Ocean to the Sea Road Trip

Experience the best of France with an unforgettable 6-day road trip from Bordeaux to Marseille. Along the route, you will pass through the towns of Biarritz, Carcassonne, and Montpellier, covering a distance of approximately 1149km. The best time of year to drive this route is from April to October, when the weather is at its most pleasant and you can take in the views of the landscapes, beaches, and UNESCO Heritage monuments along the way. The road conditions are excellent and the route provides a very high level of experience and memories. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed with a high budget only. Enjoy the best of France and create unforgettable memories on this amazing road trip.

Bordeaux, in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, is the ideal starting point for the “Ocean to the Sea Road Trip”. Located on the Garonne River, it is well known for its grand public squares, remarkable eighteenth-century architecture, and its world-famous wines. It is also the hub for some of the most beautiful countryside in France. Walking around the old city, visitors will be captivated by its many attractions. The Place de la Bourse, one of the most remarkable squares in Europe, is where the city’s iconic waterfront promenade begins. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the Grand Hotel, and the Palais Rohan are all architectural marvels. The city is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as its famous wine-producing châteaux. The closest international airport to Bordeaux is Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD). From there, visitors can easily rent a car and begin their “Ocean to the Sea Road Trip”. Car rental services are available at the airport. So why not start your “Ocean to the Sea Road Trip” in Bordeaux? This remarkable city offers visitors a wealth of attractions, from awe-inspiring architecture to the finest wines in the world. With its easy access to the rest of the Aquitaine region, it is the perfect starting point for a memorable journey.

Embark on a 243km journey from Bordeaux to Biarritz, passing through Arcachon, and explore the best of the French countryside! This scenic drive will take you fewer than 5 hours, and you'll be able to take in the beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and stunning vistas of the Atlantic Coast. Visit the charming port town of Arcachon, where you can explore the stunning beaches and the bustling boardwalk. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe, and take in the breathtaking views from the top. Continue your journey to Biarritz, a beautiful seaside resort town with stunning architecture and a vibrant culture. Wander the cobblestone streets, take in the majestic views of the ocean, and explore the chic shops and cafes. This is only one stage of the larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, hop in the car and start your adventure!

Embark on a magical journey starting in Biarritz, a charming coastal city in the Basque Country of France. With its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and vibrant atmosphere, you will be sure to have a wonderful time. From here, head north to Pau, a picturesque town with a rich cultural heritage. Explore its old city walls, wander through its cobblestone streets, and take in the breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountains. Afterwards, continue your journey to Toulouse, a vibrant city with a unique blend of French and Spanish cultures. Visit its magnificent cathedral, explore its stunning gardens, and savor its delicious cuisine. With its 306 km distance and fewer than 3 hours of driving time, this road trip is perfect for those looking for an adventure. Along the way, be sure to take in the historical sites, and take some time to admire the stunning countryside. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Welcome to the beautiful road trip from Toulouse to Carcassonne! This stage of your journey is only 93km and takes less than an hour to drive. Start your trip in Toulouse and explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest Romanesque church in Europe, and the Place du Capitole, the city’s main square. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the banks of the Garonne River and explore the old cobbled streets of the city. Continue your journey to Carcassonne, the medieval city with its impressive fortifications and towers. Visit the Château Comtal, a 12th century castle, and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, a Romanesque church. Take a stroll through the winding streets of the Cité de Carcassonne, and explore the city’s many shops and restaurants. This is just one of the stages of your journey, so make sure to explore all the attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for a spectacular road trip from Carcassonne to Perpignan? This scenic route only takes a few hours to drive, with 129 km of winding roads and incredible views. Start your journey in Carcassonne, a fortified city with a rich history, and explore its medieval ramparts, towers and cobblestone streets. Then, make your way to Château de Queribus, a castle perched on a rocky peak offering breathtaking views. As you drive, you can marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees-Orientales. Stop at the Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou, a Romanesque abbey built on a rocky spur. Then, continue to the village of Villefranche-de-Conflent, a fortified town with a beautiful 12th-century castle. Your final destination is Perpignan, a city with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of attractions. Visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Royal Castle, and the city’s many churches. Don’t forget to explore the lively streets of the old town, and the Plaça de la Loge, a beautiful square with a fountain and a large terrace. On your journey, be sure to take in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for a road trip that will take you through some of the most beautiful places in France? Start your journey in Perpignan, and make your way through the stunning countryside of Narbonne before ending your journey in Montpellier. This 191 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, and you will be able to experience some of the most unique historical sites along the way. In Perpignan, make sure to visit the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and the city’s famous cathedral. In Narbonne, you can explore the ancient Roman ruins and the old city centre. And when you reach Montpellier, you can visit the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle and the botanical garden. You’ll be able to take in the beauty of the French countryside and make some wonderful memories along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of the journey. Bon voyage!

Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Montpellier, France and taking you through the stunning Camargue Nature Park and the beautiful city of Arles, before arriving in Marseille. This trip of just 187 km will take you less than 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you can take in the beauty of the Camargue Nature Park, with its unique wetlands, salt marshes and lagoons, or explore the city of Arles, with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its rich history. Take the time to admire the picturesque landscapes of the Camargue Nature Park, or visit some of the historical sites in Arles. Make sure to keep an eye out for the many wildlife species that inhabit the Nature Park and the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable experience, and make sure to take lots of photos to remember this amazing road trip!

As the final destination of your "Ocean to the Sea Road Trip", Marseille in France is the perfect place to end your journey. From the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the bustling, vibrant city streets, Marseille offers something for everyone. One of the must-see attractions in Marseille is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning neo-Byzantine church that overlooks the city from a hilltop. The city's old port is also a popular spot, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for a bit of culture, then you won't want to miss the MuCEM, a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Marseille is a paradise. From the Calanques National Park, where you can explore the stunning coastline and enjoy some of the best beaches in the region, to the Parc Borely, a beautiful park that's perfect for a leisurely stroll, Marseille is the perfect place to get back to nature. If you're looking to travel by air, Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is the closest international airport to the city. From the iconic monuments and stunning nature to the vibrant city life and delicious cuisine, Marseille is the perfect destination to end your "Ocean to the Sea Road Trip".

No doubt our trip will become a superb inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around France, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your journey smooth. The following road rules will surely become useful for all drivers considering renting a car or camper hire in France.
When you’re sightseeing around France, you should remember about the local traffic rules. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all while travelling around France. Holidayers ought to remember that the allowed consumption limit is rather low and amounts to only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 50km/h, around the city streets may result in a speeding fine. Never exceed the maximum allowed speed of 90km/h when travelling around rural areas. When driving along motorways, the allowed speed is 130km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on at daytime.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Depending on the budget option that you go for, the amount of money that you have to pay during the whole undertaking can vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is showed below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest offer to cover the planned 1,149km while travelling around France, it can be roughly 150 EUR. You will have to pay approximately 473 EUR for economy hotels. When it comes to the travel expenses related to restaurants and food in this offer, the average expenses are 576 EUR. Travellers will have to pay approximately 270 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest hire car option as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be approximately 1,199 EUR without vehicle rental and 1,469 EUR with vehicle hire.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 213 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Cost amounting to 792 EUR can be expected by all holidayers who are considering standard accommodation. Holidaymakers can expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost more or less 864 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 378 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 2,247 EUR for the whole Ocean to the Sea Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend roughly 1,869 EUR.
Drivers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 3,448 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend around 2,692 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of approximately 756 EUR. When it comes to the top standard configuration of the road trip, the gasoline cost will be up to more or less 275 EUR. You should expect to pay approximately 1,152 EUR for restaurants and food and more or less 1,265 EUR for hotels if you opt for the exclusive standard of services during your trip.
Our tour is also an excellent opportunity for all camper fans. When it comes to this means of transport, you will pay up to around 1,350 EUR. Holidayers will spend around 313 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidaymakers who choose camper rental should expect to pay roughly 330 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 576 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details are available in the section Road Trip Costs.
The part of France showed in our road trip idea is most enjoyable between May and October. There are multiple exciting road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. Even the most demanding of drivers will surely be taken aback by the broad spectrum of options available on our website.