france road trip from paris

15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

Chock full of storybook-worthy villages, beautiful castles, and incredibly epic and diverse nature–from the Alps to the beaches of the Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence and the cliffs of Etretat and beyond–it’s not hard to understand why taking a France road trip tops so many bucket lists around the world.

Throw in excellent roads, a great travel infrastructure, and enough exciting places to see that you could spend a lifetime traversing it without turning over every stone, there’s no doubt that a road trip through France is an amazing way to see the country.

We’ve rounded up the best France road trip itinerary ideas here, covering all corners of the country–plus included important France driving tips you’ll need to know before setting off!

Table of Contents

Logistical Tips for Driving in France

Other france road trip tips, 15 of the best road trips in france.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Rent the smallest car you can.

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find French roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs, and stress while driving in France by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Book your rental car for your France road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in France.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your France road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Always carry cash… just in case. 

While you can generally pay tolls (and they are pricey–budget accordingly!) with a Visa or Mastercard in France, you never know when you’re going to need cash for gas or small restaurants.

When taking a driving in France, it’s best to always have some Euros with you–and don’t forget to carry small coins for bathroom fees!

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

For example, our trip to Cassis would have been much easier if we had researched the parking situation beforehand and paid to reserve a spot in one of the parking garages in town.

For hotels, we use Booking.com and ideally look for places using the “free parking onsite” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in France, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 20 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Strongly consider purchasing extra insurance.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country is always going to be an exercise in risk-taking.

While driving in France is typically perfectly safe, if you’re not used to driving in congested urban environments or driving abroad, we’d recommend that you strongly consider purchasing additional CDW (collision damage) insurance for your vehicle–though going through the rental agency is often the most expensive place you can buy this coverage.

Check first to see if your credit card covers it (and in France specifically–not just in your home country), and if they don’t, some insurance policies do.

Get a quote to insure your France road trip today!

Not all gas stations are self-service.

We’ve come across both self-service and attendant-provided gas stations in France–when you pull up to get gas, take a quick look around to see what the other drivers are doing before jumping out of your car!

An International Driver’s Permit isn’t required. 

Unlike in Italy, an International Driver’s Permit isn’t required to rent a car or drive in France (though you do, of course, need to be licensed to drive–for example, driver’s licenses from our home country of the USA are valid for driving in France as a tourist).

However, if your license is written in something other than English or French, or you just want to make any potential communication easier, you may want to consider getting one anyway.

Your life will be easier if you buy a French SIM card.  

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in France will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore France by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase a France SIM card at home in advance.

Pack toilet paper.

Rest stops along highways in France will generally have toilets, but toilet paper is far from guaranteed–best to bring your own just in case.

I usually carry a pack of these with me in my purse when I travel, and they’ve come in handy more than once when driving in France.

Brush up on your French.

Ubiquitous advice for traveling in France, I know, and not exclusive to a road trip in France, but I promise that at least being able to ask for (and follow) simple driving directions in French–not to mention reading basic road signs–will make your France road trip much better!

The first rule of road trips in France: leave room for spontaneity!

One of the best things about taking a road trip in France is that no matter how carefully you plan, no matter how much research you do, you’re still bound to show up in the country and be blown away by something you had never heard of before.

So, just roll with it… and leave room for new discoveries.

I’m a big planner myself, so I get the urge to organize every. last. detail. 

… But during our own trips exploring France by car, I’m also so glad that we randomly decided to spend extra time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, that we gave Port Miou a chance when we saw photos of how lovely it was, that we delayed our departure from Annecy because its market was coming to town, and that we ended up cutting Roussillon from our Luberon Valley trip because we simply weren’t ready to say goodbye to Goult.

In other words: sketch an outline of your days and nights, yes, but be open to changes. Those stops may just end up being some of your favorite stops during your France road trip!

Pay attention to market days (and show up early).

Visiting local markets in all of France’s adorable villages is one of my favorite parts of taking a road trip in France: with a car, there’s no need to worry about managing train times or having to skip the tiniest villages.

If at all possible, aim to visit towns on their market days. Depending on the town, this is generally one, two, or three times a week. Many villages have a small daily market, with larger markets on certain days–those are the ones to aim for.

Also: show up early! Early in the morning is the absolute best time to visit markets on your France road trip. You’ll get to experience both the smallest crowds and also have your pick of the best products before they potentially sell out for the day.

Pack a picnic on travel days.

All those markets full of delicious bread, cheese, meat, and produce that you pass each day? Those are your future lunch!

Double up on practical purchases and fun experiences in France by using market days to stock up on picnic materials to use during your days spent driving in France.

Rest stops in France are plentiful along the highways (look for the signs for “aires”), and are generally very clean and well-stocked, with some even including restaurants.

Don’t change locations every day.

Packing your bags, checking in and out of a hotel, loading the car, unloading the car… all of these things may not seem like much, but by the fifth or sixth day in a row, you’ll be incredibly tired of doing it.

These kinds of transitions eat up way more of each day of your France road trip than the estimated driving time between whatever two towns you’re visiting–so do yourself a favor and limit the number of times you swap lodging.

Instead, set up a series of bases for at least a few days each, and use your rental car to take day trips from there.

For example, we used Avignon as a base to visit the Luberon Valley and Alpilles, and Aix-en-Provence as a base to visit Cassis!

Focus primarily on smaller towns & natural attractions.

Don’t get me wrong–we adore France’s cities, but places like Paris, Lyon, and Nice don’t require a car to visit–quite the opposite. A car is a hindrance there!

One of our France driving tips is to focus on the smaller towns, beautiful countryside, dramatic castles, and endless natural highlights (beaches, lakes, mountains–you choose!) that make up this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

If you hope to include any of France’s major cities as part of your itinerary, we recommend visiting them at the beginning or end of your trip and only renting your car when you’re ready to leave and head to smaller towns.

The slow pace is part of the fun.

Often, the best memories from a trip are the ones where you let go of the long wish list of towns and villages you hope to see, the markets you want to visit, and the tourist sights you can’t miss and just. breathe.

I learn this again virtually every time I go to France: some of my best memories in the country are of the day we did literally nothing but walk around Colmar and admire how beautiful it was, the day we lounged in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens all afternoon, the days we’ve sat at outdoor cafes for hours because the sunshine and people-watching felt too good to leave behind, and the long, leisurely lunch we ate in Goult .

Each and every one of those memories is something we exchanged for missing out on a piece of sightseeing or photo-taking or research we had planned to do–something that seemed important at the time.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

Write down where you go.

Sure, no one is going to forget visiting Nice or Aix-en-Provence… but that tiny town with the cute fruit stand you passed through that one afternoon? Yeah, that name will fade almost immediately.

You’ll want to remember the names of all the small villages you visited, pretty beaches you swam at, cozy restaurants you ate at, and hiking trails you conquered long after your France road trip is finished, so write them down as you go!

Jeremy loves to star the places we visit on Google maps, and I keep my own record in my One Line a Day journal that I’ve been keeping daily for years (and highly recommend!).

Alsace Wine Route

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

A  fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as the Alsace Wine Route .

Especially in the summer months (or early fall), it is a beautiful drive with scenic window views and many beautiful towns, villages, and cities along the way.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous road trips in France and besides being a beautiful place, it has a lot about…well, you guessed it, wine. 

Start your trip in Strasbourg (which is not officially part of the Alsace wine route), the beautiful main city in the region, and explore what it has to offer, including lots of half-timbered houses and many medieval buildings, and then plan in time for stops like Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

These are all beautiful little villages, though Riquewihr is probably the prettiest of all. 

Then it is time to end your tour in Colmar where you can end your road trip and explore one of the cutest towns in the country.

If you are a wine drinker, you can visit the vineyards along the way and try out some of the local wines in the wineries or restaurants. They are supposed to be some of the best wines in the country!

Driving Distance

170km or 105 miles.

Recommended Road Trip Length

3 days is the absolute minimum for this road trip. 4 or 5 days are the better options if you do not want to rush and like to do some wine tasting.

Marseilles to Nice

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

After exploring Marseilles , why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to Nice? The drive is best done at a leisurely pace over a few days so you can savor the delights of Provence and the Cȏte d’Azur. 

The coastal road has many spectacular views and the first is as you leave Marseilles. Les Calanques are dramatic, sheer-sided coastal inlets that have been carved through the limestone and they can be found between Marseilles, Cassis , and La Ciotat. 

A little further on you will be tempted by the seven beautiful sandy beaches of La Croix Valmer.

The first main stop is St Tropez, a favorite with the international jet-set in the sixties. It is still popular for its beaches and nightlife. Those ‘in the know’ explore Port Grimaud- the Crêpes au Chocolat (chocolate pancakes) and cider are worth sampling. 

Cannes is another famous city, loved by the super-rich and known for its international film festival. Antibes lies close to Nice and is a delightful old town with ramparts and once Picasso’s home. 

There will be many other detours inland to make to Domaines (wineries) to sample the area’s superb rosé and villages like Maximin-Le-Sainte- Baume with its famous basilica and Grasse (north of Cannes) is world-famous for its perfume industry. 

St Paul de Vence is loved by painters and writers. When you arrive in Nice, you will be able to park the car and leave it, as there is a large traffic-free zone in the center.

235 km or 146 miles.

Suggested Road Trip Length

It takes around 3 hours to drive between Marseille and Nice but if you really want to enjoy the area explore Marseille, Nice and a few towns between I suggest you spend around 4 to 5 days on this South of France road trip.

The Champagne Route

From Jane and Duncan from To Travel Too

Without a doubt, France’s Champagne Route is one of the most popular driving tours in the country.

When driving the  Champagne Route of France there are several routes to consider, including Massif Saint Thiery Route the northern route starting from Reims, Marne Valley Route from Epernay, and the Cote des Blancs Route from the south of Epernay. There are also others, or you can mix and match to create your own France road trip route!

If you only want to visit some of the major towns you can start from Troyes and head to Epernay, then onto Reims.

There are many small towns and villages around the Champagne region to visit.  The routes will take you past beautiful chateaux, quaint villages, churches, and many champagne houses.

The major champagne houses such as Mercier and Moet Chandon can be found in Epernay and in Reims you can visit Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Taittinger and many smaller boutique champagnes houses as well.

The best months to visit are between May and October.

The Champagne region is easy to travel to from Paris.  The journey from Paris to Reims is only 45 minutes and from Paris to Epernay 1 hour 10 minutes.

The distance from Troyes to Epernay is 112 km or 70 miles, and Epernay to Reims is 29 km or 16 miles.

You can visit either town on a day trip and visit some of the Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  The ideal time to enjoy all that the Champagne region has to offer is between 5 – 7 days.

The Opal Coast

From Nichola of Globalmouse Travels

Paris to Normandy Road Trip

The following Paris to Normandy road trip is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few days to a natural and verdant environment.

From Paris, go north to Mont Saint Michel (4-hour drive), where you should stay for at least 1 night. Consider taking the toll-free road which adds 30 minutes to your driving time, but gives you the chance to drive through Normandy’s charming villages and countryside. 

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, walk, bike, or take public transportation to the island that is Mont Saint Michel. When visiting Mont Saint Michel during low tide, go onto the island, grab a spot along the high stone wall and witness the rising of the tide as the sea surrounds the island, isolating it from the mainland.

The next day, drive east to Étretat. Consider spending half a day to a full day here.

While Giverny may have been home to impressionist painters, Étretat was their inspiration. Étretat sits on the Normandy coast and is home to where grayish-white limestone cliffs meet the untamed blue sea. The cliff tops are paved with dirt paths and staircases making them accessible for walking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

On your way back to Paris from Étretat, stop in Honfleur to aimlessly walk through the port and old town. The various architectures are beautiful in their own right: the medieval old town and the port with its tightly packed, vertical, colorful buildings. When you’ve finished exploring Honfleur, it’s an estimated 2.5-hours drive to Paris.

This road trip from Paris through Normandy and back can be comfortably done in 3 days. 

The French Alps from Chamonix

From Whitney of Designs for Travel

One of the most incredible road trips in France is through the Frech Alps.  With the beautiful green mountains (or white in the snowy season), aqua blue lakes, and quaint chalets, the Frech Alps is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. 

This Frech Alps road trip is a loop that starts and ends in the popular adventure town of Chamonix.  The closest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland.

Start in Chamonix, a beautiful resort town at the base of Mont Blanc.  It’s one of the best places to ski in the winter, but I recommend taking this trip in the summer, where you can take a gondola to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views and do some hiking. 

The next stop on this road trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes west, to the gorgeous alpine town of Annecy .  The pristine lake, river, cobbled old town, pastel cottages, and medieval chateau make Annecy a must-see town in the Alps. 

From here, head east to Le Grand Bornand, another beautiful alpine resort town.  Drive back to Chamonix for a raclette dinner, which is sure to be a favorite meal.

After visiting France, if you have more time, you can drive south to Italy to continue your road trip.

130 miles, 210 kilometers.

This road trip itinerary can easily be done in 3 days and if you have more time, a week is even better!

Gorges du Verdon + Valensole Plateau Road Trip

From Elisa of France Bucket List

This 2-day road trip in Southern France covers the Verdon National Park and some of the best  lavender fields in Provence . This French road trip starts in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and it takes two days. Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provencal city with many interesting things to see and do. Ideally, take one day or two to visit Aix-en-Provence before hitting the road.

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Valensole, a pretty small town world-known for its lavender fields. Enjoy these never-ending seas of ‘blue gold’- it is not only beautiful to see, but it also smells very good!

Back to the road, drive to the Verdon National Park and stop at Esparron de Verdon and Lac Quinson de Verdon, two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. At Lac de Quinson, you can rent a kayak or an electric road and explore the Gorges du Verdon from the water.

Spend the night at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a picturesque hilltop village with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Day two visits Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. This is the main lake in the area, and the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a picnic with a view. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Aiguines, which is less touristy than Moustiers and with a more local atmosphere.  Have an alfresco dinner in one of the two restaurants on the main square before driving back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the last night of this road trip.

270 km, 168 miles.  

This road trip lasts two days. Add one or two more days if you want to visit Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux + France’s West Coast

From Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches, cities, and dramatic scenery, head for the west coast of France. 

You can begin your trip almost anywhere along the coast, but let’s start in the major hub of Bordeaux. Here you can hire a car or camper van and set off on your adventure, but take a day or two first to explore this beautiful city.

If you only have one day, focus your time on the Cathedral and the mirror pool (you’ll need to wake up very early to nab photos here without the crowds).

Once you leave the city, you have some choices to make. Do you want wine, sea, or one of the most incredible natural wonders you’ve ever seen?

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards and they are all worth visiting. If you’re  touring France in a motorhome , you can even stay overnight at many of the vineyards (no worrying about drinking and driving!)

If you want to be wowed, head to Arcachon and the jaw-dropping Dune du Pilat. This natural wonder is the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at around 106m high and runs for nearly 3km. Walking up it is not for the faint-hearted!

Lastly, if you want to see more of the beautiful Atlantic coastline, head up to Île de Ré. This stunning island has some beautiful beaches and is a great place to witness the incredible sunsets you find on the French coast. 

From Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré (past Bordeaux), this driving trip in France is 276 km or 172 miles.

You can drive from Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré in under 3 hours if traffic is clear.

However, we recommend at least a day in Bordeaux, a day near the dune and Arcachon, and a day on Ile de Re, so allow at least 3/ 4 days for your trip. 

Calais to the Pyrenees Loop

From Jenny of TraveLynn Family

For those located in the UK, Calais is an obvious starting point for a France road trip as it’s a short crossing from Kent, either on the ferry or Eurotunnel. This Calais to the Pyrenees road trip  itinerary does a big loop down to the Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d’Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.

Between each stop is about 4 to 5 hours of driving, although do note that this is along tolled roads (which can add up, but they are very efficient).

Staying at campsites, this summer itinerary steers away from main tourist sites and explores the French countryside, rather than the cities. It is advisable to take a bike to explore each stop further using the many cycle lanes and marked tracks. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit , as there are lots of opportunities for a dip to cool off after a day of exploring.

From the peaceful wooded valleys of the Auvergne to the Catalan charm of the Western Mediterranean; the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the fashionable beaches of the Basque country; and the idyllic fishing villages of Ile d’Oléron to the chateaux of the Loire Valley steeped in history; each stop is notably distinct from the other, providing a true cross-section of cultures and landscapes across the French countryside.

2005 miles 0r 3225 kilometers (using toll roads).

The French Alps From Grenoble

From Sasha of The Alternative Travel Guide

149  km / 92 miles.

Recommended Trip Length

Gorges du Tarn

Gorges du Tarn  offers one of the most scenic landscapes in Southern France, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. This loop road trip will take you along the rivers Tarn and La Jonte in the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip starts and ends in Millau, a sleepy Medieval town, famous for the tallest bridge in the world – the Millau Viaduct. After visiting the bridge, head to the hamlet of Peyre, which is literally glued to the rocks – a fine example of the so-called ‘ troglodyte ’ villages. The area abounds in this type of dwellings, where the backside is carved into the rocks and only the façade is at street level.

After Peyre, head upstream the Tarn all the way to Florac. The dramatic gorge, cut by the Tarn, is dotted with a string of cute little villages and hamlets: Les Vignes, La Malène, Hauterives, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Sainte-Enimie, Prades, Castelbouc, Ispagnac.

At Les Vignes make a detour (11 km/ 7 miles) to Point Sublime for the most breathtaking views of the gorge. At La Malène, you can take a boat tour on the Tarn with the famous flat-bottom boats of Les Bateliers.

Another village that deserves more attention is Sainte-Enimie. Together with Peyre, it’s included on the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

From Florac, take D16 across Causse Méjean and visit the incredible cave, Aven Armand. Afterward, take D986 to Meyrueis and continue downstream La Jonte, following D996 and Gorges de la Jonte. The last stop on this road trip, before you return to Millau, are the twin towns of Le Rozier and Peyreleau.

215 km or 135 miles.

Although you can cover the whole distance in one day, I highly recommend that you do this in at least 3 or 4 days. The best time to do the trip is in the summer – between June and September, as in the low season as most places will be closed.

Cannes to Saint-Tropez

From Elena of Passion for Hospitality

The Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera , is one of the most breathtaking coastlines, lined with picturesque cosmopolitan coastal towns and villages, golden beaches, rich nature scenes, the southeast corner of France has been blessed by natural beauty.

Driving from Cannes to St. Tropez is definitely a good way for those seeking to discover the gems of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed hustle-free little trip. 

To get the most out of the road-trip make sure to start early in the morning from Cannes. The first stop is Theoule-sur-Mer, a small medieval town located on the Golfe de La Napoule. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay La Pointe de l’Aiguille or grab a delicious coffee and croissant before departing for the next destination, the resort town of St. Raphael.

We recommend enjoying lunch by the harbor’s restaurants and later, losing yourself around the narrow streets of the colorful old town. The last stop before reaching St. Tropez, where an overnight stop is recommended, is Saint Maxime, a quiet small village which landscape has inspired and continues to do so for many artists and writers.

Depending on your budget there are many different accommodations options, from simple cozy apartments by the beach, to luxurious resorts. 

Alongside the coastal road, there are many little spots scattered, where drivers could take a quick stop to admire the dazzling views, take a few photographs or stretch their legs. 

85 kilometers / 53 Miles 

It is an hour and a half car trip from one city to the other. With the short and one overnight stop, we recommend 2 days enough for this trip.

Toulouse to Andorra Loop

From Ucman of BrownBoyTravels

The tiny sovereign state of Andorra is a mere 190km from Toulouse and makes a perfect road trip back and forth which can be easily done over a weekend. 

Leaving Toulouse in the early morning, you will head in the southwestern direction to the highway. If you want a more scenic route head to Lacroix-Falgarde. The small rural roads will eventually lead you towards the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees appear shortly and the midi- Pyrenees towns and villages take over.

They are perfect for a coffee break or if you are going slowly, for a lunch break. These quaint little villages and towns offer a great insight into the southern french style of life. The streets are neatly trimmed and the everblooming shadow of Pyrenees mountain range dominates everything ever so lovingly.

The drive here is quite easy and simple but that changes significantly when you reach the mountain range. The roads become narrow and the sharp turns take over. The elevation also increases quite dramatically, make sure to take a break to pop your ears. 

The drive is really beautiful here especially in winter with the snow but also quite dangerous, black snow is a real threat here so drive with caution. 

If you drive fast you can cover this entire distance from Toulouse to Andorra La Vella in 3-4 hours but I’d recommend taking a day and going slow to enjoy the scenery. (Make sure to bring your passport although most of the time there are no border checks).

It is quite easy to drive around in Andorra from the ski slopes of Encamp to the quaint little town of Ordino or if you just want a relaxed weekend the beautiful spas of Andorra la Vella. If you like shopping, Andorra offers duty-free shopping , there something for everyone here.

The road trip to Andorra from Toulouse is a memorable and easy France driving trip.

120 miles or 190 kilometers.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy this France road trip itinerary.

Brittany Road Trip in France

From Victoria of Guide Your Travel

This driving route will be between 800 and 100 kilometres, 500 – 620 miles.

Montpellier to Toulouse Loop

Finally, you should head 100 km to Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed “la Ville Rose” – the pink city – because so many of the buildings are made from pinkish bricks. Important sites to visit are Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest romanesque church in Europe. It also has more relics in the crypt than any other church in France, many of which are from Charlemagne (9th century).

You should also spend time at Place du Capitole and the square in front of it. Some parts of the building date back to the 12th century. It has beautiful frescos and offers tours.

Montpellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse is 245 km or 150 miles.

It would take about 3 hours to drive this France road trip route straight through without stopping. However, to truly enjoy each location, I would give yourself a minimum of 5 days.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

hello 🙂 just finished reading your ” escape clause” and i found some great tips so just like to thank you for that first of all. I’m planning on travelling to France by car from west Yorkshire in the UK for a 10 day holiday in total, we would start of by a 5 hour drive to dover then get the ferry crossing to Calais and carry on from there. we will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old too with us so we want to see plenty of beaches and coastal scenery. i wondered if you could maybe point us in the right direction on places to visit/stay ( ideally 2 different locations on family friendly campsites with lodges or tents) and go off on day trips from there if that makes sense 🙂 look forward to hearing back from you guys iain

Hi Iain! Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to spend much time in northwestern France (we were supposed to this year, but alas, 2020 had other plans). I can tell you our personal wish list in that general corner of France, though, includes all the major hits: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Lille, Rouen, and if you get that far south, of course, Mont Saint-Michel. Etretat is ideal for the coastal scenery you mentioned!

