road trip 4x4 france

4x4roadbooks.com

Routes et voyages 4×4 en Europe

Des road books 4×4 pour tous les amateurs de tout-terrain

Voyage 4×4 Nord-Pas-de-Calais (Hauts-de-France)

Raid 4×4 de 280 km dans la région de Calais et Dunkerque. Idéal pour un petit voyage 4×4 en Hauts-de-France et Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

Achetez ce pack et économisez 45 euros.

Road book 4×4 Watten – Furnes

Route 4×4 de 97 km à travers la Flandres française dans le département du Nord. Profitez d’une journée en 4×4 sur de petites routes, qui deviennent parfois très difficiles par temps de pluie.

Fait partie du pack vacances 4×4 en Pas-de-Calais

Road book 4×4 Ardres – Watten

Rando 4×4 de 100km sur les plus belles routes de sable et de forêt du Pas-de-Calais, près de Saint-Omer. Certains tronçons sont assez difficiles par temps de pluie.

Fait partie du pack vacances 4×4 en Pas-de-Calais

Road book 4×4 Ambleteuse – Ardres

Rando 4×4 sur les plus belles pistes du Pays d’Opale. Cette balade 4×4 scénique part de la Côte d’Opale et se dirige vers l’intérieur en empruntant de belles voies de sable et de gravier.

135,00€

Recevez 20% de réduction sur votre 1er achat

Entrez vos coordonnées et obtenez votre code de réduction immédiatemen t

Voici votre code de réduction de 20%

Saisissez le code en haut de la page du panier d'achat

Roadstotravel

Find the best roads, route des grandes alpes, a scenic road trip in france.

Embark on a journey through the stunning French Alps with the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes.

This iconic road trip takes you through four national parks and over 17 mountain passes, including some of Europe’s highest. Combining lakes, remote valleys and impressive views, this legendary route is the most sensational of the French Alps.

This itinerary is particularly appreciated by bikers, cyclists, and car enthusiasts looking for an adventure in the French Alps.

Where is located the Route des Grandes Alpes?

This route starts on the shores of Lake Geneva , in Thonon-les-Bains, and ends in Menton on the French Riviera.

Fully open from June to October, the Route des Grandes Alpes is passable as soon as the snow melts, which blocks the highest passes during winter.

The best times to enjoy it are spring or September when the road is yours and the alpine nature reveals all its richness. Indeed, during the high season, this tourist route is very busy.

From Haute-Savoie to the Alpes-Maritimes, you will successively cross the Chablais, Beaufortain, Vanoise, Cerces, Queyras, Ubaye and Mercantour massifs. It will also be an opportunity to see the high glacial peaks of the Mont Blanc range and the Ecrins massif, emblems of the French Alps.

You can take a look at the itinerary of the Route des Grandes Alpes on the map below:

How to get to Route des Grandes Alpes?

The best way to discover this mythic itinerary is to start from the north and then drive to the south.

The starting point of the itinerary is Thonon-les-Bains, a French town located in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region near Geneva in Switzerland.

On the other hand, if you prefer to begin your journey from the southern end, the itinerary starts in the town of Menton.

Facts about this scenic road trip in the Alps:

Crossing the French Alps from north to south for more than 700 km (435 miles), the Route des Grandes-Alpes is a prestigious route that will make you discover majestic panoramas by taking you through 17 passes among the highest in the French Alps.

This route has over 17,000 meters of vertical drop in total (55770 ft). The lowest altitude pass on the route is the Èze pass with an altitude of 507 meters 1660 ft), the highest being the Iseran at 2770 meters (9090 ft).

What is Route des Grandes Alpes history?

The Route des Grandes Alpes, also known as the Great Alpine Road, was proposed in 1909 by the Touring Club of France as a way to connect the northern and southern Alpine valleys and promote tourism in the area.

The road was finally completed in 1937 with the inauguration of the Col de l’Iseran and officially got its name in 1950.

The route’s itinerary was later modified in 1995 to extend from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, with a more “alpine” route in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Today it is mainly appreciated for its tourist dimension: every year, nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts as bikers or cyclists meet on this legendary circuit.

An example of an itinerary of Route des Grandes Alpes:

In order to take full advantage of that road trip, we suggest you to take a whole week to do it. Here is an example of a 6-day itinerary:

• Day 1: For the first day, from Thonon-les-Bains, we advise you to discover Lake Geneva. It is the highest lake in Europe, at an altitude of 372 meters (1,220 ft). You can also choose to visit Geneva.
• Day 2: For this second day, you will travel 150 kilometers (93 miles). From Thonon-les-Bains, take the Route des Grandes Alpes towards the Col des Gets (1,170 meters / 3,840 ft). Then continue to Col de la Colombière (1,613 meters / 5,290 ft). Then, pass through La Clusaz to arrive at the Col des Aravis (1,486 meters / 4,875 ft). This pass provides a magnificent view of the entire chain of the Mont Blanc massif. Finally, the last stage of the day will be the Col des Saisies (1,650 meters / 4,875 ft). For your evening stage, you can eat and find accommodation in Beaufort.
• Day 3: you will 240 km on the 3rd day. The first stage will be the Col du Cormet de Roselend (1,968 meters / 3,800 ft). Once past, you will be able to discover the Tarentaise valley. After that, you will cross Bourg-Saint-Maurice before arriving at the famous Col de l’Iseran (2,764 meters (1,970 ft). If it is one of the most beautiful passes in the Alps, it is also the highest. Then, you will cross the villages of Modane and Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. You will also pass through the Ecrins National Park. After this long day, join Briançon for the night.

• Day 4: Take the road for a 100 km (62 miles). Leave Briançon, head for the Izoard pass (2,360 meters / 7,740 ft). This pass is famous for the place called Casse Déserte. Because this place has been crossed many times by the Tour de France. But also, because the landscape around this pass is extremely rocky, and some even say it looks like a lunar landscape. At the end of the day, we suggest you stop at Barcelonnette for the night.
• Day 5: There will be 135 km (84 miles) of the road to cover for the 5th day. Start with the Col de la Cayolle (2,326 meters / 7,627 ft) which is located on the edge of the Mercantour National Park, one of the ten national parks in France, and probably the wildest. Then take the direction of the Cians gorges. After this day, stop at Puget-Théniers.
• Day 6: For this last day, you will travel 150 km (135 miles). Pass the Saint-Martin pass. Then cross Saint-Martin-Vésubie before heading to the Col du Turini. This pass is famous thanks to the Monte-Carlo rally because each year a test takes place there. In addition, it will be the last pass of our road trip. Then continue to Menton and the Mediterranean Sea!

If you want to drive on a very winding road, you can take a detour and go through the Lacets de Montvernier . Also, you can drive the highest asphalted road in France.

This is just an idea of an itinerary, you can obviously take less time if you want. However, don’t forget to enjoy the drive!

A video of the journey:

If you want to have an idea of the landscapes you will cross while driving this scenic road, watch this YouTube video:

Whether by motorbike, car, or bicycle, this unique road trip offers the chance to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The best time to embark on this journey is between June and October, after the snow has melted. The Route des Grandes Alpes is a vast area where every person can set their own pace and choose their own path based on their mode of transportation and their interests.

Picture credit: By Marc Mongenet – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93179462 / By Björn S… – Col de l’Iseran, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50194095

Discover other roads in France and around the world: click here to see our road trip ideas map.

Related posts:

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

Most Scenic Road Trips in France: 12 Epic Routes

29 March 2024 · In: France , Road Trip

Are you looking for the  most beautiful and scenic road trips in France ? Adventure lovers, you have come to the right place! This article walks you through  12 road trip ideas to add to your bucket list  for an unforgettable holiday, whether you are travelling for 7 days or 2 weeks.

France is a breathtaking European country  which has much to offer! From charming traditional villages and stunning natural landscapes to emblematic landmarks and delicious local cuisine (and wine), you will find  plenty of things to do and places to see  on a French road trip in both summer and winter.

Even though France is my homeland, I am constantly discovering something new when I explore the country, as  each region truly has its own identity and culture . Whichever road trip you choose, I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

So, are you ready to discover the  top 12 French road trips that you must experience ? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions 🙂

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please  read our full affiliate disclosure .

12- Route des Grands Crus

Overview: 12 epic french road trips.

1- Provence Lavender Loop 2- The Loire Valley & Châteaux 3- French Riviera Coastal Drive 4- Alsace Wine Route 5- Normandy Coastal Escape 6- Gorges du Verdon Loop

7- Corsica Coastal Drive 8- Route des Grandes Alpes 9- Brittany Coastal Road 10- Pyrenean Escape 11- Champagne Route 12- Route des Grands Crus

Best France road trips – Map

12 breathtaking road trip routes in France

Here are 12 road trips to inspire your next French adventure. Each of these routes is easily accessible by car, campervan or motorbike. But also be sure to check road conditions, especially in winter, and book your accommodation in advance.

Best car rental options

Looking for the best car rental deals for your road trip in France?

Check out Rentalcars.com to search and compare which one is best for you. From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to choose and have a great selection of rental agents.

1- Provence Lavender Loop

⏰  Duration : 4-5 days 📆  When to go : summer (June-July) 

The Provence Lavender Route, also known as the  Route de la Lavande , is a scenic journey through the picturesque countryside of Provence, renowned for its  vast lavender fields that burst into vibrant purple flowers . The perfect road trip for Instagram lovers!

Starting typically in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, the route also takes you through  charming villages  like Gordes and Roussillon, where you can unwind and admire the lavender fields in  full bloom from late June to early July , creating a mesmerising sea of purple.

Whether you are driving or cycling, this itinerary offers an ideal blend of  cultural exploration, immersive experiences amidst the lavender fields of Provence and scenic drives  with panoramic views of rolling hills and ancient stone villages.

READ MORE: 20+ Best Places to Visit in The South of France

ITINERARY 

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering the most beautiful sites in Provence:

Day 1: Avignon

• Start your journey in Avignon, a historic city known for its medieval architecture.
• Explore the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) and Pont Saint-Bénézet (Bridge of Avignon).
• Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town.
• Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Sault and Gordes

• Drive to Sault, known as the lavender capital of Provence. 
• Explore the lavender fields surrounding Sault. 
• Take in the stunning views of the Mont Ventoux.
• Continue to Gordes, a picturesque hilltop village with narrow cobbled streets and panoramic views.
• Visit the Lavender Museum to learn about the history and cultivation of lavender.
• Visit the Senanque Abbey, famous for its iconic lavender fields.

Day 3: Roussillon and Valensole Plateau

• Explore the colourful village of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs and vibrant hues.
• Wander through the Ochre Trail. 
• Admire the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• Drive to the Valensole Plateau , one of the most scenic areas for lavender viewing in Provence.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the lavender fields and capturing photos of the stunning scenery.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence

• Head to Aix-en-Provence, a charming city known for its elegant boulevards, fountains and vibrant arts scene.
• Visit the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue lined with cafés and shops.
• Explore its historic centre.
• Discover landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur and the Atelier Paul Cézanne.
• Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the gardens or join a walking tour .
• Browse local markets for lavender products.

Day 5: Return to Avignon

• Drive back to Avignon and complete the Lavender route loop.
• Enjoy the scenery along the way. 
• Once in Avignon, spend your final evening exploring, shopping or relaxing.

PROVENCE LAVENDER MAP

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

2- The Loire Valley & Châteaux

⏰  Duration : 5 days 📆  When to go : spring & summer (May-September) 

The Loire Valley road trip offers a captivating journey through a picturesque and historic region of France. You will discover a landscape dotted with  majestic châteaux, charming villages and lush vineyards  along the banks of the Loire River, a paradise for history and wine lovers!

From the  fairy-tale castles  of Chambord and Chenonceau to the  picturesque towns  of Tours and Amboise, this itinerary is a perfect blend of  cultural heritage, scenic beauty and culinary delights  and is the ideal way to learn more about the rich culture and history of France.

I feel lucky enough to say that  I was born in the Loire Valley , more precisely in Orleans. I loved the region and its cultural landmarks. It always felt great to be in the countryside whilst still being close to major cities like Paris. I am sure you will love exploring its many highlights. It is also an  ideal destination for families with children .

READ MORE: Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe: 16 Epic Routes

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering some of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley:

Day 1: Tours

• Start your road trip in Tours, a city in the heart of the Loire Valley.
• Explore its historic Old Town with half-timbered houses and Place Plumereau.
• Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
• Take a walk along the banks of the Loire.

Day 2: Château de Villandry and Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

• Drive to Château de Villandry, famous for its superb Renaissance gardens.
• Continue to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a fairytale castle set on an island in the Indre River.

Day 3: Château de Chambord and Château de Cheverny

• Visit the iconic  Château de Chambord , a masterpiece of the French Renaissance.
• Explore its massive double-helix staircase and its vast garden.
• Head to Château de Cheverny, famous for its elegant interiors and well-preserved furniture.
• If you have time, you can also discover the pretty village of Cheverny and its vineyards.

Day 4: Château de Chenonceau and Amboise

• Visit the elegant  Château de Chenonceau , spanning the Cher River.
• Explore the stunning gardens and galleries of the castle.
• Drive to the town of Amboise, where you can visit Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé, the former home of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Spend the evening exploring the quaint streets of Amboise.

Day 5: Wine tasting and back to Tours

• Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard in the Vouvray or Montlouis-sur-Loire wine region.
• Spend your last evening in Tours sampling local cuisine and wine.

LOIRE VALLEY MAP

3- French Riviera Coastal Drive

⏰  Duration : 5-6 days 📆  When to go : spring & summer (May-September)

The French Riviera, also known as the  Côte d’Azur , offers a captivating journey along the Mediterranean coastline of southeastern France. Whether it is  exploring   historic sites, relaxing on pristine beaches or cruising along scenic coastal roads , this road trip promises an unforgettable experience.

Stretching from the glamorous city of Nice to the border with Italy, this itinerary takes you through  picturesque coastal towns, sandy beaches and stunning landscapes , where you will be treated to panoramic views of the azure sea and lush hillsides.

Along the way, you will also encounter  luxurious resorts like Cannes and Monaco , where you can indulge in exclusive shopping, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Have fun!

READ MORE: South of France Road Trip: 1-Week Itinerary

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering the main highlights of the French Riviera:

Day 1: Nice

• Start your journey in Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera.
• Explore the vibrant Old Town with its narrow streets, colourful buildings and bustling markets.
• Visit the Promenade des Anglais, a famous waterfront promenade perfect for a stroll or bike ride.
• Relax on one of its beautiful beaches and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine.

Day 2: Antibes and Cannes

• Drive to Antibes, a charming coastal town known for its picturesque old port and historic ramparts.
• Explore the Musée Picasso housed in the Château Grimaldi.
• Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town.
• Continue to Cannes, famous for its film festival and glamorous atmosphere.
• Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
• Take a walk along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette.

Day 3: Monaco and Monte Carlo

• Drive to Monaco, a tiny principality known for its glitz and glamour.
• Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
• Explore the charming Old Town of Monaco-Ville.
• Admire the stunning views from the Jardin Exotique.
• Visit the Oceanographic Museum .
• Continue to Monte Carlo, home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and luxurious hotels.
• Enjoy a stroll around the glamorous Casino Square and take in the sights of the city.

Day 4: Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer

• Drive to Menton, a picturesque town known for its lemon festival and beautiful gardens.
• Explore the colourful Old Town and visit the Jean Cocteau Museum.
• Continue to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming seaside village with a scenic harbour.
• Explore the Citadel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on one of its beaches.

Day 5: Return to Nice

• Enjoy some last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping.
• Spend your evening sampling local cuisine and wine.

Optional: Saint-Tropez

• Drive to Saint-Tropez, a legendary seaside resort synonymous with luxury and style.
• Explore the Vieux Port lined with luxurious yachts and charming cafes.
• Visit the Musée de l’Annonciade, home to an impressive collection of modern art.
• Relax on one of its beautiful beaches or enjoy water sports activities.

FRENCH RIVIERA MAP

4- Alsace Wine Route

⏰  Duration : 5-6 days 📆  When to go : summer (June-August)

The Alsace Wine Route, or  Route des Vins d’Alsace , is a scenic journey through  one of the premier wine regions in France , stretching approximately 170 kilometres (105 miles) from Marlenheim to Thann. 

This picturesque route winds through  charming villages, lush vineyards and historic wine-producing towns , offering you the opportunity to explore renowned wineries, sample exceptional white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer and immerse yourself in the  rich winemaking tradition of Alsace . 

With its stunning landscapes, quaint villages and world-class wines, this Alsace Wine road trip itinerary promises a  memorable and delightful experience for wine enthusiasts  and travellers alike.

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering some of the most iconic stops along the Wine Route:

Day 1: Strasbourg

• Begin your journey in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the picturesque Old Town (Grande Île) with its charming half-timbered houses and canals.
• Join a guided tour and discover the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral.
• Visit the Alsatian Museum to learn about the history, culture and winemaking traditions of the region.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Alsatian cuisine with regional wines.

Day 2: Obernai

• Drive to Obernai, a charming medieval town surrounded by vineyards.
• Explore its historic centre, featuring narrow streets, colourful facades and the Obernai Clock Tower.
• Visit a local winery for a wine-tasting experience, sampling the renowned white wines of Alsace.
• Enjoy lunch at a traditional Alsatian Winstub (wine tavern), tasting dishes like choucroute garnie and flammekueche.

Day 3: Riquewihr

• Travel to Riquewihr, one of the most picturesque villages along the Alsace Wine Route.
• Explore its well-preserved medieval architecture, flower-filled streets and charming wine cellars.
• Visit local wineries for tastings of Riesling, Gewürztraminer and other Alsace varietals.
• Take a stroll through the surrounding vineyards, enjoying panoramic views of the Alsace countryside.

Day 4: Colmar

• Drive to Colmar, known as the Capital of Alsatian Wine.
• Explore its historic Old Town, featuring colourful half-timbered houses, cosy cafés and the picturesque Little Venice district.
• Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece and other works of art.
• Enjoy a wine-tasting tour in Colmar and visit local wineries.

Day 5: Eguisheim & Strasbourg

• Drive to Eguisheim, a charming village known for its circular layout and flower-decked streets.
• Explore its medieval centre and visit the St. Leon Fountain.
• Stroll through the vineyards surrounding the village.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps indulging in Alsatian specialities paired with regional wines.
• Return to Strasbourg, where you can explore any sights you may have missed on your first day or simply relax.

ALSACE WINE MAP

5- Normandy Coastal Escape

The Normandy Coastal Route, also known as the  Côte d’Albâtre  or Alabaster Coast, winds  along the rugged coastline of Normandy  in northern France, stretching from Le Tréport to Honfleur. 

