10-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux traveling north to Poitiers, Orléans, Paris, Le Mans, and La Rochelle

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 1 place, which are Bordeaux. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Poitiers, where will spend 1 night.

Catch Bordeaux Cathedral before the crowds roll in. This enchanting church is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the UNESCO world heritage-listed features of Place De La Bourse, a must-visit public square in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Miroir D'eau, an interesting art installation. For a change of scene, check out Jardin Public, known for its serene features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Poitiers, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Poitiers is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Poitiers.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Poitiers by securing a table at La Chênaie. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional traditional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try Hotel Ibis site du Futuroscope, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Keep the evening going at Le Zinc, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Café Des Arts, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Le Bar Des Papas, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in France includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Fontainebleau and Versailles. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Paris, where you'll spend 3 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Orléans, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Fontainebleau. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 27 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Fontainebleau is Palace Of Fontainebleau, a notable castle that draws attention for its history-steeped features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Versailles. This car ride takes around 58 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Gardens Of Versailles, a well-known botanical garden that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Palace Of Versailles and admire its symbolic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Hall Of Mirrors, a worthwhile palace beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Marie-antoinette's Estate, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Paris. Paris offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Paris by booking a table at Kei. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Le Pré Catelan, celebrated for its delectable creative and contemporary menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Épicure, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Continue your lively evening at Café De Paris V, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Dirty Dick is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Little Red Door ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Head back to your accommodation in Paris and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in France.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Paris has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Paris.

Champ De Mars leaves a lasting impression. This park is one of the most world-famous places to visit in Paris. Next, head to Eiffel Tower, an iconic monument, known for its grand features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Tuileries Garden. This romantic park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Musée D'orsay and Louvre Museum Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in France. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Paris, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Le Marais Restaurant Paris, a top-rated dining destination in Paris. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Sens Unique, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Caveau de l'isle. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Paris this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Prescription Cocktail Club, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Boucan provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Mamie Paris offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in France.

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Paris for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Le Marais, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Paris. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions. Another must-visit is Champs-Élysées, a street offering a different perspective on Paris.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the timeless Arc De Triomphe and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Place De La Concorde, a romantic public square that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Notre-dame De Paris, one of the city’s most popular spots that you shouldn’t miss.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in France. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Dine in style at The Harp Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Le Bistro des Augustins boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Petit Châtelet. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Paris.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Sherry Butt stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Highlander offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Le Sully is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Say good night to Paris and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Angers. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in La Rochelle, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Le Mans and set your GPS to Angers. 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 5 min. Upon reaching Angers, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Château D'angers and explore the grand features. Next, make your way to Angers Cathedral, another highlight in Angers. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Galerie David D'angers, a detailed art gallery.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in La Rochelle. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in La Rochelle. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at L'Hysope, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Christopher Coutanceau is one of the best restaurants for seafood and modern cuisine in La Rochelle. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Mac Ewan's Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Le Cadre, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Le Plan B also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Rochefort. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bordeaux, where will spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Rochefort, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from La Rochelle to Rochefort may take around 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Rochefort, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Pont Transbordeur is an underrated historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its respected features before continuing your self-guided tour to Association Hermione La Fayette, an awe-inspiring historic ship that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by National Museum Of The Marine Rochefort, a photogenic museum. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Place Colbert, a heritage-rich and truly unique public square.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bordeaux. Bordeaux offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bordeaux. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bordeaux by reserving a table at Ressources. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 2-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Grizzly Pub, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Dog And Duck provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Say good night to Bordeaux and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!