One-Week France Road Trip from Carcassonne traveling north to Albi, Cahors, Bordeaux, and Toulouse

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach Carcassonne and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Carcassonne for 1 night 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 city.

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

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Carcassonne. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in France. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Restaurant La Marquière. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Carcassonne boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 680 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Carcassonne is Brasserie a 4 Temps. It has garnered a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,551 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Adélaïde, in Carcassonne. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,584 satisfied customers.

One of the best bars in Carcassonne you could visit tonight after your dinner is Comte Roger. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,143 customers.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Carcassonne, Marmonières, Lastours, and Albi. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Albi. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Start your day with a visit to Cité de Carcassonne. This extraordinary fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors.

Next, make your way to Basilique Saint Nazaire. This top attraction is a church with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,146 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Château Comtal. This castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Carcassonne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Albi may take around 1 hour 45 min. Upon your arrival in Albi, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Albi, 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 Albi's best restaurants.

Book a table at O'Sully'S Albi, a famous dining establishment in Albi. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,501 satisfied diners.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Albi.

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

On day 3 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 Albi, Gaillac, Padirac, Rocamadour, and Cahors. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cahors, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Parc de Foucaud. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,424 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gourdon. This car ride takes around 1 hour 54 min.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cahors, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Gourdon to Cahors may take around 1 hour 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Cahors. Cahors 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 Cahors. 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.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Beynac-et-Cazenac, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, and Bordeaux. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Bordeaux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 31 min. Bordeaux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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

Plan ahead and secure a table at Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans), an acclaimed dining establishment in Bordeaux. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,090 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of suzzi while experiencing the best of Bordeaux. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 852 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Symbiose, an elegant culinary destination in Bordeaux. 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 896 previous guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend The Connemara, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Molly Malone's. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Le Bar à Vin is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 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.

Day 5 of your road trip across France promises a magnificent time exploring Lormont. You have 1 night left in Lormont. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the town.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Lormont on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at L'Autre Petit Bois while you’re in Bordeaux. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 2,474 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Bordeaux is Books & Coffee. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 2,243 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

While in Bordeaux, enjoy Restaurant Melodie’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,499 satisfied guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to Café Brun. Around 1,749 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals of Lormont also enjoy the drinks at Restaurant Le Plana. This place is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers and is one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is The Houses Of Parliament. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Bordeaux and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Bordeaux Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,591 visitors.

When you’re finished at Bordeaux Cathedral, head to The big bell of Bordeaux. This one-of-a-kind bell tower is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,871 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Porte Cailhau. This city gate is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,609 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,462 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to place de la Bourse. This famous square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bordeaux and set your GPS to Toulouse. 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 29 min. Upon reaching Toulouse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Toulouse, 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 Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Oh la vache! while you’re in Toulouse. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 1,333 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Toulouse is Bapz. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 1,239 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

While in Toulouse, enjoy La Cantine Des Sales Gosses’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,095 satisfied guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery. Around 647 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Locals of Bordeaux also enjoy the drinks at The Black Lion. This place is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,606 customers and is one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is La Gourmandine - Côté Marché - Toulouse. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,396 customers.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 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 Toulouse, Blagnac, and Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Carcassonne. Carcassonne will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Basilica of St. Sernin, a remarkable minor basilica where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,287 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Place Saint-Pierre. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,139 travelers.

Pont-Neuf is another must-visit attraction. This renowned deck arch bridge offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,845 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Jardin des Plantes. This well-loved park boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 9,847 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Toulouse, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Carcassonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Carcassonne. Carcassonne 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Carcassonne's best restaurants.

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.

An excellent example is La Métairie, which has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 756 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,813 customers.

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

Day 8 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!