This picturesque journey offers breathtaking views of  towering chalk cliffs, quaint fishing villages and historic landmarks . You will have the chance to explore iconic sites like the cliffs of Étretat, enjoy fresh seafood in charming seaside towns and  learn about World War II history  at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. 

Whether you love  exploring historic sites ,  enjoying outdoor activities  like hiking or beachcombing, or simply soaking in the  stunning coastal scenery , the Normandy Coastal Route promises an unforgettable road trip experience. 

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering the main highlights of a road trip along the coast of Normandy:

Day 1: Le Tréport & Dieppe

• Start your journey in Le Tréport, a picturesque seaside town known for its colourful cliffside houses and funicular railway.
• Visit the Tréport Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.
• Explore the bustling harbour of the town.
• Drive along the coast to Dieppe, the largest town on the Alabaster Coast, famous for its fishing port and historic castle.
• Explore its vibrant Saturday market, stroll along the promenade and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Étretat

• Drive to Étretat, renowned for its stunning chalk cliffs, natural arches and pebble beaches.
• Take a hike along the coastal path for spectacular views of the cliffs and the English Channel.
• Visit iconic landmarks such as the Needle Rock and the Arches of Aval.
• Explore the town of Étretat, with its charming streets, art galleries and beachfront cafés.
• Immerse yourself in Les Jardins d’Étretat to enjoy a variety of gardens, sculptures and contemporary artwork.

Day 3: Honfleur

• Continue your journey to Honfleur, a picturesque harbour town with colourful timber-framed houses and cobbled streets.
• Explore the historic Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), lined with cafés, art galleries and seafood restaurants.
• Visit the Sainte-Catherine Church, the largest wooden church in France.
• Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town and admire the maritime-themed architecture.

Day 4: Omaha Beach & Bayeux

• Drive along the coast to Omaha Beach, one of the landing beaches of the D-Day invasion during World War II.
• Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, where thousands of soldiers are buried overlooking the beach.
• Join a World War II tour  of the key beaches and sites linked to D-Day.
• Explore the nearby town of Bayeux and visit the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Day 5: Mont-Saint-Michel

• Head to Mont-Saint-Michel , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in France.
• Explore the medieval abbey perched atop a rocky island, surrounded by tidal flats and salt marshes.
• Wander through the narrow streets of the village, lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.

NORMANDY COAST MAP

6- Gorges du Verdon Loop

⏰  Duration : 4-5 days 📆  When to go : spring & summer (May-September)

The Gorges du Verdon Loop is a spectacular road trip route that will guide you through the  stunning natural landscapes of the Verdon Gorge  in southeastern France – a must for photo lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!

Often referred to as the  Grand Canyon of Europe , the Verdon Gorge is  one of the most impressive river canyons in Europe , carved by the turquoise waters of the Verdon River over millions of years.

This fascinating loop begins and ends in the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, taking you on a  scenic journey along the north and south rims of the gorge , with plenty of outdoor activities, picturesque villages and unforgettable views along the way.

Here is an example of a  4-day itinerary  for exploring the Verdon Gorge:

Day 1: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

• Start your journey in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a charming Provençal village nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs.
• Explore the narrow streets, adorned with colourful facades.
• Visit the Notre Dame de Beauvoir Chapel perched high above the village.
• Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialities such as truffle-infused dishes and goat cheese.

Day 2: North Rim & La Palud-sur-Verdon

• Begin your drive along the Verdon Gorge Loop, heading west towards the Verdon Gorge.
• Continue driving along the Route des Crêtes, a scenic road that winds along the rim of the gorge, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.
• Choose from a variety of activities such as hiking along the Sentier Martel trail, rock climbing on the limestone cliffs, or kayaking and canoeing on the Verdon River.
• Arrive at the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, where you can explore the Maison des Gorges du Verdon visitor centre to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Day 2: South Rim & Aiguines

• Drive towards Trigance to reach the south rim of the gorge.
• Stop at the Point Sublime viewpoint for panoramic views of the gorge and the turquoise waters of the Verdon River below.
• Pause at the Balcons de la Mescla viewpoint to admire the convergence of the Verdon and Artuby rivers, and do not miss out on a stop at Pont de l’Artuby.
• Continue your journey towards Aiguines, stopping at Col d’Illoire along the way, a stunning mountain pass.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures & Lake Sainte-Croix

• Drive to Lake Sainte-Croix, a stunning reservoir nestled amidst the hills of the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside or at one of the scenic viewpoints along the gorge.
• Relax on the shores of the lake, go for a swim or rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore its tranquil waters.

Day 4: Return to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

• Drive back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, taking the scenic route through the countryside.
• Along the way, stop at viewpoints and picturesque villages to soak in the last views of the Verdon Gorge and the surrounding landscapes.
• Arrive back in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the afternoon.
• Spend your remaining time exploring any attractions or shops in the village, or simply relax and enjoy the Provençal ambience.

GORGES DU VERDON MAP

7- Corsica Coastal Drive

⏰  Duration : 6-7 days 📆  When to go : spring & summer (May-September)

The Corsica Coastal Drive offers a mesmerising journey  along the rugged and picturesque coastline of Corsica , a Mediterranean gem. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to mix sun and outdoor experiences, as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France .

This scenic road trip winds through  charming coastal towns, pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs , showcasing the diverse landscapes and turquoise waters of the island. 

You will also have the chance to  explore historic landmarks, enjoy plenty of outdoor activities and soak up breathtaking vistas , making the Corsica Coastal Drive an unforgettable adventure along one of the most beautiful coastlines of Europe. 

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  offering a taste of the best that Corsica has to offer:

Day 1: Bastia

• Start your journey in Bastia, one of the main cities in Corsica, located on the northeast of the island.
• Explore the historic Old Town (Terra Vecchia) with its narrow streets, baroque churches and lively squares.
• Visit the Old Port (Vieux Port) and enjoy waterfront dining at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2: Calvi

• Drive along the coastal road towards Calvi, a picturesque town located on the northwest coast of Corsica.
• Stop at the charming village of Saint-Florent along the way, known for its pretty harbour and Citadel.
• Continue driving through the scenic countryside and arrive in Calvi in the afternoon.
• Explore its historic Citadel, stroll along the waterfront promenade and relax on the sandy beaches.

Day 3: Porto

• Drive south along the coast to Porto, a small village nestled between the mountains and the sea.
• Explore the village of Porto and visit the Genoese watchtower overlooking the harbour.
• Discover the Calanques de Piana, stunning red granite cliffs that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
• Optional: Take a boat tour to explore the Calanques de Piana and the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Day 4: Bonifacio

• Drive along the rugged west coast of Corsica towards Bonifacio, located on the southern tip of the island.
• Stop at the village of Cargèse, known for its Greek Orthodox Church and beautiful beaches.
• Continue driving through the scenic countryside and arrive in Bonifacio in the afternoon.
• Explore the historic Old Town perched atop limestone cliffs.
• Visit the Citadel and stroll along the picturesque marina.

Day 5: Porto-Vecchio

• Drive along the eastern coast of Corsica towards Porto-Vecchio, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches.
• Stop at the beautiful beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, known for their turquoise waters and white sand.
• Continue driving to Porto-Vecchio.
• Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the historic centre.

Day 6: Bastia

• Drive back towards Bastia along the eastern coast of Corsica.
• Stop at the Bavella Massif, a stunning mountain range with towering granite peaks and scenic hiking trails.
• Continue driving through the scenic countryside and arrive in Bastia in the afternoon.
• Spend your remaining time exploring any attractions or shops in the city.

CORSICA COASTAL MAP

8- Route des Grandes Alpes

⏰  Duration : 4-5 days 📆  When to go : summer (June-August)

The Route des Grandes Alpes is an iconic and legendary road trip route  spanning 700 kilometres across the French Alps , from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea.

Passing through some of the most  breathtaking mountain scenery  in Europe, this itinerary takes you through picturesque valleys and over high mountain passes, offering spectacular views of  snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and charming villages .

You will embark on a journey of epic proportions, combining exhilarating driving experiences with opportunities for numerous  outdoor adventures, cultural explorations and gastronomic delights  along the way.

Here is an example of a  4-day itinerary  covering some of the highlights of the French Alps:

Day 1: Thonon-les-Bains & Chamonix

• Start your journey in Thonon-les-Bains, located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Drive to Chamonix, a famous ski resort town nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps.
• Pass through the picturesque Arve Valley and stop to enjoy the scenery.
• Explore its charming streets and visit the Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Take a ride on the Montenvers Railway to see the Mer de Glace glacier.

Day 2: Megève

• If you have time, drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, crossing into Italy briefly before returning to France.
• Head to Megève, passing through alpine villages like Les Houches and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
• Arrive in Megève, a charming alpine resort town known for its luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and scenic beauty.
• Explore its historic centre, stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy dinner at a traditional Savoyard restaurant.

Day 3: Briançon

• Continue your journey southward through the French Alps.
• Drive through the stunning Tarentaise Valley, passing by ski resorts such as La Plagne and Les Arcs.
• Cross over the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, and descend into the Maurienne Valley.
• Continue driving through picturesque mountain villages like Val d’Isère and Bonneval-sur-Arc.
• Arrive in Briançon, a fortified town known for its UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications and stunning mountain scenery.
• Explore its historic centre, visit the Fort des Têtes and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Nice

• Drive towards Nice, descending into the Ubaye Valley, known for its rugged beauty and outdoor activities.
• Continue driving through the Alpes-Maritimes region, passing by picturesque towns like Barcelonnette and Entrevaux.
• Arrive in Nice, the capital of the French Riviera.
• Explore its vibrant Old Town, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and relax on the beach.

GRANDES ALPES MAP

9- Brittany Coastal Road

⏰  Duration : 6-7 days 📆  When to go : summer (June-August)

The Brittany Coastal Drive offers a  picturesque journey along the rugged and diverse coastline of Brittany , a region in northwestern France known for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns. 

This road trip route will take you through  quaint fishing villages, historic ports and stunning natural landscapes , providing you with opportunities to explore the scenic and untouched beauty of Brittany.

From the medieval city walls of  Saint-Malo  to the wild beauty of the  Quiberon Peninsula  and the charming streets of  Vannes , this itinerary perfectly highlights the  diverse landscapes, rich maritime heritage and gastronomic delights  of Brittany, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and foodies. 

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  offering a great mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions in Brittany:

Day 1: Saint-Malo

• Start your journey in Saint-Malo, a historic port city known for its impressive city walls and maritime heritage.
• Explore the medieval Old Town (Intra-Muros), stroll along the ramparts and visit the Château de Saint-Malo.
• Hop on a boat cruise to discover the Emerald Coast and local history.
• Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling local specialities like moules marinières (mussels in white wine sauce) and galettes (savoury buckwheat crepes).

Day 2: Dinard

• Drive along the coast to Dinard, a charming seaside resort town located across the Rance Estuary.
• Explore its elegant Belle Époque architecture, relax on the sandy beaches and take a stroll along the scenic coastal promenade.
• Visit the Pointe du Moulinet for panoramic views of Saint-Malo and the surrounding coastline.

Day 3: Perros-Guirec

• Drive to Perros-Guirec and continue along the scenic Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast), known for its stunning rock formations and sandy beaches.
• Explore the Ploumanac’h Lighthouse and the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers’ Path), offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
• Visit the charming village of Ploumanac’h and stroll through its quaint streets lined with granite cottages.

Day 4: Douarnenez

• Head to Douarnenez, a picturesque fishing port on the Bay of Douarnenez.
• Explore the Port Rhu Museum and learn about the maritime history and boat-building traditions of the town.
• Visit the Tréboul district and relax on the sandy beaches or take a boat trip to the Île Tristan.
• Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant, savouring fresh catches from the local fishing boats.

Day 5: Quiberon

• Drive along the coast to Quiberon, a popular seaside resort town located on a narrow peninsula.
• Explore the beaches, cliffs and coastal paths, including the Pointe du Conguel and the Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast).
• Visit the Quiberon Citadel and learn about the history of the town as a fortified stronghold.
• Enjoy seafood specialities at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Day 6: Vannes

• Continue your journey to Vannes, a charming medieval town located on the Gulf of Morbihan.
• Explore the historic centre, with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and bustling markets.
• Visit the Vannes Cathedral and the Château de l’Hermine, a medieval fortress overlooking the harbour.
• Take a boat tour of the Gulf of Morbihan and discover its scenic islands and coastal landscapes.

BRITTANY COAST MAP

10- Pyrenean Escape

⏰  Duration : 7-8 days 📆  When to go : spring & summer (May-September)

Embark on a scenic Pyrenees road trip starting from Toulouse, where the journey unfolds amidst  historic charm, cultural richness and dramatic mountain vistas . 

From the medieval allure of  Foix  and the picturesque landscapes of  Vielha  to the spiritual sanctuaries of  Lourdes  and the elegant architecture of  Pau , you will not get bored on your adventure through the Pyrenees.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of  scenic drives, cultural exploration and outdoor activities , allowing you to fully experience the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenees region, providing a unique experience in one of the most  spectacular mountain landscapes  in Europe.

Here is an example of an  8-day itinerary  covering some of the most spectacular parts of the Pyrenees:

Day 1: Toulouse

• Start your journey in Toulouse, known as the  Pink City  due to its distinctive terracotta buildings.
• Explore the historic city centre, including the Capitole de Toulouse, Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Garonne River waterfront.

Day 2: Foix

• Drive to Foix, a charming town dominated by its medieval castle.
• Visit the Château de Foix and explore the narrow streets of the Old Town.
• Optional: Hike or take a scenic drive through the nearby Pyrenean foothills.

Day 3: Andorra

• Head to the Principality of Andorra, a small mountainous country nestled in the Pyrenees.
• Explore the capital city, Andorra la Vella, known for its duty-free shopping opportunities and mountain scenery.
• Visit landmarks such as Casa de la Vall and the Sant Esteve Church.

Day 4: Vielha

• Drive through the scenic Pyrenean landscapes from Andorra to Vielha, located in the Val d’Aran region of Catalonia, Spain.
• Explore its charming streets, lined with stone buildings and mountain vistas.
• Visit the local markets and sample traditional Catalan cuisine.

Day 5: Saint-Lary-Soulan

• Head to Saint-Lary-Soulan, a picturesque mountain town in the French Pyrenees.
• Take the cable car up to the Pic Lumière for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
• Explore the thermal baths or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or mountain biking.

Day 6: Lourdes

• Continue your journey to Lourdes, a world-famous pilgrimage site known for its Marian apparitions and healing waters.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and attend a Mass or participate in the candlelight procession.
• Explore the Grotto of Massabielle and the Basilica of the Rosary.
• Drive to Pau, a historic city known for its elegant boulevards, Belle Époque architecture and views of the Pyrenees.
• Visit the Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV of France, and stroll through the Parc Beaumont.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specialising in regional cuisine.

Day 8: Return to Toulouse

• Drive back to Toulouse and enjoy the scenery along the way. 
• Once in Toulouse, spend your final evening exploring, shopping or relaxing.

PYRENEAN ESCAPE MAP

11- The Champagne Route

The Champagne Route, or  Route Touristique du Champagne , takes you on a fantastic journey through the  picturesque vineyards and charming villages of the Champagne region  in northeastern France. 

Stretching approximately 500 kilometres, this scenic route offers you the opportunity to explore  prestigious Champagne houses, historic towns and centuries-old cellars , whilst enjoying tastings of the world-famous sparkling wine directly from the producers. 

With its  stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and exceptional gastronomy , the Champagne Route promises an unforgettable experience through one of the most celebrated wine regions in France.

Here is an example of a  6-day itinerary  covering some of the most iconic attractions in Champagne:

Day 1: Reims

• Start your journey in Reims, the largest city in the Champagne region.
• Visit the magnificent Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the historic city centre.
• Take a tour of one of the prestigious Champagne houses in Reims, such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or Pommery, and enjoy a Champagne tasting.

Day 2: Épernay

• Drive to Épernay, known as the  Capital of Champagne , located south of Reims.
• Explore the Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Mercier.
• Take a tour of a Champagne house and cellar, learning about the Champagne-making process and history of the region.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialities paired with Champagne.

Day 3: Hautvillers & Ay

• Visit the charming village of Hautvillers, known as the birthplace of Champagne, where Dom Pérignon perfected the méthode champenoise.
• Explore the village and visit the tomb of Dom Pérignon in the local abbey church.
• Drive to the village of Ay, another important Champagne-producing area, and visit Champagne houses such as Bollinger or Deutz.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vineyards surrounding Ay.

Day 4: Montagne de Reims

• Drive through the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, a scenic area known for its vine-covered slopes and picturesque villages.
• Visit the village of Verzy and explore the Faux de Verzy, ancient twisted beech trees unique to the region.
• Stop at Champagne houses along the way for tastings and tours, experiencing the diversity of Champagne styles produced in the area.

Day 5: Marne Valley

• Explore the Marne Valley, driving through vineyards and charming villages.
• Visit the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne and enjoy panoramic views of the Marne Valley.
• Stop at Champagne houses in the area for tastings and cellar tours, discovering the terroir-driven Champagnes of the Marne Valley.

Day 6: Return to Reims

• Spend your final day in Reims exploring any attractions or Champagne houses you may have missed.
• Visit the Musée de la Reddition, where the German surrender was signed in 1945.
• Explore more Champagne vineyards surrounding the city.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, toasting to the end of your Champagne Route road trip.

CHAMPAGNE ROUTE MAP

⏰  Duration : 5-6 days 📆  When to go : spring & autumn (April/May-September/October)

The Route des Grands Crus is a scenic road offering a  memorable journey through the prestigious Burgundy wine region  in France, spanning approximately 60 kilometres from Dijon to Santenay. 

Lined with  lush vineyards, historic castles (châteaux) and charming villages , this route showcases some of the finest wine-producing terroirs in the world, including  renowned appellations  like Gevrey-Chambertin and Puligny-Montrachet.

You will have the chance to explore  prestigious wine estates , indulge in  wine tastings  and immerse yourself in the  rich viticultural heritage  of Burgundy along this iconic wine route.

Here is an example of a  5-day itinerary  covering some of the most popular attractions in Burgundy:

Day 1: Dijon

• Start your journey in Dijon, the capital city of the Burgundy region.
• Explore the historic centre of Dijon, known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.
• Visit the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne (Ducal Palace) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, one of the oldest museums in France.
• Immerse yourself in a wine-tasting experience at La Cave du Palais .
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialities such as boeuf bourguignon and escargots.

