How I Planned My Solo Road Trip Through France with ChatGPT

When a work trip to Bourges, France landed on my calendar in May 2025, I saw an opportunity: why not extend my stay and turn it into a solo road trip? I had a few non-negotiables:

I wanted history (cathedrals, castles, old towns).
I wanted beauty (scenic towns, lake views, coastal cliffs).
I wanted safety (since I’d be traveling alone as a woman).
And, because I was flying home from CDG Airport, I needed a route that flowed Bourges → adventure → Paris.

That’s where ChatGPT came in. Instead of falling down hours of internet rabbit holes, I asked ChatGPT to help me design an itinerary. It suggested a route that checked every box: Bourges → Carcassonne → Cassis → Annecy → Chantilly → CDG.

And just like that, my solo French road trip was born.

Why I Chose a Rental Car

Trains and buses are great in France, but for this kind of trip—jumping between small towns and castles—having my own rental car made the most sense. It gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, stop for photos, and not worry about navigating late-night public transport.

Plus, I loved the independence of being able to drive through the countryside on my own timeline. If you’re considering a similar trip, make sure to bring:

A phone mount (Amazon) #Ad for the car (absolute lifesaver for navigation).
A portable charger (Amazon) #Ad (because Google Maps eats battery like crazy).

The Itinerary at a Glance

Here’s how my five-day solo adventure shaped up:

Thursday, May 22 → Bourges (cathedral + Old Town stroll).
Friday, May 23 → Carcassonne (medieval fortress).
Saturday, May 24 → Cassis (harbor + Calanques boat ride).
Sunday, May 25 → Annecy (lakeside canals + mountain views).
Monday, May 26 → Chantilly (castle + gardens + whipped cream).
**Tuesday, May 27 → Back to CDG for my flight home).

Each stop gave me something different: Gothic cathedrals, fairy-tale castles, a sunny harbor, an alpine lake town, and a final château straight out of a storybook.

Day 1: Exploring Bourges

I kicked off my adventure with one of France’s hidden gems: Bourges Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne). It’s one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site—but somehow still flies under the radar compared to Notre-Dame or Chartres.

Inside, the stained glass is breathtaking, with panels dating back to the 13th century. Don’t miss the climb up the north tower if it’s open—you’ll get panoramic views of the entire town.

Beneath the cathedral, the crypt is just as impressive. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and houses the tomb of Jean, Duke of Berry, one of France’s great medieval patrons of the arts.

Afterward, I wandered through the Old Town, where half-timbered houses line cobblestone streets, and flowers spill out of window boxes. It’s the perfect size for a relaxed stroll.

Where to Eat in Bourges

If you’re in town for a meal, here are three excellent spots:

Le Gargouille – A cozy French bistro right in the historic center, with hearty regional dishes and a warm vibe.
La Scaleta – A favorite for wood-fired pizzas and Italian comfort food.
La Pasta – Casual, friendly, and great if you want pasta or a quick plate of something delicious before continuing your journey.

Bourges felt like the perfect starting point: historic, beautiful, and manageable for a first day in France.

Why ChatGPT Worked for Me

Planning a trip like this on your own can feel overwhelming. I didn’t want to miss hidden gems, and I definitely didn’t want to end up somewhere that felt unsafe or too complicated without public transit. With ChatGPT, I was able to:

Narrow down destinations that fit into my time frame.
Balance history + beauty + safety without second-guessing myself.
Map out a route that was efficient (no backtracking or wasted days).

For me, it wasn’t about replacing guidebooks or travel blogs—it was about cutting through the noise and getting a clear plan fast.

Amazon Travel Essentials I Packed

If you’re thinking about a similar trip, here are some things I brought (and loved):

Phone Mount for Car (Amazon) #Ad – Hands-free GPS is a must.
Portable Power Bank (Amazon) #Ad – Saved me more than once.
Universal Travel Adapter (Amazon) #Ad – Because not every hotel had USB outlets.
Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag (Amazon) #Ad – Peace of mind when walking around solo.
Packable Rain Jacket (Amazon) #Ad – Lightweight and perfect for sudden showers.

ChatGPT Prompts to Plan Your Trip

Want to try planning your own adventure? Here are some prompts I suggest:

“Plan a 5-day solo road trip through France with history, castles, and safe towns for a woman traveling alone.”
“What are the must-see historical sites in Bourges for a half-day visit?”
“Suggest safe, budget-friendly restaurants in Bourges near the cathedral.”
“Design a scenic driving route from Bourges to Carcassonne with photo-worthy stops.”
“What are the best hidden gems near Annecy that can be visited in half a day?”

Closing Thoughts

Day 1 in Bourges set the tone for the rest of my trip: history, beauty, and a sense of safety that made me feel comfortable exploring on my own. From the cathedral’s soaring towers to the cozy Old Town streets, it was the perfect launchpad for the adventure ahead.

Next up: Carcassonne—a medieval fortress city that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.

Read my post: How to Use ChatGPT to Plan Any Trip: Tips, Prompts, and Tricks

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CLAiRITY