11-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bordeaux traveling south to Bayonne, Pau, Carcassonne, Nimes, and Toulouse

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Bordeaux. You’ll stay in Bordeaux for 2 nights.

Miroir D'eau is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This visually striking art installation is sure to impress. Next on your list is Place De La Bourse, another must-visit landmark and notable public square renowned for its history-steeped features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Bordeaux by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Place Du Parlement. This stunning public square is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Bordeaux experience. We also recommend visiting Tour Pey-berland, an intriguing monument. Nearby, you'll also find Bordeaux Cathedral, ready to add charm 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.

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Bordeaux by booking a table at Ressources, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Le Pressoir d'Argent - Gordon Ramsay, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit La Grand'Vigne - Les Sources de Caudalie, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Bordeaux. Nestled in the city's heart, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Lila And The Barber - Café Ludique - Bar À Jeux, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Grizzly Pub is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Dog And Duck is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

On day 4 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bordeaux and Arcachon are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bayonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make time for Musée D'aquitaine Tram Stop, an intriguing museum that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, enchanting visitors with its breathtaking appeal. Continue your exploration at Porte De Bourgogne. This monument is one of the city’s most worthwhile spots.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Arcachon, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bordeaux to Arcachon may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arcachon, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Parc Mauresque, a beloved park that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Arcachon. This car ride takes around 1 hour 3 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Dune Of Pilat, a notable sand dunes in Arcachon. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Dine in style at JANINE, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Josie Factory boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Belzunce. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bayonne.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Dame Jeanne. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Café Des Pyrénées offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Kubata & Kukubat, another top-rated bar in the area.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Bayonne and Biarritz. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau, where will spend 1 night.

Check out the locally appreciated church, Bayonne Cathedral. As you explore Bayonne’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Upon your arrival in Biarritz, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Rocher De La Vierge, a popular rock formation 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 Biarritz Aquarium and admire its eye-catching features.

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

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 Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Jumo & Co, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Garage is another top choice with a popular menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Snug, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Winfield Café is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Galway is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in France includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Lourdes and Gez. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Carcassonne, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Lourdes, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Pau to Lourdes may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lourdes, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes, a beloved church that everyone visiting Lourdes should see. Next, head to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary. This heritage-rich church is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the region.

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

Animal Park Of The Pyrenees is a locally appreciated zoo we recommend visiting today. Discover its picturesque features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

Start your culinary exploration in Carcassonne by securing a reservation at La Table de Franck Putelat. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern and creative cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Rapière, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

Wake up to day 7 of your road trip in France. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Narbonne, Portel-des-Corbières, Gruissan, and Carcassonne. With 1 night to stay in Carcassonne, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Whether you decide to explore Narbonne on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Make a stop at Cité De Carcassonne. This widely recognized castle is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Château Comtal located in Carcassonne for another exciting encounter.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to Narbonne. 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 6 min. Upon reaching Narbonne, 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 Réserve Africaine De Sigean and explore the awe-inspiring features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Portel-des-Corbières. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Terra Vinea, an intriguing wine cellar that everyone visiting Portel-des-Corbières should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Portel-des-Corbières, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Gruissan. This drive usually takes around 32 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Le Salin De L'île Saint-martin De Gruissan, a curiosity-inducing nature reserve in Gruissan. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Carcassonne and your accommodation.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at V and B Carcassonne, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Auberge des Lices offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Adélaïde. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Carcassonne.

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

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Nimes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering L'espace Van Gogh, an underrated cultural center known for its respected features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Arles Amphitheatre, a captivating archeological site.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Roman Theatre Of Arles and uncover the details of this historic archeological site.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Château Des Baux-de-provence, a captivating castle known for its symbolic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Carrières Des Lumières, an interesting art installation.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Nimes by booking a table at Duende, a 2-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Michel Kayser - Restaurant Alexandre, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Rouge, a local gem known for its delightful creative cuisine in Nimes. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at La Bonne Mousse, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, O’flaherty’s offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Nimes. News Café is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Nimes and Montpellier. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Toulouse, where you'll spend 1 night.

Make a stop at Jardin De La Fontaine. This captivating park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience.

When you’ve had your share of Nimes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Montpellier. Your travel time is around 48 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Esplanade Charles De Gaulle and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Comedy Square, another highlight in Montpellier. When you’re done exploring the public square, continue to Arc De Triomphe, an instagrammable monument.

Nearby, you will also find Jardin Des Plantes De Montpellier. This increasingly popular botanical garden is a top place to see in the area.

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

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Toulouse by booking a table at Stéphane Tournié - Les Jardins de l'Opéra. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Py-r, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Hedone, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Moloko, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Botanist Pub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Melting Pot Pub, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

On day 10 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Toulouse and Blagnac are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

Your adventure in Toulouse is only getting started when you visit Couvent Des Jacobins, a frequently visited local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Basilica Of St. Sernin. This captivating church is known for its picture-perfect appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Toulouse's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Jardin Des Plantes. This romantic botanical garden offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Blagnac. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Musée Aeroscopia, an increasingly popular aviation museum in Blagnac. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bordeaux's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Le Confidentiel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Le Chicoula Bistrot d'art? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Loco By Jem's as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bordeaux.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Lord Lion Bar Pub, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Notre Dame provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, L'engrenage offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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