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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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