Day 2: Nuits-Saint-Georges

• Drive along the Route des Grands Crus whilst enjoying the scenery.
• Stop at the picturesque village of Vosne-Romanée, home to several prestigious grand cru vineyards, including Romanée-Conti.
• Visit a selection of wineries for tastings of the renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
• Continue to Nuits-Saint-Georges and explore the historic centre, including the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by a glass of Nuits-Saint-Georges wine.

Day 3: Beaune

• Drive south to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.
• Explore the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century charitable hospital with a distinctive colored-tile roof.
• Visit the Marché aux Vins de Beaune, where you can taste a selection of Burgundy wines and purchase bottles to take home.
• Enjoy an immersive wine-tasting experience at Château de Pommard.
• Explore the charming streets of Beaune and dine at a traditional bistro or Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day 4: Meursault

• Drive through the scenic vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, stopping at prestigious wine villages such as Pommard and Volnay.
• Visit the village of Meursault, known for its elegant white wines made from Chardonnay grapes.
• Take a tour of a local winery and enjoy tastings of Meursault wines, known for their richness and complexity.

Day 5: Santenay

• Continue your journey along the Route des Grands Crus, stopping at villages such as Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.
• Visit the Château de Santenay, a historic castle and winery located in the village of Santenay.
• Take a tour of the château and its cellars, followed by tastings of Santenay wines.
• Explore the village of Santenay and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

GRANDS CRUS MAP

Shop the printable road trip planner

Plan and create an unforgettable road trip in France!

Tips for reducing your impact on a road trip

Are you looking forward to your unforgettable road trip? I understand! 

Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move freely and discover many incredible places at our own pace. 

However, they can also have negative environmental impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting  eco-responsible habits  is essential.

READ MORE:  How to Plan an Epic (Eco-Friendly) Road Trip

Here are some  sustainable tips  on making your France road trip more eco-friendly and having a positive impact on the places you visit:

PREPARE YOUR ROUTE IN ADVANCE 

I know getting lost on a road trip can feel fun and exciting, but when trying to lower your footprint, it is best to plan your route to minimise driving distance and avoid unnecessary detours. The shorter the distance you travel, the less fuel you will use and the less harmful emissions you will produce. In addition, consider alternative transportation options such as public transit or carpooling for shorter distances. 

Tip: Get offline maps to stay on track even if you lose signal. 

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Another great way to reduce your impact on the road is to plan your meals. Throughout your journey, eat at local restaurants or wander through local markets to buy fresh produce. You will have the opportunity to try the local cuisine whilst contributing to the local economy. 

STAY IN GREEN ACCOMMODATIONS

Stay in eco-friendly accommodations such as eco-lodges, hotels with green certifications, or campgrounds with sustainable practices. Look for accommodations that prioritise energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation.

It is not always easy to determine whether an accommodation has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.

MAKE YOUR TRIP PLASTIC-FREE

As you might know, plastic packaging is a significant environmental issue and causes concerns for wildlife and the preservation of natural landscapes. Therefore, avoid plastic as much as possible and bring reusable items instead. Choose  eco-friendly alternatives , like reusable tote bags, cutlery, plates and more. 

Tip: you can also buy  filtered water bottles  to refill your water anywhere. 

CHECK YOUR CAR AND DRIVE SMOOTHLY

Make sure your vehicle is in the best possible condition for the road: check the engine, oil level and tyre pressure before your trip. In addition, use the available features in your car, like cruise control, to help you maintain your speed and reduce excess emissions. And even better, drive an electric vehicle if possible! (Or a bike for the most courageous).

LEAVE A PLACE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT

Aim to live by the principle: leave no trace. And even better, leave a place better than you found it. For example, dispose of your litter appropriately and pick up any trash you encounter. Be respectful of the land and do not drive over protected areas. Finally, stay on the marked trails when hiking, as going off can be dangerous for flora and fauna. 

ADOPT A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE TOWARDS WILDLIFE

Be mindful of your surroundings and adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife, on land and in the sea. Do not come close to, feed or touch animals and corals. Remember that you are only a guest in their home.

ALWAYS RESPECT THE LOCAL HERITAGE

Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful and try to learn a few French words!

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

France travel planning guide + tips

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to France? Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your road trip in France stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

💧 Can you drink the water in France? Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over France. However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in France? Yes, renting a car in France is easy and is a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

🏨 H ow to book accommodation in France? The best way to book your accommodation in France is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to France? I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

📱 What is the best road trip application? The best road trip planner app I recommend you download on your phone is Roadtrippers . It will help you build your perfect itinerary with the top stops along the way.

Best road trips in France – FAQ

Yes, France is a great destination for a road trip. With its diverse landscapes, charming villages, historic landmarks and world-renowned cuisine (and wine), France offers countless opportunities for memorable road trip experiences.

Yes, driving in France is generally easy. The country has an extensive network of well-maintained roads and highways, including Autoroutes (toll roads) and Routes Nationales (national roads), which make it easy to travel between cities and access remote places.

And you, what is your favourite road trip in France ? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

• Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest

You will also love

STAY INSPIRED

Join our community today to receive exclusive travel tips & behind-the-scene stories that will inspire your next adventures, directly to your inbox. Can't wait to see you inside ♡

Reader Interactions

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.

15 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

Follow the journey.

On the Blog

• Privacy Policy

Become an insider!

And receive exclusive travel tips & behind-the-scene stories ♡

Copyright Lucie Charpentier © 2024 · Theme by 17th Avenue

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Click here to read our affiliate policy.

The Route des Grandes Alpes connects the Cote d’Azur with Lake Geneva and crosses the French Alps over incredible mountain passes, taking you on a truly unforgettable road trip experience.

From discovering charming lakeside towns and the dramatic Alps to tackling some of France’s best driving roads, you can also take time to stop and discover adrenaline sports, relax in a spa and sample delicious French cuisine on this road trip through Eastern France.

In this Route de Grandes Alpes road trip planner, we share travel tips, the best route between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect French itinerary.

What is the Route des Grandes Alpes?

La Route des Grandes Alpes is a 447 mile / 720km tourist itinerary through the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in eastern France, between Lake Genèva (also known as Lac Léman) and the French Riviera.

Construction of the route started in 1909 and the road was opened in 1913, and fully paved in 1937 before being named ‘Route des Grandes Alpes’ in 1950.

The scenic drive starts in the lemon capital of Menton on the French Riviera, surely one of the most beautiful cities in France , and climbs over numerous passes including the Col de la Bonette and Col de l’Iseran, the highest and second-highest paved roads in the Alps, before ending in Thonon-les-Bains on the shores of Lac Leman.

The classic route has 17 Alpine passes, but over the years, off-shoots have been added to create a route that covers up to 23 mountain passes depending on which detour you take!

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!

Getting to the Route des Grandes Alpes

The Route des Grandes Alpes is a north-to-south or south-to-north road trip route. It doesn’t matter which way you travel – the views of the alpine valleys and mountains are always spectacular!

To begin in Thonon-les-Bains, fly to Geneva Airport , an hour and ten minutes drive along the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva to Thonon-les-Bains.

To start in Menton, fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport , an hour’s drive west along the Mediterranean coast to Menton.

Both Geneva and Nice airports enjoy direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, the UK , and Canada, meaning connections to America and the rest of the world are easy. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

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.

How to Travel the Route des Grandes Alpes

Whether you’re in a car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, driving is absolutely the best way to explore the Route des Grandes Alpes, meaning you can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

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 France. 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.

The Route des Grandes Alpes by Public Transport

You don’t need to have a car, motorbike, or campervan to access this incredible road. It is possible to cover the whole route using a combination of trains with an e-bike, or in French vélo à assistance électrique .

There are SNCF stations along the route at Menton, Montdauphin-Guillestre, Briançon, Oulx, Saint-Michel-Valloire, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Annecy, Cluses, and Thonon-les-Bains, allowing you to move easily between stages of the route and pick which passes you want to ride over – or you could just do the whole route!

To tackle this route you’ll need a battery capacity of at least 500Wh and a central motor (as opposed to a hub motor) for the highest range.

There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafés, bike shops, food stores, and tourist offices that offer free charging along the route.

Is the Route des Grandes Alpes a Dangerous Road?

The various roads that make up the Route des Grandes Alpes are all paved and the quality of the road surface is generally good, meaning you can drive and cycle the route comfortably.

Some of the mountain passes have switchbacks and hairpin bends on both ascents and descents and should be driven with caution. As with all mountain driving, use the gears to help with speed on the descent and pump the brakes instead of riding them, and use a low gear when climbing and negotiating tight turns.

An inexperienced driver may find some of the mountain roads challenging, especially where the road is narrow and has no central markings, and some passengers may find the sheer vertical drops a tad disconcerting!

RELATED POST: Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

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.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Route des Grandes Alpes?

There really is only one window to road trip the Route des Grandes Alpes!

The route is fully open between June, after the snows have gone, and October. Most of the passes are open at the end of May, but a handful of the highest are clear and open only after mid-June at the earliest.

Keep an eye on the weather if you’re planning to drive the route in early June and from mid-October, as the weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable in the mountains during the shoulder seasons.

Route des Grandes Alpes Map & Route

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet France
• The Rough Guide to France
• DK Eyewitness France  
• Classic Route des Grandes Alpes Itinerary

Menton – Sospel – St Martin-Vésubie – Valberg – St Étienne-de-Tinée – Barcelonnette – Guillestre – Briançon – Valloire – Val-Cenis – Val-d’Isère – Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Beaufort – Le Grand-Bornand – Thonon-Les-Bains

• Distance 447m / 720km
• Duration 7-10 days
• Drive Time 16-20 hours

Route des Grandes Alpes Itinerary

Day 1: menton to sospel.

• Distance: 14 miles / 23km
• Drive Time: 1 hour

The starting point of the Route des Grandes Alpes at zero kilometers is marked with an engraved plaque in the pavement on Esplanade Francis-Palmero opposite the market in Menton. From here take the D2566 out of town.

Menton is a beautiful town on the French Riviera, close to the border with Italy. Known for its mild climate, colorful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings, Menton is a good place to spend a day before starting your road trip.

There are many things to do in Menton, including exploring the town’s historic center, which is filled with narrow streets, and charming squares where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs, and sampling the delicious local cuisine, which features fresh seafood, olive oil, and other Mediterranean flavors.

One of the most popular attractions in Menton is the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, a stunning church that dates back to the 17th century. The town is also home to several museums, including the Jean Cocteau Museum , which showcases the works of the famous French artist.

Col du Castillon

Today you’ll be driving the first pass in the southern Alps, the Col du Castillon at 2,306 feet / 703 meters, tackling at least ten switchbacks and crossing the historic viaducts of Viaduc du Caréï and Viaduc du Caramel.

Start by exploring the streets of the old town of Sospel , lined with well-preserved stone buildings, historic houses, and the beautiful 12th century Romanesque-style Cathedral of Saint Michael , also known as Sospel Cathedral. It features stunning architectural details, including a rose window, frescoes, and a beautiful wooden altarpiece.

Northeast of the cathedral is Pont Vieux, or Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge that is a significant historical landmark crossing the Bevera River. 

Visit the Mount Agaisen Fortress just outside the town center. It is a World War II hilltop bunker that was an extension of the Maginot Line, and a strategic position during the battle for Nice. The bunker has been lovingly restored and maintained by a group of locals.

In the Sospel town center, head to Sousper or Le Picoun for delicious pizza.

• Where to Stay in Sospel

Upmarket: La Chapelle Saint Gervais – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Domaine du Paraïs B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Camping le Mas Fleuri – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 2: Sospel to St Martin-Vésubie

• Distance: 32 miles / 52km
• Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours

From Sospel continue north on the D2566, making sure to stop at Notre Dame de la Menour . A historic monument located on a ridge in the mountain, the church is accessed by a long path and staircase. It is the perfect spot to take a moment away from the road and contemplate the glorious landscape which surrounds the tiny church.

Col de Turini

The Col de Turini  at 5,272 feet / 1,607 meters is notorious for its narrow roads and many hairpins bends and is the technical centerpiece of the annual Monte Carlo Rally .

Until recently, racing drivers drove up the Col de Turini at night as thousands of fans watched the ‘night of the long knives’, so-called due to the strong high beam headlights cutting through the night.

The Col de Turini featured in the E1 S10 of  Top Gear  when Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May went in search of the greatest driving road in the world – so you’re in good company!

St Martin-Vésubie

The picturesque village of  St Martin-Vésubie  is in the Mercantour National Park, one of France’s ten national parks, and home to the Church of Saint Martin, which dates to the 1600s and features beautiful baroque-style decorations.

Pop into Le St Mart’ for delicious local wine or La Treille for dinner on the terrace.

• Where to Stay in St Martin-Vésubie

Upmarket: Pure Montagne Resort and Spa – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: La Bonne Auberge – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Ribambelle – Booking.com | Agoda

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!

Day 3: St Martin-Vésubie to Barcelonnette

Col st-martin.

Shortly after leaving St Martin-Vésubie on the D2205, you’ll start the climb to Col Saint Martin , also known as Col Colmiane, at 4,921 feet / 1500 meters above sea level. The pass is 10 miles / 16km long with a 100-meter stretch where the gradient is a very steep 14.3%.

Once over the pass, keep your eyes peeled for Fort de la Frassinéa, a part of the Maginot Line built right next to the road. You can tour the inside of the fort to see how troops lived during the war when their sole purpose was to stop the intrusion of Italian tanks into France.

About 3.5km beyond the fort and past the small village of Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée is a fork in the road. The left fork takes the M30 road to Barcelonnette along the classic route, and the right fork takes the M2205, also to Barcelonnette, but takes in the Cime de la Bonette, the highest paved road in the whole of the Alps mountain range.

The Classic Route

• Distance: 84 miles / 135km
• Drive Time: 4 hours
• Caution: Not suitable for vehicles over 3m high, 4.5t or towing.

Col de la Couilloe

At 5,505 feet / 1,678 meters above sea level, the Col de la Couilloe provides amazing views of the road.

There are a few short tracks leading from the col for a quick leg stretch and a restaurant for coffee or lunch.

Make a stop in Valberg to ride the summer toboggan or take the short drive up to Col du Maty and Lac Lac du Sénateur, an artificial lake, for spectacular views.

Col de Valberg

It’s a fairly gradual climb up to Col de Valberg at 5,486 feet / 1,672 meters elevation. You’ll probably pass a few road cyclists on the way.

Col de la Cayolle

Considered one of the most spectacular French balcony roads, the route to the Col de la Cayolle , at 7,673 feet / 2,339 meters, is breathtaking.

The D2202 is narrow with a maximum gradient of 10% and can be busy in summer. A section of the road north of the pass through Gorges du Bachelard is a rocky canyon featuring waterfalls, stone bridges, and vertical cliffs.

The Alternative Route

• Distance: 72 miles / 116km
• Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours

St Étienne-de-Tinée

St Étienne-de-Tinée is a picturesque village well worth a wander, with a pretty Mairie and the beautiful Eglise Saint Etienne , with impressive Gothic architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows.

There are a few places in the village to stop for coffee or a cold drink to break the drive.

Col de la Bonette

Col de la Bonette is one of the most famous mountain passes in the French Alps, supposedly being the highest paved road pass in Europe at 9,209 feet / 2,807 meters.

Supposedly, because it’s actually not true! Do a quick Google search and you’ll find there is a higher paved road in Europe. The Pico de Veleta in Spain is tucked away between the Sierre Nevada mountains and Almeria, and tops out at a considerably higher 3,369 meters / 11,053 feet.

Col de la Bonette is still one hell of a road though! As you climb high into this alpine pass you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and glaciers.

The Cime de la Bonette is the highest point of the Col de la Bonette. From the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape and the glistening Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

The Fort de la Bonette, a military fortress that was built during World War II, is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Col de la Bonette and offers a glimpse into the history of the region. 

Barcelonnette

Barcelonnette is a charming town located in the Ubaye Valley, boasting a well-preserved old town with narrow streets, colorful houses, and historic buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This is because most of Barcelonnette was ruined by a fire in 1628, after which major rebuilding happened.

Barcelonnette is a typical mountain town, with outdoor clothing shops, cute cafés, and plenty of bars in the old town. There are even a couple of spas if you need a break from driving!

In the town center, you can visit the Museum of the Valley , which showcases the unique history and culture of the Ubaye Valley including the strong connections the region has with its near neighbor Italy.

Thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping with water sports such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing on the Ubaye River, known for its exciting rapids and stunning scenery.

After a long day, dine at Le Tinto for a lively atmosphere and French classics, or Ô tadem for delicious homemade dishes and cocktails.

• Where to Stay in Barcelonnette

Upmarket: Villa Morelia, Jausiers – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Le Grand Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hôtel Du Cheval Blanc – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 4: Barcelonnette to Briançon

• Distance: 62 miles / 100km
• Drive Time: 3 hours

The classic route from Barcelonnette takes you across Col de Vars and the magnificent Col d’Izoard, but if you fancy a rest day, take an easy drive on the alternative route and spend a day relaxing around Lac de Serre-Ponçon , a delightful glacier-fed lake perfect for swimming and water sports.

Col de Vars

The Col de Vars is located between the departments of the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes de Haute-Provence and connects the Ubaye Valley with the Queyras. It reaches a height of 6,926 feet / 2,111 meters above sea level.

The twisting D902 8 miles / 13km long road to the summit is totally paved and is quite an easy drive. Look out for the Fort de Tournoux, built in 1843 to defend France from invasion by the Italians.

Located at the gateway to Queyras Regional Nature Park between the Vars and Izoard passes, Guillestre possesses a beautiful religious heritage.

The 13th century Fort Queyras offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Queyras Valley and you can explore its walls, towers, and ramparts and learn about its fascinating history.

Afterward, visit the beautiful 16th century Church of Saint Andre to admire its stunning architecture and artworks.

A short drive from Guillestre town center is the La Durance Fromagerie . Visit this dairy farm to learn about the cheese-making process and purchase excellent local products, including cheeses, pestos, sausages, pâtés, and wine.  

Guillestre also offers numerous mountain climbing routes suitable for all levels of experience. Whether a beginner or an experienced climber, you can take some time away from the road and enjoy the thrill of climbing stunning mountain landscapes.

Enjoy lunch at La Bolee or the quirky but excellent Le Galet Chez Jacquie et Fifi .

Col d’Izoard

The Col d’Izoard  tops out at 7,743 feet / 2,360 meters, making it the fifth-highest mountains pass on the Routes des Grandes Alpes.

On the upper south side are harsh and barren scree slopes with protruding pinnacles of weathered rock. Known as the Casse Déserte , which literally translates as ‘deserted scrapyard’, this area has formed a dramatic backdrop to some key moments in the Tour de France.

