7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Montpellier traveling north to Marseille, Lyon, and Nimes

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Montpellier and La Grande-Motte. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Marseille, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Comedy Square is an ideal stop early in the day. This locally renowned public square is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Esplanade Charles De Gaulle, which may be one of the most awe-inspiring places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Montpellier on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Fabre Museum, an often recommended museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Jardin Des Plantes De Montpellier.

After soaking in Montpellier’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: La Grande-Motte. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 32 min. When you arrive in La Grande-Motte, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Sunset Beach, an intriguing beach known for its mesmerizing features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Marseille. Marseille 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 Marseille. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Start your culinary exploration in Marseille by securing a reservation at Le Petit Nice. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of seafood cuisine. For another dining delight, visit AM par Alexandre Mazzia, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Signature, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Le Traquenard, known for its inviting atmosphere. La Dame Du Mont is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Polikarpov 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 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Marseille, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Experience Mucem - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, a well-known museum in the village. Then, head to Notre-dame De La Garde (marseille) and soak in the ambiance of this symbolic church.

There are many interesting places to see in Marseille, and when you are ready for more, go to Palais Longchamp. This is one of the village’s most popular enchanting spots of interest.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Marseille, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Les Baux-de-Provence. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Carrières Des Lumières, a notable art installation that everyone visiting Les Baux-de-Provence should see. Next, head to Château Des Baux-de-provence. This visually striking castle is one of the most locally renowned attractions in the region.

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

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

Dine in style at Le Bistro Du Panier, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Marseille.

Keep the evening going at Au Petit Nice, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Marengo, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is L'unic Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Marseille and Avignon. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Lyon, where will spend 1 night.

Les Petits Trains De Marseille brings Marseille's character to life. This picture-perfect tramway is a highlight of any visit in the city.

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 9 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Pont Saint-benezet (le Pont D'avignon) and explore the majestic features. Next, make your way to Palais Des Papes, another highlight in Avignon. When you’re done exploring the palace, continue to Jardin Des Doms, a visually striking park.

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

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Takao Takano in Lyon by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 2-star Michelin distinction, Takao Takano delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Le Neuvième Art, acclaimed for its delectable creative and modern specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Mère Brazier, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for classic cuisine in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into L' Antiquaire. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Black Forest Society offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Pompette, another top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in France!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Nimes and Carcassonne. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Montpellier, where you'll spend 1 night.

Experience Musée De La Romanité, a frequently visited museum in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Carcassonne. This car ride takes around 1 hour 58 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Basilique Saint Nazaire, an intriguing church that everyone visiting Carcassonne should see. Next, head to Cité De Carcassonne. This enchanting castle is one of the most widely recognized attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Château Comtal, a visually striking castle popular among locals as well as travelers.

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Montpellier by reserving a table at Reflet d'Obione. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern and mediterranean cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Jardin des Sens, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Leclère, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Black Out offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Le Petit Nice is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Espit Chupitos Montpellier is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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