One-Week France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pau traveling east to Toulouse and Bordeaux

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

One of the most locally appreciated attractions included on the itinerary is Musée Des Beaux-arts De Pau. This photogenic museum will help you start your sightseeing on top.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pau and set your GPS to Toulouse. 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 58 min. Upon reaching Toulouse, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Grand Rond. Spend some time admiring the serene features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Saint Stephen's Cathedral. This locally appreciated church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Musée Des Augustins. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum. Next, take your journey to Saint Jerome Catholic Church At Toulouse, a frequently visited church. Conclude your sightseeing at Square Charles De Gaulle, known for its photogenic features.

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.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Le May, a top-rated dining destination in Toulouse. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L*Agence, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Perche Pinte. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Toulouse this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Moloko, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Botanist Pub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Melting Pot Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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.

On day 3 of your road trip in France, you’ll start and end your day in Toulouse, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 3 nights to spend in Toulouse, there’s no need to rush. Experience Toulouse and Carcassonne to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Toulouse is brimming with adventures.

Your adventure in Toulouse is only getting started when you visit Basilica Of St. Sernin, a well-known local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Couvent Des Jacobins. This locally appreciated monastery is known for its breathtaking 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 Pont-neuf. This awe-inspiring monument offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Muséum De Toulouse is also worth visiting, along with Jardin Des Plantes. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Carcassonne may take around 1 hour 3 min. Upon your arrival in Carcassonne, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Portail Des Jacobins is an often recommended monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its symbolic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at La Faim des Haricots/TOULOUSE CENTRE VILLE, an iconic dining spot in Toulouse. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Madame Bovary, a popular restaurant in Toulouse. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Au Pois Gourmand restaurant gastronomique, a hidden gem nestled in Toulouse. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pub O'clock stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, La Loupiote offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Café Populaire is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Toulouse, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

Carcassonne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Toulouse behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 9 min. Carcassonne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Basilique Saint Nazaire, an intriguing church in Carcassonne. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Musée De L'ecole. This curiosity-inducing museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Cité De Carcassonne is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most enchanting castle in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated Château Comtal and discover what makes this castle unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the town, head to Porte Narbonnaise, an UNESCO world heritage-listed monument many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Bapz, a popular restaurant in Toulouse. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Toulouse at Cabaret Le Kalinka, 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 Restaurant Emile. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Toulouse tonight.

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

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

Greet day 5 of your road trip in France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Toulouse, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Albi and Toulouse.

Make a stop at Les Abattoirs. This up-and-coming art gallery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Pont Saint-pierre De Toulouse located in Toulouse for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Place Saint-pierre. Its picture-perfect features will captivate you.

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

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Musée Toulouse-lautrec. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the museum before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Albi Cathedral. This interesting church is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Parc Rochegude. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Allegory Coffee Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Le 5 Wine Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Salon d'Eugénie. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Toulouse.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Nasdrovia Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Hopscotch Pub & Brewery, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Fat Cat also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Beynac-et-Cazenac, Montignac-Lascaux, and Bordeaux. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bordeaux, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Beynac-et-Cazenac. This car ride takes around 2 hours 17 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Château De Beynac, a well-known castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Montignac-Lascaux, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Beynac-et-Cazenac to Montignac-Lascaux may take around 40 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Montignac-Lascaux, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Montignac-Lascaux is Lascaux, an up-and-coming cave that draws attention for its idyllic features.

Set your GPS to Bordeaux and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 58 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bordeaux beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Miroir D'eau, a well-known art installation that everyone visiting Bordeaux should see. Next, head to Place De La Bourse. This symbolic public square is one of the most captivating attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Place Du Parlement, an enchanting public square popular among locals as well as travelers. Porte Dijeaux is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this up-and-coming monument before you continue your journey.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bordeaux, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Cent 33, an iconic dining spot in Bordeaux. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of L'Originel, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Clemenceau, a hidden gem nestled in Bordeaux. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Café Brun after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Le Mushroom Café for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Whose Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in France!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Bordeaux and Lormont. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Pau, where you'll spend 1 night.

Bordeaux Cathedral brings Bordeaux's character to life. This inviting church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy The Big Bell Of Bordeaux, another respected attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Monument Aux Girondins, one of the city’s most increasingly popular attractions, known for its culturally significant features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Jardin Public. This noteworthy park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lormont may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Lormont, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

La Cité Du Vin is a captivating museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic 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 Pau. Pau 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 Pau. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Resto Dit Vin, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant L' Ardoise offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Little Monkey Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pau.

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