Wish we had more detail to offer, but there are some stunning places up that way!

Staggering beauty here Kate. Wow. France surprises me with its range. Definitely a worthy spot for a serious road trip. Fabulous images guys!

thank you for this! we are planning visit in aug/sept 2022 x 21d staring our in paris and heading toward bordeaux, the sw coast, basque, french pyrenees, and andorra. Wasn’t sure how to finish up the loop back to paris but I would love to incorporate provence. I also love your focus on gorges! I just started following you on IG and will look out for more inspiration!

Thanks so much, Leigh! Sounds like an incredible trip.

We’re toying with a trip to Basque Country and/or Bordeaux ourselves this spring–it never stops being difficult to narrow down our options!

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Very good coverage of driving tours in France. One suggestion for drivers I don’t recall was mentioned. After you pick up your car rental stop somewhere and invest in materials to clean your windshield. We have driven thousands of miles on many car trips and estimate that most of the time gas stations don’t have squeegees, sponges, paper towels, or even water available. Well worth the small cost. France is a large agricultural country and bugs abound.

Thanks so much. Very useful

Happy to help!

Hello Kate. I am planning my trip to France. It is our first trip to France. We will fly from New York to Paris and we want to explore France as much as we can within 9 days. We want to rent car and use train if we need. My plan is to start from Paris and go to other nice places including small towns/villages and end up in south and fly back to US from other south city. We need your advice please. Thank you in advance.

With 9 days, the first thing I’d do is narrow down what general region of France you want to visit, as you can access a wide variety of beautiful small towns in that time!

Normandy and Provence are both popular regions for first-time visitors to France, though it sounds like you’re most likely wanting Provence. For Normandy, you might drive right from Paris, and for Provence, you’d likely want to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then pick up a car. This itinerary covers Provence: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/south-of-france-itinerary/

If you want to stick very close to Paris, consider the Loire Valley.

Other options could include the Bordeaux area (we love St. Emilion: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saint-emilion-france/ ) or Burgundy ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-dijon-france/ ).

You obviously can’t cover all of that, but narrowing down where you want to go will be the first step. France has lifetimes worth of villages to explore. 🙂

If you’re wanting to fly home from the south of France, you’ll want to look at flights from Bordeaux (in the west) or Nice, Marseille, Lyon, or Toulouse (in the east).

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Your Complete French Road Trip Planner

Ahhh, France. A country so eclectic and beguiling, it is the most visited nation on the planet . A French road trip is the best way to explore the wonderful diversity and beautiful landscapes of this country.

A road trip in France showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, abundant UNESCO sites and some of the most picture-perfect villages in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through France, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like chateaux hunting, hiking in some of Europe’s highest peaks, kayaking and wild swimming in crystal clear rivers, and sampling the wonderful gastronomy across the country.

In this France travel guide you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in France by region, with France travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable French road trip itineraries.

Getting to France

Flying in and opting for car rental in France is a great choice, especially as France has so many easily accessible international airports, the perfect starting point for many of our road trip itineraries.

You can fly in to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other French cities to start your trip. We recommend booking your flights through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Driving to France from UK

If you’re planning to drive to from the UK to France , then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our driving to France from UK guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in France? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Best Time to Take a French Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months can be very cold throughout France, even in the south of the country and rain is quite common at this time of year.  But, the roads and cities will be quiet and less crowded, although not all attractions will be open.

March to May

Spring is a wonderful time to visit France, with temperatures warming up across the country. Markets increase in size, restaurants start preparing different dishes and the countryside is glorious. You’ll still find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

June and July are busier months to roadtrip France , with perfect temperatures for camping and outdoor activities. June is probably the best month, as schools have yet to break up across Europe and the family rush to the coasts has not yet started.

August brings the French annual holiday when many businesses close for the duration. If you’re planning on road tripping in tourist areas, then this won’t affect you too much, and you’ll have perfect holiday weather.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for French road trips , especially in the south of France. The coast will be quieter but if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy an Indian summer amongst the grape harvest and changing fall colors of the countryside.

Is this your first time visiting France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Road Trip France Planner by Region

France is such a diverse country, it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip, especially if you want to see the less traveled in France for a more authentic experience.

Whether you like coasts, mountains or rolling countryside, historic cities, elegant palaces, or wild landscapes, you’ll find your perfect road trip here, and there’s no dount that you’ll be ticking plenty off your France bucket list !

A road trip to France is an easy win for most Europeans and Brits, who are on the same continent, or just a hop across the English Channel.

For everyone else, Paris makes a great place to start any France road trip itinerary. Book with Skyscanner and fly in, pick up a rental car, or even a campervan, and you can be anywhere in the country within a day – that’s the beauty of a  voyage en voitre , or road trip in French!

France Road Trip Map by Region

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A huge region, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stretches from the volcanoes and plateau of the Massif Central in the west to the highest point of the French Alps in eastern France, offering some of the best roads in France, with spectacular scenery, rugged landscapes, and historic cities.

Divided by the mighty Rhone river, and with the center of the region being the vibrant foodie city of Lyon, there is great diversity here and four distinct climates. The further south you head, the more you will notice the flora, fauna, and climate taking on a Mediterranean feel.

A UNESCO Road Trip

Lyon – clermont-ferrand – le-puy-en-valey – saint-etienne.

• Distance 370km
• Duration 7 days
• Drive Time 5 hours

Start in the fabulous city of Lyon, the capital of the Rhone region. The historic heart, Vieux-Lyon, stretches across the base of Fourviere Hill and its grand basilica.

There are lots of things to do in Lyon , eating is one of the best! As you stroll the medieval streets and iconic traboules (or hidden passageways), stop in Lyon’s traditional restaurants, known as bouchons , and get up close to Renaissance facades and buildings that boast over a thousand years of history.

Next on your Auvergne road trip is one of France’s oldest cities, Clermont-Ferrand, known for its string of volcanoes called the Chaine des Puys. The dormant volcano Puy de Dome is one of the highest and has been a tectonic hotspot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2018.

In the city itself, don’t miss the jewel of Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica and the highly distinctive black lava stone Gothic Cathedral.

In Le-Puy-en-Valey, visit the imposing cathedral, the silhouette of which stands proud on the slopes of Mount Anis. The building, celebrated for housing the enigmatic Black Madonna, and one of the most beautiful cloisters in Europe, is a key monument of Romanesque art.

Finally, around Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO Design City, the site at Firminy hosts Le Corbusier’s largest European work. Visit the four buildings featured on the architectural walk, including the famous Maison de la Culture, where you can trace the legacy left by modern architecture.

Not far from Lyon, pay a visit to the Tourette Convent, the last great building by Le Corbusier in France, which will be a fitting end to your UNESCO road trip.

Road trip here if you like…

• Mountains – if outdoor activities are your thing, start  hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc  from Chamonix at the foot of the country’s easternmost mountains, explore the medium-high extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central, or take a road trip on the Route des Grandes Alpes .
• Gastronomic delights – There’s  so much to do in Lyon , not only one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is the food city of this gastronomic country. Regional dishes are influenced by the mountains and tend to be hearty and wholesome. 
• Water sports – with Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, and Lac de Bourget in the region, summer sailing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are on the doorstep.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

This beautiful region of France is famous for its rich history and viniculture. Sometimes abbreviated to BFC, this area is around a five to six hour drive from Calais on the A26, and just a few hours from Paris, making it a great option if you’re short on time. 

Part of this area is the old historic region of Burgundy, once the heartland of France and known for its wines, such as Beaujolais and Chablis.

BFC is sparsely populated and sees relatively little tourist footfall, making this cross-country road trip a joy for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. The route takes you through a mix of low agricultural lands to the fabulous mountains and lakes of the Jura.

RELATED POST: Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

The Jura Route des Lacs

Dijon – marigny – thoirette.

• Distance 350km
• Duration 3-5 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

Start in the beautiful historic city of Dijon, surrounded by the Cote d’Or vineyards where over 3,000 winemakers produce their world-famous wines in the heart of ancient Burgundy.

The UNESCO old center of Dijon is packed with half-timbered medieval houses and elegant Renaissance buildings. Make sure to try the wines from the region, and Dijon’s other claim to fame, Dijon mustard.

Head south to off-the-beaten-track Marigny for the deep navy and turquoise lakes of the Jura Massif, where you can explore museums, regional crafts, and local gastronomy, as well as remote places, natural sites, and plenty of waterfalls.

You might want to get in the water too, there are twenty lakes to choose from!

• Great gastronomy  – the home of the unique Vin Jaune, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Comte cheese, and Dijon mustard is a powerhouse of French cooking, particularly where the use of wine is required!
• Atmospheric historic cities – Beaune and Dijon are just two gorgeous cities in this region, packed with history, Gothic and medieval architecture with a typical French ambiance.
• Breathtaking castles – there are well over thirty well-preserved chateaux in the northern half of this region, you’ll see them literally on every bend in the road!

The rugged peninsula of western France, Bretagne, is an ideal place for a one or two week northern France road trip itinerary.

With Rennes, the capital of the region, being just an hour’s drive from St Malo, it is literally a hop over the channel and the perfect place for a road trip from the UK to France .

With a wild and dramatic coastline and an undiscovered feel beyond the well-known tourist spots, this western France road trip offers a shared Celtic culture, ancient mysticism, and every type of beach imaginable!

Brittany Coast to Coast

Saint-malo – brest – quimper – vannes – rennes.

• Distance 540km
• Duration 10 days
• Drive Time 6 hour

The peninsula of Brittany lends itself to a jaunt around its coast, enjoying the superb seafood and friendly nature of the locals.

Start in historic St Malo before taking in the endless sightseeing opportunities of the peninsula’s varied 1600km long coastline. 

There’s a beach here for your taste, from secluded coves and surfing hotspots to long white stretches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky outcrops.

Around Perros-Guirec is the Cote de Granit Rose with its pink beaches, one of the most interesting coastlines in France, and across to the west is the Finistere coast with its huge beaches and quaint fishing villages.

If you want to dip into every cove, explore every interesting finger of land that protrudes into the sea, and visit all the charming towns and villages en route, then allow at least two weeks for this magical road trip.

• Beautiful gardens – also known as the Garden Coast, Brittany has some of the best gardens in France. From English-style cottage gardens to exotics, there’s something here for every green-fingered visitor.
• Delicious cider – Brittany is the cider country of France. With more than 600 apple varieties grown in the region, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Customs and tradition – the pan-Celtic tradition is very evident here; the Breton language is spoken with pride and widespread cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Chateaux of the Loire

Orleans – blois – tours – angers – nantes.

The enchanting chateaux and picturesque towns of the Loire Valley make this historic region the perfect place to take a 10 day road trip in France.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Delicious white wines – Touraine, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, and Valencay are just some of the well-known whites produced in this region. Take a vineyard tour and make sure to enjoy a wine tasting afterward!
• Historic cities – from gracious Orleans to Gothic Blois and Tours with its beautiful old town, the cities of this region are must-sees.
• Bird watching – La Brenne Natural Park is the hidden gem of Centre-Val de Loire. To the south of the region, this huge park containing over a thousand lakes is a wetland paradise for birders. 

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

Grand Est borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and a small part of Switzerland so it’s not surprising that this region has multicultural influences.

Grand Est is one of the most accessible regions if you’re taking a France road trip from Calais, a four hour drive will take you to the heart of the rolling Aube, and in six hours you can be in  Strasbourg , the capital of the region and home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

Previously known as Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, the region is home to typical French countryside with an eclectic mix of vineyards, the low-lying Vosges mountains, and some of the prettiest small towns in France, found along the Alsace wine route.

In some less-visited and remote wooded parts of the Vosges, lynx, boar, and wolves can still be found in the wild, making the rich nature and biodiversity of the area of particular interest.

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Route Touristique du Champagne

Reims – trigny – epernay – cumieres – essoyes.

• Distance 285km
• Drive Time 5 hour

The whole of the Champagne Route stretches for around 700km across the departments of Marne, Aube, and Aisne, with eight marked trails to authentic villages, ancient monasteries, imposing châteaux and churches, and of course, vineyards!

This bit of the route takes you from Reims and its world-renowned champagne houses to the massif of Saint-Thierry where you can enjoy beautiful views from Trigny, a flower-filled village with medieval ramparts.

Visit the Verzenay lighthouse, which watches over a rolling swathe of vineyards and now houses the Musée de la Vigne, where you can learn about the history of champagne before driving on to Epernay, and its famous champagne houses of Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger.

From Cumieres, embark on the Champagne Vallee boat to discover the vineyards along the water in the Marne valley. 

Further south on the Côte des Blancs road, admire the panoramic view of the vineyards from Mont Aimé and enjoy the charms of the pretty village of Oger. 

In Aube around Bar-sur-Seine, with its half-timbered houses, make a stop at Essoyes where Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir lived for a few years, and visit one of the 28 champagne cellars in the area.

• Champagne – of course! This champagne road trip is perfect for lovers of bubbles!
• Medieval   cathedrals – Grand Est is home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• War history – the Verdun & Argonne battlefields and war graves cemeteries of WWI can be found in the region, along with the WWII Maginot Line forts. The Surrender Room in Reims is where German forces capitulated to Eisenhower in May 1945, bringing an end to the long war.
• Accessible hiking  – easier on the heart and lungs, the hiking routes of the Vosges are a pleasure. With stunning rolling scenery and trails to take you through historic villages and make the most of the views, hiking in the Vosges is a real highlight. 

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Hauts-de-France

This is is the most northerly region of France and home to the port city of Calais, meaning it’s on the doorstep of the UK and a perfect French road trip destination for those wishing to nip across the Channel for a weekend from the UK, or for anyone looking for a few beach days on a longer trip in Paris. 

Not a major tourist region, the area is known for the battlefields of World War I, most notably the Somme, a four month battle in which over a million people lost their lives, and many people come here for the memorials and war sites.

But there is more to see in this part of France, including the incredible beaches, elegant resort towns, and pretty fishing villages dotted along the unspoiled and beautiful Cote d’Opale, or Opal Coast.  

Explore the Opal Coast

Calais – boulogne-sur-mer – le touquet – etaples – montreuil – abbeville.

• Distance 144km
• Duration 3 days
• Drive Time 2 hour

From Calais, head south and visit Cap Blanc-Nez (cape white nose), opposite the white cliffs of Dover, and Cap Griz-Nez, (cape grey nose), the closest point in France to England. Both headlands offer fine views across the channel and coast and some great walking opportunities.

Boulogne is the largest fishing port in France and is home to all things sea! Visit the excellent Nausicca Aquarium, full of fascinating displays, interactive exhibits, and sea life, before visiting the historic old town and port, where you can join an organized tour. 

Le Touquet is the jewel of the coast, known as Paris-Plage because this is traditionally where Parisians came for their long August break. Nowadays, it’s a lively resort known for its fantastic beach, water sports, and nightlife, including clubs and casinos.

Don’t miss the lighthouse, La Phare de la Canche, which rewards you with breathtaking views if you’re happy to climb the 274 steps to get to the viewing platform at the top!

Stop at the peaceful nature park of Baie de Canche, situated east of Étaples-Sur-Mer, a protected area of 45 hectares teeming with wildlife, before heading to Abbeville.

The capital of maritime Picardy and your final stop, Abbeville is a beautiful city and boasts rich historical monuments including the flamboyant Gothic style Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with its magnificent carved facade.

• Mining history – much of the infrastructure in the northern parts of the region has been shaped by mining, a now redundant industry in this part of France. Visit the UNESCO listed Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin for a fascinating insight into the industry and a miner’s life in the pits.
• Beautiful belfries –  tall and often ornate clock towers attached to civic buildings, belfries are common in the region and were built to symbolize the power of the local alderman and councillors. The Belfries of Belgium and France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.
• Battlefield tours  – the battles of Flanders, the Somme, Vimy, and Ypres were all fought on the soil of the Hauts-de France by French, British, Canadian, Australian, and African troops. The memorials and cemeteries marking these battles make for moving visits.

France Road Trip Essentials

Lonely Planet France

France driving essentials

France SIM card

UPF 50 travel sun hat

France beaux villages guide

universal adaptor + USB

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is the small region surrounding the beautiful city of Paris. Surrounded by cities and forests that prospered from the patronage of the Kings of France, the area is rich in royal history, elegant palaces, and medieval towns. 

A four hour drive from Calais and on the doorstep for those flying in, it is perhaps not the first destination road trippers think of, but it is the ideal opportunity to combine a five day trip to Paris with a road trip to see the best bits of this compact region.

A Road Trip Around Paris

Chantilly – provins – fontainebleau – versailles – saint-denis.

• Distance 275km
• Duration 5 days
• Drive Time 4 hour

Start in Chantilly, a town obsessed with horses, and join the Parisians at the elegant Chantilly racetrack, home of the French Derby (or Prix du Jockey Club).  

Head along the pretty country roads to Fontainebleau forest for a spot of activity. Once the hunting grounds of French kings, and home to a beautiful palace, the area is dotted with massive boulders that attract anyone wanting to try bouldering. 

If hiking is more your thing, there are more than 500km of marked trails in the forest, with the 25 Bosses Trail being the most well-known. This challenging day hike will reward you with incredible views of the surrounding area. 

If you prefer to see it from the air, then hitch a ride on a hot air balloon, a popular way to see the forest.

From here, drive to the UNESCO site of historic Provins, a fortified city full of medieval half-timbered houses and cobbled streets inside the well-preserved ramparts. Built to accommodate an annual fair linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean, most of the buildings here are still in their original form.

Versailles is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you must book online in advance as it can take five hours to queue in the summer if you don’t have a ticket. This shining, golden Baroque palace was once home to the Kings of France and spreads over 800 acres.

The inside is full of gold leaf, pink marble, and other finishes so opulent it almost hurts the eye. The formal gardens are beautifully symmetrical and soothing, with thousands of trees and water features – the perfect place for a picnic.

From Versailles, head north-east to the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most important religious buildings in Ile-de-France. The first Gothic cathedral was built at the exact spot where Saint-Denis, the patron saint of Paris and France was buried.

• Iconic cities – although driving in and around Paris is to be avoided at all costs, you can stay outside Paris and get the train in, just follow this perfect  Paris one day trip itinerary  to see top sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in one of the most cultured cities in Europe .
• Theme parks –  meet all your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris , just three and a half hours from Calais and an hour from Paris.
• Modern architecture – there are four Le Corbusier villas in Ile-de-France. Villa Savoye is in Poissy and Villa La Roche, Villa Jeanneret, and Immeuble Molitor are wonderful hidden gems in Paris.

Normandy borders the English Channel and is easily accessible from all the channel ports, the furthest being St Malo around a three to four hour drive. Le Havre is in the region itself and a perfect arrival port popular with UK road trippers, as well as being close to pretty Honfleur.

The whole region was a significant medieval empire and controlled much of England and Wales, leaving a rich history for visitors to explore on a Normandy road trip.

The three huge attractions of Rouen cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry, and Mont Saint-Michel are the must-sees of the region. Along with the pretty fishing port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches, this region has much to recommend and is one of the best road trip destinations in France.

The World War II Sites of Normandy

Benouville – ouistreham – arromanches – colleville-sur-mer – bayeaux.

• Distance 180km
• Drive Time 3 hour

You could visit the key places on this tour in a day, but to the sites justice and spend time at the memorials, you need three to five days.  

Start at Benouville, just north of Caen, for Pegasus Bridge and its museum, the site of a daring landing by gliders of the British 6th Airborne Division in shortly before the sea invasion.

From here, it’s a short hop to Ouistreham to visit Le Grand Bunker, part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses, and the German Battery to the north. 

Heading west, you’ll find the landing beaches of Sword (British and French), Juno (Canadian), Gold (British), and Omaha and Utah (American). Each has a number of visitor sites to be explored.

At Arromanches, watch an educational film at the 360-degree cinema on top of the cliff before you descend into the town itself and visit the Landing Museum built near the site of the Mulberry Harbours, which were constructed to aid the Allies in getting supplies ashore. 

As you continue west, don’t miss the German Gun Battery at Longues, before arriving at the atmospheric American Cemetery at Colville, where you can hear the Last Post daily at 5pm.

From Utah beach, skirt back to Bayeaux, home of the British and Commonwealth Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum (and of course, that famous tapestry).

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

• Medieval heritage – Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is chock full of medieval architecture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 is on glorious display in the town of the same name.
• Gorgeous gardens – if you are a gardener or painter, then there is no better garden in the whole of France than Giverny, Claude Monet’s country home and garden. Gloriously and unashamedly colorful, this beautiful place has provided inspiration to generations of gardeners and painters alike.
• Impressionist art – known as the birthplace of impressionism after Monet took inspiration in Le Havre and painted ‘ Impression, soleil levant ‘ (‘Impression, sunrise’) in 1872. Normandy houses two major collections and has no fewer than fifteen museums dedicated to impressionist art and history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of our personal favorites for a France road trip holiday, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region of France. From the ports of Caen or Cherbourg, the capital Bordeaux is a good seven to eight hour drive, making the region an ideal destination for a two or three weeks holiday. 

This region in the southwest of France is incredibly varied, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the gently meandering Dordogne valley, to the almost continuous beach of the long Landes coastline. There’s also great French wine heritage here, along with classic gastronomy which uses the abundance of high-quality ingredients grown and produced in the region.

Pine forests, vineyards, elegant resorts and rustic villages shape this space, along with great regional food and wine which give life and color to a seriously enjoyable region of France.

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Best of the Dordogne

Bordeaux – bergerac – la roque-gageac – sarlat-la-caneda – rocamadour – perigueux.

• Distance 380km
• Duration 5-7 days

Staring in the magnificent city of Bordeaux , known as the wine capital of the world, follow the Dordogne to beautiful Bergerac, a historic city, whose narrow streets are lined with fine houses and filled with blooms and quirky art installations.

Of course, you’ll also find a statue of Bergerac’s most famous son, Cyrano de Bergerac. A French soldier remembered chiefly for fighting many duels often over the size of his nose! 

From here, head for the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac, the gateway to the Valley of the Five Chateaux, home to five impressive castles, including Chateau Beynac and Chateau Castelnaud. You’ll also find the stunning Gardens of Marqueyssac hanging on the cliffs above the village.

