One-Week France Road Trip from Pau to Angouleme, Angers, Nantes, and Bordeaux

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through France that promises to leave you speechless. With this exciting adventure, you will have the chance to explore the diverse landscapes and local cultures of Pau, Angouleme, Tours, Rigny-Ussé, Angers, Nantes, La Roche Sur Yon, Essarts-en-Bocage, Chantonnay, Bordeaux, Lormont, and Bizanos. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey where every moment becomes a lasting story.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in France takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Pau, 1 night in Angouleme, 1 night in Angers, 2 nights in Nantes, and 1 night in Bordeaux. 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 got you covered.

Upon arriving in Pau, 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. Machines of the Isle of Nantes and La Cité du Vin are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Pau, Angouleme, Tours, Rigny-Ussé, Angers, Nantes, La Roche Sur Yon, Essarts-en-Bocage, Chantonnay, Bordeaux, Lormont, and Bizanos, 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, accommodation, 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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Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Pyrénées-Atlantiques - region in FrancePyrénées-Atlantiques / 2 nights
Photo of the Erdre River in Nantes, France.Nantes / 2 nights
Angers - city in FranceAngers / 1 night
Photo of Bordeaux aerial panoramic view. Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne river in Southwestern France.Bordeaux / 1 night
Photo of Tours aerial panoramic view. Tours is a city in the Loire valley of France.Tours
Angoulême - city in FranceAngoulême / 1 night
Photo of Rochecorbon that is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department, central France.Rochecorbon
Vendée - region in FranceLa Roche-sur-Yon

Map

Attractions

photo of people enjoying the experience with Machines of the Isle of Nantes in Nantes, France.Machines of the Isle of Nantes
Cité du VinCité du Vin
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in Nantes - France, Pays de la LoireChâteau des ducs de Bretagne
photo of the water mirror in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning in France.Place de la Bourse
Botanical Garden, Coulmiers - Jardin des Plantes, Malakoff - Saint-Donatien, Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, Metropolitan France, FranceBotanical Garden
Château d'Angers, Centre Ville - La Fayette - Eblé, Angers, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau d'Angers
photo of Miroir d'eau with the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux in a beautiful summer morning, France.Miroir d'eau
photo of Villandry castle and gardens best panoramic view in sunny summer day near Tours and Blois cities in France the Loire valley region.Château de Villandry
Jardin PublicJardin Public
photo of Terra Botanica in Angers, France. Head of a monster covered with ivy in a park landscape design.Terra Botanica
Saint Andre Cathedral of Bordeaux - France, AquitaineBordeaux Cathedral
photo of Japanese garden on Ile de Versailles in Nantes, France.Île de Versailles (Nantes)
Château d'Ussé, Rigny-Ussé, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Loire Valley, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau d'Ussé
photo of Jardin botanique de Tours in Tours, France.Jardin botanique de Tours
Le Lieu uniqueLe Lieu unique
Place de la Cathedrale and Saint Gatien´s cathedral in Tours, FranceTours Cathedral
Jardin des plantes d'AngersJardin des Plantes d'Angers
Parc BeaumontParc Beaumont
Place ClemenceauPlace Clémenceau
photo of Funiculaire de Pau at beautiful morning in Pau, France.Funiculaire de Pau
Chocolate Museum Gelencser
The Museum of Fine Arts of Pau during the exhibitionMusée des Beaux-Arts de Pau
Kofu Japanese Garden
Château Des Essarts, spectacle Vendée, Les Essarts, Essarts-en-Bocage, La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, Pays de la Loire, Metropolitan France, FranceChâteau Des Essarts, spectacle Vendée
Parc Clémenceau

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Pau - arrival day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Arrival day
  • More
  • Place Clémenceau
  • More

Welcome to Pau, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Pau's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Pau is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Pau. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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

Reserve a table at Restaurant Le Canard Royal, a renowned restaurant in Pau. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 633 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at L'Opéra while in Pau. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 537 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Pau at Le Garage, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,953 customers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit The Galway, one of the best bars in the city. The Galway is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring Pau. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Au Fût et à mesure. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 585 customers.

Snug also belongs to the list of the best bars in Pau, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 306 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Pau and Angouleme

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • Angoulême
  • More

Drive 332 km, 3 hours 49 min

  • Funiculaire de Pau
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau
  • Parc Beaumont
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in France, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Pau and Angouleme. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Angouleme. Angouleme will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Funiculaire de Pau. This popular funicular has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,020 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 554 visitors, this art museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Parc Beaumont. This green space has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,112 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pau and set your GPS to Angouleme. 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 14 min. Upon reaching Angouleme, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Angouleme's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Relax and reminisce about your day in France and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Rigny-Ussé and Angers

  • Tours
  • Angers
  • Rochecorbon
  • More

Drive 347 km, 4 hours 16 min

  • Tours Cathedral
  • Jardin botanique de Tours
  • Château de Villandry
  • Château d'Ussé
  • More

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Tours, Rigny-Ussé, and Angers, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Angers. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Angouleme, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rochecorbon may take around 2 hours 15 min. Upon your arrival in Rochecorbon, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Angers, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Rochecorbon to Angers may take around 1 hour 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Angers, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Plan ahead and secure a table at Bistrot des Ducs, an acclaimed dining establishment in Angers. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 1,756 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Crêperie du Château while experiencing the best of Angers. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 558 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of La Reserve, an elegant culinary destination in Angers. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,483 previous guests.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Mamie Fada. This place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,549 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Le Héron carré. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,625 customers.