At the top is a memorial to Fausto Coppi, the dominant international cyclist of the post-WWII years, and Luison Bobet, the first rider to win the  Tour de France  in three successive years.

Briançon is a picturesque town known for its well-preserved Fortifications of Briançon , recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the sites to visit are Fort des Trois Têtes, Fort du Randouillet, Fort du Château, and Fort des Salettes.

Enjoy a stroll through the streets of Briançon’s old town to admire the architecture, and visit attractions like the Church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas before hopping on the Prorel Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great way to enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery and take in the beauty of the Briançon area.

Afterward, visit the thermal baths of Les Grands Bains du Monêtier . You can relax and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich thermal waters while enjoying the stunning mountain views.

Dine at Le Gavroche for traditional mountain cuisine or Le Pied de la Gargouille for excellent barbequed food.

• Where to Stay in Briançon

Upmarket: Hôtel Restaurant de la Chaussée – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hôtel Vauban Briançon Serre Chevalier – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Auberge de la Paix – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Day 5: Briançon to Val-Cenis

Straight out of Briançon, you are faced with three options;

• The classic route crosses the Cols of Lautaret, Galibier, and Télélgraphe and passes through Valloire.
• The alternative route west crosses the Cols of Lautaret and Croix de fer and visits the Alpine resort of L’Alpe-d’Huez.
• The alternative route east crosses the Cols of l’Echelle and Mont-Censis and visits the only town on the route in Italy , Oulx.
• Distance: 65 miles / 104km

Col du Lautaret

Col du Lautaret is a high mountain pass at 6,752 feet / 2,058 meters and marks the boundary between the valleys of the Romanche and the Guisane, a tributary of the River Durance which has its source at the Col.

The route is a steady gradient with an average of 3.8% and the treeless landscape gives fantastic views of the road ahead and Grand Pic de la Meije, the second-highest mountain of the Écrin range at 13,068 feet / 3,983 meters.

Remarkably, there is a botanical garden even higher than the pass! The  Lautaret Alpine Garden is a two-hectare alpine botanical garden located at 2,100 meters altitude, just beyond the Col. Managed by the Université Grenoble Alpes, the garden is home to more than 2,300 species of alpine plants from around the world and a herbarium of 15,000 plants collected over the last 150 years.

Col du Galibier

The eighth-highest paved road in the Alps and often the highest point on the Tour de France cycle race, Col du Galibier tops out at 8,668 feet / 2,642 meters.

Located between the massif d’Arvan-Villards and the massif des Cerces, the Col takes its name from the secondary chain of mountains known as the Galibier.

Historically, a tunnel was the only route at the top, at an altitude of 8,386 feet / 2,556 meters, but the tunnel was closed for restoration in 1976 and a new road was constructed over the summit.

The tunnel reopened in 2002 as a single lane controlled by traffic lights and is amongst the highest such installations in Europe. If you want to drive through the iconic 365m Tunnel du Galibier, your vehicle must be under 19 tons, no wider than 3.2 meters, and no higher than 4.1 meters.

At the south entrance to the tunnel, there is a memorial to the so-called father of the Tour de France, Henri Desgrange , who started the cycle race in 1903. He loved the Col du Galibier and once wrote “In front of this giant we can do nothing but take our hats off and bow” – how right he was.

Valloire is a famous ski resort town with beautiful mountain scenery and much to offer visitors in summer.

You can take time out from your road trip and explore the breathtaking alpine scenery by hiking one of the several trails or enjoy a paragliding adventure. Experienced pilots can take you on a tandem flight, allowing you to experience the thrill of flying without prior experience.

In town, visit the Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church, known for its beautiful Baroque-style church, and find the Vegetal Sculpture, a living statue made of plants that change with the seasons.

Enjoy lunch at La Poutre or L’Asile des Fondues for delicious cheese fondue, a typical local dish.

Col du Télélgraphe

Located in the Cerces massif and a much lower pass than the previous two, the  Col du Télégraphe has an altitude of 5,138 feet / 1,566 meters, and the Fort du Télégraphe , after which the pass is named, takes full advantage of its strategic position above the Maurienne Valley.

Originally a  Chappe  telegraphy  station located on the line from Lyon to Milan, the construction of the fort was carried out between 1886 and 1890 and belongs to the Séré de Rivières system. It’s well worth a visit in summer when activities, tours, and other events take place.

The Alternative Route West

• Distance: 126 miles / 203km
• Drive Time: 4.5-5 hours

Col du Lautaret is a high mountain pass at 6,752 feet / 2,058 meters and marks the boundary between the valleys of the Romanche and the Guisane, a tributary of the River Durance which has its source at the Col. See above for more information.

L’Alpe-d’Huez

L’Alpe-d’Huez is a beautiful mountain resort town located in the French Alps. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but there are also plenty of things to do in the summer.

One of the main attractions in L’Alpe-d’Huez during the summer is the stunning scenery. The town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys, which make it a perfect destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

Try the summer sledge on rails, Luge des Bergers , which hurtles down the mountain for a kilometer, take a swim in one of the municipal pools or join a guided walk.

In addition to outdoor activities, L’Alpe-d’Huez also has a number of cultural attractions. The town is home to several museums and galleries, which showcase the history and culture of the region. Visitors can also explore the L’Alpe-d’Huez market and shops, which offer a wide range of handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Col de la Croix de fer

Formerly called Col d’Olle because of its location at the source of Eau d’Olle, the mule track which took the pass for several centuries was finally transformed into a road in 1912 when it became Col de la Croix de fer after an iron cross was placed on the pass.

With an altitude of 6,775 feet / 2,065 meters, the pass is situated between the alpine massifs of Grandes Rousses and Arves, and enjoys a steady traverse up past the sparkling Barrage de Grand’Maison, before passing a number of hairpin bends on a narrow road on the way down.

The Alternative Route East

• Distance: 68 miles / 110km
• Caution: This route crosses into Italy and may include tolls.

Col de l’Echelle

The  Col de l’Échelle , or Ladder Pass, reaches an altitude of 5,781 feet / 1,762 meters above sea level. Located in the Hautes-Alpes department, the pass is just 3.7 miles / 6km from the border with Italy, and you’ll cross into the country on the way down.

Located in the Susa Valley in the Piedmont region of Italy, Oulx has a rich history that dates back to the Roman times when the town was strategically located on the Roman road that connected Italy to Gaul, now modern-day France.

The neighboring town of Sauze d’Oulx is a hive of activity in summer, with hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, golf, and Via Ferrata on offer.

Col du Mont-Censis

Just after Moncenisio, you’ll cross back into France on the SS25, which becomes the D1006. Shortly after, you’ll drive past Lac du Mont-Censis as you begin the ascent to Col du Mont-Censis .

The pass tops out at 6,840 feet / 2,085 meters over the Mont-Censis massif, which forms the border between the Cottian Alps and the Graian Alps.

Mont Cenis was one of the most used Alpine passes from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century, and for much of that time, the pass straddled France and Italy. It is known that pilgrims used this route on their journey to Turin, and some historians believe that it was the Col du Mont-Censis that Hannibal used to cross the Alps in 218 BCE.

Val-Cenis is a beautiful ski resort with plenty to offer once the snow has melted!

In summer, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks with a tandem paragliding flight. If you prefer a land-based activity, you can challenge yourself to one of several mountain biking trails to admire the area’s scenic beauty.

After an active day outdoors, relax at Les Massages de Laurent – Bien Être et Soins spa center. Enjoy a massage, sauna, or other wellness treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.

For dinner head to Le Sabot De Venus for traditional mountain dishes or La Petite Ferme for pizzas and burgers.

• Where to Stay in Val-Cenis

Upmarket: Résidence Les Balcons De Val Cenis Le Haut, Lanslevillard – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: L’Outa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Auberge La Turra – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 6: Val-Cenis to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

From Val-Censis, you can take the classic route north to the Col de l’Iseran and Val d’Isere, or head west and take the alternative route to St-François-Longchamp and the Col de la Madeleine.

• Distance: 53 miles / 86km

Col de l’Iseran

At an elevation of 9,068 feet / 2,764 meters, the mighty Col de l’Iseran is the second-highest paved pass in the Alps and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the Graian Alps. It’s no surprise that this road is known as ‘the king of the Alps’.

The scenic drive along the Col de l’Iseran will allow you to explore the nearby nature reserves, including the Vanoise National Park and the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve. These protected areas are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and experiencing the natural beauty of the region.

For those interested in history and culture, Col de l’Iseran offers several interesting landmarks and monuments. These include the Baroque-style church in Bonneval-sur-Arc, which dates back to the 17th century, and the Fort Saint-Gobain, a historic military fort located near the pass.

Val-d’Isère

Val-d’Isère is another renowned ski resort located in the French Alps and In the summer offers many hiking trails to explore the stunning landscapes and Alpine flora. From leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, there are options for all fitness levels.

At the Parc des Sports du Manchet you can enjoy tennis, horse riding, golf, archery, and pétanque, Le Centre Aquasportif has hot tubs and saunas, and the Bike Park Tignes-Val d’Isère offers downhill, cross country, and enduro routes and even has a gourmet route where you can stop for a taste of local cuisine along the way – only in France!

The village is full of charming, narrow streets and traditional chalets and you can take a cultural tour to discover the village of Val d’Isère and its 17th-century buildings and the unspoiled hamlet of Le Fornet. Alternatively, hire an electric scooter and explore at your own pace.

• Distance: 86 miles / 138km
• Drive Time: 3.5-4 hours

St-François-Longchamp

A pretty off-the-beaten-path French town in the Savoie region, St-François-Longchamp makes a great place to stop for a traditional Savoyard dish for lunch – think fondue, raclette and tartiflette – and a leg stretch.

With nearby lakes, short hiking trails, a summer toboggan, high ropes course, and a balneo spa, you could even be tempted to stay a little longer!

Col de la Madeleine

One of the symbolic French Alps mountain passes, Col de la Madeleine is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 6,555 feet / 1,998 meters above sea level, and is 23 miles / 37km long and a tough climb – on a bike that is!

The Col de la Madeleine has been in use since Roman times and the decision to build the current paved road was taken in 1949 and the inauguration took place in 1969. The summit offers a stunning panorama of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière massif. 

Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a picturesque town in the Tarentaise Valley and home to the Vanoise Express , the largest cable car in the world. It’s double-decker cabins can carry up to 200 people and connect Les Arcs and La Plagne, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains on the ride.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try white-water rafting on the Isère River, as you navigate the rushing waters on a thrilling ride down the rapids.

If you prefer a slower pace, swap the river rafting for a round of golf at the Les Arcs golf course . Afterward, enjoy a traditional dinner at Le Refuge Altitude 810 or head to Le Chalet for fantastic home cooking. 

• Where to Stay in Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Upmarket: Montagn’Arcs – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Base Camp Lodge Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Case à Kio, Les Chapelles – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 7: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand

Cormet de roseland.

Straight out of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you’ll hit the Cormet de Roseland overlooking the pretty Lac de Roselend, at 6,453 feet / 1,967 meters above sea level.

Make sure to stop and see the Chapelle de Roselend which was built to replace a nearby 13th century chapel that was submerged when the dam was flooded in 1960.

Beaufort is a small town known for its scenic beauty and delicious Beaufort cheese. You can visit the Beaufort Cheese Cooperative to learn about cheese-making and sample different varieties of the town’s famous Beaufort cheese as well as buying some to take home as a delicious Alpine souvenir.

The old town is pretty with traditional chalets and historic buildings, in particular the Church of Saint Joseph, a beautiful baroque church with stunning architecture, an ornate interior, and beautiful stained glass windows.

Boulangerie Pâtisserie Pouilloux is a good place to stop for coffee and delicious pastries to sustain you through the drive!

From Beaufort, you can head north on the classic route for the Col des Saisies and Col des Aravis, or take the alternative route to beautiful Annecy.

• Distance: 61 miles / 98km

Col des Saises

The Col des Saisies  peaks at 5,436 feet / 1,657 meters and is delimited by the peak of Bisanne to the west and by the peaks of Légette and Chard du Beurre to the east. The ski resort of Les Saisies is situated on the pass.

Col des Aravis

The  Col des Aravis  connects the regions of Haute-Savoie and Savoie and is crossed by the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route. At 4,879 feet / 1,487 meters, it is the lowest pass in the Aravis Range of mountains.

Don’t miss the Cascade du Dard in the Vallée de Chamonix before you start the snaking climb which starts at La Giettaz. Located in the woods close to the roa, the 66 feet / 20 meter waterfall comes from the meltwater of the Pélerins glacier and makes a refreshing and cool break from the route.

• Distance: 82 miles / 132km

One of the most beautiful towns in France , Annecy is known for its crystal-clear lake, stunning mountain views, and atmospheric old town that is a maze of cobbled streets, canals, and colorful buildings, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore.

Don’t miss visiting the Château d’Annecy, a medieval castle in the heart of the old town. A tour offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history and houses a museum of regional art and history.

Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe and offers a range of water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, and the surrounding mountains offer numerous hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, with breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps.

Annecy is also one of the best places in the world for paragliding, with many schools and companies offering tandem flights for beginners, and if you like extreme sports you can also try canyoning and Via Ferrata locally.

Le Grand-Bornand

Le Grand-Bornand is a charming mountain village located in the Haute-Savoie region and one of the birthplaces of  reblochon , a cheese produced from cows raised on Crau hay, grown only at the confluence of the Durance and Rhône rivers.

In the town, explore the Musée du Patrimoine or Heritage Museum to learn about the mountains’ local history, traditional crafts, and way of life, and visit the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. It is a beautiful baroque church located in the heart of Le Grand-Bornand. Admire its stunning architecture, ornate interior, and beautiful stained glass windows.

Enjoy dinner at the lovely Aux Aravis or Restaurant La Bournerie for delicious French cuisine.

• Where to Stay in Le Grand-Bornand

Upmarket: Chalet-Hôtel Inarpa, La Clusaz – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Chalet-Hôtel Les Fermes de Pierre and Anna – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Marmotte qui Papote – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 8: Le Grand-Bornand to Thonon-Les-Bains

• Distance: 57 miles / 92km

Col de la Colombière

Located at 5,208 feet / 1,618 meter altitude, the Col de la Colombière is a classic cycle route used many times by the Tour de France.

Between Le Grand-Bornand and the pass is the Mysterious Waterfall, a pretty waterfall on the Nant du Chinaillon that flows down a narrow gorge for about 98 feet / 30 meters. Legend has it that the cascade is the place where the very first couple of Bornandins met.

In the heart of the Arve Valley and at the foot of the Alps, Cluses makes a good stop for lunch on the route. There are plenty of choices in what remains of the older part of town but our recommendation would be Le Chalet Gourmand for excellent local food and fantastic service.

If you get time after lunch visit the Musée de l’Horlogerie et du Décolletage and explore Cluses watchmaking history, an industry upon which the modern-day town was built.

Col des Gets

The final pass on your Route des Grandes Alpes road trip, Col des Gets is a baby at just 3,839 feet / 1,170 meters above sea level, and is 12 miles / 19km long, connecting Morzine to the commune of Taninges. 

Thonon-les-Bains

Thonon-les-Bains is a beautiful town located on the shores of Lake Geneva, which offers a range of water activities including kayaking and paddleboarding, or just relax on one of the beaches – we like Plage de la Pinède or Plage des Recorts.

The beautiful Jardins de l’Europe park along the lakefront features lush landscaped gardens and walking paths and the Château de Ripaille , a gorgeous 15th century castle with a rich history is worth a visit. Explore the grounds, gardens, and vineyards, and learn about its history and significance in the region.

Follow this up with a visit to the local history museum, Musée du Chablais , to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Chablais region.

Enjoy dinner from a mainly local menu at Les Allobroges Bar Restaurant or Gourmandy’s for French and European food.

• Where to Stay in Thonon-les-Bains

Upmarket: Hôtel Royal, Évian-les-Bains – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Résidence Les Baladines – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: ibis Thonon Centre – Booking.com | Agoda

France Road Trip Essentials

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

Driving in France Tips

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 you’re traveling in your own car, touring France in a motorhome , or flying in and renting a car, you need to follow these rules when you’re driving in France;

• 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 and a first aid kit.
• 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 on the windscreen. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.
• 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 can provide support or signpost you. 
• You do not need to carry a breathalyzer, the law requiring that you do has been repealed.

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

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

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

Driving to France from UK: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Love it pin it.

About The Author

Izzy Nicholls

Leave a comment.

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

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

A road trip from Brittany to Biarritz

Photographer Tomnmy Clarke heads on a road trip along the western coast of France, from Brittany's seaside cities to the old-school coastal spots of Biarritz and Cap Ferret.

I load my eco-converted Sprinter with boards and wetsuits to head from Saint-Malo to Biarritz via Nantes, along perhaps the most civilised surf coast on earth.

The first stop of Nantes has an unpretentious, lived-in charm that you get in a lot of student cities.

Le Gribiche felt apt: simple place, simple local food, but such quality, with a killer burger.

On top of Europe ’s tallest sand dune, the Dune du Pilat, west of Bordeaux .

I look out across the Banc d’Arguin, a sandbank where pinasse boats from Cap Ferret stop for picnics.

I love the diversity of this drive: the artiness and Breton history of Nantes, the sleepy elegance of Cap Ferret and the surf scenes and energy of Hossegor and Biarritz.

La Cabane du Penon, north of Hossegor, is a happy place for me.

The wooden shack almost feels like it’s part of the long sandy beach , and a moules-frites after a surf is so good.

I tend to live off grid during these trips, but there are few grander places to ride waves than in the shadow of Villa Belza, the neo-Medieval mansion off the Côte des Basques.

La Grande Plage in Biarritz still has that old-world French seaside vibe, with its striped umbrellas and the Hôtel du Palais, once home to Napoleon III, sitting imperiously above.

I try not to use my phone while travelling, packing a proper road map and taking Polaroids. It helps me to switch off, and makes it more like a proper adventure.

Keep scrolling to see more pictures

Like this? Now read:

Things to do in Biarritz, France

Cap Ferret guide - things to see and do

A road trip through France, Switzerland and Italy

Climbing the dunes in Bordeaux

The beach at Hossegor

Surf boards in Cap Ferret

The back of the eco-converted Mercedes-benz Sprinter 4x4

20 Magnifiques Road-trips en France à faire absolument !

Pourquoi partir à l’autre bout du monde pour explorer la planète de fond en comble, quand on fait généralement l’impasse sur nos belles régions françaises ? Voici tout ce qu’il faut connaitre pour un road-trip en France réussi. Idée d’itinéraire, budget, où dormir, etc.

