5-Day France road trip from Carcassonne to Nimes and Marseille

Photo of old town of Carcassonne and pont vieux in France.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through France.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in France. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Carcassonne, 1 night in Nimes, and 1 night in Marseille, experiencing the ultimate road trip in France. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Carcassonne, Nimes, and Marseille. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in France you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Carcassonne, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in France, including the stunning Cité de Carcassonne and Jardin de La Fontaine.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in France. From the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) to the breathtaking Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean and Pont du Gard, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Palais des Papes and learn more about the unique Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon) to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Carcassonne, Nimes, and Marseille, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in France. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through France.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in France.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything France has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of France. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in France extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

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

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne / 2 nights
Photo of Nimes Arena aerial panoramic view. Nimes is a city in the Occitanie region of southern France.Nîmes / 1 night
Saint Jean Castle and Cathedral de la Major and the Vieux port in Marseille, France.Marseille / 1 night
Avignon - city in FranceAvignon
Arles - city in FranceArles

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic view of Carcassone medieval city in France against summer sky.Cité de Carcassonne
Photo of Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde in Marseille, a port city in southern France.Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)
photo of Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes), once fortress and palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, at morning, Avignon, France.Palais des Papes
Pont du GardPont du Gard
Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, La Joliette, 2nd Arrondissement, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, FranceMucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
Jardin de La Fontaine, Nimes, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceJardin de La Fontaine
Pont d'Avignon, Avignon, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, FrancePont d'Avignon
Haribo Candy Museum, Uzès, Nîmes, Gard, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceHaribo Candy Museum
photo of the Roman Arles Amphitheatre in the Old Town of Arles in France.Arles Amphitheatre
Palais LongchampPalais Longchamp
Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Comtal
Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
Grotte de Limousis, R-2753432, R-2202162, R-3792883Grotte de Limousis
Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
Portail des JacobinsPortail des Jacobins

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Carcassonne - arrival day

  • Carcassonne - Arrival day
  • More
  • Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point
  • More

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Carcassonne for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Carcassonne has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Carcassonne Castle Panorama View Point. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 467 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Carcassonne, Restaurant La Marquière. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Carcassonne is Brasserie a 4 Temps. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,551 customers.

Locals recommend Adélaïde as one of the best restaurants in the city of Carcassonne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,584 customers.

Carcassonne also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Carcassonne is Comte Roger. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Carcassonne is The Celt. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in France!

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Carcassonne and Nimes

  • Carcassonne
  • Nîmes
  • More

Drive 243 km, 3 hours 12 min

  • Château Comtal
  • Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Grotte de Limousis
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in France, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Carcassonne. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Nimes. You’ll stay in Nimes for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Carcassonne’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Carcassonne, start your day with a visit to the amazing Château Comtal. This much-appreciated castle and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Château et Remparts de la Cité de Carcassonne. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,201 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Cité de Carcassonne to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular Cité de Carcassonne is a fortress that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors.

The lovely Basilique Saint Nazaire is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,146 visitors have left this church average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Carcassonne has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Nimes. Nimes offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular The Bird. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 659 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant Skab is another top restaurant in Nimes we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 591 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,576 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Nimes, the fantastic O’Flaherty’s. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Le Questel. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 575 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, and Marseille

  • Nîmes
  • Avignon
  • Marseille
  • More

Drive 170 km, 3 hours

  • Jardin de La Fontaine
  • Haribo Candy Museum
  • Pont du Gard
  • Pont d'Avignon
  • Palais des Papes
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through France is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Nimes and the hamlet of La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Nimes is the amazing Jardin de La Fontaine. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Haribo Candy Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 17,011 visitors.

Pont du Gard is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Nimes. This well-known attraction, a spectacular arch bridge, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 29,439 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Nimes is another excellent way to spend your new day in France. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of France’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to France’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of France’s scenic spots.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Marseille.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try L'Épuisette, one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 830 customers.

Locals also recommend Twist Avenue as one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. Twist Avenue is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille is Coogee. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 533 customers.

After dinner, visit Bistrot l’Horloge, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Marseille. 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 like O'Malley. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

Alternatively, La Caravelle is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Carcassonne

  • Marseille
  • Carcassonne
  • Arles
  • More

Drive 327 km, 4 hours 15 min

  • Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
  • Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)
  • Palais Longchamp
  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Marseille and embark on a scenic drive to Carcassonne, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Marseille before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Marseille. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,446 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille). This attraction, a beloved church building, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 36,436 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Marseille is the stunning Palais Longchamp. This water tower and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Arles Amphitheatre. This attraction is a roman amphitheatre that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,060 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Auberge des Lices. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 908 customers.

Locals also recommend Le Blé Noir, another of the best restaurants in Carcassonne. Le Blé Noir is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 932 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Le Parc Franck Putelat. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 621 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit La Métairie to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Carcassonne, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Buffalo Grill Carcassonne has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,813 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Carcassonne - departure day

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
  • More
  • Portail des Jacobins
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Carcassonne before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Portail des Jacobins is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Carcassonne. This gate and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 296 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Carcassonne and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in France.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Carcassonne at La Rapière before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 816 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne for your last chance at a meal in the city of Carcassonne. The Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,650 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try V and B Carcassonne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 745 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Carcassonne. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in France!

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Experiences

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