One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise

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Photo of Aerial view of tour de la chaine and tour Saint Nicholas at La Rochelle, France.
Photo of seaside of La Rochelle dominated by Tour de la Lanterne, France.
One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise
One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise
One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise
One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise
One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Bordeaux, Sarlat La Caneda, and Amboise
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through France. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in France. You will spend 3 nights in La Rochelle, 1 night in Bordeaux, 1 night in Sarlat La Caneda, and 2 nights in Amboise. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in La Rochelle, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Château De Chambord and Château De Chenonceau are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through La Rochelle, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, Montignac-Lascaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Sarlat La Caneda, Blois, Amboise, and Poitiers, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

  • La Rochelle - Arrival day
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  • Charruyer Park of La Rochelle
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Welcome to La Rochelle, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in La Rochelle before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

La Rochelle is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in La Rochelle. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Côte Rôtie, a highly-rated dining destination in La Rochelle. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Boussole, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Les hédonistes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in La Rochelle this evening.

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.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in France!

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Day2

Day 2

  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 8 km, 46 min

  • La Grande Roue
  • Musée maritime de La Rochelle
  • musée des automates (La Rochelle)
  • More

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in La Rochelle. You’ll stay in La Rochelle for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Experience La Grande Roue, an underrated amusement center in the city. Then, head to Musée Maritime De La Rochelle and soak in the ambiance of this awe-inspiring maritime museum.

There are many interesting places to see in La Rochelle, and when you are ready for more, go to Musée Des Automates (la Rochelle). This is one of the city’s most beloved photogenic spots of interest.

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 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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restaurant Les Flots, a popular restaurant in La Rochelle. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of La Rochelle at Palem Café, 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 Christopher Coutanceau. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in La Rochelle tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Le Dock Café, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Le Mary Lili, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, L'alibi provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day3

Day 3

  • La Rochelle
  • Saint-Émilion
  • Bordeaux
  • More

Drive 260 km, 3 hours 58 min

  • Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion
  • Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux
  • jardin public
  • miroir d'eau
  • place de la Bourse
  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

Saint-Émilion’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of La Rochelle behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 13 min. Saint-Émilion welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Monolithic Church Of Saint-emilion, an underrated church that draws visitors from near and far.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bordeaux may take around 44 min. Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Musée Du Vin Et Du Négoce De Bordeaux and explore the history-steeped features. Next, make your way to Jardin Public, another highlight in Bordeaux. When you’re done exploring the park, continue to Miroir D'eau, an instagrammable art installation.

Nearby, you will also find Place De La Bourse. This captivating public square is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Bordeaux Cathedral, a history-steeped church that is perfect for some final exploring in the village.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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.

Continue your lively evening at Café Brun, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Le Mushroom Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Whose Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in France.

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Day4

Day 4

  • Bordeaux
  • Montignac
  • Beynac
  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • More

Drive 234 km, 3 hours 16 min

  • Lascaux International Center of Parietal Art
  • Lascaux 2
  • Château de Beynac
  • More

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in France includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Montignac-Lascaux and Beynac-et-Cazenac. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sarlat La Caneda, where you'll 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 Montignac-Lascaux.

After soaking in Bordeaux’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Montignac-Lascaux. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours. When you arrive in Montignac-Lascaux, 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 Lascaux International Center Of Parietal Art, a notable museum that everyone visiting Montignac-Lascaux should see. Next, head to Lascaux. This peaceful cave is one of the most underrated attractions in the region.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Beynac-et-Cazenac. This car ride takes around 39 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Château De Beynac, a locally renowned castle that everyone visiting Beynac-et-Cazenac should see.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sarlat La Caneda, 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 Sarlat La Caneda. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

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

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Day5

Day 5

  • Sarlat-la-Canéda
  • Blois
  • Amboise
  • More

Drive 414 km, 5 hours 14 min

  • Château de Blois
  • Jacques-Gabriel Bridge
  • More

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 1 place, which are Blois. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Amboise, where will spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Blois, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sarlat La Caneda to Blois may take around 4 hours 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Blois, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Château De Blois is a notable castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour to Jacques-gabriel Bridge, a romantic monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

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

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

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Day6

Day 6

  • Amboise
  • More

Drive 136 km, 2 hours 47 min

  • Château d'Amboise
  • Chapel of Saint-Hubert
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Amboise, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Amboise, there’s no need to rush. Experience Amboise to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Amboise is brimming with adventures.

Start your day at Château D'amboise. Then, wander over to Chapel Of Saint-hubert. If enchanting sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley.

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

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day7

Day 7

  • Amboise
  • Poitiers
  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 278 km, 3 hours 38 min

  • L'Extraordinaire Voyage
  • Dynamic Vienne
  • The machine Traveling in Time
  • Parc Floral La Roseraie
  • Église Notre-Dame la Grande, Poitiers
  • Poitiers Cathedral
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Poitiers. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in La Rochelle, where you'll spend 1 night.

Set your GPS to Poitiers and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 23 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Poitiers beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering The Extraordinary Voyage, an underrated amusement park known for its picture-perfect features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Dynamic Vienne, a worthwhile sightseeing destination.

Make sure to also explore Parc Floral La Roseraie, a curiosity-inducing botanical garden. For your last stop, consider Église Notre-dame La Grande, Poitiers, a picture-perfect church that many travelers find worth the detour.

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.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Plage, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Les copains d'abord. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in La Rochelle.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le Saint-nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Académie De La Bière, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Lili La Rochelle provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Day8

Day 8

  • La Rochelle - Departure day
  • More
  • Bunker La Rochelle (Museum)
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of La Rochelle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Bunker La Rochelle (museum), an instagrammable museum before you head out.

For a last-minute shopping spree in La Rochelle, Le Marché Central is nearby. Enjoy a variety of retail stores, dining options, and essential services in one convenient location.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in La Rochelle.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Bistrot de Mémé, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to La Rochelle. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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