The south of France has something special that draws you in. Whether it’s the historic cities, comforting food, landscapes that make you want to stop the car for no reason, or villages that charm effortlessly, one thing is clear: whoever visits ends up completely falling in love. That’s why at GuruWalk we’ve prepared this five-day route connecting three places full of personality: Bordeaux, Toulouse and Carcassonne. They’re easy to explore, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace and leave plenty of room for spontaneity.
The idea is simple: rent a car, leave Bordeaux, and drive south, making sure you leave enough time to walk around, look, taste, and listen. There’s no need to plan every minute, just let the journey take you along. And trust me, it does that very well.
Let’s get started!
Day 1 and 2: Bordeaux, wine, architecture, and life along the banks of the Garonne
First day in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is an elegant, welcoming city, perfect for exploring on foot at a relaxed pace, so you can leave the car behind. Its historic center is full of quiet squares, buildings with gently weathered facades, and cafés where something interesting is always happening. Given its size, two days will give you a great sense of its character, mixing culture, leisurely strolls, and an occasional glass of wine, which here is definitely a must.
Start your first day in Bordeaux with a GuruWalk free walking tour. It’s the best way to get oriented, learn the city’s history, and pick up insider tips from someone who actually lives there. The guides don’t just show you the highlights, they also share genuine recommendations on where to eat, how to get around easily, and which tourist traps to avoid.
After the tour, which won’t take more than two and a half hours, head over to Place de la Bourse and its famous water mirror. From there you can stroll along the river, wander through the Saint-Pierre district, and stop at a terrace café for a drink if you feel like it.
Also, if you’re into art, we recommend visiting the CAPC (the contemporary art museum). If wine interests you more than galleries, then you should definitely book a visit to La Cité du Vin or a wine shop with tastings included.
Second day in Bordeaux
The second day is perfect for exploring the city more leisurely. You can rent a bicycle and ride along the docks, visit the Marché des Capucins to have breakfast among locals, or escape to the public gardens. If you feel like getting out of the city for a bit, Saint-Émilion is less than an hour’s drive away and makes for a great afternoon trip, with vineyards, cobbled streets, and a sunset worth stopping for.
You’ll definitely fall in love with this region!
Day 3: Toulouse, the pink city with its own unique charm
From Bordeaux, on the third day, we head toward Toulouse, another city that’s easy to get attached to. It’s not the most famous city in southern France, but those who visit usually end up wanting to return. Its pink brick buildings, youthful, relaxed atmosphere, and mix of tradition and university life give it a distinct character.
There’s no better way to start the day than with a GuruWalk free tour of Toulouse. It helps you understand the city’s history, discover its most special corners, and get practical tips from guides who really know the place. In just a couple of hours, you’ll have a great overview and know exactly where to keep exploring.
After the tour, you can stroll through the historic center and visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of Europe’s most important Romanesque churches. Nearby, you’ll find the Capitole, the main square, surrounded by arcades and terraces perfect for outdoor dining.
In the afternoon, take your time walking along the Garonne river, crossing one of its bridges, and watching how the city’s color shifts with the changing light. If you’re interested in science or traveling with family, consider visiting the Cité de l’Espace, a theme park dedicated to space and exploration.
Toulouse is a city best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, but in one day you can see the essentials. If you only have five days in total, we recommend continuing your journey the next morning. If you need more time, stay as long as you’d like and move on whenever you’re ready.
Day 4 and 5: Carcassonne, city walls, charming streets, and a journey through time
Day Four – Carcassonne
Your next stop is Carcassonne, a city straight out of a storybook. Its perfectly preserved medieval citadel sits high on a hill, immediately transporting you back in time. But beyond its postcard-like appearance, the city has much more to offer when explored slowly and with open eyes.
Spend your first day exploring the Cité Médiévale, the historic walled town. As always, the best way to start is with a GuruWalk free walking tour, which helps you understand its history beyond the castles and walls. The guides will share secrets from Carcassonne’s past and give you practical tips to avoid crowded spots and discover less-known corners.
After the tour, take some time to walk along the city walls, visit the Château Comtal, and step inside the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, a stunning blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. In the afternoon, you can relax on one of the terraces within the citadel, sipping a local wine while taking in views of the towers.
Fifth and final day – Carcassonne
Your second day in Carcassonne, and the last day of this itinerary, is ideal for exploring the lower part of the city, La Bastide Saint-Louis. It’s less touristy but equally charming. Wander its peaceful streets, visit the local market if it coincides with your stay, and cross the Pont Vieux, one of the best spots to photograph the citadel from the outside.
Carcassonne is the perfect finale for this route. Ending your journey surrounded by history, expansive views, and quiet stone streets is a beautiful way to ease back into calm before heading home.
Tips for this route: best done by car, at a leisurely pace, and with good music
This route is perfect to do by car, with short drives and scenery that makes every kilometer worthwhile. Here are a few tips to help things run smoothly, so you don’t have to experience even the slightest bit of stress along the way.
- Rent the car in Bordeaux and return it in Carcassonne
If possible, choose pick-up and drop-off in different cities. This way, you avoid retracing your steps and make the most of your time. - Avoid highways when you’re not in a rush
The secondary roads between Bordeaux, Toulouse and Carcassonne are calm and beautiful. They’re perfect for enjoying the journey, stopping wherever you like, and discovering unexpected towns. - Leave room for spontaneity
Don’t fill your days with too many plans. Each city has its own pace, and the best experiences usually happen when they’re not on the map. If a place catches your attention, stay a bit longer. - Do a free tour when you arrive in each city
Starting with a GuruWalk free tour is the best way to get oriented, see the essentials, and get great local tips for the rest of the day. It saves you time, inspires you, and genuinely connects you with the place. - Wear comfortable shoes and pack light
You’ll be walking quite a bit and climbing hills, especially in Carcassonne. The lighter your luggage, the more you’ll enjoy your trip.