Head east for the gorgeous town of Sarlat, deep in the wooded hills of the Dordogne. With cobbled streets and Gothic mansions galore, Sarlat makes a great base to explore locally and enjoy some of the fantastic gastronomy of the region.  

Cross into Occitanie for Rocamadour, home to the cheese of the same name, and the Gouffre de Padirac, two of the must-see attractions in the area which can be visited in a day if you’re pushed for time.

Allow a full day to explore the final stop of  Perigueux, making sure to visit the Saint-Front Cathedral, the quays, and the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

• Mountains  – the eastern Pyrenees are to the south of the region and beyond the towns and cities provide amazing cycling and hiking opportunities, including this seven day Pyrenees hiking tour . 
• Beaches – there are hundreds of miles of soft golden beaches along the coast. Stretching from the glamorous resort of Biarritz in the south to La Rochelle in the north, only interrupted by the river Garonne and the Arcachon Basin. If you like sand, head for the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat, with an incredible view of the blue, turquoise and green crystal clear waters of the Arcachon basin. 
• Surfing –  people come here to surf the huge Atlantic rollers coming in from the Bay of Biscay and there is an annual world surf competition held in Lacanau-Ocean. If you can’t stand up, get a body board, or just spend hours deciding whether to float over the next wave or power under it.   

Occitanie (previously known as Languedoc) makes up almost one-half of the south of France and is a region of huge contrast. A solid ten to eleven hour drive from Caen, Occitanie makes a good destination if you have a couple of weeks to travel or, as part of a longer trip.

We think it’s worth the drive time for the atmosphere, history, and beauty you will find in this region. 

From the sun-drenched Herault of the deep south and the Mediterranean coast to the wild and raw beauty of the Cevennes and the majesty of the Pyrenees, the landscape and climate differ greatly.

This is a busy part of France, home to Carcassonne, Lourdes, and the Pont du Gard. These three top the busiest tourist destinations in Europe list and are best visited outside of July and August.

RELATED POST: The Best Wild Swimming in France

Beaches & Mountains of the Languedoc

Montpellier – sete – agde – beziers – carcassonne – gorge d’heric – pezenas – saint-guilhem-le-désert.

Start in the growing city of Monpellier and head south along the coast to the pretty fishing port and the seaside resort of Sete, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Etang de Thau salt lake on the other.

The main canal running through the Sete city center is lined with bars and restaurants offering fish and seafood delicacies. Make sure to try a tielle, a local specialty comprising of octopus cooked in olive oil, tomato, and red wine and baked in pastry.

The salt lake Etang de Thau is sandwiched between vineyards and natural scrubland and is the ideal place to learn more about what the area is famous for – shellfish, and in particular oysters. There are a number of oyster farms open for visits where you can learn about the farming process.  

Agde, just along the coast, is famous for its black volcanic sand beaches which are unique to the region. La Grande Conque is one such beach, a small bay carved into the coast and a great place to while away the day sunbathing and swimming.

Your next stop is the beautiful town of Beziers, home to the Fonserannes Locks, the famous staircase of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, which allow boats to be raised 21.5m over a distance of 300m. You can hire a bike here and cycle along the canal towpath, for a peaceful afternoon ride.

Head west and inland for the iconic city of Carcassonne. The beautifully renovated citadel, La Cite, is a must-see in this area of France. Vast and imposing, it towers above the Aude and ‘new’ Carcassonne and feels a little Dinsneyesque inside, with lots of touristy (and expensive) bars and restaurants.

From here, if you have more time, you can head into the Pyrenees if you want to hike, kayak, and see the religious castles the area is famous for. 

Otherwise, the magnificent Gorge d’Heric is next up, with hiking and wild swimming opportunities in abundance. This dramatic gorge, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc nature reserve, is home to the river Heric as it rushes down from the Massif de Caroux.

You can walk up the Gorge for around 5km, or hike and rock climb the Caroux if you want something a bit more challenging. All the way up the gorge are massive boulders and private natural swimming pools, filled with clear turquoise waters and wonderful for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day.

From here, pretty Pezenas calls, with its Friday wine festivals through summer, local craft shops, and weekly farmers market. A perfect place to stop for a few days and catch your breath, before taking in the Pont du Diable, perfect for a spot of cliff-jumping and paddle boarding.

A few miles away from the Devil’s Bridge is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, nestled in the heart of the Herault Gorges and a major stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The centerpiece of the village is the Gellone Abbey, a 1200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked in the corner of the main square.

RELATED POST: South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

• Wild swimming – the gorges of the region have some of the best  wild swimming  and canyoning in France. Tucked into the Montagne Noire or the midi-Pyrenees, the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
• Outdoor adventures – head for the Gard and Lozere departments where you’ll find nature at its finest. Winding rivers like the Tarn are superb for kayaking and often have small river beaches and swimming holes, with perfectly placed rocky ledges to jump from. The Cevennes National Park offers great hiking in a wild and natural environment.
• Religious history – The Aude and Ariege have a strong Cathar history and you can see remnants everywhere. Follow the Route of the Cathars through fortified hilltops, castles, villages, and towns for a fascinating insight into a religion that shaped this part of France for centuries.

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is a region of north-western France that adjoins the region of Centre-Val de Loire. Both regions share many characteristics including the Loire Valley and large numbers of famous chateaux.

One difference is the long Atlantic coastline of the Pays de la Loire known as the Vendee, a very popular UK tourist destination due to its proximity to the eastern channel ports, and enjoyed for its gentle waves, sandy beaches, and quintessential sea-side resorts.  

An easy three to four hours from Caen to Nantes places you in the heart of this region, with the Loire Valley to the east and the beaches of the Vendee to the west.  

RELATED POST: The Best Campervan Destinations in France

The Coast of the Vendee

Nantes – saint-gilles-croix-de-vie – les sables-d’olonne – la tranche-sur-mer – la rochelle.

Starting in increasingly popular Nantes, home to the Les Machines de L’ile, this west coast road trip is more about the relaxed coastal resorts than cities.

Make for Saint Gilles-Croix-de Vie, stopping at Sallertaine on the route, to explore the peaceful canals of the Marais Breton in an open canoe.

Once in Saint-Gilles, enjoy the chic and lively ambiance, as well as superb sardines, caught locally and on your plate within a few hours.

On the Côte de Lumière or Coast of Light, the coastal resorts here enjoy 2400 hours of sun every year, making this a perfect place to relax on a sun lounger for a few days.

Continue south to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the point of departure for the Vendee Globe round-the-world sailing race. A popular seaside resort, it has a superb sandy beach and a pretty seafront promenade plus a casino and golf course to keep you busy.

Next up is La Tranche-sur-Mer, known as ‘little California’ because of its exceptional sunshine hours and 13km of sandy beaches.

With an authentic vibe and lively family atmosphere, this is a great stop for teenagers, with lots of water sports on offer, as well as free concerts and street entertainment in the evenings in summer.

Your final stop is the historic sea town of La Rochelle, a laid-back resort town with a well-deserved reputation for great seafood, and the best old port on the French Atlantic.

Spend a day meandering around the charming town before exploring the maritime museum and aquarium.

• Bucket and spade holidays – perfect for family holidays, the Vendee is lined with some of the best French holiday parks offering fantastic facilities. Kids love the beaches for perfect sand-castle building and gentle waves.
• Theme parks – the Puy du Fou historic theme park has  over 1,5 million visitors a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of France, and perfect for a day out if you are traveling with kids.
• Beautiful chateaux – one of the main attractions of the region, the chateaux of the Loire Valley are world famous.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

A favorite of many, this region, often abbreviated to PACA, covers a large and diverse area. From the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps, and from the river Rhone to the Italian border, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the furthest of France’s regions from the UK.

It takes a whopping eight hours of driving from Paris and twelve to thirteen hours from Calais, making the journey a road trip to the south of France in its own right.

For the glamorous and fashionable resorts of the French Riviera, the lavender fields and whitewashed towns of Provence, and the off-the-beaten-path wilderness of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, those driving hours are so worth it.

The sun-baked landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and villages, abundant local produce, and delicious wines just add to the attraction. 

The Route Napoleon

Grenoble – laffrey – la mure – corps – col bayard – gap – sisteron – digne – castellane – saint-vallier-de-thiey – grasse – antibes.

• Distance 314km
• Drive Time 8 hour

The most picturesque south of France road trip, the historic Route Napoleon begins in the Auvergne-Rhone- Alpes region.

The road trip starts (or ends, as the route starts at the coast, but can be road tripped either way) in Grenoble, the route follows the footsteps of the famous General on his return from exile in Elba, as he headed north for Waterloo.

Inaugurated in 1932, you will see statues of the Imperial French Eagle marking the way, along what is now (mainly) the N85.

The road is really spectacular, with switchbacks, sweeping bends, and challenging mountain stretches making it one of the best road trips in France.

Peaking at 1246m at Col Bayard before passing into Provence and the towns of historic Sisteron, beautiful Digne, and fragrant Grasse, you’ll also pass the stunning Gorge du Verdon and the beautiful lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

From Castellane to Grasse, the views to the coast from the road are spectacular, across lush green slopes dotted with magnificent villas, to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean, just one of the reasons to start in Grenoble and head south. 

This route smells heavenly too – the scent of hot pine sap and the essential oils of regional herbs being warmed by the sun is the fragrance of southern France.

RELATED POST: Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

• Glitz and glamour – St Tropez is one of the most famous Cote d’Azur holiday resorts. People on Riviera road trips flock to the vieux port where the rich and famous berth their mega-yachts, and enjoy the honeyed stone buildings and pretty squares of a slightly more relaxed and authentic St Tropez. If you want more, head to Monaco, Nice or Cannes, or one of the ridiculously opulent villas which open their doors to the public. 
• Iconic Lavender – field upon field and row upon row of beautiful and fragrant lavender carpets  Provence  in June and July. Go early in the day for the best photo opportunities.
• Local produce – experience a marchés hebdomadaires ( farmers market). Most towns have a weekly market where you will find fresh bread, wonderful fruit and vegetables, pungent cheeses, meaty saucisson sausage, fat olives, and pretty much any other fresh food stuff you might want to buy. 

France Country Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in France.

• Search for affordable flights to France with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in France with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in France with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries from UK to France Direct Ferries
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in France

Road trips in France are usually pleasurable, thanks to their extensive and well-maintained autoroute network, and generally good local roads. French drivers can be impatient and are dreadful tailgaters and really, really dislike being overtaken, but, c’est la vie, this is France!

Whether your road tripping France in a campervan , car, or motorbike, follow these tips for driving safely and legally;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from France.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and must put it on before you get out in an emergency or breakdown situation. You must also carry a warning triangle.
• You may require a Crit’Air sticker which is placed in the windscreen of your vehicle to provide a visible way to identify the level of emissions produced. If you’re renting a vehicle, the Crit’Air sticker should already be on display in the windscreen. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.
• On 1 November 2021 the Loi Montage II or ‘mountain law II’ came into force in 48 French mountainous departments within the Alpes, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrénées, and Vosges regions. Anyone traveling in a car or motorhome or through one of these areas between 1 November and 31 March will be obliged to fit four approved winter tires or carry at least two snow chains or socks in the vehicle.
• French motorways are privately managed and you’re not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if you break down. If you do break down use the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along French motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area or dial the emergency services on 112. You will be towed to a safe designated area where you can make onward arrangements for your own breakdown insurer to assist you if you have it. Otherwise, the towing company will be able to provide support or signpost you. 
• You do not need to carry a breathalyzer, the law requiring that you do has been repealed.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your French road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for more incredible road trips? Check out these top posts…

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Love it pin it.

7 top road trips to see the best of France

Dec 17, 2023 • 6 min read

Experience the best bits of France with these classic French driving routes © Justin Paget / Getty Images

France’s winding cobbled lanes and tree-lined rural roadways offer a straight shot into the heart of the country. Incredible countryside vistas merge into unique and highly wanderable villages, castles and coastlines that will etch your journey into your memories.

Grab a set of wheels and hit the road to embrace the best of this magnificent country. Here is a starter kit of fantastic road trips in France – drive on the right and embark on your own perfect French adventure.

1. Wine villages in Burgundy

Best road trip for wine and architecture Chablis–Beaune; 200km (124 miles), allow 2-3 days

Begin this wine journey in Chablis in the département of Yonne , leaving ample time to taste the seven grands crus (premium vineyards) of this well-known winemaking region. Then connect up with the exquisite Route des Grands Crus , which links many of central Burgundy’s most acclaimed vineyards.

You’ll meander through the vine-carpeted countryside from Gevrey-Chambertin to Puligny-Montrachet , exploring some of the most storied vineyards in the world. Enjoy detours into venerable wine-growing villages whose melodious names – engraved on labels or whispered during a romantic dinner – make oenophiles swoon. 

Pair your wine tasting with some of the country’s most memorable Romanesque architecture – for example, the grand Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun – and you’ll uplift both body and soul.

Planning tip:  When in Beaune , the town around which the vineyards circle, don’t miss the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune in the old city, with its exquisite 15th-century altar painting by Rogier van der Weyden.

2. Castles of the Loire Valley

Best road trip for grand châteaux Chinon–Chambord; 189km (118 miles), allow 2-3 days

The extravagant castles along France’s longest river have been the backdrop for royal intrigue for centuries. From warring medieval potentates to the kings and queens of Renaissance France, a parade of powerful men and women has left its mark on the lush Loire Valley.

This drive links up France’s most magnificent collection of castles, ranging from austere medieval fortresses such as Château de Langeais to ostentatious royal pleasure palaces such as Chambord .

Detour:  You can stop along the way and rent a bike to cycle when the weather is fair – don’t miss the graceful arches of Château de Chenonceau reflected in the Cher River near Tours.

3. Across the French Alps

Best road trip for dramatic scenery and family adventures Annecy–St Véran; 363km (225 miles), one week

France’s section of the Alps provides an incomparable setting for a summer road trip (from mid-June to mid-September, when mountain passes are snow-free). This Alpine drive combines awesome splendor with the charms of time-worn mountain culture.

Curve through the heart of the French Alps from Annecy , perhaps France’s prettiest lakeside city, to the slopes of 4808m (15,774ft) Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. Then head over the high mountain pass of Col de l’Iseran to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc, a charming Alpine village, and St Véran – France's highest village.

Planning tip:  Amongst all these high points, take regular breaks to hike, mountain bike, white-water raft and ride vertigo-inducing cable cars.

4. Dordogne villages and markets

Best road trip for food and fortifications Monpazier–Domme; 96km (60 miles), 1-2 days

The Dordogne holds two special distinctions – it's the home of many of France's top culinary delights, as well as being a land of fortified villages. Serenity may reign now, but during the Middle Ages, the area was often a battleground because the Dordogne River marked an important strategic frontier between English and French forces during the Hundred Years War.

The region’s châteaux and defensive walls remain – most distinctive of all are bastide towns such as Monpazier, encircled by fortified walls and protected by sturdy ramparts. Each village has a central market square, so if you time your drive right, you can hit a weekly market and sample the local specialties.

Sarlat-la-Canéda is famous for its market, but small villages such as Issigeac are sleeper hits. Over in the village of St Cyprien, you can indulge in another of the Dordogne’s great gastronomic gems – the perle noire of the Périgord, aka the black truffle. Wrap up with a turn along the windy road leading up to amazing panoramic views at Domme.

5. The D-Day Beaches

Best road trip for WWII history Caen–Utah Beach; 142km (88 miles), 1-2 days

On this drive through Normandy , you’ll explore the events of D-Day, when Allied troops stormed ashore to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation in 1944. From war museums to landing beaches, it’s a fascinating and sobering experience. Before you hop in the car, spend some time at the Caen-Normandie Mémorial to get a full D-Day overview.

Several driving routes through the region connect the main battle sites. Look for signs for "D-Day-Le Choc" in the American sectors and "Overlord-l’Assaut" in the British and Canadian sectors.

Planning tip:  Maps of the D-Day beaches are widely available, and local tourist offices have created a helpful e-booklet outlining it all.

6. South of France and the Côte d'Azur

Best road trip for stunning coastline Cannes–Monaco; 62km (39 miles), one day minimum

Cruising the  Côte d'Azur is as dazzling and chic as road trips get. From glamorous Cannes to lively  Nice via the corkscrew turns of the Corniches, then on to the millionaire's playground of Monaco , this is a drive you'll remember forever. Filmmakers, writers, celebrities and artists have all had their hearts stolen by this glittering stretch of coastline – by the end of this trip, you'll understand why.

Aim to avoid the July and August high season when the roads are jammed. If you want more of the south, Provence offers an embarrassment of road trips – from the charming hilltop-perched villages of the Luberon to Arles and the Camargue with its salt flats and flamingos.

7. Breton coast loop

Best for rugged Celtic coastlines and fine seafood St Malo–Vannes; 642km (399 miles), one week

Devote a week to this sea-salty drive to fully experience the region's serene coastal towns, dramatic storm-lashed headlands and the world’s greatest concentration of megalithic sites.

Start at fortified St Malo and loop the entire coast of Brittany , standing on the precipice of the cliffs of the Pointe du Raz , walking through the profusion of prehistoric megalithic sites at Carnac, and wrapping up with a trip to the foodie paradise that is medieval Vannes.

Top tip for driving in France

France's toll road autoroutes are seductive shortcuts, but be aware that the scenery is much more magnificent on the smaller roads and the highways are packed with large trucks and virtually invisible speed-trap cameras. You'll have a gentler, more rewarding drive off the toll routes. 

The Via Michelin website  gives you the cost of routes with or without using toll roads. 

This article was first published September 2020 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Mar 28, 2023 • 6 min read

More than just tarmac, these road-trip destinations deliver world-class motoring, spectacular scenery and side adventures to keep you busy for days.

Sep 13, 2022 • 13 min read

Jun 29, 2022 • 7 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 8, 2021 • 3 min read

Sep 3, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 13, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 15, 2019 • 5 min read

Jun 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Apr 18, 2018 • 7 min read

15 Top France Road Trips You Need to Plan Now

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here .

Share it here!

Who doesn’t love a road trip? It is always a popular thing to do in the US, but did you know there are some epic France road trips too?

While France has a great train system, there are some smaller towns and places that you just can’t get to without a car. Also, going on a driving holiday in France is the perfect opportunity to travel deeper and understand more about the culture and topography of this incredible country. 

The first road trip that I took in France was to the South of France in 7 days . And it was epic. We got to visit the villages of the Luberon , enjoy the scenery along the road, and pop over to places without waiting on trains. 

I loved it so much that I’m currently planning another road trip this fall… and the next year…and likely the year after that. 

So if you want to explore France even further, here are the 15 best Road Trips in France that you’ll want to plan now. 

15 Best Road Trips in France

Here is a quick look at the 15 road trips around France: 

• Provence road trip
• Highlights of Normandy road trip
• Explore Brittany
• Pyrenees road trip
• Rhone-Alpes road trip
• Burgundy road trip
• Castles and wine of the Loire Valley
• Dordogne road trip
• French Riviera road trip
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine road trip
• Explore the Alsace
• Champagne road trip
• Island time in Corsica
• Ile de France road trip
• Paris to Nice road trip

Okay, for more details, keep reading below! 

1. Provence Road Trip

Suggested Route: Avignon–Luberon Villages–Aix-en-Provence–Cannes–Nice

Days Needed: 7-10 days

Great Place to Stay: La Mirande in Avignon

When to Go: June-September

Highlights: Lavender fields, beaches, and markets

Distance: Approx. 417 km

Provence is easily one of the most popular road trip destinations in France, and it isn’t challenging to see why. With lavender fields, colorful towns, and charming markets, who wouldn’t want to visit this region of France?

And having a car makes it even better! This means you can stop in smaller cities like Roussillon for the Ochre Trail or even visit the iconic Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque with its purple lavender. 

I have a whole guide about the perfect 7-day Provence road trip , including stops in Avignon , Aix-en-Provence, Cassis , Cannes , and Nice . It honestly makes for the most epic time as you explore the Luberon villages, shop at markets, and get some sun and sand along the beaches in Cannes. 

And if you have more than the 7 days that I had, definitely make a stop at the perfume capital of the world, Grasse, perhaps explore the Valensole, or go boating at Gorges du Verdon. 

2. Highlights of Normandy

Suggested Route: Rouen–Etretat–Honfleur–Deauville–Caen–Bayeux–Mont Saint Michel

Great Place to Stay: Villa Augeval Hotel & Spa in Deauville

Highlights: D-Day Beaches, Cider Route, Etretat, and Mont Saint Michel

Distance: Approx. 348 km

While many people think of the D-Day Beaches when it comes to visiting Normandy , there is actually SO much more to see! 

There are lovely Atlantic beaches, the dreamy Mont Saint Michel abbey and tidal island, the fun and delicious Cider Route , and you cannot forget the beautiful town of Etretat with its stunning rock formations along the sea.

Oh, and don’t forget to try all the amazing cheeses from the region including Neufchatel and Camembert as well as all the apple products! 

You’d need at least 7 days to see most of this, but 10 days is definitely a great idea so you can slow down and take it all in. 

In this road trip, you’ll want to start in Rouen and explore Etretat on the way to Honfleur and Deauville . Then, you’ll explore the Cider Route near Caen, visit the D-Day beaches from Bayeux, and end up admiring Mont Saint Michel. 

PS- if you drive from Paris to Normandy, you definitely need to stop by Giverny on the way to see the Monet Gardens! 

3. Western France/Brittany Road Trip

Suggested Route: Dinan–Mont Saint Michel–Saint-Malo–Brest–Carnac–Rennes

Days Needed: 10 days

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Beaufort in Saint-Malo

Highlights: Beaches, Mont Saint Michel, Alignments of Carnac, and Medieval towns

Distance: Approx. 668 km

Searching for a fantastic 10-day France road trip? Definitely check out Brittany. Between its Medieval towns, ancient structures like the Alignments of Carnac, and the lovely beaches, you’ll never want to leave this place. 

Stroll along the streets of Dinan and Rennes, be awe-inspired by the Alignments of Carnac, a structure that is older than Stone Henge, and even admire the walled old town of Saint-Malo as well as the Rose Granite Coast. 

While in Brittany, you’ll also want to partake in their tasty cuisine including crepes and galettes, seafood, kouign-amman, and definitely try the cider. 

In this France road trip itinerary, you’ll start in Dinan before exploring Mont Saint Michel, visiting Saint-Malo, relaxing in Brest, visiting the Alignments of Carnac, and ending in Rennes. 