20 Destinations variées pour un road-trip en France

Le road trip est un voyage effectué sur une longue distance généralement en van , camping-car, voiture ou en moto. Itinérance. Liberté. Inspiration. Si ces trois mots vous font vibrer, alors le road trip est certainement fait pour vous !

Le but recherché des roadtrippers ? La découverte d’un pays ou d’une région, en profitant autant du déplacement que de la destination. Cette pratique est devenue ultra populaire ces dernières années avec le développement des camping-cars, puis du fameux hashtag vanlife . Si le road trip est particulièrement prisé des touristes à l’étranger, il peine encore à s’imposer en France. Et pourtant, c’est là un fabuleux moyen de re-découvrir la richesse de nos terroirs et du patrimoine propre à chaque région et département.

En France, la diversité des paysages vous surprendra à chaque virage. De la Bretagne à la Provence en passant par le sud-ouest de la France et la région de l’Aubrac : voici 20 magnifiques road-trips à faire à travers ou autour de la France. Une bonne dose d’inspiration pour préparer votre futur périple sur les routes !

1 – La route des Landes

Les Landes de Gascogne est une région bien à part. Relativement plate, des centaines de milliers de pin qui s’étalent sur l’horizon. Le bruit des vagues qui se cassent sur d’immenses dunes de sables longilignes. La cote atlantique qui borde ce parc régional d’une superficie de 14 000 Km2 est parfaite pour un road-trip en France du nord au sud.

Surf et visite de la dune du Pilat à faire absolument !

2 – La Provence et le sud-est de la France

Il règne comme un air de vacances dans le Sud-est de la France. Champs de lavandes, eaux turquoises, villages fleuris et grillons tout au long de la journée : que faut-il demander de plus à part la climatisation dans son véhicule ?

Au programme : la Provence, le Luberon, les Alpilles, le parc national des Calanques, Les Gorges du Verdon, le Mercantour et l’arrière-pays du var.

3 – Road-trip en France : La Bretagne

La Bretagne, ça vous gagne. Oui, on peut être breton et objectif à la fois ! Lors de votre road-trip en France, prenez la route depuis Rennes et dirigez-vous sur la côte nord. Saint-Malo, le Mont Saint-Michel, Erquy, La côte d’Émeraude, la Côte de Granite rose et son célèbre phare à Ploumanac’h. Et puis il y a aussi le Finistère avec les abers, les mont d’Arrée et le golf du Morbihan qui méritent aussi le détour !

4 – Promenade dans les ballons des Vosges

Le parc naturel des Ballons des Vosges est aussi un must-do. L’endroit mélange harmonieusement culture, nature et activités outdoor. Faites donc un détour avec votre véhicule par les petits villages de Eguisheim et Riquewihr !

5 – La voie de la liberté

Un autre itinéraire de road trip en France bien connu est celui de la Normandie en empruntant la Voie de la Liberté. Une route mythique qui rend hommage à la libération de la France pendant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Pour ne citer que quatre des endroits les plus populaires non loin : Honfleur, les falaises d’Etretat, Utah Beach et la foret de  Fontainebleau.

6 – Road-trip dans le centre de la France

Destination le parc National du Morvan pour ce road-trip en France. Sur près de 3 000 km2, le Morvan est à cheval sur quatre départements. Ses routes sont perdues en pleine campagnes et traversent de pittoresques petits villages. A voir aussi : la basilique de Vézelay, le mont Beuvray et le lac des Settons.

7 – Road-trip dans le Pays Basque

Ce qui frappe le plus en arrivant au Pays Basque, c’est la dominante d’un vert brillant presque fluorescent reflété par les prairies de ses douces collines. Les maisons traditionnelles sont imposantes et leur colombage, peint en rouge. A Espelette, des guirlandes de piments y sont même accrochées.

Que visiter ? Au moins la Ruhne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz et Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

8 – La route Napoléon : de Grenoble à Cannes

La route Napoléon vous donnera une bonne vision d’ensemble sur les Alpes Maritimes. Il s’agit de la nationale 85. Elle part de Grenoble pour rejoindre Cannes. Lors de votre road-trip en France, cette portion de route sera particulièrement mémorable. Profitez-en pour vous balader dans le parc national des Ecrins, les Gorges du Verdon et du côté du Cannes en arrivant sur la Méditerrané !

9 – Le tour du Causse Méjean

Le tour du Causse Méjean se mérite. Situé sur un haut plateau, vous devrez braver un dénivelé de 500 metres une fois que vous serez arrivé à Les Vignes. Pas sûr qu’un vieux van aménagé tienne le coup (en tout cas le nôtre n’aurait jamais tenu la montée avec son moteur aussi petit) ! Une fois sur les hauteurs : dépaysement total !

10 – Road-trip en Auvergne

Les volcans d’Auvergne sont célèbres pour lignes reconnaissables d’entre toutes. Puy de Dôme, Puy de Sancy et Puy Mary sont des endroits absolument magnifiques. De nombreuses randonnées sont possibles dans les environs.

Le Cantal restera le gros coup de coeur du road-trip en France que nous avons fait en van en 2018.

11 – Le tour des Châteaux de la Loire

Pour un road trip en France relativement pas cher, vous pouvez prendre la route des châteaux de la Loire. De là, elle vous fera passer par une quarantaine de sites historiques. Vous y découvrirez plusieurs châteaux (Chambord, Villandry et ses magnifiques jardins, Azay-le-Rideau, etc.), les caves champignonnières, le vignoble de Touraine et le délicieux vin de la Loire.

12 – Balade en Aubrac

L’Aubrac est une de ces régions françaises qui ont du caractère. La culture liée à la transhumance est encore très présente et de nombreux burons vous ouvriront leur porte pour vous faire goûter leur aligot. Le paysage est celui des hauts-plateaux et quelque peu similaire à celui des Grands Causses.

Ne manquez pas de visiter la ville d’Aubrac et de Laguiole.

13 – Road-trip dans les Pyrénéens et dans le Sud-ouest français

Il y aurait beaucoup à dire sur les Pyrénées (et de randonnées à faire) ! L’idéal selon nous est de visiter cette chaîne de montagnes d’est en ouest ou vice-versa. Lors de votre road-trip en France, passez voir le Col du Tourmalet, le Cirque de Gavarnie, le lac de Gaube et Parc national d’Ordesa et du Mont-Perdu si vous avez un peu de temps à passer dans les Pyrénées espagnols.

>> Plus d’inspiration pour faire un road-trip dans les Pyrénées !

14 – La route Bleue

Une autre idée de road-trip en France est d’emprunter la mythique Nationale 7. La route est surnommée la route Bleue et s’étant de Paris à Menton. C’est la fameuse route des vacances.

Rien que son nom se porte à merveille aux périples sur les routes, en moto ou en voiture !

Un ouvrage papier dédié au Roadtrip en France

La France offre des paysages et une culture si variée qu’il peut être intéressant de s’appuyer sur des témoignages pour bien de préparer son roadtrip.

Après 4 mois sur les routes pour distribuer notre premier livre dans les plus grandes librairies francaises, voici le second volet de la collection Roadtrip Makes Me Free dédié au Road-trip en France.

Un livre papier regroupant idées d’itinéraires, conseils pratiques, spot pour se garer la nuit, recettes Vanlife et bien sûr notre récit de ces quatre mois d’aventure à vivre à bord de George, notre fidèle T3 Volkswagen. Pour en savoir plus, cliquez-ici !

5 Road-trip autour de la France

Quand on part en road-trip, on a vite la bougeotte. On se rend compte que d’un coup de pédale, les voisins européens peuvent aussi être visités. Alors pourquoi se limité à l’hexagone quand on a du temps à disposition ?

Voici quelques idées de road-trips à faire autour de la France.

1 – Road-trip France / Norvège

Ah la Scandinavie ! La destination parfaite pour les amoureux de nature, de lacs, de montagnes et de grands espaces. Faire un road trip de la France vers la Norvège est incontournable et doit être fait au moins une fois dans sa vie.

Pour se rendre à Bergen au départ de Paris, compter environ 2 000 km et 26h de route.

2 – De la France à la Croatie

Certainement le road-trip le plus populaire au départ du territoire français. Un road trip jusqu’à la Croatie peut vous faire passer par la Suisse, l’Autriche et la Slovénie. Après, vous pouvez très bien passer par l’Allemagne ou même l’Italie.

Compter 16h de route sur plus de 1 600 km pour faire Paris – Zadar.

3 – Road-trip France vers Portugal

Envie de découvrir le Portugal ? Pourquoi ne pas faire un petit road-trip au départ de la France ? Le pays est bon marché et de réputation très accueillant envers les vans aménagés et les campings-car.  Une fois surtout, tout est moins cher et il fait bien plus beau là-bas qu’en région parisienne ! C’est pourquoi un grand nombre de vanlifers y migrent pour passer l’hiver au chaud.

Pour se rendre à Porto depuis Paris, prévoir 16h de route et environ 1 600 km de trajet.

4 – Partir de la France, arriver en Italie

Certainement le plus pays le plus accessible de tous, tout en étant dépaysant. Le nord de l’Italie est particulièrement prisé avec sa région des alpes italiennes. Le circuit idéal selon nous ? Lac de côme, lac de Garde, Vérone, les Dolomites, Venise, Pise et finir par Florence.

Au départ de Paris, il faut compter 9h de route pour rouler sur environ 900 km.

Quel budget prévoir pour un road-trip en France ?

La question du budget est certainement celle qui revient le plus souvent lorsque l’on prépare un road-trip. Et pourtant, elle est intimement liée à la façon de consommer de chacun.

Aimez-vous votre confort ? Avez-vous l’habitude de manger au restaurant ? Ou bien êtes-vous plutôt casse-croûte sur le pouce ? Combien de jours comptez-vous partir ?

Le budget de votre aventure rassemble quatre sous-catégories : l’essence, la nourriture, hébergement, les sorties et les frais liés au véhicule.

Pour le calculer : faites d’abord le point sur la distance que vous souhaitez parcourir. Elle vous aidera à appréhender votre budget essence. Plus vous partez longtemps et plus les frais liés à la nourriture et à hébergement, augmentent.

Sauf si vous comptez voyager en van aménagé. A ce moment, il est possible de s’en tirer pour pas cher. A titre de comparaison, lors de notre road-trip que nous avions fait en France avec notre T3 George, nous dépensions environ 500 € par mois et par personne. Tout compris.

C’est moins que ce que nous dépensons habituellement quand nous sommes sédentaires. Donc pour le budget, tout dépend de vous !

Pour calculer le budget de votre road-trip nécessaire pour ce périple sur les routes françaises, retrouvez notre outil !

Les plus beaux spots de notre Roadtrip en France

5 mois de Road-trip sur les plus belles routes françaises. Forcément, on passe par une multitude d’endroits tous plus beaux les uns que les autres. Des Abers du Finistère, aux villages perchés de Provence en passant par les plus belles vues sur le lac du Salagou, retrouvez les lieux qui nous ont le plus émerveillés sur notre Instagram en dossier à la une. Pour y accéder, rien de plus simple : c’est ici que ça se passe !

Astuce : Abonnez-vous au passage, vous ne manquerez pas les prochaines publications 😉

the_roadtrippers

335 publications • 42,4k abonnés • 701 abonnements

Faire un road-trip en voiture, en van ou à pied ?

Faut-il faire un road-trip en voiture, en van aménagé ou bien à pied ? La question n’est pas si bête que ça : nous définissons le road-trip comme un moyen de voyager par la route. Un auto-stoppeur peut donc très bien être un roadtripper .

Comment faire votre choix ? En fonction de vos envies et de votre budget.

Un road-trip à pied vous coûtera nettement moins cher car vous n’aurez pas l’essence à payer (pour info : l’essence peut représenter jusqu’à la moitié du budget total du road-trip!). L’idéal est d’alterner voyage sur la route pour les distances les plus longues (et les plus chiantes), et randonnée sur les GR & PR lorsque l’endroit présente un intérêt particulier. Une autre idée : le chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle !

Puis vient le road-trip en France à bord d’un van. Là encore la formule est très économique car vous éconnomiserez sur l’hébergement et sur les repas. Surtout si vous voyagez en famille. Une nuit dans votre véhicule ne vous coutera rien (et finalement, un simple matelas suffit). Le fait d’avoir un coin cuisine vous évitera d’avoir à vous rendre au resto tous les jours. Pratique pour limiter les dépenses donc !

Enfin, le road trip en France en voiture. Grand luxe : vous aurez la certainement la climatisation même en plein été. Par contre vous devrez payer pour dormir, que ce soit au camping ou à l’hôtel.

Astuces pour un road-trip en France en famille réussi

Comme on l’a vu plus haut, pour un road-trip en France économe, rien de tel que le fourgon aménagé. Le véhicule devient votre maison. Une sorte de mini-maison roulante avec laquelle vous serez complètement indépendant.

Niveau couchage, vous pouvez facilement aller jusqu’à quatre places de couchage. Une banquette qui se dépit et un lit en capucine par exemple.

La clé pour un road-trip sur les routes françaises sans encombres ?

Il n’y en a pas vraiment. Vous n’échapperez probablement pas aux crises de vomis dès que la route zigzag trop longtemps. Et puis avec les enfants, impossibles de tout prévoir : il y a toujours quelque chose qui ne se passe pas comme prévu.

Est-ce une catastrophe pour autant ? Probablement pas. Même la plus grosse galère peut se transformer en bon souvenir… avec du recul !

Cela dit, en tant que parents vous aurez tout à gagner si vous prévoyez des activités accessibles à tous en lien avec les animaux, les expériences insolites, les jeux et la nature. Gardez la visite du musée de la porcelaine ou du livre antique lorsque vous serez seul ave votre conjoint. Aussi, prévoyez de quoi les occuper pendant les longs trajets sur les routes de France. Vous le savez mieux que nous : un enfant qui s’occupe, c’est un enfant qui ne pleure pas ; )

Louer un van pour votre road trip sur les routes françaises

Vous souhaitez découvrir la France en van, mais problème : vous avez l’idée mais pas le véhicule qui va avec.

Alors qu’est-ce qu’on fait ?

On passe par la case location. Sauf si vous êtes sûr d’apprécier ce mode de voyage. A ce moment là, mieux vaut acheter : vous économiserez pas mal d’argent car la location reste quand même un budget (compter 90€ par nuit). Pour info, vous pouvez trouver un véhicule d’occasion correct pour moins de 10 000 €.

Côté location, de nombreuses agences et plate-formes ont récemment ouverte en France. Plusieurs options s’offrent à vous : la location de particuliers à particulier, la location par une agence nationale et la location grâce à une entreprise régionale.

>> Pour plus d’information à ce sujet : les agences de locations de van aménagé

Où dormir lors de votre road-trip en France ?

Quelles possibilités avez-vous au niveau de l’hébergement ? Une vaste multitude. Des plus traditionnels aux plus insolites, elles dépendront de vos envies de confort, de vos envie de  dépaysement, mais aussi (et surtout !) de votre budget.

Notre coup de coeur ? Dormir dans une ferme de petits producteurs locaux ! Ils seront ravis de vous faire visiter leur exploitation et vous parler de leur savoir faire typique à la région visitée. En bonus : les enfants adoreront le contact avec les animaux de la ferme.

Voici les principales possibilités que vous avez (triées selon leur coût) :

• Faire du couchsurfing (gratuit)
• Séjourner chez des amis que vous n’avez pas vu depuis longtemps (gratuit)
• Faire du camping sauvage en tente ou à bord de votre van aménagé (gratuit)
• Passer quelques nuits dans une ferme chez un producteur local (env. 15 € par nuit)
• Dormir dans des campings de France (env. 20 € par nuit)
• Dormir dans les hôtels que vous croiserez sur la route (env. 50 € par nuit)
• Dormir dans un gite chez l’habitant (env. 60 € par nuit)
• Dormir une nuit dans un hébergement insolite (env. 70 € par nuit)

>> A lire aussi : Où dormir avec un van aménagé ?

Blogs & ressources utiles pour la préparation de l’itinéraire

Qu’est-ce qui garantira que vous passerez un bon moment lors de votre road-trip en France ? Un savant équilibre de spontanéité et de préparation.

Pour la spontanéité c’est simple. Vous improviserez au grès de vos envies, quitte à modifier votre itinéraire en cours de route. Au pire, vous n’aurez qu’à annuler votre prochain logement si vous souhaitez rester plus de temps dans un endroit que vous adorez !

Côté préparation. Rien de tel que de multiplier les sources d’informations pour mieux identifier vos envies.

Voici une liste de ressources utiles en plus de cette page :

• Liste de toutes les applications utiles en Road trip
• Liste d’idées pour savoir où dormir en van
• Guide pour se doucher en road-trip
• Guide pour manger et cuisiner en road-trip (avec des recettes )
• Le site officiel des offices de tourisme de France
• Un site pour planifier votre itinéraire selon les lieux d’intérêt : Roadtrippers
• Blog : le Road-trip en Bretagne de Three Vanlifers
• Blog : le Road-trip dans le sud-est de Les Pauline
• Blog : le Road-trip de Nowmadz (2014)
• Blog : le Road-trip en France en famille de Les Exploratrices
• Blog : le Road-trip en France de Géonautrices
• Blog : le Road-trip dans le sud-ouest de Amoureux du monde

Et vous, à quand le road-trip sur les routes de France ?

Plus d'inspiration Road-trips & Vanlife ?

Abonnez-vous à notre Instagram pour être sûr de ne rien manquer (cliquez ici) ! Au programme ? Idées d'aménagement de van, témoignages de vanlifers, spots idylliques pour passer la nuit, idées d'itinéraire, les dernières actualités de nos aventures et surtout (surtout !) une bonne dose d'inspiration au quotidien en attendant de reprendre la route 🙂

Un road trip aux couleurs de l’Écosse

Auteur Pierre

Co-fondateur de The Roadtrippers, Pierre Rouxel est passionné de grands espaces, d'aventures et de modes de vie alternatifs.

Rejoindre la discussion 9 Comments

Je prévoit un road trip en août avec des amis. On est un groupe de 10 personnes et on veut partir le long de la côte méditerranéenne. C’est notre premier Road Trip, je ne sais pas trop comment l’organiser. Le problème, c’est que nous sommes étudiants, donc le budget est limité. On cherche des solutions pour dormir, parce qu’on va partir à deux voitures donc on ne peut pas dormir dedans. Les campings doivent être réserver à l’avance et sur au moins deux nuits, et il est difficile de trouver des endroits où le camping sauvage est autorisé. Avez-vous des solutions svp?

