The Blues Road in music
From the banks of the Mississippi to the studios of Nashville, follow the musical soul of the American South
Duration
12 days
From
€1,800/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover the États-Unis through an immersive itinerary in the heart of the South, where music, history and landscapes shape every step of your journey. From vibrant New Orleans to the country vibes of Nashville, passing through the banks of the Mississippi and the iconic blues cities, this circuit immerses you in an authentic and deeply cultural America.
Between adventure, nature, culture and local immersion, you traverse territories marked by their history, from Louisiana plantations to wild bayous, while following the traces of great musical legends. Each stop invites you to experience the unique atmosphere of these places, set to the rhythm of live concerts and local encounters.
This journey along the Blues Route is an invitation to explore the États-Unis differently, closer to their identity and cultural heritage.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Louisiana
Private car transfer to your hotel, ideally located in the heart of the French Quarter.
For this first evening, take time to relax and soak in the local atmosphere by strolling along Bourbon Street, an iconic thoroughfare renowned for its lively atmosphere, its bars and its live concerts that punctuate the night.
Discovery of the French Quarter on foot or by bike
This day invites you to discover one of the most authentic cities in the États-Unis: New Orleans. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, it quickly captivates you with its singular atmosphere.
Its blend of Creole, Spanish, African and French culture, its live concerts in the bars, its steamboats, its witchcraft legends as well as its colonial history make it a must-see destination to begin your stay.
You dedicate this day to a walking discovery of the French Quarter, the historic and vibrant heart of the city.
Discovery of the city's surroundings
After a good night's sleep, you set out to discover the surroundings of the city. You will notably visit Mardi Gras World, an emblematic place where the Mardi Gras floats are made, this annual event celebrated every year here.
You can also discover the magnificent residential neighborhood of the Garden District, known for its mansions with elegant architecture and its eclectic restaurants.
At the end of the day, take time to celebrate the atmosphere of the city in a local bar, to the rhythm of a live concert.
Discovery of Plantations
In the morning, you pick up your rental car in New Orleans. You then set off to discover the very famous plantations, witnesses to a significant period in the country's history.
These sites offer an enlightening insight into the colonial history of the États-Unis. The plantations, with their so-called Antebellum homes, are also distinguished by their colonial architecture characteristic of the South.
Day in the Swamps "the Bayous"
Heading towards Baton Rouge, a typical city of Louisiana known for its excellent restaurants and its local crawfish dishes, you set off to explore one of the region's natural wonders: the bayous.
These bodies of water, rich in biodiversity, are home to a fascinating fauna such as owls, alligators and herons.
They offer a conducive setting for nature and photography enthusiasts, seeking quieter moments in the heart of Louisiana landscapes.
Travel in music along the Mississippi to discover Natchez in the afternoon
Today, you leave Baton Rouge heading towards the beautiful Natchez.
On the agenda for this day, a visit to the famous mansions, historic monuments as well as the downtown area of Natchez.
The city is also known for its charming Mississippi riverfront, where you can visit a casino housed in an old steamboat, an experience enjoyed and shared by locals.
In the evening, head to an iconic local bar of Natchez's nightlife: Smoot's Grocery Blues Lounge. You can dance and enjoy a live concert in a typical atmosphere.
Discovery of the typical and historic city of Clarksdale!
The Blues Route also takes you to the banks of the Mississippi River, to discover a more raw and authentic America. Music accompanies your journey, through typical towns like Clarksdale, birthplace of great blues figures such as John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters.
You will discover there in particular the Delta Blues Museum, where exhibitions and programs dedicated to blues are presented. You can also see the famous sign marked with three guitars, The Blues Crossroads.
It is at this intersection, between routes 61 and 49, that legend tells that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil to obtain his guitar virtuosity.
In the evening, go celebrate blues music at the Ground Zero Blues Club, an essential place for music lovers in the region.
On the Trails of King "Elvis Presley"
Discovery of Memphis, the Cradle of Rock, Soul and Blues
Located on the banks of the Mississippi, Memphis is often considered by music enthusiasts as a major hub of great American musical movements. Through stories, influences and sounds, you discover today the legendary Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash recorded.
In the afternoon, you continue your exploration with visits to iconic places such as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame or the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Whether you are a fan of blues, soul or rock, the city reveals itself through a rich and marked cultural and historical heritage. In the evening, take time to relax over a local beer in a live music bar.
Visit to the famous Jack Daniel's distillery
Curious to learn more about the history of the civil rights movement in the United States, we recommend discovering, in the morning in Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum.
Next, we invite you to discover the factory and the famous Jack Daniel's Distillery, located south of Nashville. This is where one of the world's most well-known whiskies is produced.
If you are more sensitive to architecture and history, take time to discover the Nashville Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon.
In the afternoon, you head towards the surprising Nashville. A true reference destination for country music lovers, the city captivates with its music-dedicated museums and iconic bars where successive live concerts take place.
Discovery of Nashville
Today, you explore Nashville, and in particular its famous lively street Broadway (Nashville), not to be confused with the one in New York. Here, theaters and musicals give way to bars and local concerts, in a resolutely country atmosphere.
Also take advantage of this day to discover the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which, as its name suggests, allows you to explore the roots of country music.
Goodbye!
Return of your rental car according to your departure time.
You have time to organize your last tasks on site before heading to the airport or your next departure point, with complete peace of mind.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance (optional)
- Flights (optional)
- Optional activities
- Everything not mentioned in this price is included.
- Possibility of doing this circuit by motorcycle (option)
- Possibility of extending to Chicago to complete the entire Blues Route (option)
Included
- 11 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar.
- Rental of an intermediate SUV with all insurance and local taxes (except roadside assistance plus).
- Fully Customized Travel Log
- Transfer to downtown New Orleans.
- Local assistance on the ground
- On-site concierge service
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 40% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 65 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
Entre 60 et 41 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
Moins de 40 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the United States for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.
Passport
To enter the United States, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly recommended that it remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned end date of stay.
The passport must be an electronic (biometric) passport, recognizable by the electronic chip symbolized by a logo on the cover, to benefit from the visa exemption program.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa – Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland whose country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals also benefit from visa exemption to enter the United States.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorized length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry to the territory and cannot be extended under the visa exemption program.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation in the country.
ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Before arriving in the United States, anyone traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Canadian nationals are generally exempt from this requirement.
ESTA is an electronic prior authorization required by the U.S. authorities. It allows verification of the traveler's eligibility before departure:
passport information
personal information and contact details
answers to questions regarding security and criminal background
The application must be made online on the official U.S. government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov), ideally at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration) and allows multiple entries. Fees apply when submitting the application. The authorization confirmation must be presented to the airline and immigration services.
Travel with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and their own ESTA authorization if their nationality requires it.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality and whether the country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers not eligible for VWP must obtain a U.S. visa before departure. Affected travelers should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for you to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from the visa waiver program for tourist stays, with an authorization (ESTA) to request online before departure (21 USD, valid for 2 years). A valid biometric passport is required. Processing takes a maximum of 72 hours (often just a few hours). Check the specific conditions for your nationality with the embassy or consulate of your country of residence before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €430 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (€400-900 return depending on the season) are additional. Distances require car rental and/or domestic flights.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — American South
Trailblazer of America's vast wilderness, based in Miami
In the United States, every road can become part of the journey. What I love is helping travelers find the right balance between the major sites and those detours that make the experience truly unique.
— Rémy
