'amboise.

Château De Chambord is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at L'Hibiscus, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, La Table, known for its delicious modern and creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Orléans is Le Lièvre Gourmand, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious creative menu.

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

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Fontainebleau and Versailles. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Paris, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Orléans. Begin your sightseeing with Palace Of Fontainebleau. This interesting castle is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Gardens Of Versailles, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Orléans, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Palace Of Versailles. This world-famous palace is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Hall Of Mirrors, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Marie-antoinette's Estate is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Paris by reserving a table at Kei. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern and creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Le Pré Catelan, recognized for its delicious creative and contemporary dishes. This 3-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Épicure, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in Paris. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 3 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Café De Paris V, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Dirty Dick. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Little Red Door, another top-rated place in the area.

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

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Paris by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Get ready for an exciting day in Paris. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a park, a monument, and a museum. Begin your adventure at Champ De Mars. This is a wondrous park you should not miss. Another must-see is Eiffel Tower, a world-famous monument in Paris.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Tuileries Garden. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Musée D'orsay, another of the city’s top-rated attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Louvre Museum, a heritage-rich place of interest 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Paris. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Le Sens Unique beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Caveau de l'isle. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Paris tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Prescription Cocktail Club, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Le Boucan is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Mamie Paris also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Day 6 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Le Marais is a neighborhood that stands out as one of the must-see places in Paris. Take a moment to explore its distinct atmosphere, and don’t miss the popular sightseeing spots just a short walk away. For another highlight, head to Champs-Élysées, a street offering its own unique experiences.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Arc De Triomphe. This globally renowned monument is an enchanting place to see in Paris. Continue your discovery at Place De La Concorde, a history-steeped public square with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Paris, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Notre-dame De Paris. This notable church offers a history-steeped encounter with Paris. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Paris.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at The Harp Bar, a top-rated dining spot in Paris. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Bistro des Augustins, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Petit Châtelet. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Paris.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Sherry Butt, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Highlander offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Le Sully provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will explore Angers, 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 La Rochelle. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Le Mans today. One of the most popular attractions included on the itinerary is Château D'angers. This enchanting castle will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Angers Cathedral and learn what makes this history-steeped church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended Galerie David D'angers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle's best restaurants.

Experience a harmony of flavors at L'Hysope in La Rochelle by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, L'Hysope offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative and modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Christopher Coutanceau, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing seafood and modern cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Continue your lively evening at Mac Ewan's Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Le Cadre is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Le Plan B ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.

On day 9 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 Rochefort. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore La Rochelle on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Pont Transbordeur is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this culturally significant historical landmark before continuing your journey. Association Hermione La Fayette is your next stop. This worthwhile historic ship is one of the best-rated sights in La Rochelle.

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 National Museum Of The Marine Rochefort. This photogenic museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Place Colbert.

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.

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

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Bordeaux by securing a table at Ressources. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern cuisine in Bordeaux. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Grizzly Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Dog And Duck is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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