6-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Carcassonne and Bordeaux and surrounding area

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 2 places, which are Lourdes and Gez. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Carcassonne, where will spend 2 nights.

As you explore Lourdes’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

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 35 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 Grottes De Bétharram, a beloved cave system that everyone visiting Lourdes should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lourdes. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary. Spend some time admiring the culturally significant features of the church before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Gez. This drive usually takes around 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Animal Park Of The Pyrenees, an increasingly popular zoo that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a highly-rated dining destination in Carcassonne. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Rapière, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Domaine d'Auriac. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Carcassonne this evening.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Carcassonne, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Carcassonne and Lastours.

Cité De Carcassonne makes a great addition to your morning plans. This extraordinary castle is a visually striking place to see in Carcassonne. Continue your discovery at Basilique Saint Nazaire, an enchanting church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Carcassonne, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Château Comtal. This intriguing castle offers a grand encounter with Carcassonne. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Carcassonne.

Lastours’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Carcassonne behind. This drive usually takes around 25 min. Lastours welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Les Quatre Châteaux De Lastours and explore the culturally significant features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Carcassonne.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at V and B Carcassonne, a popular restaurant in Carcassonne. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Carcassonne at Auberge des Lices, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Adélaïde. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Carcassonne tonight.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Bordeaux and Le Bouscat. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Bordeaux, where you'll spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Carcassonne and set your GPS to Bordeaux. 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 3 hours 10 min. Upon reaching Bordeaux, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Bordeaux is Basilica Of St. Michael, Bordeaux, an up-and-coming church that draws attention for its stunning features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, an awe-inspiring historical landmark that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Bordeaux Cathedral, a popular church that offers a unique experience.

When you arrive in Le Bouscat, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Parc Bordelais, a locally appreciated park known for its romantic features.

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

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.

Dine in style at Le Cent 33, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, L'Originel boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Le Clemenceau. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bordeaux.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Café Brun, known for its inviting atmosphere. Le Mushroom Café is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Whose Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in France!

On day 5 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bordeaux are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Pau, where you will stay for 1 night.

No visit to Bordeaux is complete without Jardin Public. This notable park is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Monument Aux Girondins, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Bordeaux, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Porte Cailhau. This underrated monument is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Miroir D'eau, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Place De La Bourse is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Resto Dit Vin, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant L' Ardoise? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Little Monkey Bar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Pau.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in France.