Cover photo by Léonard Cotte on Unsplash

What speaks to you about France? Perhaps it’s iconic Paris and its numerous landmarks and cafe culture. Perhaps its romantic Provence with its charming city streets and beguiling countryside. Maybe it’s the wine enthusiast’s favorite of Bordeaux and its countless vineyards. Or, for the history buff, it may be the enchantments of medieval Carcassonne and Toulouse. Drawn to the glitz and glamour of Nice and St. Tropez? We are, too. So how can one fit in the most on a France vacation? Consider a self-drive holiday! 

With a personalized France self-drive itinerary in hand, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to go where you want, when you want and for how long you want. We can pick out lovely guest chateaux along the way, arrange for exquisite meals at under-the-radar, family-run restaurants and set up guided sightseeing according to your personal interests. But again, nothing is set in stone. Detours are the rule of the day on an epic road trip. 

Let’s look at a sample France self-drive itinerary. This one covers Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse, but there are countless other options. 

Day 1: Paris


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Spend a day getting acclimated to vacation time, exploring Paris at your leisure. Care for a private French cooking lesson? We can arrange that.

Days 2-5: Paris to Bordeaux


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Drive from Paris to Bordeaux, stopping wherever you please. Once there, stay awhile - we recommend three nights so you can fully enjoy the history and culture of the city. We can arrange a private walking tour and wine tasting and recommend delightful restaurants. Take an exclusive tour of a Bordeaux vineyard and learn the winemaking secrets of the region. 

While you’re here, take a leisurely day trip to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat. You’ll discover the Arcachon Basin, including the coastline, the port of La Teste and the Landes forest. Enjoy another glass of Bordeaux white wine while gazing out over the bay in Dune du Pilat. 

Day 6: Bordeaux to Toulouse


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Make your way - at your own pace - to Toulouse, where history and culture enthusiasts will delight in the city’s landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy a private walking tour, if you like, with a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. 

From here, take a day trip to the amazing Carcassonne Cite Medievale & Castle, where you can take a walking tour of the site with a private, local guide. 

And then, make your way back to Paris and c’est fini! Until next time … 

A note on making the most of a France self-drive holiday: With such an efficient rail system in Europe, it may be beneficial to combine driving and rail travel to capitalize on your vacation time. Some may choose to take the train between larger destinations, then once settled in, do their own driving for regional exploration and day trips. 

Ready to start planning your trip to France? Let's schedule a consultation so that I can learn more about you and your interests so that I can put together some options for you. Not ready yet but want to see more inspiration for future travels? Sign up for my weekly newsletter: