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12-Day Scenic Road Trip from London to France: History, Culture, and Cuisine

Viewed by 265 travelers

Day 1: Depart London

London to Calais, France on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe, London

Start your day with a traditional English breakfast at this iconic café known for its art deco style and hearty meals.
GBP15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Dover Ferry Terminal

Drive from central London to Dover to catch the ferry to Calais, approximately 2 hours depending on traffic.
GBP10 tolls, 2h0m

11:00am

Ferry from Dover to Calais

Take the P&O or DFDS ferry crossing the English Channel, which typically takes about 90 minutes.
GBP40 per person, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Calais at La Table 51

Enjoy fresh French seafood dishes at this well-regarded restaurant located near the ferry port.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Caen, Normandy

A scenic 2.5-hour drive via A26 and A13 through Normandy’s countryside to the historic city of Caen.
EUR5 tolls, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and rest

Check into a hotel in Caen such as Hotel Mercure Caen Centre Port, and relax before dinner.
EUR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon du Vaugueux

Enjoy classic Norman cuisine in the medieval quarter, specializing in cheeses, cider, and local dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in London to Calais

Day 2: Explore Normandy

Caen and Mont Saint-Michel, France on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a continental breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Caen Memorial Museum

A deep dive into the World War II history of Normandy and D-Day events; museum open 9:30am-6:00pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Drive to Mont Saint-Michel

Depart for the famous tidal island and abbey, approximately 1.5-hour drive.
EUR2 tolls, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Mère Poulard

Famous for its fluffy omelettes, this historic restaurant on Mont Saint-Michel offers classic French dishes.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tour Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Explore the medieval abbey and village; open 9:30am-7:00pm in July, offering stunning views and history.
EUR11, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Caen

Drive back to your accommodation to rest and freshen up.
EUR2 tolls, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Essentiel

A contemporary French restaurant in Caen offering refined dishes with local ingredients.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Caen and Mont Saint-Michel

Day 3: Normandy to Loire Valley

Tours, France on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast before setting off for the Loire Valley.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Tours

Approximately 3-hour drive south via A28 and A10 highways.
EUR15 tolls, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Tours at Le Saint Honoré

Enjoy traditional French cuisine in the heart of Tours with seasonal dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Château de Chambord

Explore the largest château in the Loire with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture; open 9am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Tours

Rest at your accommodation, such as Clarion Hotel Château Belmont Tours.
EUR90, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Deuvalière

Upscale dining with a focus on innovative French cuisine, locally sourced ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tours

Day 4: Loire Valley Castles

Tours, France on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a filling breakfast onsite as you prepare to tour more castles.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Known as the ‘Ladies’ Castle’, it spans the River Cher and features beautiful gardens; open 9am-7pm in July.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Château de Villandry

Famous for its renaissance gardens, it is a must-see for garden and history lovers; open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at L'Esprit Gourmand

Gourmet lunch offering creative French dishes made from fresh Loire Valley produce.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax or explore Tours town centre

Wander the medieval streets of Tours or relax at a café, soaking up local atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Turon

Enjoy classic French dishes with a cosy ambiance in the old quarter of Tours.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tours

Day 5: Loire Valley to Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check out

Early breakfast at hotel before a longer drive to Bordeaux.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bordeaux

Approximately 4-hour drive via A10 highway to the wine capital of France.
EUR25 tolls, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Tupina

Renowned restaurant serving authentic southwestern French cuisine, a great intro to Bordeaux flavors.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Bordeaux

Settle in at your choice of hotel, for example Hotel de Sèze.
EUR110, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Bordeaux historic centre

Walk the UNESCO-listed old town, including Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Chapon Fin

Dine in one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most elegant restaurants offering exquisite French dishes.
EUR50, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Bordeaux

Day 6: Bordeaux Wine Tour

Bordeaux, France on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of wine tasting.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Full-day Bordeaux wine tour

Join a guided tour to visit top vineyards including Médoc and Saint-Émilion, tasting premium wines.
EUR120, 7h0m

5:00pm

Return to Bordeaux city

Relax at your hotel before dinner.
Included, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Miles

Enjoy modern dishes emphasizing local ingredients paired beautifully with Bordeaux wines.
EUR45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bordeaux

Day 7: Bordeaux to Toulouse

Toulouse, France on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Eat breakfast and get ready for the drive to Toulouse.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Toulouse

Around 2.5 hours drive southeast, enjoying changing landscapes on A62.
EUR12 tolls, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Bibent

Classic brasserie with Belle Epoque décor serving southwestern French specialties.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Check in at hotel in Toulouse

Stay at Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra or similar well-located hotel.
EUR95, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Basilique Saint-Sernin

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque church, open daily 9am-6:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk along the Garonne River

Enjoy the afternoon by walking the scenic banks of the river with impressive views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Genty Magre

Offers modern takes on regional dishes in a refined setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Toulouse

Day 8: Explore Toulouse

Toulouse, France on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of sightseeing in Toulouse.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Cité de l'Espace

Fascinating science museum focused on space and astronomy, open 10am-7pm in July.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Au Pois Gourmand

Quaint restaurant in the old town serving local traditional dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Capitole de Toulouse

The city hall and opera house in the city centre, known for its grand facade and square.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Musée des Augustins

Fine arts museum in a beautiful former convent with works from medieval to modern times; open 10am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening promenade along Canal du Midi

Relax by walking or cycling on the UNESCO-listed canal paths.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de l’Opéra

Elegant dining offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
EUR40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Toulouse

Day 9: Toulouse to Lyon

Lyon, France on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check out

Enjoy breakfast before your drive to Lyon.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Lyon

Approximately 4.5 hours via A7 highway, passing through scenic Rhône Valley.
EUR22 tolls, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Famous indoor food market featuring high-quality local products and eateries.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in at hotel in Lyon

Settle into a hotel like Hotel Carlton Lyon or equivalent.
EUR120, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

Wander the Renaissance district with its narrow streets, traboules, and shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Experience traditional Lyonnaise cuisine in an authentic bouchon restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lyon

Day 10: Lyon Culture

Lyon, France on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a French breakfast to fuel your cultural explorations.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Iconic hilltop basilica with magnificent views over Lyon, open 8am-7pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Roman Theatres of Fourvière

Nearby ancient Roman ruins offering insight into Lyon’s history.
EUR7, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café des Fédérations

A traditional bouchon known for authentic Lyonnaise dishes and atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

One of France’s premier fine arts museums; open 10am-6pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll in Parc de la Tête d'Or

A beautiful large urban park with botanical gardens and a lake.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant La Mère Brazier

Michelin 2-star restaurant offering exquisite traditional French cuisine.
EUR70, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Lyon

Day 11: Lyon to London

Lyon to London via Calais on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check out

Fuel up with breakfast before your journey back to London.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Lyon to Calais

Long drive of approximately 7.5 hours with stops along the way; via A6 and A26.
EUR35 tolls, 7h30m

3:30pm

Lunch stop en route at a rest area

Take a break and grab a quick meal in a service area on the autoroute.
EUR15, 45m

5:30pm

Arrive Calais and check-in to hotel

Stay overnight at a nearby hotel such as Holiday Inn Calais.
EUR80, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Le Channel

Enjoy seafood and regional French dishes in a comfortable setting close to the port.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lyon to London via Calais

Day 12: Return to London

Calais to London, United Kingdom on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy final breakfast in France before the ferry crossing.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Ferry Calais to Dover

Catch a morning ferry crossing; 90 minutes duration.
GBP40, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive from Dover to London

Return drive to London, approximately 2 hours.
GBP10 tolls, 2h0m

12:30pm

Arrive London

Trip concludes back in London with plenty of memories from your road trip.
Free, N/A
Find Hotels in Calais to London
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