12-Day France Road Trip from Carcassonne traveling east to Avignon, Nice, Marseille, Nimes, Valence, Lyon, and Montpellier

Say hello to Carcassonne! Your exciting road trip through France is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Carcassonne for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

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

Find your way to your hotel in Carcassonne. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Carcassonne. 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 delightful dining experience at Restaurant La Marquière while you’re in Carcassonne. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 680 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Carcassonne is Brasserie a 4 Temps. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 2,551 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

While in Carcassonne, enjoy Adélaïde’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,584 satisfied guests.

Comte Roger is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,143 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Carcassonne we recommend is The Celt, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in France!

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Carcassonne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

Don't forget to book a table at Auberge des Lices, a well-known eatery in Carcassonne. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 908 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Le Blé Noir while exploring Carcassonne. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 932 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Parc Franck Putelat, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 621 discerning diners.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in France. One of the best bars in the city is La Métairie. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Carcassonne, we recommend the cocktails at Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. This bar has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,813 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in France, where you’ll be making 4 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Narbonne, Narbonne, Béziers, and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Avignon. Avignon will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Narbonne Cathedral. This cathedral is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Narbonne, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,029 visitors.

After soaking in Narbonne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Béziers. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 31 min. When you arrive in Béziers, it's time to take a break from the road.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Béziers, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Avignon may take around 1 hour 50 min. Upon your arrival in Avignon, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Avignon, 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 Avignon's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Avenio, an iconic dining spot in Avignon. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 655 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Restaurant EAT while in Avignon. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, treasured by 515 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Le Vintage, a favorite in Avignon. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,980 discerning guests.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, O'Collins's Irish Pub is our number one recommendation. Around 1,425 customers have rated this bar 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Le Carré du Palais also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,194 reviews.

Restaurant Bar à Vin Le 46 is another popular place to spend the evening in Avignon. This bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 637 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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 Avignon, Cannes, and Nice. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nice, where you will stay for 2 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Palais des Papes. This palace typically receives around 616,210 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 36,931 reviews.

Continue your journey at Jardin des doms. This urban park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,201 travelers from near and far.

Avignon is also the home of Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 17,658 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Mougins. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nice. This car ride takes around 41 min.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Nice, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nice.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Les Amoureux, an acclaimed dining establishment in Nice. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 1,622 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Chez Acchiardo while experiencing the best of Nice. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,467 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Les Sens, an elegant culinary destination in Nice. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 920 previous guests.

Wayne's Bar is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,557 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Shounga. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,693 customers.

Les Distilleries Idéales is another of the best bars in the city of Nice that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,572 customers.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Nice, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Albert I Garden. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,739 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Castle Hill. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,646 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nice, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Set course for Monaco! Under favorable conditions, your drive to Monaco may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Monaco, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Nice.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Galet, an iconic dining spot in Nice. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 2,632 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Peixes while in Nice. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, treasured by 1,157 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Le Frog, a favorite in Nice. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,109 discerning guests.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Riviera & Tours. This place has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 820 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Le Vingt4. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 453 customers.

Ma Nolan's Irish Pub is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,215 customers.

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

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Nice and set your GPS to Marseille. 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 2 hours 36 min. Upon reaching Marseille, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

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

Don't miss out on experiencing L'Épuisette, a renowned dining spot in Marseille. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 830 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Twist Avenue while immersing yourself in Marseille. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Coogee, a beloved dining establishment within Marseille. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 533 satisfied customers.

Bistrot l’Horloge is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like O'Malley. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

La Caravelle is another top-rated bar in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Les Baux-de-Provence, Arles, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Nimes, 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 Nimes. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Arles Amphitheatre. Previous visitors have rated this roman amphitheatre an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,060 reviews.

Set your GPS to Nimes and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Nimes beckons with new experiences!

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

Reserve your spot at The Bird, a popular local restaurant in Nimes. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 659 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Restaurant Skab during your stay in Nimes. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 591 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand, a popular local gem in Nimes. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,576 satisfied guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to O’Flaherty’s. Around 1,377 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Locals of Les Baux-de-Provence also enjoy the drinks at Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This place is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 993 customers and is one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is Le Questel. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in Nimes and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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 4 vibrant destinations - Générargues, Anduze, Largentière, and Valence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Valence. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Alès’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nimes behind. This drive usually takes around 44 min. Alès welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Valence, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 9 of your road trip in France, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Caluire-et-Cuire, Lyon, and Lyon. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lyon. Lyon will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Valence, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. Your travel time is around 1 hour 19 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is parc de la Tête d'Or. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 50,621 reviews.

Set your GPS to Lyon and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lyon beckons with new experiences!

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Lyon. Lyon offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Lyon.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit L Bar food & drink. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Lyon has received a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from around 2,758 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Bouchon Tupin should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Lyon, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 969 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at L'Institut Restaurant. This highly regarded restaurant in Lyon has earned a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 853 satisfied guests.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to Black Forest Society. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to Livestation DIY - Lyon. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière". This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

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

On day 10 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 Lyon, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, and Montpellier. In the evening, you’ll end up in Montpellier, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Place Bellecour. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,560 reviews.

Next up is Bartholdi Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,741 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lyon, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nimes may take around 2 hours 27 min. Upon your arrival in Nimes, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Montpellier’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nimes behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Montpellier welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Coldrip food and coffee, a distinguished dining establishment in Montpellier. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 644 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Montpellier is Empanadas Club. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 1,371 happy diners.

Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub stands out as a local favorite in Montpellier. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,623 customers.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Les Enfants Rouges. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,050 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is O'Carolans Irish Pub. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,118 customers.

The Shakespeare also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 903 customers.

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.

On day 11 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Montpellier and Carcassonne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Carcassonne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at esplanade Charles de Gaulle, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8,915 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Comedy Square is a recommended place to visit. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,883 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Montpellier is Planet Ocean World. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 8,786 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Montpellier offers an experience you will remember.

Promenade of Peyrou is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Montpellier. This square promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,308 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,446 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Montpellier, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Carcassonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 44 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Carcassonne, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Make sure to book a table at La Rapière, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.1 out of 5-star rating from 816 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne during your stay in Carcassonne. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 2,650 satisfied guests.

Savor the flavors of V and B Carcassonne, a renowned dining destination in Carcassonne. Offering a menu that's sure to please, it has a gained 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 745 satisfied guests.

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

Day 12 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Carcassonne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Carcassonne’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of France. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. 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!