4 . Pyrenees Road Trip

Suggested Route: Biarritz–Larrau–Lourdes–Saint-Lary-Soulan–Ax-Les-Thermes–Carcassonne–Perpignan

Great Place to Stay: Belfry & Spa By Ligne St Barth in Lourdes

Highlights: Epic hiking, mountains, and pilgrimage sites

Distance: Approx. 745 km

For those who want to get off the beaten path, definitely head to the Pyrenees. This place has so much charm and great places to go hiking! 

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy time in the French Basque countryside, where you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the Spanish influence as you explore. 

Start out in the beach town of Biarritz before heading to Larrau for the Holzarte Footbridge. After that, make the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the grotto in the famed town of Lourdes, then go to Saint-Lary Soulan in the heart of the Pyrenees for great hiking, relax in the spa town of Ax-Les-Thermes, swing by the fortified city of Carcassonne because you’re not too far from it, an end in the city of Perpignan. 

5. Rhone-Alpes Road Trip

Suggested Route: Lyon–Annecy–Aix-les-Bains–Chambery–Chamonix

Days Needed: 7 days

Great Place to Stay: Cour des Loges in Lyon

Highlights: Epic hiking, mountains, charming alpine towns, and Savoie wine

Distance: Approx. 344 km

For those who love epic mountains and stunning lakes, you’ll fall head over heels for a French Alps road trip! 

Start out in Lyon for a day or two to explore the gastronomic capital of the world! Then, explore the endlessly charming town of Annecy and get out on Lake Annecy to admire the views of the Alps in the background. 

After this, hop over to Aix-les-Bains for some time enjoying Lake Bourget and the spas in this spa town. Then, for the chance to hike amongst vineyards and in the hills, stay in the town of Chambery in the Savoie region and book a tour with Alpes Flaveurs at [email protected] . 

And lastly, for epic hikes in one of the most beautiful towns in the Alps, head to Chamonix. 

6. Burgundy Road Trip

Suggested Route: Dijon–Chablis–Beaune–Macon–Cluny

Great Place to Stay: Abbaye de Maizieres in Beaune

When to Go: June-October

Highlights: Wine, food, and stunning countryside

Distance: Approx. 388 km

For foodies and wine lovers alike, you’ll love a road trip around Burgundy. Start out in Dijon for a day or two to see all that this amazing city has to offer. Hint: this definitely includes delicious delicacies including Dijon mustard and Creme de Cassis. 

Then, head to Chablis for its lovely wine before spending a couple of days in Beaune , where you can bike along vineyards and into charming villages in the heart of the Burgundy wine region. 

Then, head south to Macon for more wine and the charming city itself before ending in Cluny where you can admire the stunning Abbaye de Cluny. 

This is a great itinerary for those looking to drive to places and then perhaps bike along the vineyards. Do not drink and drive of course! 

Plus, this wine region is full of great towns to stop in along your road trip! 

7. Loire Valley Road Trip

Suggested Route: Tours–Amboise–Blois–Orleans

Days Needed: 5 days

Great Place to Stay: Chateau d-Artigny in Montbazon

When to Go: May-September

Highlights: Castles, wine, and beautiful rivers

Distance: Approx. 176 km

Want to feel like you’re waking up in a fairytale for 5 days? This is the best 5 day road trip in France for you! 

Start out in Tours before continuing on to Amboise, Blois, and ending in Orleans. Don’t worry, you’re not just town-hopping here! There is a lot to see along the way! 

Stop in to see stunning castles like Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau d’Amboise, Chateau de Blois, Chateau de Cheverny, and even Chateau de Chambord. 

If you want to enjoy the views from the water, definitely rent a canoe and paddle along the Cher River, eventually going underneath Chateau de Chenonceau! 

Then wrap up the trip in Orleans where you can see the famous statue of Joan of Arc as well as the charming stone and half-timbered houses in the old town. 

8. Dordogne Road Trip

Suggested Route: Perigueux–Montignac–Sarlat-La-Caneda–Rocamadour 

Great Place to Stay: Chateau de la Treyne in La Treyne

Highlights: Castles, historic caves, and beautiful scenery

Distance: Approx. 220 km

For castles in a more off-the-beaten-path destination, head over to the Dordogne region. This area is known as the “Land of 1001 castles,” meaning you’ll have plenty of options to fill up your time exploring on this road trip. 

Start out in the town of Periguex, where you can visit a Gallo-Roman museum, and you can also spend the day hiking and exploring the Perigord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.

After that, head to Montignac for the famous Lascaux Caves. These are prehistoric caves with several cave paintings inside. While you can’t go in the real caves, you can see a replica of the caves nearby to appreciate the history. 

Then, for the chance to explore the many castles in the area, you’ll want to stay in towns like Sarlat-La-Caneda and Rocamadour. Visit some chateaus like Chateau de Baynac, Chateau de Montal, and Chateau de Rocamadour. 

And, of course, you can’t miss the chance to stay in another castle hotel like at Chateau de la Treyne . 

9. A French Riviera Road Trip is One of the Shorter of the France Road Trips

Suggested Route: Cassis-Cannes-Antibes-Nice

Great Place to Stay: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice

Highlights: Beaches, gorgeous towns, and day trip options

Distance: Approx. 216 km

Have a shorter time in Provence and want to skip straight to the beach? Then no problem! This 5-day French Riviera itinerary is perfect for you! 

Spend a day exploring the beaches and Calanques in Cassis before driving to Cannes for some time spent at a beach club and exploring the city. Then go to Antibes to relax the day before spending the last 2 days in Nice. 

If you want, you can spend 1 day in Nice and then take a day trip on the last day to anywhere from Monaco to Villefranche-sur-Mer. 

Either way, this is a great itinerary to enjoy the cities and beaches of the Mediterranean in France.

10. Nouvelle-Aquitaine Road Trip

Suggested Route: Cognac–Montignac–Beynac-et-Cazenac–Bordeaux–Biarritz

Great Place to Stay: Hotel de Tourny in Bordeaux

Highlights: Wine, cognac, history, and beaches

Distance: Approx. 589 km

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest administrative region in France, so you could certainly spend weeks exploring and still have more to see. 

However, for a good feel of the area, start out in the place where cognac is made: around Cognac. 

Then, you’ll want to head to Montignac to explore the historic Lascaux Caves replica before stopping in Beynac-et-Cazenac for the epic Chateau de Beynac, among other historic castles nearby. 

After that, it is time to spend a couple of days in Bordeaux to sample all the delicious Bordeaux wine and perhaps learn a little more about it at the Cite du Vin wine museum . Be sure to go on a wine-tasting tour to sample the best wines and visit lovely vineyards! 

Then, wrap up your trip near the Spanish border in the town of Biarritz. Enjoy the beaches and scenery in the area as you relax or even take up surfing. 

11. Alsace Road Trip

Suggested Route: Strasbourg–Obernai–Colmar–Kaysersberg–Riquewihr–Ribeauville

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Hannong in Strasbourg

When to Go: November-December or June-July

Highlights: Christmas markets, wine route, and beautiful towns

Distance: Approx. 125 km

While many of the France road trips listed above are perfect for summer and early fall, this one is actually best done during the holiday season. Mostly because the Christmas markets in the Alsace are epic! 

Also, if you don’t want to drive this one, you can do this via train and public transport as well. However, with a car, you certainly have more flexibility. 

Start out in Strasbourg for a few nights and spend a full day exploring the city and its Christmas markets if you’re there during that season. Then, on the second day, you’ll want to explore the Alsace Wine Route either with your car (have a sober driver!) or on a tour. This is the tour we took and loved it! 

Then, you’ll want to take a day trip to Obernai , which I honestly think has the best Christmas market. If you go mid-week, there are no crowds, and it’s just lovely. 

After that, head to Colmar and admire this charming town for a day before spending your last day visiting the smaller towns in the Alsace region including Kaysersberg , Riquewihr , and Ribeauville . These towns also have incredible Christmas markets! 

While you can take the Navettes de Noel bus to these small towns from Colmar during the holiday season , you’ll find much more flexibility with your own car. Many of these smaller towns only have markets on the weekends, so plan your route accordingly. 

12. Champagne Road Trip

Suggested Route: Paris–Chatillon-sur-Marne–Epernay–Hautvillers–Ay-Champagne–Reims

Great Place to Stay: Les Suites du 33 in Epernay

When to Go: April through October

Highlights: Champagne cellars and lovely scenery

Distance: Approx. 191 km

While you could certainly do a quick day trip over to Champagne from Paris, I highly recommend spending at least 4-5 days here. 

This is also a great Paris road trip idea, as you can easily drive from Paris to Champagne and explore! 

Depart Paris and begin your journey in the smaller town of Chatillon-sur-Marne. Here, you’ll find smaller Champagne houses including Champagne Pierlot Fils, Champagne Smej Vely, and Champagne Charlier & Fils. 

After a day spent here, definitely head to Epernay for a day where you can enjoy tastings along the famous Ave de Champagne at places like Moet et Chandon, Champagne Esterlin, and Perrier Jouet. 

Then, from Epernay, you can head to Hautvillers to see the famed Hautvillers Abbey where Dom Perignon, one of the perfecters of sparkling wine, was a monk. 

After that, explore Ay-Champagne for more great Champagne tastings at places like Champagne Bollinger, Champagne Egrot, and Champagne Henri Giraud.

Then finally, you’ll end in Reims where you can take a day to explore the city, including the Reims Cathedral, and spend another day Champagne tasting at Vevue Clicquot, Champagne Ruinart, and Champagne Pommery. 

Note that for many tours and tastings, you’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time. I suggest doing this via the Champagne Houses’ website. You can also check Champagne-Booking.com to book tours and tastings. 

13. Island Time in Corsica Road Trip

Suggested Route: Ajaccio–Bonifacio–Porto-Vecchio–Calvi–Ajaccio

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio

When to Go: May through September

Highlights: Beaches, hiking, mountains

Distance: Approx. 360 km

I couldn’t leave out the island of Corsica during this France road trip guide! This island is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea just above Sardinia. 

With its seascapes and mountainous terrain, you’ll absolutely love taking a longer 10-day road trip here. Start out in Ajaccio, as this is likely where you’ll come in from the ferry or via plane. Spend a day or two here before going to Bonifacio, with its iconic beaches and the gorgeous Citadelle de Bonifacio. 

After that, go up north to Porto-Vecchio for more beaches and a chance to take a day trip to the Lavezzi Archipelago . 

Then, you’ll wrap up the trip in Calvi, where you can explore the town and enjoy some nearby hiking. 

Lastly, to end your trip, you’ll have to head back to Ajaccio to catch a plane or ferry back to mainland France. 

14. Ile de France Road Trip

Suggested Route: Paris–Provins–Fontainbleu–Versailles–Paris

Great Place to Stay: Hotel des Artes–Montmartre in Paris

Highlights: Paris, Versailles, and other charming towns and parks

Distance: Approx. 271 km

If you want to stick close to Paris, then why not explore Ile de France, the region Paris is located in? 

Start your road trip going from Paris to Provins, where you can admire the Medieval architecture and ramparts of the town. Seriously, it is well worth spending a day here to see the epic ramparts, tunnels, towers, and more around this place. 

Then, you’ll head to Fountainbleu for a couple of days to explore the Chateau de Fontainbleau as well as hike in the Fontainbleau forest. 

Then, you’ll spend a couple of days exploring the amazing town of Versailles and, of course, the Chateau de Versailles . Yes, this is an easy day trip from Paris, but honestly, if you really want to enjoy both the town and the whole estate, it is worth a couple of days! 

After that, you’re back in Paris! 

15. Ultimate Paris to Nice Road Trip

Suggested Route: Paris–Dijon–Lyon–Annecy–Avignon–Aix-en-Provence–Cannes–Nice

Days Needed: 14 days

Highlights: Get to visit a ton of France including cities, mountains, and beaches

Distance: Approx. 1,258 km

Okay, the final one on the list of the best road trips in France has to be an epic 2-week long road trip from Paris to Nice. 

And you’ll want a full two weeks as this drive takes quite some time, and you’ll want to stop and explore along the way! 

Start out in Paris for a couple of days to see the main sights, before you continue on to Dijon for a couple of days to see the highlights of the city as well as stop in the town of Beaune to explore the vineyards of Burgundy. 

After that, drive down to Lyon for a couple of days to enjoy this gastronomy capital and the beautiful old city before stopping by Annecy for a day to enjoy the alpine lake views and charming farmers market (if you time your trip here on a Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday). 

Up next, you’ll head down to Avignon for a couple of days where you can explore the town, visit the wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and even see the stunning Pont du Gard. 

After that, take a day to see Aix-en-Provence or perhaps the Luberon villages. Then, you’ll spend 2 days in Cannes for beach time and to explore the town before wrapping up your trip with a couple of days in Nice. 

Other Tips For the Best France Road Trips

Before you hop in the car to explore the best driving routes through France, here are some things to note:

• Need a car? It is easy to rent a car! I like Auto Europe for finding the best deals! 
• You may need an international driver’s license. While I wasn’t asked last time for it, it is a good idea to get one ahead of time if you’re coming from the US as I was. You can get this at AAA .
• Learn some rules of the road. For me, it was nice to drive on the right side of the road like we do in the US, but there are some differences in rules. This is a good resource to read up on before your trip. 
• Do not drive while drinking. Some of these France road trips include stops in wine regions. I recommend either having a sober driver, hiring a driver for the day, or going on a wine tour. France has strict laws when it comes to drinking and driving, so just don’t do it. 
• Don’t rush it. Maybe you find something awesome along your route and want to take a detour. Don’t pack in too much so you can make time for things like that.

A road trip around France is a lot of fun! Whether you dream of exploring the lavender fields of Provence or visiting the mountain towns in the Alps, these are the 15 best France road trips that you’ll want to start planning now. 

Which of the France road trips would you most like to go on?

Want more France travel inspiration? Check out these posts:

• Fall in Paris Guide
• Where to Stay in Paris Based On Your Travel Style
• Ultimate Paris Olympics Travel Guide
• Useful French Phrases to Know Before Your Trip
• 10 Days in France: 10 Ways to Spend 10 Days in France
• Paris in a Week
• Best Weekend Trips From Paris
• Best French Gifts 
• Top Day Trips From Annecy
• Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
• Hidden Gems of Paris
• Best French Cheeses
• Top Things to Do in Grenoble
• 3 Days in Paris
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Romantic Things to Do in Paris
• France Bucket List
• Annecy in Winter Guide
• Paris Bucket List
• Paris in January
• How to Spend One Day in Paris

Follow the journey!

Signup for exclusive travel tips for France!

Thanks for subscribing! Be sure to check your email to confirm your subscription.

Pin it here!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Amazing 10-day road trip in France starting from Paris

Table of content

If you go to France for ten days, you probably wonder where you should go. Places are many, and time is limited. How about a road trip? A 10-day road trip is way too short to explore France, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can see a lot and avoid feeling stressed and rushed.

The itinerary for this road trip through France includes cities, mountains, lakes, castles, and lavender fields. Some places are widely known, while others are off the main road. We have visited all the places included in this 10-day road trip itinerary.

France! Taste the fizz of Crémant, dream about the history of the kings and queens, feel the warmth of the Mediterranean breeze on your skin, and enjoy beautiful sunsets by the sea.

A road trip is an amazing way to see a lot in a shorter amount of time. Main roads in France are good, but take a few detours on old highways, and you will discover some treasures you don’t have to plan for.

France is full of history, but as you will see, every region you pass will have different architecture and a different feel. Aix-en-Provence is terracotta, Loire Valley is majestic white, and Normandy is Gingerbread-ish.

10-day road trip in France – map

This 10-day road trip through France starts in Paris at the beginning of July. We planned to visit some known and a few less-known places. Suppose you use this itinerary for your road trip. In that case, you will visit Paris, the Palace of Versailles, Beaune in Burgundy, Annecy by the Lake Annecy and the Alps, lavender fields on Valensole plateau, Aix-en-Provence in Provence, Montpellier, Tours, Omaha Beach, and Deauville in Normandy.

The longest drive leg on this itinerary is Montpellier to Tours, approximately 6,5 hours.

Road trip day 1 – explore Paris

Start your road trip in Paris and stay here for at least one night. Suppose you haven’t been to Paris before you have to stay in the city for at least a few days. Be a tourist and explore all the famous attractions! You won’t regret it.

The traffic in Paris is crazy, and parking can be challenging, meaning you can’t just park in front of your hotel. I recommend renting and picking up your car at the airport on the day of your first drive.  Alternatively, you can pick up a rented car in Paris.

We took the express train from the airport to the city, and since we didn’t need a hotel with a parking lot, we could stay very central, right next to Arch de Triomphe. If you haven’t been to Paris before or would love to explore other neighborhoods than you already have, I recommend reading my post on the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris .

• 2 days on beautiful Lake Annecy, France
• Charming Beaune – not only for wine lovers

To help you plan for the best time to go on a road trip in France, you can read my post on the best time to visit Paris. This will give you an idea of prices, weather, and how crowded the country gets during some months. If you plan to explore France for over 10 days, I recommend staying in Paris for three days, preferably off the Champs Elysee. The metro in Paris runs smoothly, but watch out for pickpockets.

Before you drive on, you must try at least one of my favorite restaurants in Paris .

Road trip day 2 – Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was slightly off the road for the next stop on this road trip. The Palace of Versailles is the holy grail of French history. If you cannot return to Paris soon, I suggest you add the Palace of Versailles to your itinerary.

The Palace of Versailles is about 45 45-minute drive from Paris. Go early so you can be here just before they open. If you are here in July, bring water, wear sunscreen and a cap, or use an umbrella. It is super hot. Get skip-the-line tickets for the Palace of Versailles and set aside at least half a day to explore.

Road trip day 2/3 – indulge in Beaune, Burgundy

Are you a fan of red wine? Especially Burgundy? Well, Beaune is known to be the wine capital of France . This charming town is located between Lyon and Dijon. We chose where to spend our first night after leaving Paris by flipping a coin during road trip planning. The town is not very big, but the lack of size is compensated by the city’s charm and offers of great food. In addition to food, the area of Beaune provides a great selection of wine tours and beautiful castles.

If you are traveling in the middle of the summer, I recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool. In Beaune, you can stay at Novotel Hotel , a pool and a central location just a few minutes walk from the city center.

It takes only 3 hours to drive from the Palace of Versailles to Beaune , leaving plenty of time to explore this charming city. You can also extend your stay by one night and go on a wine or castle tour.

Road trip day 3/5 – 2 nights in Annecy by the Alps and Lake Annecy

After a cultural and culinary stay in Beaune, I am sure you are ready for another adventure. Annecy, French Venice, offers you mountain activities, lake activities or relaxation, and wine.

Annecy has two advantages: the gorgeous Lake Annecy with its warm and crystal clear waters and the Alps. If you are going on a road trip, a hotel offering parking space is a must, and I recommend staying at Hotel Le Clos Marcel in Duingt, just outside of Annecy. 

Whether looking for an active stay, hiking in the beautiful Alps, or chilling by the lake, I promise you you will find both in Annecy. It takes only 2,5 hours to drive from Beaune to Annecy .

Road trips are an amazing way to explore a country, and Southern Europe has more than enough to offer. High up on our bucket list is a road trip in Saõ Miguel , the largest island of the Azores archipelago off the coast of Portugal. The island seems to have just as much to offer (if not more) as the mainland. It’s time to plan another road trip 🙂

Road trip day 5 – see the beauty of lavender fields on Valensole

You can’t go on a road trip in Provence in France and not visit lavender fields. There are many lavender fields, and to find the right one, you can read my article on how to find them in France. If you want a photoshoot, pack your camera gear and clothes easily accessible in your luggage.

Lavender blossoms until the middle of July; after that, the harvest starts, and you will most likely miss the flowers. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Annecy to the Valensole Plateau on a scenic road through the Alps.

Road trip day 5 /6 – get Provence under your skin in Aix-an-Provence

By now, you have visited historical sites and famous attractions, explored a tiny piece of Burgundy, hiked the Alps, swam in the lake,  seen the beautiful lavender fields, and drunk a lot of red wine. Provence is the next stop on the road trip in the beautiful country of France. It takes about an hour to drive from the Valensole plateau to Aix-en-Provence (depending on the field).

You can choose to stay in many other towns in Provence, but we stayed in Aix-an-Provence. The town has a great vibe, typical Provence colors, architecture, history, and food. Aix-an-Provence is a university town, but all the students go home during the summer, leaving the young vibe to natives and tourists.

Provence has a lot to offer, and you can easily stay here a few days longer if you have time. You can always shorten your stay in another place on this road trip. For a hotel stay, I can recommend the Odalys vacancy . They have rooms with a kitchenette, and the hotel has a pool. We stayed here for one night. The hotel also has a great location, just a few hundred meters from the old town. During our stay, the city had a siesta in the middle of the day, and the kitchenette and the pool were perfect for a few hours in the middle of the day.

Suggestion : Read my article for several things to do in Provence

Road trip day 6/8 – Montpellier

Montpellier is another “old meets new” city in France and the third-largest after Nice and Marseille on the coast of the Meditteranean. The charming old town,  colorful tramps, Arc de Triomphe, architecture, and surrounding beaches. This is what you will see in Montpellier and the area around. But you will feel the constant but pleasant buzz of life in the streets, especially in the old town.

Did you know that Montpellier was founded already in 985 bc

We decided early on to stay somewhere for more than 1-2 nights at one point. We stayed in Montpellier for the whole four nights.

Montpellier lies between two rivers, a short drive from the Meditteranean, and surrounded by a few hills that will provide nice views of the city and area.

If you would rather visit museums, there are a few of those too. Montpellier is a diverse city that offers a lot and can satisfy almost any interest, even if you want to spend some time in a zoo or an aquarium. And you can always book a guided tour to a winery.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Aix-en-Provence to Montpellier. For some strange reason, the water in the Meditteranean was ice cold in July, and I am glad we stayed in a hotel with a pool .

Road trip day 8/9 – Tours in Loire Valley – the Valley of the Kings

Who hasn’t seen the Leonardo Di Caprio movie “The Man with the Iron Mask”? The legend says that the king’s twin brother Louis was indeed real, and he was secretly sent to Loire Valley to live there. To avoid intrigues in court, of course. Choosing which of the boys would become the King of France was impossible. Since the boy was still royal, he would live like a royal, even in secret. And that is why there are so many castles in the Loire Valley.