La Cour - Angers is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,026 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Nantes

  • Angers
  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 101 km, 1 hour 50 min

  • Jardin des Plantes d'Angers
  • Château d'Angers
  • Terra Botanica
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in France, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Angers and Nantes. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Nantes, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Jardin des Plantes d'Angers. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,436 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Château d'Angers. This château has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,556 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Terra Botanica. This botanical garden has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,007 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Angers, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nantes. Your travel time is around 1 hour 3 min.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Nantes. Nantes offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Le Bistrot Basque de Nantes. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Nantes has received a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from around 730 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Pickles should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Nantes, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 620 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at La Cantine Du Curé. This highly regarded restaurant in Nantes has earned a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 2,050 satisfied guests.

Gigg's Irish Pub is one of the best bars in Nantes and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,840 customers.

You may also want to check out Délirium Café. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Délirium Café is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,288 customers.

Alternatively, head out to The Coffee House. The Coffee House has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,168 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Nantes

  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 9 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Île de Versailles (Nantes)
  • Botanical Garden
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Le Lieu unique
  • Machines of the Isle of Nantes
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Nantes. You’ll stay in Nantes for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Your discoveries in Nantes do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Nantes on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nantes.

Make a reservation at Le Cambronne Bistrot Chic, a popular dining spot in Nantes. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,595 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at LA LOCO while indulging in the charm of Nantes. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, cherished by 1,403 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Le Fou du Roi, a treasured establishment in Nantes. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,032 satisfied guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Bateau-Lavoir, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,063 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Café Sur Cour, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 858 customers. This spot is known for its unique atmosphere and impressive selection of beverages, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

Fleming's Irish Pub is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

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

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Experiences

Day 6

Day 6 – La Roche Sur Yon, Essarts-en-Bocage, Chantonnay, and Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux
  • La Roche-sur-Yon
  • More

Drive 403 km, 4 hours 30 min

  • Château Des Essarts, spectacle Vendée
  • Chocolate Museum Gelencser
  • Parc Clémenceau
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip in France, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in La Roche Sur Yon, Essarts-en-Bocage, Chantonnay, and Bordeaux. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bordeaux, where you will stay for 1 night.

La Roche Sur Yon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Nantes behind. This drive usually takes around 44 min. La Roche Sur Yon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Chocolate Museum Gelencser. This attraction has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,128 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bordeaux. This car ride takes around 2 hours 52 min.

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.

Don't forget to book a table at Le Comptoir Des Chats (enfants à partir de 10 ans), a well-known eatery in Bordeaux. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,090 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit suzzi while exploring Bordeaux. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 852 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Symbiose, a popular restaurant in Bordeaux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 896 discerning diners.

Many locals go to The Connemara to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is Molly Malone's. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Le Bar à Vin is another great option in Bordeaux. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in Bordeaux and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in France!

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Experiences

Day 7

Day 7 – Bordeaux, Lormont, and Pau

  • Bordeaux
  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques
  • More

Drive 228 km, 3 hours 2 min

  • Bordeaux Cathedral
  • Place de la Bourse
  • Miroir d'eau
  • Cité du Vin
  • Jardin Public
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in France. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Bordeaux, Lormont, and Pau. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pau. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Take the opportunity to see Bordeaux Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,591 visitors.

Place de la Bourse is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This square has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 16,251 travelers.

Bordeaux is also the home of miroir d'eau. Around 14,462 people have rated this reflecting pool an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is jardin public. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 12,341 reviews, a visit to this urban park is a great idea.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bordeaux, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pau. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 17 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Pau, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pau's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to reserve a table at Le Berry, an iconic dining spot in Pau. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 2,274 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Restaurant Cotes & Mer while in Pau. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, treasured by 835 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Le Henri IV, a favorite in Pau. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 751 discerning guests.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to Winfield Café. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 791 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to L'Imparfait. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 152 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Manhattan Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 109 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in France!

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Experiences

Day 8

Day 8 – Pau and Bizanos - departure day

  • Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Departure day
  • More
  • Kofu Japanese Garden
  • More

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

On your last day in France, take time to indulge in shopping at Pau’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of France. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Pau. 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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Experiences

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