Affordable 7-Day Relaxed France Road Trip Vacation from Carcassonne to Bordeaux

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in France with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Carcassonne and Bordeaux. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 4 nights in Carcassonne and 2 nights in Bordeaux. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Experience an easy 7-day self-drive tour across France with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in France so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Carcassonne, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in France. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout France.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Cité de Carcassonne in Carcassonne. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Château Comtal.

Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent place de la Bourse. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable miroir d'eau. Get close to the spectacular jardin public and the wonderful Bordeaux Cathedral. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else France has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.

By the end of your 7-day road trip through France, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in France and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Carcassonne - city in FranceCarcassonne / 4 nights
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 2 nights

Map

Attractions

Photo of scenic view of Carcassone medieval city in France against summer sky.Cité de Carcassonne
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
Jardin PublicJardin Public
Saint Andre Cathedral of Bordeaux - France, AquitaineBordeaux Cathedral
Château Comtal, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Comtal
photo of Monument aux Girondins at morning in Bordeaux, France.Monument aux Girondins
Proche cité
Parc Bordelais, R-105270, R-1667452, R-2202162, R-3792880, R-7405Parc bordelais
Grosse ClocheThe big bell of Bordeaux
Gironde, Bordeaux, AERIAL VIEW, Zone CLASSEE WORLD HERITAGE OF UNESCO, FLOATING BASINS, UNDERWATER BASE, AERIAL ViewBETASOM
photo of The Porte Cailhau or Porte du Palais is a former town gate of the city of Bordeaux, France. It is one of the main touristic attractions of the city.Porte Cailhau
France, Bordeaux, the St. Michel basilicaBasilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
Museum of Aquitaine in the centre of Bordeaux city in FranceMusée d'Aquitaine tram stop
Parc de BourranParc de Bourran
Place du ParlementPlace du Parlement
photo of morning view on the square with Tour Pey-Berland in Bordeaux city, France.Tour Pey-Berland
Grotte de Limousis, R-2753432, R-2202162, R-3792883Grotte de Limousis
LE PARC AUSTRALIEN parc animalier intéractif
Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours, Lastours, Carcassonne, Aude, Occitania, Metropolitan France, FranceLes Quatre Châteaux de Lastours
Carcassonne Cathedral, R-37774, R-2753432, R-2202162, R-3792883Carcassonne Cathedral
Village du Livre et des Arts de Montolieu
Écluse de Saint-JeanÉcluse de Saint-Jean

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

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through France begins when you reach Carcassonne, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Carcassonne is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Carcassonne offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Restaurant La Marquière. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.

Brasserie a 4 Temps serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Carcassonne has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,551 reviews.

Adélaïde is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,584 customers, Adélaïde is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Carcassonne looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Comte Roger, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,143 reviews.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in France! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Carcassonne, Marmonières, Lastours, and Palaja

  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 64 km, 1 hour 30 min

  • LE PARC AUSTRALIEN parc animalier intéractif
  • Cité de Carcassonne
  • Écluse de Saint-Jean
  • Les Quatre Châteaux de Lastours
  • Grotte de Limousis
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you'll explore the best attractions in Carcassonne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Carcassonne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Cité de Carcassonne. This incredible fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 76,968 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Carcassonne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through France extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Carcassonne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Auberge des Lices. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 908 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Le Blé Noir, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Le Blé Noir is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 932 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended The Celt. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,000 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Carcassonne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular La Métairie. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 756 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Carcassonne and Montolieu

  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 45 km, 1 hour 21 min

  • Proche cité
  • Carcassonne Cathedral
  • Church of Saints Nazaire and Celse
  • Château Comtal
  • Village du Livre et des Arts de Montolieu
  • More

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, you'll explore the best attractions in Carcassonne at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Carcassonne, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Carcassonne Cathedral. This incredible catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,294 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in France by seeing another popular site in Carcassonne, the wonderful Basilique Saint Nazaire. This church is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,294 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Château Comtal. This castle has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Carcassonne itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through France extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Carcassonne. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Le Parc Franck Putelat. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 621 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at La Rapière, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. La Rapière is rated 4.1 stars out of 5 by 816 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Buffalo Grill Carcassonne. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 3,813 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Carcassonne and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Buffalo Grill Salvaza Carcassonne. This vibrant bar is rated 4 out of 5 stars by 2,650 customers.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 3 of your relaxed road trip across France, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 336 km, 3 hours 24 min

  • Basilica of St Michael, Bordeaux
  • The big bell of Bordeaux
  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • Tour Pey-Berland
  • More

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bordeaux. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bordeaux, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Basilica of St. Michael, Bordeaux is waiting for you. This church building has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,684 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is The big bell of Bordeaux. This unique bell tower is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,871 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Bordeaux Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,591 visitors, this catholic cathedral is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Tour Pey-Berland. This popular tower and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,070 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bordeaux has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,090 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans).

Locals also recommend suzzi as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at suzzi as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 852 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Symbiose. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 896 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like The Connemara. The Connemara is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Molly Malone's. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Le Bar à Vin. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Le Bar à Vin is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Bordeaux, Le Bouscat, Lormont, and Merignac

  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 25 km, 1 hour 27 min

  • Parc de Bourran
  • Parc bordelais
  • Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop
  • Jardin Public
  • BETASOM
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you'll explore the best attractions in Bordeaux at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bordeaux, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Parc de Bourran. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,592 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in France by seeing another popular site in Bordeaux, the wonderful parc bordelais. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,592 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Musée d'Aquitaine tram stop. This tram stop has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,662 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable jardin public. This urban park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,341 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous BETASOM. This amazing site is a wonderful submarine base with more than 4,804 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in France. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bordeaux itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through France extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bordeaux. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, L'Autre Petit Bois. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,474 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Books & Coffee, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Books & Coffee is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 2,243 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Melodie. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,499 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bordeaux and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Café Brun. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,749 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Restaurant Le Plana. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Houses Of Parliament. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Houses Of Parliament has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 6

Day 6 – Bordeaux and Carcassonne

  • Bordeaux
  • Carcassonne
  • More

Drive 340 km, 3 hours 42 min

  • Monument aux Girondins
  • Porte Cailhau
  • Place du Parlement
  • Miroir d'eau
  • Place de la Bourse
  • More

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through France gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bordeaux. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Carcassonne, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Monument aux Girondins is waiting for you. This column has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,483 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Porte Cailhau. This unique city gate is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,609 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible place du Parlement. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,489 visitors, this square is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding miroir d'eau. This popular reflecting pool and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,462 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to place de la Bourse. This attraction is a valued square in the area that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bordeaux has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Carcassonne. In Carcassonne, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in France.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 745 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing V and B Carcassonne.

Locals also recommend Le Domaine d'Auriac as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Le Domaine d'Auriac as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 426 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at L'Oliveraie. This restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 529 customers.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through France!

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Experiences

Day 7

Day 7 – Carcassonne - departure day

  • Carcassonne - Departure day
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Carcassonne.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Carcassonne once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in France on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Carcassonne or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Carcassonne and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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Experiences

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