Tours, the region’s capital, lies in the lower part of the river Loire banks. The two major attractions in the city center are the cathedral and Hotel de Ville (city hall). But like any respectable city in France, Tours has quite a few buildings of both historical and architectonic interest. If you stay here for a few days, you should visit some castles in the Loire Valley.

Have a burger and a beer at the Guingette sur Loire, the outdoor cafe on the left bank of the river. Enjoy your simple meal in the shadow of the riverbank while people watch.

It takes 6,5 hours to drive from Montpellier to Tours. We stayed near Hotel de Ville in a gorgeous hotel with a beautiful spa/pool.

Road trip day 9 – Omaha Beach in Normandy

Omaha Beach and its history doesn’t need further introduction. Since we are both WWII “fans,” we visited the museum instead of Mont-Saint-Michel. It can be quite foggy and very windy at the beach, so pack your windbreaker so it is easily accessible.

Visit the main memorial and the cemetery, but also a few small installations in the area. Take a stroll on the beach, and don’t forget to turn left to see the magnificent cliffs or, even better, take a slight detour to visit one of the hidden gems in France – the white cliffs of Etretat.

It takes 3 hours to drive from Tours to Omaha Beach. Check museum opening hours , so you don’t come too early.

Road trip day 9/10 – the gingerbread village of Normandy – Deauville

The last stop on this road trip in France is Deauville. The gingerbread village, as I like to call it. Deauville is known for several things, such as an international film festival, a racecourse, and a casino. According to Wikipedia, the village is regarded as “the queen of the Norman beaches.” If you stay here, which I recommend you do for at least one night, you will have an expensive ending to your road trip.

Deauville has been home to French high society’s seaside houses and is often called the  Parisian Riviera . Since the 19th century, the town of Deauville has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper class. And this village is also a desirable family resort for the wealthy. So here you go!

Driving from Omaha Beach to Deauville takes a little longer than an hour. We stayed in the gorgeous but also most expensive hotel on this trip. Which I still recommend for at least one night. Upon your arrival, we were taken on a tour around the hotel and shown the photos of all the famous movie stars before us.

Your road trip in France can also start here in Normandy and go another way around. Getting to Airport Charles de Gaule from Deauville takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

When we planned this itinerary, we decided to stay in cheaper hotels where we stayed for one night and more expensive places where we spent two or more nights.

Highways in France are fine, but old highways and side roads are like any other European country. We took a sideroad between Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier and met Pont du Gard. This ancient Roman aqueduct is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and one of the best-preserved. Sometimes planning is overrated 🙂

All links to hotels are affiliated. If you book through any of these links, I will get a small commission from the hotel. Your price will not be higher by booking through my links.

Click on the pin to save this article for later

If you are into exploring small, colorful cities like Deauville, then you will love to spend 2-3 days in Venice

You may also like

Best arrondissement to stay in paris, to paris with love – best..., day trip from paris to versailles....

Travelletters

Hi! I am Lena from Norway. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives that capture the essence of European destinations. I wish you a safe journey!

10 comments

This is a great itinerary, southern France is my favorite! I’ve never been to Aix-an-Provence but it looks like such a beautiful town!

Aix-an-Provence was lovely! Can totally recommend 🙂

Admittedly not the biggest fan of Paris, so this itinerary is perfect to get out of the city and see more of this beautiful country!

I love Paris, but agree with you that the rest of the country is beautiful 🙂 Thank you!

Such a fabulous road tip itinerary. France has so much to off. Love the lavender field. Perfect for insta 🥰

France is amazing, the history, the food, the wine, the charm and the climate – just amazing.

I hope to visit France one day. So many stunning places to see. The gingerbread village looks so charming!

I hope you do! Deauville (the ginger bread village) was extremely charming 🙂

Beaune looks absolutely stunning! All of these places look like fabulous stops on a road trip, with such variety!

Beaune was extremely charming 🙂 It has been an amzing road trip with small villages and larger cities on the trip😍

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read more

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Follow Me Away

Couples Travel & Travel Photography Blog

• Middle East
• North America
• South America
• Photography
• Travel Tips

France Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To France

January 19, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   4 Comments

If you are worried about planning the perfect France road trip itinerary, I am here to help! It doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing.

No matter where you choose to visit in France, you are in for a real treat. From the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris to the stunning château in Chantilly, there is no limit to the breathtaking places in France!

One of the best parts about a car trip in France is that you don’t have to narrow down your options to one or two places, but you get to see so much of the country you’re visiting!

For this France road trip itinerary, I am not going to specify an amount of time so that you can make the drive as time allows for your schedule.

If you have 5 to 7 days in France, then modify this France road trip route to fit that length of time. If you have 2 weeks, consider spending a few days in each location to really take in what France has to offer.

Don’t forget to check out our detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials.

Let’s dive into the best France travel planner for a road trip!

France Road Trip Itinerary Map

If you are a visual person, don’t worry! I have included my France by car itinerary in a map version below.

You can see exactly where you will be going during your trip! Feel free to bookmark or screenshot during your planning stages!

All places recommended on this France example itinerary are very easy to find by simply plugging the name into your GPS! You can even download the maps offline if you use Google Maps!

Stop 1: Paris

Paris is the easiest city to fly into to begin your French road trip since it has major airports such as Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport.

Depending on your plans for your France itinerary, you can rent a car from the airport and move on to the next stop on the itinerary immediately. If you plan to include Paris on your ultimate France vacation, you can explore Paris before renting a car and leaving the city.

Paris is the capital of France and holds many famous monuments, cute cafes, views of the Seine River, and beautiful parks and gardens. I adore Paris and keep coming back to experience its magic!

I suggest staying at least 2 to 4 days in Paris to see and do as much as possible. At least 2 days is enough time in Paris to at least start you off!

Parking in Paris

Driving and parking in Paris is not the easiest for tourists, and you will almost always have to pay a fee. This is why I suggest waiting to rent your vehicle until you plan on leaving the city.

With that said, you can find plenty of paid parking in Paris either on the street or in underground car parks.

On the street, you usually pay by the hour while the car parks offer daily fees that vary by location. Parking in the city center is free on Sundays.

After parking, you can easily walk or use public transport to get around the city.

Things to Do in Paris

Find views from the eiffel tower.

Of course, you must visit the Eiffel Tower on your road trip around France! Head to the top for amazing city views or wander the gardens surrounding the tower to find the best photo spots.

If you only have one day in Paris , this is a must-see in France! Check it out at night to see it sparkle!

Book Here: Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access

Climb the Arc de Triomphe

Dedicated to the soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe sits on a massive roundabout on the Champs Elysees.

From the top, you will find one of the best views of Paris since it includes the Eiffel Tower and tree-lined streets. Time your visit here to see the Paris sunset .

Book Here: Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Explore Montmartre and Sacre Couer

The hill of Montmartre is the historic artists’ quarter, and you can still see people painting here today. This area is one of the most beautiful places in Paris with darling cafes, old churches, and pretty streets.

The white Sacre-Coeur Basilica towers over it all. For jaw-dropping panoramic views of Paris, you can climb to the top.

Check out all the other things to do in Montmartre from top sights to hidden gems.

Book Here: Paris: Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur Walking Tour

Soak Up Culture at the Louvre Museum

Millions of art and history lovers flock to the Louvre Museum each year. Buy tickets in advance to save standing in line!

From the Mona Lisa to the Venus di Milo , there are numerous masterpieces to see here. Plan to spend a few hours wandering the huge galleries.

Book Here: Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Take a Day Trip to Versailles

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris and you can easily take the train. You will love wandering the opulent halls of the Palace of Versailles and pretending you’re royalty.

The grounds are gorgeous as well with formal gardens and a quaint hamlet where you can step back in time.

Book Here: Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket

Where To Stay In Paris

When looking for where to stay in Paris , there are a ton of great options! From lavish, luxury hotels to cozy, affordable accommodations, there is something for everyone.

Affordable:  Hôtel De La Porte Dorée . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Grand Hôtel Lévêque . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Normandy

Time to continue your road trip from Paris. Your next stops will be the beautiful towns of Giverny, Étretat, and Mont Saint-Michel in the region of Normandy in Northern France .

These are some of the top stops on a North France road trip!

If you plan to see all three towns in a day, make sure you leave Paris early! You can, of course, spread your trip out further depending on your schedule.

From Paris, it is about an hour’s drive to Giverny where the top attraction is the house and gardens of painter Claude Monet. This is truly one of the best things to do in France outdoors !

Then it is just under two hours to Étretat on the coast. This beautiful city is known for its awesome rock formations carved out of white cliffs.

A three-hour drive will bring you from Étretat to magical Mont Saint-Michel. You’ve seen photos of this gorgeous island and now it is time to explore it in person.

You will love adding these towns to your list when exploring France by car!

Things to Do in Normandy

Stoll the gardens of fondation claude monet.

The quaint village of Giverny is synonymous with Claude Monet. He lived and painted here from 1883 until his death in 1926.

You will feel as if you are walking through one of his paintings as you explore his vast gardens, see the famed waterlilies, and step into his home studio.

Giverny is one of the cutest towns in France . Check out the art galleries, cafes, and the church where Monet is buried.

Book Here: Giverny: Monet’s House and Gardens Guided Tour

Photograph the Alabaster Coast in Étretat

The white cliffs and unique rock formations here are incredible! Check out the Porte d’Aval arch and L’Aiguille (the Needle), a pillar rising from the sea.

One of the best viewpoints is found at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. This tiny, stone church sits at the edge of a cliff and can be reached by a scenic staircase.

After viewing the cliffs from above, walk along the seaside promenade in town. There is a pretty, pebble beach bookended by the cliffs.

Discover the Jardins d’Etretat

Right next to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the Jardins d’Etretat was designed by landscape architect Alexandre Grivko. It features spiral hedges and interesting sculptures.

This is a unique stop on the best tour of France!

Marvel at the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Set atop the island like a beacon to tourists, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey was completed in 1523 but has a history dating back to the 10th century.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the top cultural attractions in the country and for good reason. Admire the mix of Romanesque and Gothic and take in views of the bay.

Book Here: Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Wander the Narrow Streets

Getting lost among the picturesque streets is one of the best things to do in Mont Saint-Michel. Pop into shops and grab a treat from a cafe.

If you want to try a local delicacy, head to La Mère Poulard and order a Normandy-style omelet. The famous and historic meal is expensive but delicious!

This is one of the road trip destinations in France for good reason!

Where To Stay In Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a small town, but there are still plenty of options for places to stay. Alternatively, you can stay on the mainland.

Affordable: Hôtel Vert . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Luxury: Auberge Saint Pierre . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Stop 3: The Loire Valley

Located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France, the Loire Valley comprises about 800 square kilometers (310 sq mi). This is truly one of the prettiest landmarks in France !

Due to its rich profusion of vineyards, artichoke and asparagus fields, and fruit orchards lining the banks of the river, it is known as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France.

Upon seeing its lush beauty, you might think you have stumbled upon the Garden of Eden! This is why adding this region to the best itinerary for France is a must!

Beyond its dreamy landscape, a Loire Valley road trip encompasses a wide range of interesting things to do and sights to see. It is noted for its amazing architecture, historical towns, and delicious wines.

Some of the most notable historic towns include Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chartres, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, and Tours. Any of these make great places to explore.

The Loire Valley is a must on many France road trip routes and you will quickly see why it is so popular!

Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Go wine tasting.

Of course, you will want to sample some local wine while in the Loire Valley! As one of the top wine-producing regions in the world, there are many options to try.

Some of the smaller wine regions here include Sancerre, Muscadet, Chinon, and Pouilly-Fumé. Book a guided tour to learn all about the production of the wine and do a tasting.

Book Here: From Tours: Loire Valley Wineries Day Trip with Tastings

Visit as Many Chateaus as Possible

If you want to see some of the best castles in France , the Loire Valley is the place to be! The region is dotted with beautiful and historic chateaus you will quickly fall in love with.

Some of the most memorable and splendid castles are Château de Chambord, Château de Chaumont, Château de Chenonceau, and Château d’Amboise.

Each is picture-perfect with amazing architecture and stunning gardens. They are the ideal place for a princess photoshoot!

If you only have time for one chateau, I highly suggest either Château Chambord or Château Chenonceau. Both are grand with gorgeous grounds.

Book Here: Chambord: Entry Ticket to the Castle

Book Here: Chenonceau Castle Admission Ticket

Visit the Chartres Cathedral

Architecture lovers will swoon over the Chartres Cathedral, one of the most well-preserved Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Most of the stained glass is original and features a unique blue color.

The church holds the religious relic known as the Sancta Camisa, the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary when Jesus Christ was born.

Make sure to wander around the city of Chartres and check out some of the museums while you are there.

Where To Stay In The Loire Valley

There are numerous places to stay in the Loire Valley no matter your budget. You will have no trouble finding a cozy hotel where you can unwind after a day of exploring.

Affordable: La Maison De Rose . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Relais de Chambord . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Bordeaux

Situated on the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a beautiful port city and hub of the wine-growing region.

The city is full of amazing architecture! There are incredible museums, cathedrals, markets, parks, and more to explore.

Make sure to venture out of the city to the countryside around the city. There are many chateaus and wineries to check out.

A visit to this amazing city is one of my top France road trip ideas!

Things to Do in Bordeaux

Visit the place de la bourse.

The Place de la Bourse is a popular square in Bordeaux with the Garonne River on one side and historic buildings on the other. In the middle is a fountain and statue.

The coolest feature of the square is the Miroir d’Eau. This huge reflecting pool creates a mirror image of the beautiful architecture.

Learn Wine History at La Cité du Vin

Anyone interested in wine will want to visit the La Cité du Vin which is housed in a unique, modern building. The museum is high-tech and has many cool interactive exhibits.

Learn about the history of wine, grape varieties, and the winemaking process. Do a tasting, take a workshop, and check out the restaurant or shop.

Book Here: La Cité du Vin Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket & Wine Tasting

Check Out the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

Art lovers will want to add the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts to the best trip to France itinerary. Wander the extensive collection to see paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more from notable European artists.

Take a Wine Tour in Saint-Émilion

Located just under an hour outside of the city, Saint-Émilion is home to a bunch of local wineries. You can check them out on your own or book a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Saint-Émilion and its vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town dates back to the Middle Ages and has many old churches and ruins.

Book Here: From Bordeaux: St. Emilion Village Half-Day Wine Tour

Where To Stay In Bordeaux

Bordeaux is full of both affordable and high-end places to stay. Many hotels are reasonably priced while still featuring great amenities.

Affordable: Golden Tulip Bordeaux Euratlantique . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Marty Hotel Bordeaux . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Rocamadour

You’re in for an amazing treat at your stop in Rocamadour! An assortment of buildings, namely pilgrimage churches and monastic structures, rise above the town in layers of cliffside.

You’ll immediately think you’ve stepped into some kind of fantasy movie upon seeing the mountainside town towering over a gorgeous French landscape.

Set in a gorge above the headwaters of the River Dordogne, Rocamadour has been a popular destination for centuries, drawing pilgrims, bishops, nobles, and kings to see its historical monuments.

Rocamadour has been a religious pilgrimage site for centuries, and it is dripping with rich history! If you are a history buff, Rocamadour is one of the best France itinerary ideas!

Things to Do in Rocamadour

Visit the sanctuary of rocamadour.

The Sanctuary of Rocamadour is comprised of multiple religious buildings including the Crypt of Saint Amadour, the Basilica Saint-Sauveur, and chapels for many saints.

At the Chapel Notre-Dame, you will see the famous statue of the Black Madonna which has been linked to many miracles.

Above this chapel is the Durandel sword. According to legend, this weapon belonged to Roland, the nephew of King Charlemagne.

Wander the Old Town

Like with many of the other towns on this road trip guide in France, the best way to experience Rocamadour is by wandering around and taking in the sights.

Climb the 200+ steps of the Grand Escalier, try yummy Rocamadour goat cheese, photograph the Medieval architecture, and peruse the shops.

Attend the Hot-Air Balloon Festival

If you visit Rocamadour on the last weekend of September, you will be dazzled by 30 colorful hot-air balloons soaring over the valley.

Wake up early to view the sunrise takeoff. This is a fantastic photography opportunity! You can also book your own balloon ride at any time of the year with Rocamadour Aerostat.

Where To Stay In Rocamadour

Rocamadour has great affordable hotels where you will feel right at home.

Affordable: Hotel Beau Site . Check Rates: Booking.com

Affordable: Hôtel Restaurant du Château . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Lyon

What would the best road trip in France be without a stop at Lyon, the third-largest city in France? There’s a reason the area is famous.

The ancient Romans recognized its strategic location at the confluence of two navigable rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. Two Roman Emperors were even born in this city: Claudius and Caracalla.

Lyon is a large World Heritage Site with Roman ruins, a Renaissance old town, historic industrial neighborhoods, and the 19th-century Presqu’île quarter.

Because of its fascinating and lengthy history, there is no limit to what you can do and see while in Lyon!

The food scene is epic as well! The famous food critic Curnonsky referred to Lyon as “the gastronomic capital of the world.” Make sure to sample some of Lyon’s delicious cuisine.

Parking in Lyon

Parking is not super easy in Lyon and you will usually have to pay. That said, there are plenty of car parks and street parking is available.

Many of the parking garages are connected to public transport. Since Lyon is not car-friendly, park at a facility on the outskirts of town and utilize the park-and-ride services to get around.

Street parking is metered and the prices vary by zone. It is free on Sunday and for the whole month of August!

Things to Do in Lyon

Explore vieux lyon.

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, is a beautiful Renaissance quarter drenched in history. Wander the narrow streets, admire colorful buildings, and discover secret passageways called traboules . This is a great stop on your driving itinerary for France!

In the heart of the district is the Gothic Lyon Cathedral on the Saône River. Its groundbreaking was in 1180 and it was completed in 1480.

Vieux Lyon is one of the most popular places to explore in Lyon. Take pictures and pause at small boutiques and bakeries.

Sample Local Dishes

Like I said, Lyon is known for its delicious food so make sure to come hungry! There are a ton of Lyonnais dishes to try no matter your food preferences.

Quenelle is a popular fish dumpling usually stuffed with creamed pike and covered in creamy langoustine sauce. Many restaurants make it fresh from scratch.

Salade Lyonnaise is a tasty frisée salad with bacon, soft poached eggs, and croutons topped with a Dijon mustard and walnut oil dressing.

For dessert, you can try the pink-colored tarte aux pralines or coussin de Lyon, a green marzipan filled with chocolate ganache.

If you want to shop for individual ingredients, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, check out the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. This food market is full of things to sample.

Not sure where to start? You can book a guided food tour!

Book Here: Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour

Discover Art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is housed in a former abbey and is one of the largest fine art galleries in France. You will find artwork and antiquities from around the world and many time periods.

Where To Stay In Lyon

As a large city, there are plenty of places to stay in Lyon.

Affordable: Hotel Elysée . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Maison Nô – Hôtel et Rooftop . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: Chambéry

An Alpine town in southeastern France, Chambéry is both historic, gorgeous, and a fantastic stop on your France road trip itinerary!

There’s always lots to do and see in these beautiful French towns, and Chambéry is no exception! Make sure you plan well for Chambéry, as you are likely to be torn between all the wonderful attractions!

Chambéry has a long and fascinating history. You will feel a strong Italian influence in the arts, food, and architecture, which is not surprising as the city was only annexed by France in 1871.

If you want one of the best, most rounded-out France travel itineraries, then do not forget to visit Chambéry.

Things to Do in Chambéry

Walk around the historic center.

Chambéry’s historic center dates back to the 15th century and is a wonderful place to wander around or sit at a cafe.

One of the most famous Chambéry landmarks is the Fountain of the Elephants. Built in 1838, it features four massive elephants and is topped with a statue of General Count de Boigne.

Visit the Chambéry Castle

The Chambéry Castle, or Château des Ducs de Savoie, is an impressive, must-see building. Book a guided tour to see the inside.

With a history going back to the 11th century, this is a fascinating place to explore. Today it is used for council offices.

Explore the Surrounding Nature

Surrounded by mountains and lakes, there are plenty of chances to get out of the city and into nature.

The Chartreuse Mountains are perfect for a scenic drive. Do a hike or check out one of the idyllic mountain villages.

You will want to stop by Bourget Lake. It is the largest natural lake in France and is absolutely beautiful! Take a walk along the waterfront or take a dip at one of the beaches.

Where To Stay In Chambéry

There are a ton of great hotels in Chambéry from affordable to luxury.

Affordable: Hotel le Cinq Hyper . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Château de Candie . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Petit Hôtel Confidentiel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Colmar

An absolute gem of a town in the Alsace, you will love adding Colmar to your road trip through France itinerary! The photos of the town are fit for a postcard of a fairytale.

Quaint, half-timbered Medieval and Renaissance-style houses line a quiet river and vivid flowers dot the landscape with shocking colors in the summer.

Colmar is situated in the Grand Est region of northeastern France near the border of Germany. The now quaint town has a long, dark, but altogether fascinating history involving many wars.

If you visit France in December, you will love discovering one of the best Christmas markets in France !

Colmar is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in France!

Things to Do in Colmar

Take a stroll through old colmar and little venice.

Yes, Colmar is another town where you will want to just wander, photograph the adorable buildings, and find history on every corner!

Some notable buildings to visit in this area include the Old Customs House (Koifhus) in the pretty Place de l’Ancienne Douane and St. Martin’s Church, a Gothic church completed in 1365.

Petite Venise, or Little Venice, sits at the southern end of Old Colmar on the Launch River. This is one of the most darling parts of town full of the iconic wood-timbered houses.

You will quickly see why Colmar inspired movies like Beauty and the Beast and Howl’s Moving Castle .

Book Here: Colmar: Highlights Walking Tour and Wine Tasting

Pop Into Some of the Museums

There are a ton of interesting and unique museums in Colmar!

Housed in a 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum covers about 7,000 years of history. You will love all the art, historic artifacts, and architecture of the building.

At the Musee Bartholdi, you will see work by sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi who is most famous for creating the Statue of Liberty. The museum is found in the house where he was born.

The Toy Museum of Colmar, or Musée du Jouet, is really cool, especially if you are traveling with kids. There is an awesome collection of vintage and more modern toys through the decades.

