Cheap 7-Day France Road Trip from Pau to Bordeaux and Toulouse

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

Pau is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Pau 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.

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

Visit the popular Restaurant Le Canard Royal. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 633 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is L'Opéra. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 537 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Le Garage. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,953 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

One great example is The Galway. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 731 customers.

Au Fût et à mesure is another popular bar in Pau. If you ask the 585 customers who have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Au Fût et à mesure is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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 4 wonderful destinations — Pau, Duras, Saint-Émilion, and Bordeaux.

Kick off the day at Parc Beaumont, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This green space is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,112 reviews.

Set your GPS to Duras and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Duras beckons with new experiences!

Make Castle of the Dukes of Duras your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,001 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Duras, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Saint-Émilion. This drive usually takes around 45 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Bordeaux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Saint-Émilion behind. This drive usually takes around 52 min. Bordeaux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Bordeaux, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Bordeaux is Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans). This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,090 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Bordeaux, suzzi is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 852 diners.

After dinner, visit The Connemara and experience the nightlife in the city of Bordeaux. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

You can also hang out at Molly Malone's. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Locals recommend Le Bar à Vin, so definitely check it out too. Le Bar à Vin is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 bar-goers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across France. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in France!

Day 3 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bordeaux, proving that cheap holidays in France can be extraordinary.

Your discovery of Bordeaux does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Bordeaux on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, France.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Bordeaux, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Visit the popular L'Autre Petit Bois. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,474 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is Books & Coffee. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,243 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Restaurant Melodie. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,499 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Café Brun. This bar is considered one of the best in Bordeaux and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,749 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Restaurant Le Plana, rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,688 customers. Alternatively, go to The Houses Of Parliament. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Bordeaux and boasts an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,469 reviews.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Toulouse, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Toulouse, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Montauban, Bruniquel, and Toulouse.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bordeaux and set your GPS to Montauban. 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 12 min. Upon reaching Montauban, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set your GPS to Bruniquel and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 30 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bruniquel beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Bruniquel Castle is a great place to start with. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,889 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Toulouse, 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 Bruniquel to Toulouse may take around 1 hour 7 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in France.

We recommend a local favorite like Oh la vache! This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,333 customers.

Bapz is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Toulouse. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,239 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Toulouse you might want to check out is La Cantine Des Sales Gosses. La Cantine Des Sales Gosses is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,095 reviews.

The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery is one of the best bars in Toulouse and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 647 customers.

You may also want to check out The Black Lion. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. The Black Lion is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,606 customers.

Alternatively, head out to La Gourmandine - Côté Marché - Toulouse. La Gourmandine - Côté Marché - Toulouse has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,396 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in France!

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in France, Toulouse. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Toulouse!

Touring the best attractions in France offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to France you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in France. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in France.

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 Toulouse that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

CERISE - Le Café is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,012 customers.

Allegory Coffee Bar is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Grain De Folie, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 623 reviews.

One great example is The George and Dragon. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,383 customers.

The London Town is another popular bar in Toulouse. If you ask the 1,388 customers who have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, The London Town is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Pau. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Pau.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Square Charles de Gaulle. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 4,579 reviews.

Basilica of St. Sernin is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,287 reviews.

After soaking in Toulouse’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Carcassonne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 9 min. When you arrive in Carcassonne, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Château Comtal, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,823 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Cité de Carcassonne is a recommended place to visit. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 76,968 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to Pau. 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 51 min. Upon reaching Pau, 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.

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

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

Visit the popular Le Berry. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,274 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in France is Restaurant Cotes & Mer. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 835 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Le Henri IV. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 751 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

An excellent example is Winfield Café, which has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 791 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is L'Imparfait. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 152 customers.

Locals also enjoy Manhattan Bar, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 109 customers, an after-dinner drink at Manhattan Bar is the perfect way to end this day.

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

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 Pau.

Optimize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Pau’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in France, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Pau, consider a top-rated restaurant like Gueuleton - Pau. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 696 customers.

Le Café du Passage is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 833 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Ô PETIT PAÙ. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 570 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Pau.

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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!