7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau to Tarbes, Carcassonne, Toulouse, and Albi

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Tarbes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Tarbes, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Pau’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lourdes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 47 min. When you arrive in Lourdes, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Rosary. This intriguing church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Basilica Of St. Pius X. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the minor basilica.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Aspin-en-Lavedan. This car ride takes around 9 min.

Funiculaire Du Pic Du Jer is an intriguing tramway we recommend visiting today. Discover its serene features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking in Aspin-en-Lavedan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Tarbes. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Tarbes, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Massey Garden, an underrated botanical garden that everyone visiting Tarbes should see.

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

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

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

On day 3 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Carcassonne are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Carcassonne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Carcassonne. This car ride takes around 2 hours 23 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Château Comtal and explore the visually striking features. Next, make your way to Cité De Carcassonne, another highlight in Carcassonne. When you’re done exploring the castle, continue to Musée De L'ecole, an instagrammable museum.

Nearby, you will also find Basilique Saint Nazaire. This up-and-coming church is a top place to see in the area.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Brasserie a 4 Temps, a top-rated dining spot in Carcassonne. If you're in the mood for something new, try La Rapière, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Domaine d'Auriac. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Carcassonne.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

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

Toulouse’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Carcassonne behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 6 min. Toulouse welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Jardin Des Plantes, a beloved botanical garden known for its awe-inspiring features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Muséum De Toulouse, an underrated museum.

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 Pont-neuf and uncover the details of this visually striking monument. Make sure to also explore Couvent Des Jacobins, an often recommended monastery. For your last stop, consider Basilica Of St. Sernin, a breathtaking church that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Toulouse. Toulouse 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 Toulouse's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Le May, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, L*Agence beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Perche Pinte. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Toulouse tonight.

Keep the evening going at Moloko, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Botanist Pub, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Melting Pot Pub, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in France includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Albi. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Albi, where you'll spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Albi, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Toulouse to Albi may take around 56 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Albi, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Albi is Albi Cathedral, a captivating church that draws attention for its majestic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Berbie Palace, a breathtaking palace that stands out in the town.

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 Musée Toulouse-lautrec, a curiosity-inducing museum that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore Pont Vieux, a nearby historical landmark, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at Collégiale Saint-salvy (albi), a historic church and the perfect final attraction in Albi.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Albi, 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 Albi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious meal at O'Sully'S Albi, a top-rated dining destination in Albi.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Auch. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau, where will spend 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Auch.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Auch. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 43 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 Park Couloumé, an underrated park that everyone visiting Auch should see. Next, head to Musée Des Jacobins. This visually striking museum is one of the most underrated attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Cathédrale Sainte-marie, a historic church popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Pau. 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 Pau, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Resto Dit Vin, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant L' Ardoise, a popular restaurant in Pau. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Little Monkey Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Pau. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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