Eat and Drink Alsace Specialties

The Alsace region in France offers delicious food and you will want to eat your way through it all! Consider doing a wine tasting as well to sample the region’s white wine.

Alsatian food has a strong German influence and is delicious! A bretzel, or pretzel in English, covered in butter and salt is a classic treat. Grab one from a cafe and eat it as you walk around.

For a complete meal, order baeckeoffe, a casserole with potatoes, onions, and meat like beef or pork. You might also like spätzle, sausage with sauerkraut, or tarte flambée which is similar to a pizza.

Where To Stay In Colmar

Colmar has a lot of comfortable and classy hotel options for reasonable prices.

Affordable: Colmar Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Reims

If you’re a wine connoisseur, you’re going to be very excited to add Reims to your France road trip itinerary! It is about a four-hour drive from Colmar and holds just as much history.

Reims is known as the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region. There are many champagne houses in Reims, and many of them provide tastings and cellar tours.

Admire the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

The current Reims Cathedral was completed in 1275 and then restored and reopened in 1938 after being damaged in WWI.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the top attraction in Reims and welcomes over a million visitors per year. Take time to admire the Gothic architecture from the outside and inside.

Interestingly, this cathedral was the location of the coronation of many of France’s kings!

Book Here: Reims: Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims

Do a Champagne Tasting

Of course, a champagne tasting is one of the most popular things to do in Reims!

You can order a glass of local champagne at any restaurant in the city, but consider taking a guided tour. Head out into the countryside to visit vineyards, tour cellars, and do an informed tasting.

Some of the best champagne houses in Reims are Maison Ruinart, Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, and G.H. Mumm.

Book Here: From Reims: Morning Champagne Tour and Tastings

Visit Palais du Tau

Set right next to the Reims Cathedral, the Palais du Tau is another awesome piece of architecture. This palace is where kings stayed and hosted festivities during their coronation.

It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum.

Photograph Art Deco Buildings

Because Reims was greatly destroyed during WWI, much of it was rebuilt in the ’20s and ’30s in the Art Deco style. It is fun to spot this more modern architecture among much older buildings.

Some of the best Art Deco examples in Reims are the Carnegie Library, Villa Demoiselle, the Halles Boulingrin, and the Reims Opera.

Where To Stay In Reims

As a larger city, Reims is not short on places to stay. There are great affordable options if you are on a budget or more luxury hotels too.

Affordable: Séjours & Affaires Reims Clairmarais . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 10: Chantilly

Resting in the valley of the Nonette, in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, Chantilly is a beautiful commune.

You may recognize the name from famous things like Chantilly cream and Chantilly lace, both of which get their names from this lovely French town.

There is so much to do and see in Chantilly. It’s no wonder that it is considered an important tourist destination for a road trip in the Paris area!

Things to Do in Chantilly

Visit the château de chantilly.

For most people, the amazing Château de Chantilly is the top reason to visit Chantilly. It is comprised of the Petite and Grand Chateaus.

The current castle was completed in 1882 by Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale.

When you visit, admire the architecture, tour the art gallery of the Musée Condé, and stop by the Grand Stables with its Living Museum of the Horse. There are also 115 hectares of gardens and parks to explore.

Interestingly, the chateau was featured in the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill . Pink Floyd performed here in 1994 too!

Indulge in Chantilly Cream

What would a trip to Chantilly be without dining on scrumptious desserts with Chantilly cream? This decadent food is very similar to whipped cream except that it has more sugar and vanilla added.

There are plenty of bakeries and restaurants in town where you can order a dessert topped with this sweet treat.

Wander in the Chantilly Forest

Want to feel like a woodland fairy? Head into the Chantilly Forest. A former hunting ground, it is still used by horseback riders.

Walk along tree-lined paths and discover the Castle of the White Queen on the pretty Comelles Ponds. This little castle looks like it was pulled from a fairytale.

Where To Stay In Chantilly

Even though it is a small town, there are still great options for hotels in Chantilly.

Mid-Range: Manoir des Cavaliers BnB . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Auberge du Jeu de Paume . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 11: End Your France Road Trip in Paris

You will end your France road trip back in Paris. You can spend more time in the romantic City of Lights or return your rental car and fly home.

Keep in mind that you can easily do Paris at the beginning or end of your first time to France itinerary. You can also skip Paris altogether to save money or if you have been there before.

Driving Tips for France

Here are a few quick tips on how to travel France by car.

• Use Auto Europe when renting a car. This site compares rates across a variety of popular car rental websites including Hertz, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, and more. This is what I use and suggest for a road trip through France itinerary.
• You must have car insurance! In France, you need at least third-party liability insurance when renting a car. Many travel credit cards include rental insurance or you can purchase directly from the rental company. Having insurance will potentially save you money and headaches later.
• Pay attention to transmission type when renting. Manual transmission is the most popular in France but automatic cars are available, although usually for a high price. Do not try to learn manual on the go!
• Be prepared for tolls. Many highways have costly tolls so make sure to work these into your budget for driving through France.
• There are three main speed limits. Speed limits are not always marked so you must know what it is based on where you are. On autoroutes (highways) is it 130km/hr (80 mph). On N and D roads, it is 80km/hr (50mph). In cities and towns, it is 50km/hr (30mph). The speed limit also lowers in bad weather.

I hope you have a fantastic time on your France road trip! This plan does not include much of southern France or the Provence region, so you will have to come back!

France travel by car is a wonderful experience! You will love the landscapes, quaint towns, and bustling cities.

I hope you have learned how to plan a trip to France! I am happy to answer any questions you may have about planning a road trip in France in the comments below!

Next, check out the best one-week in Europe itineraries .

Reader Interactions

September 13, 2019 at 8:06 am

Brilliant post. And don’t forget your breathalizer, hi-viz jacket for every passenger and spare headlamp bulb! I kid you not ?

October 28, 2019 at 8:28 am

Excellent post. We would like to do a 12 day road trip in France. So please suggest a relaxed itenrary where we are not driving everyday. Also if you you could tell me what would be the best time of the year to do this trip and what might be an approximate budget if we stay in the affordable range places . Also how do we go about renting a car from Paris. Thank you

January 1, 2024 at 4:39 pm

Hi! Thank you for this post. The hubby and I are going in April and this was extremely helpful. Any thoughts or advice on rental cars? Thank you!

January 4, 2024 at 2:48 pm

Make sure to look into an international drivers licensee! Enjoy!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

France road trip ideas- 11 best areas to visit

Planning a France road trip? Want ideas for the best regions or places to visit? Here are 11 of the best, just waiting to be explored…

We love France. We spend a lot of time touring France in our motorhome and exploring as many of the pretty towns, villages and points of interest as we can. 

After all this time, we’ve got pretty good at finding fun places to visit- but I know how overwhelming it can feel at first to decide where to go. Whether you’re visiting France from the UK or abroad, it helps to have a guide or an idea on the best places to visit.

So here’s a quick tour of 11 of the best regions and natural attractions in France. If you want cities, here are 10 top cities to visit in France (besides Paris) and if you’re looking for a little history and culture, here are 7 unmissable historical places in France.

But today, we’re talking mountains, gorges, lakes and… lavender? 

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Planning a trip to France? Grab your FREE road trip planner HERE and start creating your perfect trip

Map of france road trip ideas and points of interest.

Isn’t it annoying when people talk about places and you have no idea where they are! To give you a rough guide, here’s a map of some of the places mentioned in this article, so you can see how far you might want to travel on your road trip.

If you’d like help planning your route and journey, grab our FREE road trip planner here – it walks you through everything you need to know to organise your road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

French Alps- our favourite France road trip destination

There is just something about the Alps which keeps us returning again and again. They speak to my soul. In fairness, I think it might be all mountains, as I felt like this in the Dolomites and in Norway too, but the Alps are the closest to the UK and therefore the ones we’ve visited most. 

I should point out that there are French Alps, Swiss Alps (which is where we made the decision for me to quit my job so we could go travelling long-term ) and the Italian Alps. They’re all the same mountain range, and you can merrily cross from one country to another without any real border. But, for this post, we’ll focus on France and the French Alps.

Points of interest in the French Alps

Some of our favourite places in the Alps have included:

• Going to almost the top of Mont Blanc and standing in a glass box over a sheer drop into the valley below. I’m not even joking- it’s called ‘The Void’ and you can read all about it here.
• Lake Annecy. Which is silly as that’s where we lost our drone and were very very sad. But it’s such a beautiful city that we still like it, despite all the mistakes we made!
• The Gorge du Fier. An incredible place near Annecy- well worth a visit. 
• Wild Camping in the Alps with our motorhome. There have been several gorgeous places we’ve found, both in summer and winter. Vanlife in the mountains is magic. 

RELATED POST: New French law for winter tyres and snow chains in 2021

There are a million more places in the Alps I could mention. If you’re driving from the UK to Italy, this is the route we drove through the Alps (near Chamonix, so you can stop at Mont Blanc if you wish). 

When is the best time to head to the Alps?

Well, between November and April they’re usually covered in snow- so it depends what you’re trying to do. We love visiting the Alps later in the year, like October (here are some more ideas for places to visit in Europe in October ) but they’re also lovely in late Spring and even throughout the summer they don’t get too crowded.

Want to hire a vehicle for touring France? Find out everything you need to know about how to hire a motorhome in France.

Loire Valley- an incredible area to visit on a road trip

Recommend by Kat | Worldwide Honeymoon

Located approximately 2 hours south of Paris, the Loire Valley is one of the most unique places in the world, famous for its charming scenery, delicious wineries and the vast number of châteaux. In fact, there are over 300 of these fairytale castles in the region!

You could certainly spend many happy road trips in France just exploring the Loire Valley alone! The Loire Valley castles and wineries are easy to access by road and parking is readily available, even for motorhomes or campers. 

Famous Chateaux and points of interest in the Loire Valley

Château de Chambord

One of the best château to visit is Château de Chambord. This was a former hunting lodge and constructed by King Francois I. You may recognize this castle as the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! It is also the largest château in the region. The hours for Château de Chambord are 9 am-6 pm during peak season (March 28-October 25) and 9 am-5 pm outside of peak season.

Chateau de Nitray

Another famous château is Chateau de Nitray, perfect for lunch as it has many splendid picnic spots as well as a winery at which you can relax and taste some delicious French wine!

For Chateau de Nitray, you can only visit individually from June 1-September 30 from 9 am-12 pm and 2-6 pm, except on Sunday mornings. The remainder of the year is only open for group visits.

Château de Chenonceau

The last château we highly recommend is Château de Chenonceau or “The Lady Castle.” This castle was gifted to Diane de Poitiers who commissioned the bridge over the River Cher and then was taken over by Catherine de Medici, who created the sprawling gardens. It is beautiful to behold, and if you prefer to try more Loire Valley wine, this is a great castle to visit as additional wine samples are available for purchase, here. 

Chateau de Chenonceau’s hours vary throughout the year, but opening times range from 9-9:30 am and closing times range from 5-6:30 pm. 

There are plenty of places to stay in the Loire Valley for your France road trip- campsites, hotels and many aires for motorhomes. We recommend visiting in the Spring or Autumn, when the tourists have mostly left but the weather is still beautiful. The nice thing about the Loire is that it is not too far from the English Channel, so you could visit for a long weekend or stay for 3 weeks. The choice is yours! (Here are some more ideas for places to visit in Autumn in Europe. )

Provence ( and the Lavender Fields)

Recommended by Stefania | Every Steph

How many pictures of the lavender fields in Provence have we all seen on Instagram? Tons, but yet…. there’s a reason why they are so popular. They are so unbelievably beautiful and perfect for a France road trip destination.

Where is the best place to see the lavender fields in Provence?

I suggest two places in particular: the lavender fields in Valensole and the fields at the Senanque Abbey. The first ones are the most popular, which also means they will be really crowded unless you go super early in the morning. The Senanque Abbey fields are unique as they are right next to a beautiful monastery. 

You’ll have no problem inserting both stops on your South of France itinerary , and there’s plenty of parking available. You’ll probably spend around one hour at the fields just walking around and taking way too many Instagram pictures. When you’re done, you could also visit a lavender producer to see how the oil is manufactured.

When is the best time to visit the lavender fields in France?

You’ll have to time your trip right if you want to experience these fields at their best. You can visit any time between the end of June and mid-August. However, every year might be a little different. The fields can bloom earlier or later, so I’d recommend you visit around mid-July to guarantee that you can shoot those iconic lavender fields photos.

Verdon Gorge

Recommended by Darek | DarekandGosia

If you are looking for the most beautiful places to visit in France , you have to visit the Verdon Canyon/ Gorge. Verdon Gorge is a French natural wonder – a spectacular 21-kilometre-long river strip that Mother Nature carved in rocky limestone.

It is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, and its deepest place is 700 metres. The narrowest point of the Verdon Gorge is 6 metres, and the widest 100 metres. All this means that this place has been attracting climbers, photographers, hikers and canoeists for years. You can’t miss it while visiting France!

France road trip ideas- how to get to Verdon Gorge

The canyon is best explored by car or motorhome- perfect for a French road trip! Anyway, you can’t reach it in any other way. There are no trains or direct buses, and the canyon itself extends over a very large area.

The fastest way to get there is driving from Nice on the A8 towards Marseille (if you want to do it really fast, drive a Ferrari from Nice !). Then, exit at Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez after Frejus and driving north along routes D1555, D54 and D955 to Comps-sur-Artuba.

Why should I add Verdon Gorge to my French road trip itinerary?

Gorges du Verdon is primarily a mecca for rock climbers and a destination for expeditions of amateurs of quite strenuous trekking, but also for all those who are looking for unusual, unique views without sporting ambitions. The panorama from the route around the canyon is really unique and worth seeing at least once in your life.

We recommend at least a day in the area to explore the gorge properly. Going early in the morning means less tourists- well worth it for beautiful photos free from people! That’s also the best time to drive the Gorges du Verdon with a motorhome – before the traffic starts!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE road trip planner HERE and start creating your perfect France road trip

Dordogne- an incredible france road trip idea.

Recommended by Hannah | Nouvelle-Aquitaine Travel

The Dordogne is a department in the south-west of France.  Inland from Bordeaux, it is known for its river valleys, medieval towns and historic cathedrals.  The Dordogne can most easily be enjoyed by way of a road trip, or by local trains. Bordeaux is the largest international airport (2.5hrs drive); although Bergerac also has an airport too.  

How long to spend visiting the Dordogne

You can see the highlights of the Dordogne in a couple of days; however, I recommend spending at least a week in the area if you can.  

Points of Interest in the Dordogne 

The city of Périgueux, with its 5-domed cathedral based on St Mark’s in Venice, is worth a visit.  The cathedral was started in the 10 th century and renovated considerably in the 1800s.  While only the bell tower and crypts remain of the original structure, it is a magnificent piece of French history .  It is on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

One of the most picturesque spots in the Dordogne is the town of  Brantôme .  Sitting on a hairpin turn in the Dronne River, Brantôme is famous for its Troglodyte Caves and Abbey.  Another site that was on old pilgrimage routes, Brantôme’s Abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 769. Brantôme has lots of riverside dining options, weirs to canoe on, and lots of history to soak up.

Towards the eastern edge of the Dordogne is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.  This market town avoided much of the modernisation of recent centuries, so has a really authentic feel.  Located in the Périgord Noir area, Sarlat is famous for its walnut groves, wild cèpe mushrooms, and truffles.  Needless to say, it is a very popular culinary destination.

Castlenaud-la-Chapelle (pictured) is also incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit

Pyrenees- one of the best places to visit in France 

Recommended by Clare | EpicRoadRides

The French Pyrenees is a beautiful area in France. This jagged mountain range runs along the French-Spanish border and is full of snowy peaks (even in summer), and some of Europe’s rarest wildlife including vultures and even brown bears.

Why should you include the Pyrenees in your France road trip itinerary?

Compared with their more famous sister, the French Alps, they are much less known and have a wild, brooding feel. This part of the world is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts including skiers, climbers, hikers and cyclists.

Argelès-Gazost is a good base. It’s a small town but well-known for its thermal spa – and also (a little incongruously) its casino. Near Argelès-Gazost, there’s a treetop trail course, river rafting and an animal park that’s popular with kids. There’s also a cycle path along the valley bottom which is a lovely ride if you prefer your cycling flat.

Access to Argelès-Gazost is easy by road. From Toulouse, you take the A64 motorway to Tarbes, then Lourdes. From there take the main road to Argelès-Gazost.

Points of interest and things to do in the Pyrenees

The nearest mountain peak is Hautacam, which is located just a few minutes away from the town. Here you’ll find many mountain-based activities including a mountain luge, segway and hiking trails. If you’re into road cycling, Hautacam is also one of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the Cirque de Gavarnie – one of the most beautiful places in France and home to the second-highest waterfall in Europe! 

When is the best time to visit the Pyrenees on a road trip?

Winters aren’t overly long in the Pyrenees, but they’re pretty much reserved for winter sports (like downhill and nordic skiing) between November and the end of April. Come during late spring and summer to get the best of the Pyrenees when it’s not covered in snow! If you are planning a winter motorhome trip , read this to make sure you’re prepared.

Depending on how much you love the outdoors and what activities you want to sample, you could spend anything from a weekend to a two week holiday exploring the Pyrenees and all it has to offer.

Cassis, France- a perfect France road trip stop

Recommended by Lora | ExplorewithLora

Cassis is a small fishing village in southern France, about a 45-minute drive from Marseille. With its colourful streets, beautiful port, and nearby hiking opportunities, Cassis makes a wonderful place to visit on a road trip in France.

Points of Interest in Cassis

The town of Cassis is lovely to stroll around; it’s full of colourful streets and Provencal charm. There is a beautiful beach right next to the main pier, which is perfect for sunbathing. Nearby is the Calanques de Cassis, which is a great place to go hiking.

You can also enjoy the Calanques on a boat tour that leaves from the Cassis harbour. There are some excellent French restaurants to dine at in Cassis, offering fresh seafood options.

How easy is it to visit Cassis on a road trip?

Cassis is open year-round and is easy access from Marseille. The drive along the coast is beautiful, with amazing views of the Calanques as you approach Cassis. Parking is available in town but may be tricky to find during the busy summer season- especially for a motorhome.

There are several parking lots in Cassis which you can reserve in advance (but often not for large vehicles). If you don’t have a car, there is a train which regularly runs between Marseille and Cassis.

How long to spend at Cassis

One day will give you enough time to walk around the town, enjoy the beach, and dine at one of the restaurants. If you’d also like to hike around the area, then it’s better to stay overnight for a night or two. There’s enough to in the area to keep you busy for a weekend.

Calanques National Park

Recommended by Nadine | Le Long Weekend The  Calanques National Park , near Marseille in Southern France, is one of the country’s most treasured jewels. Teeming with natural attractions, it’s a great place to hike, swim, and enjoy nature in its purest form. The landscape is one of incomparable beauty – limestone cliffs jutting out into the azure blue sea and garrigue-laden hills serenading you with their scent. Beloved by the locals, you’ll find them walking the many tracks throughout the park at any time of year.

What is the best way to explore the Calanques?

Accessible via either Marseille or Cassis, there are many different routes you can choose, depending on your fitness level and ability. But even if you’re not up to hiking, you’ll be pleased to know the majority of the national park is actually the marine area that surrounds the craggy coastline! Jump on a boat tour from Cassis and you’ll be able to explore the Calanques from below, or hire a kayak and enjoy them at your own pace.  

Points of interest in the Calanques

There are less than a handful of services within the park, but you’ll find sustenance available at two of the most accessible Calanques – Morgiou and Sormiou. In the off-season, it’s possible to drive right down and park at either of these Calanques.

For the others, it’s preferable to set aside a day and hike to a hidden beach for serene swimming.

TOP TIP: Be aware that the park often closes in the height of summer due to the risk of wildfires. In July & August, it’s preferable to enjoy it via the sea instead.

Recommended by Alice | Take your Bag

The region of Brittany is one of the best places to see in France. This French region has the best of everything: beautiful cities , stunning medieval towns where you can go back in time and be immersed in history, beautiful nature, and gorgeous secluded beaches with impressive coastlines.

It’s rugged, authentic, full of opportunities for adventure and water sports and the people are some of the friendliest in the country!

When is the best time to visit Brittany?

Brittany has a bad reputation because of its climate; truth is I’ve seen very few rainy days on the many summers I’ve spent in Southern Brittany. It’s mostly been beautiful weather and compulsory sunscreen – even if the nights can be a bit chilly. Still, expect similar weather to the UK and prepare for rain at any time of the year… just in case! 

Points of Interest in Brittany

Brittany is a large region, with different landscapes and atmospheres whether you’re in the Northern part (St-Malo, the Pink Granite Coast, Brest…) or the Southern part (Lorient, Vannes,…) so you could easily choose to spend a weekend or a month exploring and you wouldn’t see everything there is to see!

Don’t forget to try the traditional treats, including cider and crêpes! And if you’re into history and folklore, angle your trip around the Legend of King Arthur and Celtic myths, still very vividly alive in this part of France. (Yes, the same King Arthur from Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave in Cornwall!)

Recommended by Ashley | My Wanderlustylife

Given their incredibly significant history, the  World War II sites of Normandy  are some of the best places to visit in France. Normandy is a beautiful and worthwhile tourist destination in its own right, but visiting the World War II sites is to view the region from an entirely new perspective.

Points of Interest in Normandy for WWII

D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is one of the most well-known battles of World War II and to see and experience these locations in person is life-changing. 

Among these sites are Omaha Beach (and the four others that were part of the amphibious D-Day invasions known as Operation Overlord), Pointe du Hoc, the comprehensive Caen Memorial Museum, the artificial harbours at Arromanches-les-Bains, and Normandy American Cemetery, to name just a few. There are also a number of battlefields, abandoned batteries like the one at Longues-ser-Mer, museums, and other cemeteries.

When is the best time to visit the WWII sites in Normandy?

These sites (and more) are open all year long but, if you can, visit as close to D-Day (June 6 th ) as possible to experience them at their best. Costumed re-enactors, enthusiasts, and World War II veterans at and around the sites greatly add to the overall experience.

There are  numerous WWII sites to visit in Normandy—you could spend a week there visiting them all on a road trip, or see the key highlights in a single day if time is limited. They are quite easy to get to if you have a car or motorhome (and all sites have adequate, dedicated parking). 