Merci d’avance pour vos conseils!

Merci pour ce bel article, très complet ! 🙂

La France est véritablement le plus beau pays au monde ! Nous avons énormément de chance de vivre en France !

Merci pour votre commentaire 🙂 Oui, c’est en l’arpentant en long, en large et en travers qu’on se rend bien compte de la diversité de ses paysages et de l’étendue de sa culture !

je Vien découvre votre site aujourd’hui Merci pour votre partage, Très inspirant les road trip en France !

bonjour ! merci pour vitre article. J’ajoute juste du côté nord il y a aussi la Côte d’Opale . Moi et ma fille on voulait voir les phoques là-bas y faire un petit road trip mais à cause du confinement et de la situation on a du annulé. Maintenant on passe notre temps à lire des blogs de voyage ( ça lui apprend un peu à lire ) et on s’émerveille sur les gites sur airbnb bailti booking pour changer un peu de cette ambiance de confiner. Merci beaucoup car j’ai fait un semblant de voyage en vous lisant. Bonne continuation

On pourrait ajouter aussi la Côte d’Azur, il y a de très beaux road trip à faire notamment par les corniches entre Nice et Monaco. Ajouter à ça les superbes villages de l’arrière pays et les montagnes toutes proches il y a de quoi faire.

Hachette Tourisme Le Routard vient de sortir un magnifique ouvrage « Road-trips France », en concurrence avec « Sur les routes des régions de France » de Lonely Planet, « Routes de France » de GéoBook et « Belles routes de France » de Michelin Voyage.

Bonjour, je découvre votre site aujourd’hui sur les conseils d’une amie. Très inspirant les road trip en France ! Je souhaite vous faire part de notre road trip en France : Nous rentrons tout juste de nos vacances, familles de 2 adultes et 2 ados. Partis le 1er aout d’Ardèche, retour hier soir, avec Agate notre T4, notre voyage nous a permis de traverser la France d’Est en Ouest et a commencé par la Haute vallée de l’Ubaye avec randonnée en haute montagne, excursion en Italie, puis le Cantal, la Vienne, Oradour sur Glane, Poitiers et Le Futuroscope, pour terminer à Fouras en Charente-Maritime. Nos seules 2 étapes prévues étaient la randonnée en vallée de l’Ubaye avec nuit en refuge et le Fururosocope, le reste fût l’inspiration du moment, en fonction de la météo (éviter les orges et la grêle) et du temps passé à regarder et à rouler. Quelques nuits en « sauvage » mais je dois convenir que la majorité de nos nuits se sont passées dans des campings, presque exclusivement des campings municipaux*, car à 4 l’autonomie en eau nous a vite ramenés à la réalité, ainsi que l’impératif de recharger 4 téléphones portables chaque jour. Nous sommes ravis de notre road trip, sans pression et qui nous a fait re-découvrir notre beau pays au gré des jours. L’an prochain peut-être le littoral Atlantique du sud vers la Belgique, ou bien l’Allemagne de la Baltique et retour par les pays de l’Est, ou bien…on verra d’ici là !

Bonjour Sandrine 🙂 Merci pour votre partage, votre itinéraire à l’air top – je ne connaissais pas la vallée de l’Ubaye et les photos que j’ai pu voir sur internet m’ont données envie de m’y rendre lors d’un prochain voyage ! Le van offre réellement la possibilité de ralentir et de s’arrêter au gré des envies, sans dépenser une fortune et sans abandonner son confort. Et le plus beau dans tout ça ? Les itinéraires sont quasi infinis ce qui fait qu’il y aura toujours quelque chose à découvrir – en France comme ailleurs, d’ailleurs ! Au plaisir de lire un nouveau témoignage de votre part l’an prochain alors 😉

Laisser un commentaire Cancel Reply

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

The Roadtrippers 17a Rue de la Saigne, Résidence le Capucin, Appartement n°80, 63240 Le Mont-Dore France

Notre philosophie Nos valeurs L'équipe

Roadtrip au Canada (2018) Vanlife en France (2020) Ma Maison Roulante (2020) Vanlife en Bretagne (2021) Vanlife en Auvergne (2021)

[email protected]

Nous contacter Distribution en librairie Devenir ambassadeur Devenir rédacteur

• Mentions légales • Conditions Générales de Vente • Retours et Remboursement • Confidentialité

© 2024 the roadtrippers.

• Nos valeurs
• Nos livres Vanlife
• Conseils pratiques
• Road trip au Canada
• Travailler en voyageant
• Récits d’Aventures

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

European Itineraries: 1 month (30 day) self-drive tour of France

One of the best ways to explore France is by car and this 30 day self-drive tour itinerary visits many of the most popular regions of this beautiful country. 

A self-drive holiday in France gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and to visit some of the off-the-beaten-path villages, too.

The following French road trip itinerary showcases some of the loveliest regions, each of which is unique in its own way.  In all but one instance, I’ve recommended a minimum stay of three nights to allow you to have at least two full days at your destination. 

If you can afford more time,  you might like to stay longer in each place or perhaps add the Dordogne, the Rhone Alpes or Burgundy to your itinerary.

Although I mostly mention larger cities as the main destinations in this itinerary, you could easily stay outside the city limits if you prefer a more rural base.

Whilst I’ve based this itinerary on renting a car for your journey, there’s no reason why it wouldn’t also suit if you plan to go motorhome touring in France .

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

PARIS – COLMAR – REIMS – BAYEUX – LOIRE VALLEY – BORDEAUX – CARCASSONNE – AVIGNON – NICE – PARIS

1 month (30 day) self-drive tour itinerary of france, day 1 – arrive paris.

(Alternatively, you could start your self-drive holiday in Frankfurt, Germany)

Day 2 – Paris (or Frankfurt) to Colmar

Collect your hire car this morning before heading to the lovely Alsace region in France’s north-west. (*I always recommend collecting your hire car from the airport.  Read why here . ) Driving time from Paris’ Orly airport to Colmar is just over five hours. From Frankfurt, you’ll reach Colmar in just under three hours.

During your stay in Colmar (which has a gorgeous town centre complete with gondola rides on the canal), head to the nearby Alsace Wine Route and the villages of Riquewihr, Hunawihr, Ribeauville, to name a few.  Strasbourg (around 80 kilometres away) is also worth a visit.

Read more about Riquewihr and the Alsace Wine Route >>

Day 5 – Colmar to Reims

If you set off just after breakfast this morning you’ll be in Reims by early afternoon.  Reims is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Tau, and Saint-Remi Basilica and Museum – as well as being the most important Art Deco city in France. 

The following day, head to the Champagne houses (do the names Mumm, Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot sound familiar?) for tastings and to learn more about the history of this famous beverage.

Day 7 – Reims to Bayeux

Enroute from Reims to Bayeux today, I suggest you travel via the pretty fishing village of Honfleur where you can enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh seafood at one of the harbourside cafes. In Bayeux, you’ll want to visit the Cathedral and the Bayeux Tapestry as well as the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

Allow time to wander the narrow streets lined with honey-coloured buildings with black slate roofs before visiting the Commonwealth War Cemetery and the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach – both will move even the most hard-hearted soul.

The following day, the two hour drive west to Mont St. Michel is highly recommended. Spend the day exploring the medieval Abbey perched on its own island before returning to Bayeux for the night.

Read more about Bayeux and the Normandy Landing Beaches >>

Day 10 – Bayeux to Amboise

Today’s journey to Amboise in the Loire Valley takes you via Le Mans where motor racing fans will want to stop and visit the famous racing track. 

With two full days in the Loire Valley you have time to visit some of the most beautiful Chateaux in the Loire Valley . Chaumont, Chenonceau, Chambered and Cheverny are all popular choices, as is the royal castle of Villandry, with its impressive gardens.

Day 13 – Amboise to Bordeaux

In just under four hours today, you’ll reach the classy city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is situated on the River Garonne. 

Enjoy a walking tour of city to admire its stunning architecture and marvel at the impressive water mirror, before taking a stroll through the Saint Pierre district, the historic heart of Bordeaux. 

The next day, visit one of the Bordeaux region’s famous wineries. Sauternes and Saint-Emilion are just two of the names you’ll hear around here.

Day 16 – Bordeaux to Carcassonne

From Bordeaux, head south east to the Langeudoc-Roussillon department and the city of Carcassonne.  High on your sightseeing list should be a visit to the Cite de Carcassonne, one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. 

Other sites well worth visiting in the area include the medieval village of Minerve (make sure you visit the Museum), Albi, and the Canal du Midi.

Day 19 – Carcassonne to Avignon

On your drive today towards Avignon, allow time to stop at the Mediterranean port of Sete and the Roman aqueduct, le Pont du Gard, near Nimes. 

With three full days in Avignon you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s gems which include the Papal Palace, Pont d’Avignon and the old city ramparts, and spend a day or two visiting some of the local Provencal villages . 

My favourites include Menerbes, Roussillon and Lourmarin.  Nimes, Arles and Orange are all close enough for a day trip, too.

Day 23 – Avignon to Nice

An easy drive along the motorway this morning will have you in Nice in time for lunch.  First up should be a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais before you explore the old town and visit the flower market in Cours Saleya.

Easy day trips from Nice include Monaco, and the perched hilltop villages of Eze and St Paul-de-Vence.

Garden lovers should make time to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at St. Jean Cap Ferrat and end the day with a stroll around the pretty waterfront at Villefranche-sur-Mer just across the bay.

Day 26 – Nice to Paris

Your road trip around France is now complete (unless you fancy a 900 kilometre drive back to Paris!) so, after returning your hire car, the quickest and most relaxing way to return to Paris is to fly or catch the TGV fast train.        Must-visit sites in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, St-Chappelle, Sacre-Coeur, Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens, to name just a few.  There are also some fantastic opportunities for day tours from Paris.

Day 30 – Depart Paris

Today it’s time to head for home or to continue your European travels.

Things to Know

• Driving times mentioned above are via the most direct route without stops which often means you’ll be travelling on toll roads.  Tolls and fuel prices can vary significantly across France.
• France requires that all vehicles carry a number of safety items including reflective safety vests so you should check with your car hire provider to ensure the equipment will be supplied with your vehicle.  The Automobile Association of the UK has prepared this list of all items you are required to carry when driving in France .

This post is part of the All about France monthly link up.  Read more great articles about France here .

Top image: © Alexi Tauzin / Dollar Photo Club Save

Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

You Might Also Like...

3 Days in Paris : What to See and Do

48 hours in Annecy, France

Things to know before you visit the Eiffel Tower

The advantages of joining a small group tour in Europe

What to budget for a 4 week holiday in Europe (by car or train)

A Stunning France Road Trip – The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary

There are many reasons why going on a France road trip should be very high on your European bucket list. The south of France is home to some of the prettiest towns and most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen, not to mention all of the incredible food and wine this region has to offer!

The best way to see southern France is by renting a car so that you can easily travel around at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you please. I’ve designed this epic 10 day France road trip itinerary to pass through the very best sights and stop in the most beautiful small towns and villages along the way.

So buckle up and get ready to taste all the delicious French cheeses, olives and wines, inhale the scent of fresh lavender, wander through the most charming medieval villages and drive through the most incredible landscapes you’ve ever seen. I promise this France road trip will not disappoint!

Table of Contents

France Road Trip Overview

• Nice – 1 night
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – 1 night
• Valensole Lavender fields
• Gordes – 2 nights
• Château de Tarascon

Pont du Gard

• Nîmes – 2 nights
• Carcassonne – 2 nights
• Cahors (option to spend 1 night)
• Rocamadour – 2 nights

The spectacular Gorges du Verdon, seen from the Pont du Galetas viewpoint

Recommended stops

Day One  – Depart Nice early + drive 3 hrs to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie taking the scenic mountain road that runs through the Gorges du Verdon. See the sights of Moustiers in the afternoon and evening.

Night One  – Spend one night in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Day Two  – Wake up early and begin the 2 hour drive toward Gordes with a stop at the Valensole lavender fields for some photos. Stop once more in the village of Roussillon + take a walk around the Ochre Trail before continuing the drive to Gordes.

Nights Two & Three  – Spend two nights in the village of Gordes.

Day Three  – Spend a full day seeing the highlights of Gordes and surrounding countryside.

Day Four  – Depart Gordes in the morning + drive 50 min to Château de Tarascon. Spend 1 hour at the castle then drive 25 mins to the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. Spend a few hours at the aqueduct and museum before driving a further 30 mins to Nîmes.

A perfect Carcassonne sunset

Night Four & Five  – Spend two nights in Nîmes.

Day Five  – Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Nîmes, visiting the amazing Roman monuments.

Day Six  –Depart Nîmes and drive 2.5 hours to Carcassonne. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Carcassonne.

Nights Six & Seven  – Spend two nights in Carcassonne.

Day Seven  – Visit all of Carcassonne’s highlights.

Day Eight – Drive 2.5 hours to the town of Cahors (option to spend 1 night here to break up the drive), spend a few hours exploring the town before driving 1 hour to the village of Rocamadour.

Nights Eight & Nine – Spend two nights in Rocamadour.

Day Nine – See the highlights of Rocamadour on the final day of the road trip.

Total Driving Time

13-14 hours, give or take depending on traffic

Longest Stretch of Driving

3.5 hours – Day 8, Carcassonne to Rocamadour with a stop in Cahors to break it up

Total Kilometres / Miles Covered

970 kilometres / 600 miles

France Road Trip Highlights

• The drive through the majestic Gorges du Verdon will take your breath away
• Picturesque villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Gordes and Roussillon are so beautiful they will leave a lasting memory
• The extremely well preserved medieval towns of Carcassonne and Rocamadour are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites to tick off
• Taste the delicious Malbec wine in the pretty town of Cahors
• Breathtakingly beautiful scenery will be seen along your drives including lavender & sunflower fields, vineyards, turquoise lakes, pretty castles and so much more!
• Discover the fascinating Roman history and well preserved 2000+ year old monuments in the lovely town of Nîmes

The magical village of Gordes

How Long Will I Need?

We completed this France road trip in 10 days, this is the minimum time you should allow to follow it however it would be very easy to extend this itinerary to 2 weeks if you prefer a slower pace. There are many other towns, cities and attractions to visit along the way that you could easily stretch it out if you are flexible.

We flew to Nice from England, but if you are arriving after a long haul flight you should allow for a few days to recover at the beginning of your trip. Spending a few extra nights in Nice would be a good idea.

Pretty scenes around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Best Time to Visit the South of France

We did this road trip in late September/early October and the weather was mostly sunny and around 10-22°C. We had a few days of rain and the temperatures got cooler as we travelled north. For the most part, we found this to be a great time to travel as there were minimal crowds.

The summer months of June/July/August are definitely the most popular time to road trip the south of France but bear in mind that there will be a significant amount of people in each town and at every attraction. If you’re hoping to see the lavender fields, the best time is mid June – mid July.

Another great option would be to visit during the spring months of April, May or early June as the temperatures begin to rise and just before the summer crowds arrive. The south of France typically sees a lot of sun year round so if you’re not a fan of crowds, plan your trip for spring or autumn.

The breathtaking cliffside village of Rocamadour

The Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Don’t risk it. Road tripping without travel insurance is never a good idea! The reality of travelling overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.

For peace of mind while abroad,  Heymondo is one of the most reputable travel insurance companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered!

As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off  your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!

►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄

The Ultimate France Road Trip Itinerary – Beautiful Lavender Fields, Magical Cliffside Villages & Spectacular Landscapes

Chateau de Tarascon

Where to Rent a Car in Nice

Nice is a beautiful city but we were keen to get on the road so we decided to spend one night in Nice after flying in and then set off early the next morning. We recommend booking your car rental through this search tool as it’s hassle free and always has plenty of providers to choose from with reasonable prices.

One can never buy too many lavender sachets!

Driving from Nice to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via the Gorges du Verdon

If you type “Nice to Moustiers” into Google maps, it will come up with the most direct route which takes just over 2 hours and passes through Cannes. The route we decided to take is a longer and slower drive (3 hours), but the extra time is 100% worth it!

We chose to take a route that passes through pretty villages, scenic mountain roads and best of all it runs straight through the spectacular Gorges du Verdon , also known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. The views along this route are absolutely breathtaking and possibly the best of the entire France road trip!

As you make your way toward the Gorges du Verdon, you’ll pass lovely little villages like Gréolières

Below are the exact driving directions for the route we followed including all stops along the way. You’ll notice that the roads are very twisty and mountainous. If you’re a bit apprehensive about driving along the edge of a gorge with a sheer drop on one side, you may want to try a different route.

We made our first stop in the mountain village of Gréolières to stretch our legs. You can easily pull over and take a walk up to the old church above the town for some nice views or grab a coffee in the town and continue driving. The next stop was in the small town of Comps-sur-Artuby where we had some lunch in a little cafe before starting the drive through the Gorges du Verdon.

The windy road that will take you through the gorge is called the D71 and it begins in Comps-sur-Artuby. As you make your way through the gorge there will undoubtedly be many spots you’d like to pull over for photos but as the roads are very narrow, there is a lack of space to stop most of the time.

The Balcon de la Mescla viewpoint – photos don’t do it justice!

Best Gorges du Verdon Viewpoints

Since you can’t pull over for every single view, I’ve saved you the hassle and listed the most epic Gorges du Verdon viewpoints in order so that you don’t miss the very best. You’ll also notice them marked on the map above.

• Balcon de la Mescla – An incredible viewing platform just as you enter the dramatic landscape of the gorge, there are no words to describe the view you will find there! There is plenty of room to leave your car at the entrance of this viewpoint.
• Verdon Gorge Viewpoint – On the edge of the windy road you’ll find this spectacular panoramic viewpoint at one of the highest points of the drive. There’s only a small area to pull over here so if it’s already full of other cars, you may be out of luck.

The jaw dropping Verdon Gorge viewpoint

• View of Aiguines Castle – As you descend from the gorge toward the town of Aiguines, you’ll turn a corner and immediately notice the most beautiful scene of Aiguines Castle and vineyard with the shimmering Lac de Sainte Croix as the backdrop. This is one of my favorite photos of the road trip! There’s a little pullout area just passed the view on your left where you can leave the car and walk back up the side of the road to take some photos.
• Pont du Galetas – Another absolute must-see view just before you enter the town of Moustiers. Once you cross the Pont du Galetas bridge there’s a car park to pull into on your left. This bridge is where you’ll find the most iconic and jaw dropping beautiful view of the Gorges du Verdon and the turquoise coloured lake!

