One-Week France Road Trip from Grenoble to Besancon, Mulhouse, Lyon, and Marseille and surrounding area

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

Grenoble is a popular cheap holiday destination in France with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in France, Grenoble 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. Grenoble has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

You could check out Restaurant La Petite Idée, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 804 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Pizzeria Come Prima is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,055 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at La Ferme à Dédé. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. La Ferme à Dédé has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,169 customer reviews.

Enjoy a drink or two at L'Ardoise. Around 1,127 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at le coq hardi, where you can relax and have some fun. Le coq hardi is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 991 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Pub Shakesbeer, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in 850 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Besancon, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Besancon, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Grenoble and Besancon.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museum of the Resistance and Deportation of Isère. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 737 visitors.

Musée de Grenoble is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,100 visitors.

Fort de La Bastille is also highly recommended by travelers. This park has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,303 visitors.

Jardin des Dauphins is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,062 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Besancon, 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 Grenoble to Besancon may take around 3 hours 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

Going on cheap, budget vacations in France shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Besancon is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

You could check out Café des Félins, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 671 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

L'Alsacien Besançon is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,828 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Les Tables d'antan. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Les Tables d'antan has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 756 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Besancon. Le 1802 is a popular option, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 854 customers.

Continue your evening at Pub Kilarney. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 526 customers.

The coffee Brass'éliande is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 929 customers.

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

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

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Besancon, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Trois-Épis may take around 2 hours. Upon your arrival in Trois-Épis, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Strasbourg, 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 Trois-Épis to Strasbourg may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Parc de l'Orangerie is a great place to start with. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,139 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,268 travelers.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Strasbourg and set your GPS to Mulhouse. 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 26 min. Upon reaching Mulhouse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Mulhouse 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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Mulhouse, 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.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Volfoni Mulhouse, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,646 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend L'Entrecôte de Mulhouse, so you'll want to drop by this place. L'Entrecôte de Mulhouse serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,603 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Mulhouse is Crêperie Crampous Mad. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Los Buenos Días is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Le Cellier. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

The Tavern of the Teutonic Knights is another top-rated bar in the city of Mulhouse. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 700 customers.

A road trip vacation in Colmar can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in France!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across France, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Caluire-et-Cuire, Lyon, and Lyon. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Lyon.

Drop by the renowned parc de la Tête d'Or. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 50,621 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caluire-et-Cuire and set your GPS to Lyon. 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 22 min. Upon reaching Lyon, 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.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Lyon, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is L Bar food & drink. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,758 customers.

Another dining option is Bouchon Tupin. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Bouchon Tupin has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 969 reviews.

Make sure to stop by L'Institut Restaurant for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 853 customers have rated the irresistible L'Institut Restaurant an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Black Forest Society is one of the best bars in Lyon and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

You may also want to check out Livestation DIY - Lyon, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Livestation DIY - Lyon is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,452 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Les Fleurs du Malt le Bar "La Mise en Bière". This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,225 customers.

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

Day 5 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 Marseille.

When you’ve had your share of Lyon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Marseille. Your travel time is around 3 hours 8 min.

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.

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is L'Épuisette. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 830 customers.

Twist Avenue is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 618 customers.

Coogee has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 533 reviews.

Make your way to Bistrot l’Horloge. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at O'Malley? This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars among 1,796 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is La Caravelle. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

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

Day 6 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Cannes, proving that cheap holidays in France can be extraordinary.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in France sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in France. France has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in France that will fill you with new inspiration.

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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Le Bouchon Provençal. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,207 customers.

Another dining option is Chez Roger. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Chez Roger has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,502 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Nul Part Ailleurs for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,400 customers have rated the irresistible Nul Part Ailleurs an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Le Café de la Banque. This bar is considered one of the best in Marseille and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Bu, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers. Alternatively, go to The Queen Victoria. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Marseille and boasts an average of 4 out of 5 stars in 3,995 reviews.

A road trip vacation in Cannes can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in France!

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in France will take you to the city of Grenoble, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Grenoble, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in France, including Avignon, Vaison-la-Romaine, and Grenoble.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Marseille, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Avignon. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon), a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 17,658 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Jardin des doms. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,201 travelers.

Palais des Papes is another must-visit attraction. This renowned palace offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 travelers and attracting 616,210 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vaison-la-Romaine. This car ride takes around 55 min.

Drop by the renowned Roman Bridge. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,024 visitors.

Grenoble’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Vaison-la-Romaine behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 18 min. Grenoble welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Grenoble 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Grenoble, 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.

We recommend a local favorite like My Little Warung Grenoble. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,183 customers.

La Cuisine des Tontons is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Grenoble. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 785 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Grenoble you might want to check out is Cedar Restaurant. Cedar Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 840 reviews.

Restaurant La Table des Bro's Grenoble is a fantastic bar many locals in Grenoble recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 682 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Le Champollion Bar, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 609 customers.

Bar Au RENCARD is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Grenoble. Customers have rated the exciting Bar Au RENCARD an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 555 reviews.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in France is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Grenoble.

Optimize your last day in France and go on a shopping spree in Grenoble’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 Grenoble.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Grenoble, consider a top-rated restaurant like Kai iwi Café. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Restaurant Une Semaine sur Deux 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 776 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is OWASABI. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 708 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of France and your fun memories in Grenoble.

You’ll then say farewell to Grenoble. 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!