If you get time, we highly recommend a detour on your road trip and visit Ypres in Belgium- the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate for the fallen soldiers is one of the most moving things we have ever experienced.

French Riviera- not the best France road trip destination! 

We have mixed views on the French Riviera, but we wanted to show you the good and bad aspects of the region, especially in regards to a road trip. 

Oh, it’s a beautiful spot for sure and the beaches and boats are to die for! BUT… it’s not particularly road trip friendly- especially for those of us with big vehicles. Aires are few and far between and are often full. Wild camping is almost impossible and campsites are… well, they vary in quality- let’s put it that way. 

Points of Interest in the French Riviera

We stayed for a couple of nights in March so we could visit the Menton Lemon Festival. We also visited Monaco and Nice but the area was too crowded for us, even in March- probably because it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in February and March! I can’t imagine it in high summer or in May around Cannes- the volume of people is frightening. 

But, don’t let our opinion put you off. Just… maybe book a campsite in advance. If you enjoy cities, nightlife and people watching, this is definitely one of the best areas in France to visit.

So, there are 11 regions in France you can visit on your road trip- with points of interest. I hope you’ve found this information useful and enjoy your France trip!

To help you plan a great roadtrip, here is a list of things you should NOT do on your roadtrip .

How else can I help you today?

• Which are the best cities to visit in France (outside of Paris)
• How do you travel Europe in a motorhome?
• I want more Europe road trip ideas
• Visiting Mont St Michel with a motorhome or camper

See all our France Travel Posts here

Want to save this post for later? Pin it to your France Travel board

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Winter in Spain: 10 Warmest places in mainland Spain for winter sunshine

Visiting Mont St Michel with a Motorhome or Campervan

Visit Zugspitze- the highest mountain in Germany

France trip- 7 historical places in France (you HAVE to visit!)

Wales Road Trip – the ONLY Itinerary (with Route Map) you Need!

Visiting Europe in April or May? Don’t miss these incredible events!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10 Best Road Trips near Paris

Escape to central france this weekend.

Road trips near Paris are a great way to break free of the city limits and explore the rich history of central France. You’ll find that, with a bit of planning and an easy drive or train ride, there's a wealth of places to visit near Paris , whether for a fun road trip, a scenic driving route further afield, or a relaxed weekend.

Although the French capital extends far beyond the borders of its city center, you’ll find yourself exploring charming artistic villages in no time. You can visit impressive, history-making castles, and ancient towns, all with their own rich and varied stories to tell.

Chateau de Versailles

The epitome of french royal history.

The Chateau de Versailles is quite simply the most famous castle in the world. This 17th-century masterpiece was transformed by King Louis XIV into the most luxurious of royal palaces, and it’s now one of the most visited monuments in France. Intimately linked with French history, the castle and the grounds are spread over an area of more than 800 hectares.

The world’s largest royal residence, Chateau de Versailles is also considered the Museum of the History of France. You might struggle to visit all 2,300 rooms, but you should definitely see the famed Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I, as well as the lavish King’s and Queen’s private bedrooms. A short walk through the gardens takes you to Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet, a fascinating tiny village with its own farm and theater.

Location: Place d’Armes, 78000, Versailles, France

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

Auvers-sur-Oise

A riverside village once frequented by great artists.

Located about 30 km from Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise is an often-overlooked village with a rich artistic history – great for a cultivated afternoon. Explore the area’s sleepy beauty, which attracted artists like Cézanne and Van Gogh in the mid-19 th century.

Start with a visit to the 17th-century Chateau d’Auvers for its beautiful gardens, multimedia shows and mostly Impressionist collection, followed by lunch at Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived and died. The Absinthe Museum is the only museum in the world devoted to that most artistic of tipples, with a bar where you can taste the real thing. End your visit at the local cemetery where Van Gogh is buried next to his beloved brother Theo.

Galeries Lafayette in Paris

9 Best Cafés with Outdoor Seating in Paris

Musée de l'Orangerie

Picturesque charm at the birthplace of the barbizon school.

Barbizon, known as the “painter’s village”, is a charming country town that spurred its own artistic movement known as the “Barbizon School”. It inspired the Impressionists with its beautiful local landscapes. The sleepy community, full of typical galleries, inns and restaurants, borders the Fontainebleau forest and is a great place for a tranquil, art-filled visit.

Visit the houses of famous French landscape painters such as Théodore Rousseau and Camille Corot to see where they lived and toiled, as well as the Musée des Peintres, which showcases their works in a former 19 th- century artist’s residence.

Location: Barbizon, 77630, France

Château de Vincennes

The most important castle close to paris, just outside the city limits.

Château de Vincennes is not only a castle, but a vast imperial complex that was originally erected in the 12 th century as the king’s hunting lodge. Throughout the decades, it has served variously as a residence of the French royal family, a fearsome political penitentiary, and a World War II military headquarters.

Explore more than 900 years of French history and an impressive building style that ranges from Medieval to Renaissance. Must-sees include the King’s and Queen’s residences, built by architect Louis Le Vau, who also built the Versailles Palace. There's also the dungeon tower, which was the tallest fortified structure of its time, as well as the chapel, which once held Christ’s Crown of Thorns before it was moved to the Louvre museum.

Location: Avenue de Paris, 94300, Vincennes, France

Open: May 21–September 22: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. September 23–May 20: daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Fontainebleau

A beautiful natural preserve surrounding a royal castle.

Located less than 50 km from Paris, the Fontainebleau domain includes one of France’s most impressive castles, a favorite royal abode since the 12 th century and once the home of Emperor Napoleon. The grounds and surrounding forest, the second largest in France, are also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The whole place is popular with locals for its excellent outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.

Visiting the Fontainebleau castle is like taking a stroll through French history, and each resident has left their own unique mark. Enjoy the vast collection of Renaissance art commissioned by Francis I, and the delicate hand of Marie-Antoinette in the decoration. Marvel at Emperor Napoleon’s private apartments before taking a walk in the castle gardens – the largest of their kind in Europe.

Location: Fontainebleau, 77300, France

Monet’s home and gardens on the edge of Normandy

An easy drive or well-planned train ride from Paris, the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny should be on any Impressionist lover’s itinerary. The grounds, located in a tiny village, include Monet’s personal home, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. There are also his flower and Japanese-inspired water gardens, which he considered as works of art in their own right.

Once you’ve visited the gardens, enter the private universe of the master Impressionist with a visit to his studio, sitting rooms, kitchen and even bedrooms. A he was a great lover of Japan, Monet's private collection of Japanese prints is extensive and inspired him endlessly. They've been preserved here with great care.

Location: Giverny, France

Open: Hours vary by season

One of France’s most well-preserved medieval towns

Provins is known as much for its well-preserved city walls and towers as for its medieval culture fairs and festivals. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the town has a wealth of historic monuments to explore, many of which date back to when it was one of the most important trading hubs in Europe. It has a long and rich history dating back to the 9 th century.

Formerly the home of the 'Fairs of Champagne', an important trading center, the Middle Age town has a number of fascinating sites. Climb the 12 th century Cesar watchtower for excellent views of the surrounding countryside and then follow the town’s fortified walls, which are more than a kilometer long. The Musée de Provins, located in the ancient Maison Romane, tells the town’s story from prehistoric times.

Location: Provins, 77160, France

Fine wine and history in the Champagne region

Reims is known as the “coronation city” as all French kings were crowned here until the early 19 th century. It’s the capital of the Champagne region and dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Revered as much for its splendid architecture as for its sparkling wine, it’s a great choice for day trip or a delicious weekend from Paris.

Visit Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that's one of the world’s largest churches and is still the longest in France. There are even older historical vestiges such as the Mars Gate, which dates from Gallo-Roman times. Don’t forget to visit one of the many Champagne houses for a fascinating look at how the world-famous sparkling wine is made, and for a glass or 2 of bubbly.

Location: Reims, France

Thoiry Zoo Safari

Amazing wildlife at a drive-through safari park.

Thoiry Zoo Safari is less than an hour from Paris, but a visit here will transportation you to an African savanna in the heart of the French countryside. With over 800 animals along the 8 km car-only route, you’ll come into close contact with exotic species during the hour-long drive through the park. Keep your windows up, as the giraffe, hippos, and zebras can be feisty and have been known to be very curious about visitors.

For those without personal vehicles, the zoo has its own 'bush trucks' that leave at regular intervals. To round off your adventure, take a stroll in the gardens of nearby Chateau de Thoiry (included in the zoo admission price), whose edifice was designed to mark the winter and summer solstice.

Location: Thoiry, 78770, France

Open: Daily from 11 am to 5 pm

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The inspiration for the construction of versailles.

The Vaux-le-Vicomte castle was created by Fouquet, King Louis XIV’s finance minister, who employed the 3 greatest talents of the day – Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Notre (for the architecture, painting and gardens respectively). The resulting château is so fabulous that he incurred the wrath of the king and ended up in penitentiary for his insolence and alleged misappropriation of funds.

This castle was so awe-inspiring and cutting-edge at the time that the king sequestered the property and used it as a blueprint for his Versailles Palace. Visit the formal French gardens, invented here by genius landscape artist Le Notre. Inside, you can walk around the numerous stately rooms decorated by Le Brun, the greatest painter of the time. Saturday evenings are especially magical, with the grounds lit by thousands of candles.

Location: 77950, Maincy, France

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

Belleville in Paris

Palace of versailles.

Parc Zoologique de Paris

10 Great Souvenirs to Bring Back From Paris

10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Paris

Keep exploring.

• Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
• Haute-Corse
• La Baule-Escoublac
• La Rochelle
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Les Sables d'Olonne
• Montpellier
• Poitou-Charentes
• Saint-Raphael
• Saint-Tropez
• Seine-Maritime
• Soorts-Hossegor
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Centre-Loire Valley
• French Alps
• French Pyrénées
• Haute-Savoie
• Hauts-de-France
• Northern Alps
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Pays de la Loire (all)
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• Rhône-Alpes
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and central america, middle east, north america, south america, top destinations.

• Hotels in Las Vegas
• Hotels in New York
• Hotels in Chicago
• Hotels in Orlando
• Hotels in New Orleans
• Hotels in San Diego
• Hotels in Nashville
• Hotels in San Francisco
• Hotels in Los Angeles
• Hotels in Miami
• Hotels in Paris
• Hotels in Denver
• Hotels in Washington
• Hotels in Austin
• Hotels in Atlanta
• Hotels in San Antonio
• Hotels in Boston
• Hotels in Atlantic City
• Hotels in Key West
• Hotels in London
• Hotels in Virginia Beach
• Hotels in Seattle
• Hotels in Anaheim
• Hotels in Dallas

Top Countries & Regions

• Hotels in Aruba
• Hotels in Turks and Caicos
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Bermuda
• Hotels in Malta
• Hotels in Jersey Shore
• Hotels in Maui
• Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
• Hotels in Kauai
• Hotels in Oahu
• Hotels in Cape Cod

Support & FAQs

Website feedback.

• Review a property

For Suppliers, Affiliates, and the Media

• Affiliate with us
• Expedia Partner Solutions
• Promote with us
• Travel agents

User terms & Privacy

• Terms & Conditions
• Do not sell my personal information
• About our ads
• Legal Information

List your property

• Hotels near me
• Travel Guides
• Vacation Rentals

* Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Details on site.

© 2024 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved.

Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Best road trips in Paris, France

Select trip

Select dates

Top-rated Paris road trips

10-Day France road trip from Paris to Reims, Metz, and Troyes

One-Week Relaxed France Road Trip from Paris to Blois

14-Day France road trip from Paris to Caen, Nantes, Angers, and Tours

Two-Week France Road Trip from Paris to Rouen, Caen, Nantes, and Angers

7-Day France road trip from Paris to Tours and Blois

9-Day France road trip from Paris to Caen, Nantes, and Blois

12-Day Relaxed France Road Trip from Paris to Le Mans and Blois

11-Day France road trip from Paris to Caen, Nantes, Angers, and Blois

Road trips starting in all the top destinations in france.

Nice road trips

Marseille road trips

Lyon road trips

Toulouse road trips

Bordeaux road trips

Nantes road trips

Montpellier road trips

La Rochelle road trips

Toulon road trips

Strasbourg road trips

Lille road trips

Brest road trips

Pau road trips

Rennes road trips

Perpignan road trips

Lourdes road trips

Limoges road trips

Nimes road trips

Tours road trips

Caen road trips

Metz road trips

Clermont-Ferrand road trips

Grenoble road trips

Lorient road trips

Popular types of travel packages in paris, city breaks, cheap vacations, luxury holidays, weekend getaways, multi-country trips, frequently asked questions, what makes paris an ideal starting and ending point for a road trip, what are some must-see sights and attractions on a road trip to paris, how long should i stay in paris on my france road trip, what is the most scenic road trip route starting from paris, how do i plan my route and itinerary for a road trip in paris, what is the best road trip starting in the city of paris, what is the best 5-day road trip starting in the city of paris, what is the best 7-day road trip starting in the city of paris, what is the best 10-day road trip starting in the city of paris, how do i find the best deals on road trip packages to paris, what is the cheapest road trip from the city of paris, what’s the average price of a road trip to paris, when is the best time to go on a road trip to paris, what is the cheapest month to do a road trip to paris, how far in advance should i book my paris road trip package, what kind of accommodation can i expect in paris with a self-drive package, what kind of rental car will i get with a self-drive package to paris, what support is available during my self-drive adventure from paris.

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Here’s the Ultimate Paris to Nice Road Trip – Itinerary & Map

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Paris to Nice by Car

There are many ways to travel from Paris to Nice, from night trains to quick flights. But if you are looking for an epic French holiday and have some time, then hit the road for a fun  Paris to Nice road trip .

The drive from Paris to Nice is straightforward, and it is our favorite road trip from Paris. The distance from Paris to Nice by car Paris is 930 kilometers, with some memorable stops along the way depending on the route that you choose.

If you decide to try this road trip Paris to Nice, give yourself a week to 10 days to enjoy it. Of course, driving from Paris to Nice can be a lot faster, but why rush? For this Paris to Nice drive, the journey is just as interesting as the final destination.

How far is Nice from Paris? The distance from Paris to Nice by car is from 932 km to 1039 km, depending on the route.

How long is the drive from Paris to Nice? The drive Paris to Nice non-stop takes from 9 to 10 hours, depending on the route.

This Paris to Nice itinerary by car is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Road Trip from Paris to Nice Overview

• Start: Paris
• Finish: Nice
• Duration: 9 days
• Suggested Route: Paris – Beaune – Lyon – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Total distance: 994.3 km, 10 hours in total
• Regions covered:  Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for:  sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

If you are looking for a Nice to Paris road trip, you can also use this itinerary with a grand finale in Paris.

Drive from Paris to Nice – Map

Click here to view the Paris to Nice Road Trip Map on Google

Road Trip Paris to Nice – Itinerary

As this road trip begins in Paris , take this opportunity to explore the French capital before hitting the road. There is no road trip travel on the first three days of this Paris to Nice itinerary, but we have included recommendations on what to visit and where to stay.

For this road trip from Paris to South of France, you will need the car only from days 4 to 9. If you need to return to Paris, you could rent your car in Paris and drop it off in Nice. Then, you can take a  train from Nice to Paris  instead of driving back. If this is your first road trip to France, check out our tips for hiring a car in France .

Click here to rent your car in Paris

Day 0 | Arrival in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris to Nice is  Paris . Before getting from Paris to Nice, take your time to visit the French capital, which really needs no introduction.

How many days in Paris? We recommend a minimum of two full days to get a feel of what the city has to offer, plus an additional day trip to visit the Palace of Versailles and its Gardens.

If you have the budget, go for a  hotel with Eiffel Tower views . A good (and cheaper) alternative is the Handsome Hotel by Elegancia in Paris 1. Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Click here to book your stay at Handsome Hotel by Elegancia

Days 1 and 2 | Paris

For your days in Paris , be sure to cover the city’s main highlights such as Cité, the  Louvre Museum (check out how to visit the Louvre in 2 hours or less ), Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and of course, the Eiffel Tower . You can also have a look at this list of  50 iconic things to do in Paris  and choose your favorite ones.

A good idea for short stays in Paris is this top-rated Paris Highlights Bike Tour . Discover the city’s most emblematic landmarks on two wheels with an expert guide. This tour by bike is also available at night .

Day 3 | Day Trip to Versailles

On the third full day of your Paris to South of France trip, grab a train, or take a guided tour to visit the amazing  Château de Versailles  and its surrounding gardens.

A trip to Versailles deserves a day in full. You can decide to  visit just the Palace and the Gardens or do the Palace plus the Trianons, with the Queen’s Hamlet.

There’s so much to see and do in Versailles that we recommend planning this day trip well in advance. Check out this Versailles guide  to find the best way to visit Versailles for you.

Day 4 | Paris – Beaune

This Paris to Nice scenic drive crosses the beautiful region of  Bourgogne (Burgundy in French), world-famous for its wines. Bourgogne is also home to picturesque small cities, towns, and villages, and most of these  small villages in Burgundy  are listed as “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”

Morning in Auxerre

Instead of heading directly to Beaune, we recommend a stop at  Auxerre , a lovely small city in Burgundy bisected by the river Yonne.

The historical center is made of beautiful medieval and Renaissance-style buildings, and it is protected as a historic city. Wander the Old Town with its beautiful churches, half-timbered houses, and its iconic Clock Tower . The promenade along the river is beautiful and relaxing.

Afternoon in Beaune

Beaune   is another must-see city in Burgundy. It is famous for the Hôtel-Dieu , a wonder of Burgundian architecture, but there are also other beautiful sights such as Notre Dame Basilica or the Museum of Fine Arts .

Beaune is an excellent place to spend the night, especially because it is the capital of Burgundy wines. Because wine-tasting and driving are far from perfect partners, we recommend parking the car for the afternoon and taking part in some Burgundy wine tastings.

Here’s the list of some great wine houses worth exploring during your afternoon in Beaune:

• Maison Champy  (5 Rue du Grenier de Sel, Beaune; Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine regions)
• Domaine Chanson  (10 Rue Paul Chanson /Rue du Collège, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
• Bouchard-Ainé & Fils  (4 Boulevard du Maréchal Foch, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
• Domaine Loubet-Dewailly  (11 Impasse Notre Dame, Beaune; Pommard wine region)

For a night in Beaune, we suggest something special. Stay at the boutique hotel the Abbaye de Maizieres , a 12th-century former Cistercian Abbey located in the heart of Beaune’s historical center. Enjoy the unique atmosphere with all the comforts for the modern guest.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Abbaye de Maizieres

Day 5 | Beaune – Lyon

The next stop of this road trip from Paris to Nice itinerary is  Lyon , where we recommend spending one night. The drive from Beaune to Lyon is only one hour, so if you leave early in the morning, you will have a full day to explore Lyon.

Don’t know where to stay in Lyon? The Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charm.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel de l’Abbaye

Lyon  is a bustling city that’s also a cultural hub. Situated in the country’s east, near the Alps, Lyon is France’s third-largest city and a major tourist destination that offers yet another side to France.

Park your car for the rest of the day (there’s public parking near the recommended hotel for Lyon) and visit the city on foot. If you only have one day to visit Lyon, spend it walking through the streets of  Vieux Lyon  (Old Lyon), the city’s most popular area to visit. This district has been the best preserved of all of Lyon’s neighborhoods, with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the iconic traboules , and some fascinating cultural museums.

You can use some ideas of things to see and do in Lyon from this Lyon itinerary or take this Lyon free walking tour .

Afternoon at Fourvière Hill

In the afternoon, you can climb the Fourvière Hill for great views of the city and a short visit to the  Fourvière Basilica , which overlooks Lyon. This religious building is the focus of the famous  Fête des Lumières , which occurs at the start of December every year. The climb up to Fourvière Hill is an easy walk up from Old Lyon, but you can also take the funicular from the cathedral.

Lyon has also been recognized as France’s food capital (and the world, according to some!), so be sure to taste some local specialties! This Old Lyon food tour always gets excellent ratings.

 Day 6 | Lyon – Avignon

The next stop of this drive from Paris to Nice is Avignon , the first destination in  Provence . This charming historic city on the South Bank of the Rhône River was home to seven popes. The Papal Palace , where they lived, is a jewel of civil Gothic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy  one day in Avignon . Here everything is within walking distance, and you can easily explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Popes and wander along the  Pont d’Avignon  (the famous bridge) or admire it from afar.

For your night in Avignon, book at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon . This hotel is located in a beautiful 16th-century building with original arches and vaulted ceilings surrounded by a beautiful garden and an outdoor swimming pool.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon

Day 7 | Avignon – Marseille

Marseille  is the capital of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA between friends) and a famous port city. It’s quite different from Avignon and Nice, both in PACA, and an exciting city to explore.

For your night in Marseille, we recommend the  Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port ,  a charming hotel with the perfect location right on the banks of the Old Port.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port

The city is best explored in two days, but if you only have time for one day, look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary and pick the sights and activities you like most.

You can also decide to wander around the picturesque port of Marseille and then take a catamaran cruise with lunch to explore the wonderful Calanques of Marseille – Cassis . The catamaran stops at spectacular coves for a swim and snorkel.

Days 8 and 9 | Marseille – Nice

The last stop on this road trip Paris to Nice is  Nice , the French Riviera capital. Nice is also located in the PACA region, but it is definitely more glitzy and glamorous than Marseille or Avignon.

The drive from Marseille to Nice takes two hours, and if you leave early in the morning, you will have almost two full days to explore Nice.

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. The rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor. Some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views. 

Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges

For your two days in Nice, we recommend this  Nice 2-day itinerary , which also comes with some restaurant suggestions for your dinners in Nice.

Take your time to explore the Old Town , taste some provençal specialties, and of course, have a stroll on the famous  Promenade des Anglais ! Nice also has some of the best French Riviera beaches , and their turquoise waters are calling for a dip. If you want to explore the French Riviera from the water, this boat tour always has excellent reviews. You can also rent a boat or charter a yacht with or without a skipper .

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Paris to Nice road trip today!

Click here for other Road Trips

Back to Homepage

Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible French content for you. We trust all products and brands promoted here and would never recommend anything that isn’t of value. Please read disclaimer for more info.

(C) Copyright 2019 - 2024 France Bucket List. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by France Bucket List || Disclaimer || Privacy Policy || Contact |

Road Trip from Paris to South of France

Fancy a road trip packed with historical sights, parks and coastal views, with a vineyard visit or two along the way? Then look no further; this delightful journey takes you from the city of love, Paris, to the world-famous style and sophistication in the South of France.