Aiguines Castle view

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

After you finish driving through the Gorges du Verdon, you’ll likely arrive in Moustiers by the afternoon. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town and see the highlights listed below.

Truly one of the prettiest towns in France , Moustiers is nestled in between two limestone cliffs overlooking the valley and lake below. Rich in history and full of small town Provence charm, the beauty of Moustiers doesn’t fail to impress!

The town’s history goes back to the 5th century when monks settled in the village and built a monastery. Over the centuries, Moustiers became known for producing beautiful hand-made ceramics. Pop into the Ceramic Museum in the town center to see over 5 centuries worth of Moustier’s gorgeous ceramics.

Highlights of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Explore the village – Moustiers itself is actually a very small town and can easily be seen in a few hours. Take some time to explore the charming streets and squares of the town center, finding postcard perfect scenes around each corner. Browse the little shops and pick out a souvenir or two to take home. Lavender sachets and hand-made ceramics are the perfect way to remember Moustiers!

Weekly market – If you happen to be visiting the town on a Friday, make sure to check out the market which takes place in the main square. Fresh loaves of bread, juicy olives, goats cheese, jars of tapenade, and olive oils are just a few of the delicious things you can expect to find there. The weekly market is another great place to pick up the perfect souvenir or gift to take home.

Ceramic museum – Admire over 300 beautiful hand-made ceramics that were once known as the very best in the region. The museum is home to over 5 centuries of locally produced antique ceramics. Tickets cost €3 per person.

A beautiful view from the trail to the chapel

Steep drops along the hike

Notre Dame de Beauvoir – Hike up to the 12th century chapel that’s built into the cliffs above the town. The hike to the church is very steep but it’s only 20 minutes and absolutely rewarding. The chapel itself doesn’t have much to offer but it’s the sweeping panoramic views of the valley, lake and rooftops of the town below that make it all worthwhile.

As you hike you’ll notice the iconic gold star that has hung between the two cliffs since the 13th century. There are many legends that explain the reason it came to be there but the true story behind the hanging star remains a mystery.

Lac de Sainte Croix – If you have any time left over while you’re in Moustiers, the pretty turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte Croix is a great place for a swim or to hire a kayak/small boat and explore the gorge.

Strolling the quaint streets of Moustiers

Where to Stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

The town center of Moustier doesn’t have many options for parking but having a car makes it easy to stay at one of the many B&Bs in the countryside surrounding the town.

La Ferme du petit Ségriès B&B –  We chose to stay at this charming old farm house 5km from Moustiers. We really enjoyed the peaceful rustic vibes and beautiful views that can be seen from the property. There are also some lavender fields nearby to add to the atmosphere. We had a comfortable stay there and loved the delicious fresh breakfast they serve daily.

►Browse more accommodation options around Moustiers◄

Lovely buildings of Moustiers

Valensole Lavender Fields

During the summer months Provence comes to life with dazzling fields of lavender and sunflowers. People travel from all over the world just to stroll through the endless rows of purple flowers and witness the magic of this special time of year in the south of France.

One of the best spots to see the lavender fields in Provence is the Valensole Plateau. This area has a concentration of fields so you have the option to visit many of them if you wish to. The Valensole Plateau is located only 30 minutes from Moustiers and is conveniently en route to the next stop.

It’s not hard to find them as they are located all along the main road as you drive from  Moustiers to Rousillon, you’ll see them from the car. Zoom into the map below for a few suggested lavender field stops on your drive. Looking for a sunflower and lavender field together? Click here  for exact location.

This brightly colored village is surrounded by lush countryside and located in one of the largest ochre deposits in the world. It’s no surprise that Roussillon has officially been recognized as one of France’s most beautiful villages, it really is an impressive sight!

For centuries, ochre has been used in the area for things like art, textiles, and adding colour to houses (as you can tell by the orange/red colour of the buildings in the town). In the 18th century, ochre mining around Roussillon was in full swing when there was high demand for the red pigment. Ochre factories were once located around the village, some of which can still be seen today.

The picturesque village of Roussillon

Highlights of Roussillon

Town center – Take some time to stroll through the town’s narrow streets finding plenty of great photo opportunities of the pretty buildings as you go. Stop for lunch in a cafe or pick up an ice cream cone from one of the many ice cream shops.

Ochre Trail – You can’t visit Roussillon without talking a walk through the spectacular Ochre Trail . It’s an easy walking trail that will take you through an ochre quarry. The start of the trail begins near the village and you’ll have the option of taking the shorter path (30 min walk) or the longer route (50 min walk). For only €2.50 per person, this walk is definitely a highlight you shouldn’t miss.

Spend as long as you like visiting Roussillon because the next stop on this epic France road trip is only 15 minutes away. You’ll be spending two nights in Gordes so day two is all about exploring the lavender fields and seeing the sights of Roussillon.

When I think of the prettiest fairy tale village I’ve ever seen, Gordes is the first one that comes to mind. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by the beautiful Luberon Valley, Gordes is one of the most popular and touristy villages in the south of France and it’s not hard to see why.

As you wander through the village, enjoy getting lost in the maze of steep, narrow alleys that extend from the town square, you’ll be sure to stumble on the prettiest corners and best viewpoints. Spectacular views can be seen over the surrounding countryside from various lookouts around the town.

The stunning hilltop village of Gordes

A perfect view lies around every corner in Gordes

Highlights of Gordes

Gordes Castle – It’s hard to miss the 11th century medieval castle that dominates the skyline of Gordes. It sits at the highest point of the town and can be seen from pretty much everywhere.

If you decide to go inside you can’t expect to see much in the way of historical artifacts or background information about the castle. Instead you’ll find an art exhibition on display.

We decided to give the castle a miss because most reviews were negative with people writing that they were disappointed by their visit. Unless you’re interested in art, this castle is best admired from the outside. Also, it’s really beautiful when lit up at night!

Gordes market

Drooling over fresh olives at Gordes market😍

Gordes market – If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Gordes on a Tuesday, make sure to check out the town market. We were excited to arrive in Gordes just in time for the weekly market and it did not disappoint. Colourful market stalls light up the town’s beige alleys selling everything from clothing, jewellry and lavender to olives, cheeses and tapenade!

Best Gordes viewpoint – To snap the perfect photo of Gordes, head over to the Gordes town viewpoint either in the morning or at sunset to catch this magical town lit up in the best lighting of the day.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque – Only a 10 minute drive out of Gordes, this gorgeous old abbey dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by monks. An added bonus to your visit is the stunning rows of lavender growing in the field next to the abbey during the summer months. Fascinating history and beautiful scenery, this is an absolute must-see!

Click here for the abbey’s current opening hours.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Where to Stay in Gordes

Since you will be spending two nights in Gordes, it’s worth finding a nice place with a pool and some views. There are plenty of beautiful places to stay around Gordes but you need to be quick to book ahead, especially in high season! If you leave it to the last minute, you’ll be stuck with few options as Gordes gets very touristy.

La Borie en Provence

La Borie en Provence – We loved our stay in this B&B just outside of the town center. If you’re craving some down time, their pool with epic valley views is the perfect place to relax and soak up that golden Provence sunshine. They also serve one of the best breakfasts we had on our entire road trip through France.

A huge selection of cheese, fresh bread, fresh fruit and spreads were laid out for us each morning, the coffee was amazing too. I can’t recommend this place enough. During high season, the rooms book out pretty far in advance so it’s best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

►Browse more accommodation options in Gordes◄

The perfect French breakfast at La Borie en Provence

Chateâu de Tarascon

Located on the banks of the Rhône River, just 20 minutes south of Avignon is the medieval commune of Tarascon. The town is known for its impressive 15th century castle that sits right on the river’s edge. Chateâu de Tarascon is conveniently along the route to the next stop of the road trip making it the perfect place to break up the drive.

We didn’t actually plan to visit this castle but as we were driving from Gordes to Pont du Gard , we passed by Chateâu de Tarascon and just had to stop to check it out. The castle is massive and extremely well preserved considering its age. It was strategically built on the river that marks the western border of Provence providing defense and protection.

Highlights of Chateâu de Tarascon

When you first enter you’ll cross a bridge over the castle’s moat, which no longer has water. You’ll be given a map with some background history so you can explore at your own pace. The entire castle can be seen in about 1 hour.

Inside the castle there are many rooms, courtyards, and spiral staircases to see. Even though the rooms are not decorated with furniture, it doesn’t fail to impress. In the 18th century Chateâu de Tarascon was actually used as a prison and you’ll be able to see the prisoner’s graffiti on the walls in some of the rooms.

Once you climb to the top of the castle you’ll find a huge terrace with sweeping panoramic views over the river and surrounding countryside. The view alone is worth the ticket price! Directly across the river you can see another fortress, Château de Beaucaire.

What I loved about Chateâu de Tarascon was the lack of people. It was really quiet when we visited and it was nice to be able to explore the entire castle without navigating through crowds of people. We actually had the entire rooftop terrace to ourselves!

Opening Times: 9:30am-12:30, 2pm-5pm, closed on Mondays in the off-season

Click here for more info on opening times and prices

Tickets: €7.50

View from the rooftop terrace of Chateâu de Tarascon

As the France road trip continues, you will officially leave Provence behind as you make your way into the Languedoc region to see the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. Crossing over the Gardon River, this masterpiece of Roman engineering was built in the year 50 AD. It’s the highest and best preserved Roman aqueduct to survive in the world!

Pont du Gard was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It was built to supply water to the Roman city of Nîmes and it spans about 50 km long! Estimations say that it took around 1000 men working over a 5 year period to complete the aqueduct.

Highlights of Pont du Gard

The best part about visiting Pont du Gard is being able to walk across the entire aqueduct. Once you reach the other side, you can visit the Pont du Gard museum which is dedicated to the aqueduct and surrounding area. This museum provides a fascinating insight into Roman life, it really does not disappoint!

Step back over 2,000 years when you visit the elaborate and very well put together museum that covers the bridge’s construction and history. Enjoy seeing life sized reconstructions, virtual tours, and informative clips taking you into the world of ancient Rome.

Before jumping back in the car, make sure to take a walk along the river to get some different perspectives of the aqueduct. Take a seat and soak in the wonder of this awe-inspiring monument that has managed to survive undamaged through the centuries.

Walking across the magnificent Pont du Gard

If you’re hungry for lunch or a snack, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to pick from at the aqueduct.

Opening Times – 9am – 9pm daily

Hours of operation change throughout the year, check the official website for the most current times.

Skip-the-Line-Tickets – €9.50

Entrance to the museum is included in the price. Tickets can be purchased online before visiting, click here for more info . As with most other attractions, the queues here will get unbearably long during high season so it’s much easier to purchase beforehand.

Carrying on with the theme of Roman history, next up on this southern France itinerary is the beautiful city of Nîmes, also known as Nemausus in Roman Times. During the height of the Roman Empire, Nîmes was one of the wealthiest cities in Gaul and emperor Augustus was pretty keen to make that obvious.

Going back to 1st century AD, the city was thriving and money was being thrown into its growth/lavish architecture. This is when all of the spectacular Roman monuments that can still be visited today were constructed.

If you’re a fan of Roman history, the city of Nîmes is on par with Rome in my books. There are very few places left in the world besides Rome with a such an amazing concentration of extremely well preserved Roman monuments like you will find in Nîmes.

Nîmes is a beautiful city and of course there is more to see here than just Roman architecture but since you only have one full day to spend, adding any other attractions would make it feel rushed and not enjoyable. We only visited the highlights listed below and after walking around the city and sightseeing all day in the sun, we were definitely exhausted!

The incredible Nîmes Arena

Highlights of Nîmes

Arena of Nîmes – In the heart of the city, the magnificent Nîmes Arena has stood proud for the passed 2,000 years. It was built only a few years after the Colosseum in Rome and is considered one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.

It may be significantly smaller than the Colosseum but it was built to hold around 24,000 people! The arena is still in use today for events, concerts and bull fighting several times per year. Visitors can enter the arena and audio guides are available for self guided tours.

Maison Carrée – This beautiful Roman temple is the only one of its kind left in such an impressive condition with all of its columns still surviving intact. Built under the rule of Augustus, it was once at the center of the forum or public gathering area of Nîmes.

Maison Carrée is only a 5 minute walk from Nîmes Arena. After admiring it from the outside, you can enter the temple to watch a short film about the history of Nemausus.

Jardin de la Fontaine – A stunning 18th century park featuring fountains, ponds, sculptures. The park is huge and very impressive with many details to admire. It was actually built over a sacred Roman spring which is still flowing today. It’s a great place to take a seat and relax.

You’ll pass through this lovely park on your way up to the Tour Magne from the Maison Carrée, see here for walking directions. You’ll also pass the Temple of Diane along the way, a Roman temple that was left in ruins.

Maison Carrée

La Tour Magne  – At the highest point of Nîmes, La Tour Magne overlooks the city from a hilltop and offers spectacular city views from the top. It’s one of the last surviving towers from the Roman wall that once encircled Nîmes.

To get to the tower, it’s an 11 minute steep walk up the hill from the Jardin. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to climb the spiral staircase inside to reach the panoramic viewing platform at the top. Don’t worry, the view makes all the walking worth it!

Tickets for Roman attractions  – I would recommend buying the €13 pass that gives you access to the 3 most popular Roman monuments: Nîmes Arena + Maison Carrée + La Tour Magne. I suggest that you start your day at the Arena and purchase the combination ticket there.

Click here for more info on ticket prices.

Strolling toward La Tour Magne

Walking tour of Nîmes – Explore the highlights of Nîmes on a 2.5 hour historic walking tour led by an expert local guide. Entrance to the Arena is included in your ticket. Check tour times and availability here.

Where to Stay in Nîmes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking around Nîmes so it’s best to stay somewhere central where you can easily access all of the sights by foot. Keep in mind that you’ll want to find a place that offers parking, most places in Nîmes charge extra for parking.

Appart’City Confort Nimes Arenes – This conveniently located B&B couldn’t be in a better spot. It’s right in the middle of the historic center of Nîmes and only 1 minute walk from the Arena! Some of the rooms even have a view of the Arena.

The rooms are spacious, comfortable and offer free Wi-Fi. A breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, cheese and bread is served daily and underground parking is available for an extra cost.

►Browse more accommodation options in Nîmes◄

Jardin de la Fontaine

Carcassonne

Day six of this epic south of France road trip itinerary will start off with a 2.5 hr drive to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne . The old town of Carcassonne is incredibly well preserved, its entire wall and castle are in excellent condition. The town really looks like something from a fairy tale with blue and red spiky turrets, towers and a perfect castle.

The town dates back to the 12th century but it had been destroyed during attacks in the middle ages and left to ruins. In the 19th century, the town’s walls and castle were fully renovated by a famous French architect named Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. He was responsible for major restoration projects of other French castles and cathedrals including the Notre Dame in Paris.

Carcassonne is a true masterpiece, it’s one of the largest fully preserved medieval cities in Europe and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Since then it’s become very popular with tourism attracting over 3 million people from all over the world each year. If you visit during high season you should be prepared for some very big crowds filling the narrow streets.

Highlights of Carcassonne

Old town – As you enter the town by crossing over the draw bridge and stepping through the stone archway, it really feels as though you’ve been transported to another time. The narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful medieval buildings just add to the town’s charm.

I recommend taking a walk around the town during sunset and also when it gets dark. The towers and walls look absolutely magical when lit up at night. I don’t think we put our camera down the entire time we were there but some of our favourite photos of Carcassonne were shot at sunset/night-time.

The charming streets of Carcassonne

Château Comtal – Once home to a wealthy French family of the 12th century, this impressive medieval castle is one of Carcassonne’s most popular attractions. Inside the castle, you’ll pass through courtyards, a series of rooms featuring historical facts and then access the ramparts. For an extra €3 you can get an audio guide.

Walking the ramparts – Entry to the castle also covers your walk around the town’s walls which is definitely the highlight for most people’s visit to Carcassonne. Walking around the ramparts will give you all kinds of epic views. You’ll get many different perspectives of the castle, town and beautiful countryside that surrounds it.

Château Comtal

Skip-the-line ticket – €9.50

During high season the queue to enter the castle can be extremely long, there was even a queue when we were there in October. I would highly recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket online to save yourself some time when you get there.

Click here to buy your ticket for the castle and ramparts.

Le Pont Vieux – Take a walk down to the 14th century pedestrian bridge. From there you’ll get an amazing view of the town, this is also a nice spot to visit at night.

For the best view of Carcassonne, you should also walk over to the new bridge . This angle will give you the perfect shot of the entire walled city and old bridge in the foreground.

View of Carcassonne and Pont Vieux from the new bridge

Where to Stay in Carcassonne

Staying near the old town is definitely the most desirable location in Carcassonne. For this reason, rooms tends to book out months in advance. When we were booking our accommodation, there really weren’t many options left so we ended up staying at the Budget Ibis.

To be honest I had no complaints about our stay, breakfast was good, the room was basic but clean and there is free parking. The only thing it’s lacking is some character and it’s 1 km from the old town which isn’t ideal. That’s why I will recommend somewhere that we wished we could have stayed instead…

La Rapière – Only steps from the medieval town center, this lovely looking place has extremely high ratings on Booking.com. That’s no surprise since city wall views can be seen from the pool, dining terrace and even some of the rooms.

Free parking and breakfast is included in your stay. Based on its popularity, you’d need to book a room asap if you really want to stay there! If it doesn’t work out, there’s always the Budget Ibis …

►Browse more accommodation options in Carcassonne◄

Spectacular views along the ramparts of Carcassonne

Cahors is a beautiful town in the Midi-Pyrénées region surrounded by vineyards dating all the way back to the Roman times. It’s located along the route as you drive from Carcassonne to Rocamadour making it the perfect place to take a break, stretch your legs and try some delicious wine! (not too much if you’re driving though…)

There are vineyards literally surrounding Cahors and many of them offer tastings. They also sell their wines at a much cheaper price than buying a bottle at a restaurant or shop. If you’re really into wine tasting and enjoy visiting vineyards, then perhaps spending an extra night in Cahors would be a great idea.

Medieval bridge of Cahors, Pont Valentré

Highlights of Cahors

Pont Valentré – The most iconic landmark of Cahors is the 14th century bridge, often referred to as the most beautiful medieval bridge in France. The bridge was fortified and strategically placed on the Lot River defending the town of Cahors from attacks.

Cahors is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Lot River so it only makes sense that the river would need to be protected. Taking a walk across Pont Valentré is a must when visiting Cahors, it’s also very photogenic (even on an overcast day) as you can see below!

Saint-Étienne Cathedral – The second most popular thing to see in Cahors is the massive 11th century cathedral in the heart of the town’s historic center. The architecture is very impressive and it’s worth taking a look inside to see the stained glass windows, inner courtyard gardens, and lots of intricate detailing.

