Cheap 7-Day France Road Trip from Marseille to Valence, Lyon, Nimes, and Carcassonne

Your exciting road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of Marseille, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Marseille and begin your adventure in France.

Marseille is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Marseille is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Marseille offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

Eat at L'Épuisette. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 830 reviews.

You can also check out Twist Avenue. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Coogee. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 533 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Bistrot l’Horloge and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,794 customers.

O'Malley is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit La Caravelle, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in France!

Day 2 of your road trip across France is another proof that cheap holidays in France can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Marseille and Valence.

Journey into the unknown at Marseille Cathedral, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,714 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,446 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Marseille is Calanques National Park. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,632 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Marseille offers an experience you will remember.

Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Marseille. This church building promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.7 out of 5 stars in 36,436 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Valence. This car ride takes around 2 hours 14 min.

Valence offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Valence offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in France! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Valence!

Day 3 of your road trip across France offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Lyon, Bron, and Lyon. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Lyon.

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 Bron. Your travel time is around 1 hour 12 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is iFLY Lyon. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,468 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lyon, 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 Bron to Lyon may take around 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Lyon. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Lyon, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Lyon, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

You could check out L Bar food & drink, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,758 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Bouchon Tupin is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at L'Institut Restaurant. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. L'Institut Restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 853 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Black Forest Society to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Lyon, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Livestation DIY - Lyon. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Livestation DIY - Lyon has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.

Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière" is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 5 charming destinations — Caluire-et-Cuire, Lyon, Vaulx-en-velin, Avignon, and Nimes. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Nimes.

Start your day with a visit to Place Bellecour. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,560 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lyon, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Caluire-et-Cuire. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like parc de la Tête d'Or. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 50,621 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Caluire-et-Cuire, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Vaulx-en-velin. Your travel time is around 13 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 12,314 reviews.

After soaking in Vaulx-en-velin’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Avignon. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 27 min. When you arrive in Avignon, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Palais des Papes. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 36,931 visitors and gets around 616,210 visits every year.

Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon) is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,658 travelers.

While exploring France is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Nimes has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Nimes on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Nimes has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One musty-try restaurant is The Bird. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 659 customers.

Restaurant Skab is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 591 reviews. Restaurant Skab is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Le Dé-K-Lé Bistrot Gourmand. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,576 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

O’Flaherty’s is a fantastic bar many locals in Nimes recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,377 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Restaurant Au Flan Coco Nimes, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 993 customers.

Le Questel is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Nimes. Customers have rated the exciting Le Questel an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 575 reviews.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in France!

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Carcassonne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Carcassonne, you'll explore 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Nimes, La Bégude de Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Sagriès, Gruissan, and Carcassonne.

Make Jardin de La Fontaine one of your first sightseeing stops in Nimes. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,878 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Narbonne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Narbonne and set your GPS to Carcassonne. 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 1 hour. Upon reaching Carcassonne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

Carcassonne offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in France. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in France, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Carcassonne that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Restaurant La Marquière. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 680 customers.

Another dining option is Brasserie a 4 Temps. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Brasserie a 4 Temps has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,551 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Adélaïde for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,584 customers have rated the irresistible Adélaïde an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Carcassonne. Comte Roger is a fantastic option, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,143 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, don't forget to check out The Celt. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,000 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is La Métairie. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 756 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Carcassonne!

Day 6 of your road trip across France is another proof that cheap holidays in France can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Carcassonne, Arles, and Marseille.

Make Château Comtal your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,823 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Cité de Carcassonne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this fortress every year.

Basilique Saint Nazaire is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This church has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,146 visitors.

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 Arles may take around 2 hours 17 min. Upon your arrival in Arles, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Arles Amphitheatre. This roman amphitheatre is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Arles, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.

After soaking in Arles’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Marseille. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 4 min. When you arrive in Marseille, it's time to take a break from the road.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Marseille. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Marseille, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A cheap, budget vacation in Marseille should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Marseille, try some of our top recommendations.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Marseille is Le Bouchon Provençal. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,207 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Marseille, Chez Roger is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,502 diners.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Le Café de la Banque. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Bar Bu. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers.

The Queen Victoria also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 3,995 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through France with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in France!

Your budget road trip vacation in France is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Marseille.

Make the most of your final day in France by visiting Marseille’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in France.

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

For example, Paulette - Restaurant Vieux Port has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,345 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, La cigale vieux port is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 918 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 934 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Marseille.

You’ll then say farewell to Marseille. 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!