The 1,110 km road trip from Paris to South of France takes just under 12 hours. Notable sights are Tours, Orléans, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier, Marseille, Arles, Cannes, Nice, Poitiers, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and Cathedrale De Bourges.

This incredible trip takes you from the heights of Puy-de-Dome Volcano to the sandy shores of La Croix-Valmer, from the world-class vineyards of Bordeaux to the historic city sights of Carcassonne. Read on to see all the wonderful things to do, where to stay, and the best time to visit to enjoy this epic journey.

How far is South of France from Paris, and how long will the road trip take?

Take the Nice Route and the drive from Paris to South of France takes just over 14 hours and covers 1,190 kilometers. You will be taken through many interesting historic sights, with a good portion riding alongside the stunning coast.

Travel the alternative Bordeaux Route and you can be sure to visit the finest vineyards and medieval towns. This slightly shorter inland route takes just under 12 hours and covers 1,110 kilometers.

As you pass so many fantastic cities and sights along the way make sure to allow yourself enough time for discovery. We suggest taking four to five days to complete this road trip, whichever route you decide to take.

Best road trip route from Paris to South of France

We have two routes that take in some of the very best historical sights, parklands, ports – and vineyards! Both the routes from Paris to South of France are teeming with a balance of interesting landmarks alongside beautiful landscapes.

Taking the Nice Route is slightly longer but you'll get a jam-packed itinerary along this journey. You pass many architecturally beautiful landmarks such as the gothic brilliance of Cathedrale De Bourges and the breathtaking Arles Amphithéâtre. Both are well worth a lingering visit.

An exhilarating trip to the summit of Puy-de-Dome Volcano is bound to leave an impression. Afterwards, you can enjoy downtime on the sandy shores of La Croix-Valmer. Cannes also provides plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation – with a bit of celebrity spotting in between.

Head on the alternative Bordeaux Route and you pass many beautiful parks, ports and vineyards for a drink, or two! No visit to Bordeaux would be complete without a winery tour, so make sure this features on the to-do list.

Other must-see destinations on this route include the stunning landscapes of ‘Le Jardin de la France', Tours, and a visit to the pretty harbor at La Rochelle Vieux Port. For culture lovers, don't miss a play at the Toulouse Théâtre du Capitole, the destination for impressive evening entertainment.

The Nice Route

As you leave Paris head south on the A10 passing the pretty Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and arriving at historic Orléans.

From here the A37 takes you to Bourges and Clermont-Ferrand – make sure to head to the summit of Puy-de-Dome Volcano for incredible views.

Afterwards continue along the A75 which takes you to Montpellier, a great overnight stop with plenty of historic landmarks to enjoy and markets to wander around, as well as modern sights and architecture.

After a day or two exploring, take to the road again with a pretty awesome coastal drive now on the cards. The N113 follows south until you reach Marseille, for a seafront meander and fresh seafood lunch.

From here journey on the A50 past Toulon, then A8 for some rest on the sandy shores of La Croix-Valmer, before arriving in the buzzing city of Cannes. Make a quick stop-off for some beach dwelling and celebrity spotting before finally making your way to Nice.

The Bordeaux Route

Head south from Paris along the A10 until you reach the beautiful historic region of Orléans. Continue along this road past the beautiful area of Tours, and Parc naturel régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine.

After exploring the valleys and vineyards continue on the A10 to Poitiers, which then leads into the N248 and N11 to the pretty port of La Rochelle. A great spot for a waterfront wander and refreshments.

Heading south along the A837 and then A10 takes you to Bordeaux, where you can enjoy world-renowned vineyards and views. A stopover allows more time for a wine tour, or two.

After Bordeaux travel along the A62 past Montauban, a quaint medieval town, and Toulouse. Before the A61 takes you to the impressive Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne. Feel like you are taking a step back in time when you arrive.

From Narbonne, which follows Carcassonne, the A9 takes you down to Perpignan, with pretty parklands and viewpoints to enjoy along the way.

Best places to stop between Paris and South of France

Both the great routes we suggest from Paris to South of France have tons to see and do along the way. No matter whichever route you choose, how about staying a little longer in some of our favorite places on the way?

Marvel at the historic sights of Montpellier

On the Nice Route, we suggest stopping overnight at Montpellier, which is just over halfway into the journey. An exciting and interesting city, with plenty of historic landmarks to enjoy.

While in the city, visit Place de la Comedie in the southeast area, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful, and largest, squares to admire at. Also known as "l'oeuf" (the Egg) given its shape.

Make sure to visit Musée Fabre, one of the biggest museums in France, to marvel at the hundreds of artworks here. Before heading to Cathedrale St. Pierre, a prominent 20th-century landmark with beautiful architecture.

No visit to Montpellier is complete without a visit to Planet Ocean. This aquarium is packed with interesting underwater life, including sharks and penguins.

Ready to hit the hay? Then look no further than Hotel Golden Tulip Montpellier Center St Roch , which is in the heart of Montpellier, close to many attractions. Sit back and relax on the pretty terrace, with a pre-dinner cocktail while admiring the cityscape. Or head to the stunning spa for a relaxing massage.

A delicious breakfast is guaranteed before you take a stroll to one of the many local landmarks including Fabre Museum, Peyrou Triumphal Arch (Porte du Peyrou), and Place de la Comédie.

Enjoy world-class wines, vineyards and views in Bordeaux

Located around halfway from Paris to South of France along the Bordeaux Route, the city that gives this route its name is the perfect place for a stop off. Known worldwide for its excellent wine, a vineyard visit is top of the agenda in Bordeaux.

There are so many incredible wineries. Cité du Vin is a good place to head to understand more about the history before taking a tour. Afterwards head to Quais de Bordeaux, where the waterfront is surrounded by beautiful gardens and buildings, and the impressive Porte Cailhau is a sight to behold.

The stunning 11th Century church Cathedrale Saint-Andre is also a highlight, where the sculptures and stained glass windows are a real talking point.

After a busy time exploring, there is no better hotel to head to than Hotel des Quinconces Bordeaux Center . This 5-star hotel really is something else. Plenty of rooms also have private balconies to enjoy the view in private.

This hotel has sublime outdoor areas to relax in or enjoy an evening cocktail or meal. A delicious breakfast each morning will kick off your day in style, but if you fancy something different there are heaps of dining choices right on the doorstep.

Many of the top attractions just couldn't be closer, such as Gallien Palace, CAPC Musee d'Art Contemporain and Esplanade des Quinconces.

Where to stay when you reach South of France

In the heart of the city center, the Hôtel Apollinaire Nice is super close to top sights and beaches, making this hotel ideal as a base for exploring.

The fabulous modern décor and stylish rooms add a touch of luxury to your stay, with an enticing buffet breakfast served in the restaurant – or your room!

This stop-off is ideal so you can explore all this beautiful area has to offer.

Things to see on a road trip from Paris to South of France

Both Routes between Paris and South of France could be completed within a day or two but we suggest taking a little more time to be able to take it all in.

We've pulled together our recommended places to visit below. With so much to see this should help you know where to start!

• Cathedrale De Bourges - When you arrive in Bourges, the Cathedral is a must-see. The stunning gothic architecture is admired world-wide.
• Puy-de-Dome Volcano - Don't miss the chance to head to this incredible sight when you pass through Clermont-Ferrand. An epic train ride takes you to the top, where you are met with breath-taking views.
• Old Montpellier – Head to one of the historic sites such as Promenade de Peyrou, before wandering the pretty streets of old town.
• Arles Amphithéâtre - Full of history, take a self-guided tour to understand more about the history of this incredible Roman fixture.
• Réserve naturelle des coussoules de Crau - Take a stroll around this beautiful park. A great spot for a leg stretch and lunch.
• Marseille Old Port – A historic area packed with history. The fish market here is renowned and a great place to enjoy fresh seafood along the waterfront.
• La Croix-Valmer - Sit back and relax on one of the beautiful beaches. A beauty spot perfect for a paddle in the afternoon in this sheltered bay.
• Cannes - Known around the world for impressive yachts and film, a stroll along La Croisette by the seafront is a great place to start exploring.

• Tours - Known as Le Jardin de la France. After a busy morning exploring, head to one of the many vineyards around for a drink or two.
• Parc naturel régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine – The area is vast but there are many trails you can take to hike this pretty landscape.
• Poitiers - The Jardin des Plantes botanical garden is teeming with interesting plants and displays – as well as a zoo! So much to see during a day spent at this beautiful landmark.
• La Rochelle - A visit to La Rochelle Vieux Port is teeming with historic buildings, interesting surroundings and places to dine.
• Bordeaux - World-renowned for vineyards and views, head out on one of many wine tours. Château Mouton Rothschild is one of the most well-known, but there are so many to choose from!
• Montauban - This medieval town is packed with interesting sights including the stone Montauban Cathedral which sits in the city center.
• Toulouse The Capitole - The Capitole sits behind a lively square, with the busy town hall and theatre popular destinations. Catch an evening show at the impressive Théâtre du Capitole.
• Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne - Wander the cobbled streets and feel like you are stepping back in time in the historic and fascinating city of Carcassonne.
• Donjon Gilles Aycelin - Head up the bell tower for the best panoramic views across Narbonne.

Both Routes

• Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse - Take one of the many trails across the expansive grounds. The option of a horse ride to see more of what is on offer is a great option - and easy on the legs!
• Musée du Théâtre Forain - You can't visit Artenay without a trip to this theatre museum. This center has hundreds of years of history to tell with the displays of clothes and theatre production items.
• Orléans - Based in Loire Valley, a World Heritage Site, this beautiful area is steeped with history, including the celebration of the life of Joan of Arc.

Best time to go on a road trip from Paris to South of France

South of France is particularly popular in the summer months, although with so much to see and do, it is definitely a place to consider all year round.

Average daily summer temperatures can range between 23 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius. It can be a little humid during peak Summer, and busier as so many festivals also take place, so make sure to prebook to get the best deals.

Spring and fall are more likely to see fewer crowds and accommodation is less of a premium. The weather is typically nice and sunny, although a beach swim might be off the cards for now.

During the winter Christmas markets are popular but fewer visits overall. Outside of the main cities, many towns may be so quiet attractions and restaurants close, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

The south of France has many well-known festivals taking place each year, with many celebrating local areas, dance and music.

In February the Nice Carnival is one of the biggest carnivals worldwide and takes place over Mardi Gras. February also sees The Fête du Citron in Menton, where the celebration of lemons draws hundreds of thousands.

Montpellier is home to a three-week festival in June and July. A celebration of traditional music and dance is expected and takes place in several areas including Comedie and Le Corum.

In July on a Thursday head to the buzzing street markets in Nimes. Nimes is also a wonderful city to visit generally but arrive in July and it is extra special.

Port Camargue South France festival is an important calendar event each year in September, where bull-running through the streets to a prominent part of it, along with other activities and parties throughout this lively event.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

2 weeks in France, our French Road Trip Itinerary

Over summer we spent a magical 2 weeks in France. We travelled from the UK by ferry and car heading straight through the centre of the country all the way down to Bordeaux and back, trying to take in some of the lesser explored parts of the Country. Here’s our French road trip itinerary so you can start planning your next family holiday to France.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you book through one of these links. At no extra cost to you. 

List of Contents

• 1.1 Day One on our French Road Trip Itinerary
• 2.1 Day two
• 3.1 Day Three
• 4.1 Day Four
• 5.1 Day Five
• 7.1 Day 7 to 11
• 8.1 Day 11 and 12
• 10.1 Day 14
• 11 A final thought on our two weeks in France

UK – Lille

Day one on our french road trip itinerary.

Miles Traveled:

This one took most of the day, we left home super early to catch the lunchtime ferry from Dover to Dunkerque. The sailing was around two hours. On arrival on French soil the drive from Dunkerque to Lille took about an hour and a quarter. In total this was just over 300 miles. And a great start to this France road trip with kids.

Where we stayed:

On arriving into Lille we immediately headed to our hotel. The Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand-Place  was the perfect location for exploring Lille. Right in the centre of town with a carpark just across the road. This was the first of several Ibis hotels we stayed in during our trip. They’re such great value, always clean with good sized family rooms.

Where we ate:

As with most meals during our two weeks in France we just wandered the town and stopped wherever had space and looked good. This time we totally struck gold. We found La Pate Brisee on Rue de la Monnaie and grabbed one of their pavement tables. This is a great French restaurant with super friendly waiting staff and great food (and wine). Of course we had to try the local delicacy, Le Welsh. It’s kind of a supercharged rarebit. Bread soaked in beer, covered in Cheese with an egg on top. Baked in the oven to make it super gooey. It was delicious but crazy rich, I could never manage it all. Piper had a fish and chips which she gobbled up and Nigel enjoyed a rich beef stew.

Lille – Chantilly

Miles Travelled:

Lille to Chantilly is a fairly easy 120 miles. The drive took around two hours and included some toll roads.

We stayed at the beautiful Mercure Chantilly Resort . It’s set in stunning countryside and forests making it the perfect place for a family friendly walk. We had a family room which easily slept the 3 of us. It even has a swimming pool if you are traveling with a little mermaid like us!

Eating in Chantilly was all about the cake. The bakeries lining the main road through town serve up some delectable treats and we mainly survived on these. They also create some amazing savoury treats and we enjoyed fresh pizza and pastries picnic style as we walked around town. We also stopped for a super strong coffee hit at one of the pavement cafes. Perfect!

Chantilly – Versailles

The drive from Chantilly to Versailles is just over 40 miles. It will take quite a while, maybe up to two hours as you’ll no doubt get stuck in traffic on the outskirts of Paris. It was very cool however to see the Eiffel Tower from the motorway. This route also includes toll roads. Read all about our trip to Versailles with kids and our visit to the spectacular Palace.

In Versaille we were back to another brilliant Ibis, and this one was right across the road from the train station. The ibis Versailles Chateau  hotel is a great value 3 star located within easy walking distance to the Palace and plenty of places to eat and shop. We opted for a family room and had a great continental breakfast before heading off the next day.

Again we wandered the streets and stopped at a pavement restaurant that looked popular with locals. We were after a bit of comfort food so shared a pizza whilst Piper opted for spaghetti bolognese. Then it was early to bed before a busy day, with full stomachs and happy memories. I recommend just wandering down the Rue de Satory and picking somewhere you like the look of.

Versailles – Paris

Paris with kids is absolutely magical and this was a super easy travel day. It’s around 13 miles from Versailles to Paris and we traveled by train. It took less than an hour on a direct train which was very clean and extremely quiet. I loved that we utilised public transport for one of the days of our France road trip with kids.

Read more about how we managed Paris in one day here.

We enjoyed our second night at the ibis Versailles Chateau hotel.

On our way back to the train station we wandered past the brilliant Quai Liberte on the river front. It’s a lovely beer garden with a real “vacay” vibe. It’s only open over the summer months but is well worth stopping in if you’re passing. Food is small, fresh and simple but it’s the atmosphere that should convince you to stay!

Versailles – Limoges

This was a fairly intense travel day as we wanted to get down South as soon as possible. We covered over 250 miles in around 4 hours. Again there were toll roads to pass through but we were so impressed with them. It’s very easy to navigate and the roads never got too busy.

We booked ourselves in at the Novotel Limoges Le Lac  mainly due to the fact it has an outdoor pool. This is always a massive positive for Piper and she loved cooling off after being in the car for so long. It’s slightly out of town in what feels like a rather industrial area but the Lake in the grounds of the hotel made for the perfect place for a post walk dinner. We saw some amazing sunsets.

As none of us could face getting back in the car we chose to eat at the hotel. The restaurant was nice and food excellent. I had a delicious Caesar salad and Piper was delighted to discover her first kids menu of the holiday. It was of course super expensive but that’s to be expected in a hotel.

Limoges – Perigueux

Miles Travelled: 

This was one of the easiest legs of the journey with just 60 miles to travel. We took it slow and covered the distance in under two hours.

The Ibis Perigueux Centre  is a brilliant place to stay in Perigueux with kids. It’s right in the centre of town near the cathedral. So you wont struggle for things to do or great places to eat. You can park onsite for a small charge and family sized rooms are available which are great value.

We stopped for lunch at a tiny bistro we found in a small town we passed through. I love these places, they often have locals indoors watching TV, enjoying an afternoon beer. Don’t be afraid to stop somewhere and give it a go.

Perigueux is very much a tourist town so you definitely won’t struggle to find good restaurants. We went boringly British and opted for Watson’s Pub . It’s absolutely huge with heaps of indoor and outdoor seating and serves pub classics such as burgers and fish and chips.

Perigueux – Pessac-sur-Dordogne

Day 7 to 11.

You can read all about visiting the Dordogne with kids over on this post, it will give you a great idea on the activities that we tried but some of our favourites included visiting Chateauxs, pretty French towns , vineyards and inland Dordogne beaches .

Another super easy travel day and the start of our rest break. It was around 50 miles from Perigueux to our lovely Dordogne holiday rental. With a stop for coffee along the way the journey was around an hour and a half.

Being the longest stay of our two weeks in France we chose a holiday rental for accommodation in this part of the Dordogne. We loved having the extra space to fully unpack and a kitchen to cook some healthy food in. We spent evening sat on the terrace watching the sunset over nearby vineyards. While Piper raided the DVD library and caught up with friends.

This part of the stay was all about cooking. We mooched into town each day and stocked up of local produce and meat for the barbeque. We took picnics on our day trips and had lazy breakfasts before heading out. These slow days are so important when covering long distances and I highly recommend including some in your French road trip itinerary.

Pessac-sur-Dordogne – Talence near Bordeaux

Day 11 and 12.

After our lovely few days relaxing the 45 mile drive to our hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux felt completely manageable. Although it took us longer than expected – around two hours as we got a bit lost looking for the hotel.

This had to be my favourite hotel of our stay. And was actually the reason we chose to stay in Talence rather than Bordeaux city centre. Domaine de Raba  is an absolutely stunning Boutique hotel. It’s quirky design coupled with its focus on wellness and the outdoors made for a wonderful stay. They even have a private cinema you can book! I think this was our favourite hotel on the whole of this France road trip with kids. Read more about this stunning hotel near Bordeaux and get booking!

We loved the hotel so much we just didn’t want to leave so ate onsite at Les Petits Caprices . The food was amazing and the decor beautiful. I recommend a visit even if you’re not staying in the hotel.

Talence – Le Mans

And so the long trip home begins. We wanted to get as close to the North Coast as possible so covered just under 300 miles. It was an exhausting 5 hours and one of the longest travel days of this France road trip itinerary.

We opted for the Novotel Le Mans  again because it had a pool. We only needed somewhere en route, clean and good value. The Novotel ticked off all those boxes. Piper loved a dip in the small outdoor pool and we got a great nights sleep before our long drive home the next day.

We ate at the hotel for convenience. It was a lovely end to the break. We opted for a charcuterie board, breads and cheeses. Plenty of fine French food for our last supper.

Le Mans – Home

Finally it was the last 500 mile stint home. This time we sailed from Calais which cut down the driving distance further but the journey did still take the whole day. We arrived home happy, disheveled and with case loads of washing and many happy memories.

A final thought on our two weeks in France

Long travel days call for a good hotel, preferably with a pool to burn some energy. On days when we were exploring cities, budget hotels were fine as we weren’t in them for long.

If we were to head off on another trip around France I would hopefully extend this French road trip itinerary to include more beach time and make it further South. France is immense and varied, I don’t really feel we scratched the surface.

For more French inspiration make sure you check out my post on Bergerac, France .

Make sure you pin for later to plan your next French road trip itinerary.

Exploring the South of France: A Road Trip Adventure

W hen one envisions France, they might picture the Eiffel Tower, croissants or the romantic streets of Paris. While these iconic images certainly define the country, there’s another side of France. It’s more serene, sun-kissed and splendid side waiting to be discovered in the South of France.

For your next vacation consider a road trip through the South of France from four major cities: Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Marseille.

Why Road Trip the South of France?

France is known for its efficient rail system and well-connected cities, but road tripping offers a different perspective. It allows you to break free from schedules and create your own adventure. The South of France is a road tripper’s dream. The region has diverse landscapes from the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the rolling vineyards of Provence and the picturesque villages of the French Riviera. A road trip provides the freedom to explore these treasures at your own pace.

Getting Started: Renting a Car

Before you hit the road, you’ll need a reliable set of wheels. Renting a car in France is relatively straightforward. Major cities, like Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Marseille, have several rental agencies. Booking in advance online is often the best approach to secure a competitive rate and ensure the availability of your preferred vehicle.

Cannes: Where the Glitz Meets the Sea

Start your South of France road trip in Cannes, a city synonymous with glamour and the world-famous film festival. From Cannes, set your course eastward along the A8 highway, which will take you on a scenic route towards Nice.

Nice: Gateway to the French Riviera

Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, is your next destination. Park your car and explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, vibrant markets and charming cafes. Don’t forget to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for breathtaking Mediterranean views. As you leave Nice, consider taking the mesmerizing Route des Grandes Alpes, which winds through picturesque mountain scenery.

Monaco: A Touch of Luxury

A short drive east of Nice brings you to the tiny yet opulent principality of Monaco. Known for its wealth and elegance, Monaco is a haven for luxury car enthusiasts. Take a spin on the world-famous Formula 1 circuit, visit the grand Casino de Monte-Carlo, and explore the Jardin Exotique for panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.

Marseille: Where History and Modernity Meet

Continue your South of France adventure by heading west along the A8 and A7 highways towards Marseille. Marseille is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. Visit the Old Port (Vieux-Port), explore the historic Le Panier district, and go to the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Each location offers spectacular city views.

Hit the Road in France: 9 Road Trip Itineraries Across France

Publisher description.

If you're tired of summer crowds in Paris, standing 10-deep to see the Mona Lisa, waiting in long lines to ascend the Eiffel Tower. . .you may want to travel in France differently. With a road trip! Discover the amazing variety France offers as you hit the open highways. Explore and experience your own adventure. This guide will take you to various regions of France: Brittany, Alsace, Bordeaux, Provence, Central France, along the Spanish border, Normandy, and Burgundy. Discover how great hitting the road can be! Another great travel guide from Oliver's France. The most important information you need. . . not everything you don't need! Portable and indespensable in eBook or paperback.

More Books by K. B. Oliver