Pont Valentré

Try the famous Cahors Malbec – The region that surrounds Cahors has been long known for its production of Malbec wine. For the wine connoisseurs out there, you might be thinking “hang on, didn’t Malbec originate in Argentina?” Nope! It was actually Cahors where Malbec grapes were first cultivated in the middle ages.

Malbec happens to be our favourite type of wine so you can imagine just how excited we were to visit Cahors and try it directly from the source. I can tell you, it really did not disappoint. Cahors is also known for its black wine which gets the name because of how dark and rich it is.

Cahors market – A colourful market is open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings year round near the cathedral in the historic town center. You’ll find fresh produce, cheese, olives and all the typical things you can except to see at a French market. It’s worth checking out if you happen to be passing through town on either of those days.

Trying the most delicious Cahors Malbec!😍

Where to stay in Cahors

Hôtel Le Coin des Halles – If you opt to spend the night in Cahors, staying near the historic center is the best spot to base yourself. This little hotel is in prime location directly next to the Cahors market in the old town. Perfect for being able to see the sights of Cahors by foot. Parking is also available here but it comes at an extra cost.

Brit Hotel Cahors – Le France – Another good option with high ratings and only a 10 minute walk from the old town and a 5 minute walk from Pont Valentré. A buffet breakfast is served here each morning and parking is also available for €5 per day.

►Browse more accommodation options in Cahors◄

The final stop on this 10-day France road trip itinerary is the jaw droppingly beautiful cliffside village of Rocamadour in the Dordogne Valley. Driving from Cahors to Rocamadour only takes 1 hour and as you approach the village the roads become very twisty.

The village of Rocamadour is famous for its religious buildings that cling dramatically to the face of a cliff. It’s surrounded by a lush green valley which gives it an extremely unique and impressive appearance.

For many centuries Rocamadour has been a popular pilgrimage destination. Inside the religious buildings is a sacred shrine that is said to provide healing powers. In the middle ages, pilgrims from all over Europe made the trek to Rocamadour so that they could experience the healing benefits of the shrine.

Rocamadour – the prettiest village of them all!

Highlights of Rocamadour

Village center – It’s not very big and there is only one street but it’s so pretty and full of history. As you enter the 13th century gate and stroll along the main strip you’ll see ivy covered buildings, walk through medieval stone archways and if you continue all the way to the end, the cutest bakery I have ever laid eyes on.

Grand Escalier – Starting in the village center, this epic set of stairs is what once led pilgrims upward through the series of sacred buildings, some of them even climbed all 216 steps on their knees! The religious buildings and shrine are open to visitors so you’ll be able to go inside the churches and visit the famous shrine of Rocamadour.

*Tip* Remember to wear good shoes when climbing the Grand Escalier as the stairs can be quite steep in places.

Making my way up the Grand Escalier

Lovely views can be seen on the way up

Palace – If you continue walking up the stairs passed all of the sacred buildings, you’ll come to the 14th century palace at the top of the cliff. For €2 per person you can visit the palace grounds to see the breathtaking view of the amazing landscape and town below. You can’t enter the inside of the palace but the view makes it worthwhile.

Rocamadour viewpoint – For the absolute best view of Rocamadour, you should head to the l’Hospitalet viewpoint . This is the awe-inspiring view that everyone needs to see when visiting. As you look out to the village from across the valley, it really makes you wonder how it was even built hundreds of years ago! It’s such a spectacular sight.

Villages around Rocamadour – If you have the time and would like to see some more sights around the area, the Dordogne Valley is full of lovely little medieval villages dotting the countryside around Rocamadour.

These are some of the best:

• Collonges-la-Rouge
• Sarlat-la-Canéda

The prettiest bakery I’ve ever seen

Where to Stay in Rocamadour

The village itself is very small and doesn’t have many accommodation options to offer, not to mention parking anywhere nearby isn’t possible. It’s better to stay just across the valley from Rocamadour in the l’Hospitalet area. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels around there and it’s easy to reach the village by foot in just 10 minutes.

Logis Hôtel Le Belvédère – To mark the end of your road trip through the south of France why not treat yourself and stay somewhere really nice? This hotel is located in what could possibly be the best spot in all of Rocamadour. It’s right next to the viewpoint!

Watch the sun go down over the village from your room, relax by the pool or grab a glass of wine on the terrace overlooking the village, all for a surprisingly reasonable price. Free parking and a delicious breakfast is served daily.

Archway entrance to Rocamadour

Like I’ve said before a few times in this post, you really need to book far in advance to get the place you want in Rocamadour. During high season, the streets are overflowing with tourists and accommodation books out many months in advance. There are only 26 hotels in Rocamadour listed on Booking.com so you should get your room locked in asap!

►Browse more accommodation options in Rocamadour◄

After spending two nights in Rocamadour, on day ten of the France road trip you will make your way to the city of Toulouse to drop the rental car off at the airport and catch your flight home. The drive from Rocamadour to Toulouse is just under 2 hours making it the closest and most convenient city to fly out of.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this road trip itinerary and find it useful when planning your own France road trip. In my opinion the south of France was made for road trips, the landscapes and sights in between the towns are just too beautiful to miss out on if you were to take a train or bus instead.

If you think I’ve missed something important on this south of France itinerary or if you’ve tried this route and really enjoyed it, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below 🙂 Happy travels!

Enjoy this France Road Trip Itinerary? Pin it for later!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. We only recommend products/services we have tried/love! 

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I’m Ann, a free-spirited Canadian adventurer who quit my 9-5 to hike mountains, chase waterfalls and live life to the fullest!

A lover of road trips, good wine and off the beaten path destinations – you will find these topics covered in depth on my blog.

Travel has changed my life for the better and I want to show you how it can do the same for you!

Welcome to my journey 🙂

Join my community! Subscribe to my mailing list for insider travel tips & inspiration, blog updates + more!

You May Also Like

The Best 2 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary – Discover Dubrovnik in 2 Days

23 Best Places to Visit in Albania: Exploring Hidden Gems of the Balkans

The Best Hotels in Ksamil for Every Budget – Where to Stay in Ksamil

36 comments.

“There are many reasons why going on a France road trip should be very high on your European bucket list.” Indeed! This article and the accompanying photographs have ensured that this road trip has a place on my bucket list! I can’t wait to do this someday!!

This is such an interesting route to take through France. The places to visit really help you to experience the uniqueness of France.

Yeah it’s a unique route for sure but some absolute gems along the way!

These all look so beautiful and what a perfect itinerary. I love to rent a car and start exploring a region on my own. I always find such hidden gems. You’ve definitely inspired my wanderlust with your photos as well and such great tips!

Road trips are definitely the best way to explore a country and find all the hidden gems!

Wow that’s an awesome post and very informative too..I love road trips and this one seems to be so picture perfect ..hope to visit France soon

Road trips are the best! Best way to travel around France!

Wow, what a beautiful road trip through Southern France. I’ve been to the Gorges du Verdon and Rocamadour, but the rest is all on my list for future travel.

There are soo many gems to discover in the south of France! There is no better way to see them all than by road trip!

The South of France is really beautiful, as a Frenchie I can only agree! There are some places of your list that I haven’t seen yet, so I am sure your info will be useful!

You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country!

Alright, I’m sold! This road trip through France looks incredible. There are so many gorgeous towns. I’ve wanted to visit the lavender fields for ages, but hadn’t really considered how much else there is to do. I will absolutely be saving this post for when I can make it over to France. Thank you for such a useful guide.

Thank you Sophie! Yes the lavender fields are amazing but there is truly so much more to see in this region of France!

Wow, I never realised how much beauty there is in France! I’ve always wanted to see the lavender, but now I definitely would extend that trip.

Yes! There is soo much to see near the lavender fields, you could easily extend that trip 🙂

This is such a great road trip itinerary! I love Provence so much, and I am glad to see I still have quite a bit to visit. 😀 Thanks for this great article!

So glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

Your road trip through France looked incredible! I’ve visited many cities and places in France but there are still so many places that I’d love to visit! This is such a comprehensive itinerary and I will be saving it for the future!

Thank you so much, you definitely won’t be disappointed with this France road trip!

What an amazing France road trip. This is what I want to do! Pinning for later

Thank you for your feedback 🙂

Oh, your detailed post and gorgeous photos make my heart ache for France. There is nothing like those amazing medieval villages in the US and I can’t wait to get back to wander those cobblestone streets. Thanks for sharing so much helpful info. I think I’d want to take a month for that road trip.

Glad you found this post useful! Yeah, the thing with southern France is that there is SO much more to see than I’ve included in this trip. You could easily turn this road trip into a month and still not see it all!

I LOVE the South of France! I visited in November so it was quite a bit cooler and of course no lavender fields 🙁 I missed some of these stops though so definitely have to make the trip back there anyway!

Absolutely worth a trip back! 🙂

This road trip looks amazing! I would love to follow the same itinerary.

Glad you liked it! You wouldn’t regret it 🙂

This looks like an amazing vacation! I would love to explore southern France and this looks like the perfect road trip itinerary. Definitely saving this for later.

Totally one of the best road trips we’ve done!

South of France looks so beautiful! Can’t wait to see it one day!

Definitely a must!

Wonderful journey of many places I know well. The Pont du Gard and Les Arènes especially. Did you take all of the pictures? They’re really great.

You’re blog reminded me of our road trip in 2019. Really enjoyed you’re itinary. We stayed at La Rapierre at Carcassone and loved the lit up view of the walls at night. Loved the French cities but the lesser known sights are incredible. You’re photos of the Verdon Gorge are spectacular. Swimming and canoing in the gorge was a memory we’ll never forget. We stayed at the village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon which has great views and restaurants. Nimes was great etc. Thanks again for the wonderful memories and hopefully we’ll be back for another road trip. Planning on 6 weeks around France. Please let us know if you have any suggestions. Cheers. John

I followed your itinerary from Nice to Carcassonne pretty closely and it was incredible! I love how it was off the beaten path. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie was my favorite village, the view of the mountains in the middle of the village is unbelievable. I stayed at the hotel you recommended in Gordes, I considered cancelling the rest of the trip to stay there it was a dream! I followed the roadtrip up until Carcassonne due to time limitations, then spent the day/night in Toulouse since my flight departed first thing in the morning. Toulouse was a great addition. Thank you for sharing your detailed itinerary, I couldn’t have planned a better trip without it.

Thank you so much for your kind words! I couldn’t agree more about that hotel in Gorges, I honestly could have spent weeks there it was just so perfect! Gives us a reason to return in the future;) I am soo glad to hear you had an incredible trip to France. Thank you again for making my day with your lovely comment! 🙂

This is a very beautiful road trip. I have never been to this country but this country looks very beautiful in this post. I wouldn’t plan any trips but I love learning about different cities.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

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

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Privacy Policy

© 2024 The Road Is Life. Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, The Road Is Life earns from qualifying purchases.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• United States
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips

RANDO OFF ROAD AU COL DU PARPAILLON

Dimanche 6 Septembre 2020:

Ce week end, pour une fois, c'est moi qui me laisse guider, l'idée de Monsieur Aventure, partir en mode 4X4 à la montagne, sur une piste de 10Km connue de la région, par les passionnés d'off road, que ce soit moto, vélo, 4x4... cette piste c'est celle du col de Parpaillon.

Située dans les Alpes, c'est une piste non entretenue, caillouteuse et sauvage, crée à l’époque par les genies militaires; elle relie Crevoux à la Condamine-Chatelard, le col s’élève entre la vallée de l'Ubaye et celle de la Durance, il culmine à 2783 mètres d'altitude, l'un des plus haut de France et d'Europe, bref.... de quoi en prendre plein les yeux!.

Un aperçu en vidéo:

Pour une meilleur qualité  regardez sur youtube (en cliquant sur le titre) 

Ascension coté Condamine, un univers minéral:

Nous sommes arrivés samedi soir, juste avant la nuit, petit bivouac en bas du col, ici c'est toléré si respect de l'endroit, et autant dire qu'on a pris plaisir de se retrouver à nouveau dans la nature, en amoureux, accompagnés des étoiles et de notre loulou Coffee, qui fait son baptême de la route et son premier vrai bivouac !! simplement le bonheur pour nous...

N ous attaquons le col, dimanche vers 8h, coté Condamine,  nous croisons d’ailleurs un groupe de 4X4 qui ont bivouaquer dans la vallée! super spot!.

La piste est fabuleuse, elle grimpe et serpente dans la montagne, plus on s’élève, plus le panorama est exceptionnel, vue à tomber sur la vallée et les montagnes tout autour qui se parent de couleurs chaude au fur et à mesure que le soleil se lève .

En roulant, on peut observer  et entendre les marmottes, toujours aussi chou ces animaux et leur cris trés particulier!.

Plus haut, alors que nous nous arrêtons pour faire quelques photos et profiter de la vue, des grands oiseaux tournoient et volent au dessus de nos têtes, on est complètement en admiration car surprise ce sont des vautours !.

Le point d'orge, c'est l'arrivée au tunel de Parpaillon, creusé à même la montagne, non eclairé et long de 500 mètres, petite photo souvenir pour tout ceux qui passent par là, on prend la pose nous aussi avec notre Ulysse, c'est la première fois depuis qu'on l'a qu on fait une véritable piste off road, tout d'origine, il n'a rien à envier à ceux que nous croisons, bon peut-être un petit look un peu plus baroudeur (on y travail;).

descente coté Crevoux, une superbe vallée verdoyante:

Une fois que nous avons traversé ce fameux tunnel, le paysage nous laisse sans voix, nous voilà face à un panorama saisissant qui nous donne des frissons, de ce côté là  vallée est plus colorée,  la piste se dessine devant nos yeux admiratifs, traverse des pâturages sauvages, tout en zigzaguant jusqu'à se perdre en contrebas des montagnes.

Avec Mr Aventure, on se dit qu'il faut vraiment revenir au printemps car ce doit être vraiment magnifique, certainement fleuris et tout vert, en cette fin septembre, nous avons le droit à de belles couleurs, presque automnales.

Nous commençons la descente, au travers de ce décor de montagne qui se suffit à lui même, pas besoin de faire le con sur la piste, ou de rouler fort, ici on se laisse doucement glisser, enfin doucement, façon de parler, ca reste une piste, ca secoue quand même, mais beaucoup moins que du coté Condamine!.

BON A SAVOIR:

Nous croisons d'autre 4X4, des motards, mais aussi des courageux qui effectuent le col en vélo, voila pourquoi il faut savoir partager la piste, on roule doucement, on se met de coté si besoin, politesse et respect des autres, car ce col est pas mal fréquenté,  même  hors saison, et si on veut continuer d'en profiter faisons preuve de civisme.

Le gros point positif, aucuns déchets tout le long de la piste, et ca fait plaisir, hé oui on peut balader en version  motorisé sans pour autant être irrespectueux de la nature, stop les aprioris!.

Nous sommes entouré de vaches qui se promènent entre la vallée et le flanc des montagnes, c'est bucolique à souhait, et c'est un pûr plaisir pour les yeux!.

On se sent seuls au monde, en plein milieu de nul part, c'est un sentiment franchement grisant, on s'arête plusieurs fois pour immortaliser et admirer la beauté des lieux.

Plus nous descendons vers Crevoux et la cabanes des Espagnoles, plus le paysages devient vert, c'est indescriptible ce passage du minéral à la verdure, en un col on a le droit à deux ambiances bien différentes, et magnifiques, et je ne sais pas où donner de la tête tellement c'est à tomber. 

Vers le derniers kilomètres, en bas du col, le paysage est tout vert, typiquement le genre de paysage de montagne, qui me rend digue, et je pense qu'il y'a de belles randos à faire ici, à se prévoir pour la prochaine fois!.

Après toutes ces émotions, nous finissons la matinée, avec pic nique et baignade au bord du lac de Serre-Poncon, qui mériterais lui aussi, qu'on s'y attarde, mais il y'a le retour à prendre en compte...

L a montagne c'est vraiment un terrain de jeu et de  découverte aux miles facettes, et la nature y est éblouissante, ce genre de moment  apportent une dose de liberté et d’oxygène qui fait un bien fou, une coupure, dans nos vies parfois agitées, où il est primordiale de ralentir le rythme et se laisser bercer par les éléments.

• Bon à savoir:
• Comment rejoindre le col?:

Hé les aventuriers, vous aimez cet article? n’hésitez pas à commenter et partager:

Écrire commentaire

cri ( lundi, 20 juin 2022 07:31 )

Merci du retour, je pense que le tucson vas nous emener la haut aussi!

roger garcia ( mardi, 01 août 2023 08:41 )

Bonjour et bravo pour tes somptueuses photos. Juste une question concernant le PARPAILLON: combien de temps faut-il compter pour faire la traversée totale depuis LA CONDAMINE jusqu'à CREVOUX, à vitesse modérée of course? Merci beaucoup Roger

MISS AVENTURE ( mardi, 01 août 2023 22:29 )

Bonjour Roger, merci beaucoup pour votre message ça fait plaisir, la traversée est assez rapide mais en prenant le temps, plus les arrêts photos... Je dirais 1h30/ 2h environ.

Seno ( samedi, 09 septembre 2023 17:52 )

Est ce qu'il est possible de monter le parpaillon avec un volkswagen caddy modèle 2012 en passant par la condamine ? Nous l'avons fait par crevoux en partant de neoules Merci à vous

MISS AVENTURE ( dimanche, 10 septembre 2023 15:24 )

Bonjour Sebo, hum honnêtement pas certain, c est faisable mais tu risque de toucher et souvent, c'est très caillouteux avec de sacrées grosses pierres par endroits, perso je m'y risquerait pas sans 4x4;).

Boulle JP ( samedi, 08 juin 2024 22:10 )

Bonjour Avez-vous un point de départ précis à me communiquer ou un tracé gpx de la rando ? Merci Mon mail: [email protected]

• Défiler vers le haut

Get our tips in your inbox!  Sign up

Travel France Blog

All You Need to Visit France

12 Road Trip Ideas in France

For the lovers of tourism on wheels, today we bring you 12 Road Trips Itineraries in France.

The Gallic country is an ideal territory to explore by car since the roads are in excellent condition. Moreover, it is easy to find accommodation in any small village you discover along the way.

In addition, if you travel by motorhome or van, you will find free and paid areas to spend the night and camp.

Tips Before Traveling to France

Before starting any road trip, we recommend you ensure you have everything you need for the road.

Check the weather conditions and have a good plan of where to make your stops so that you do not drive for long hours and that your trip is safe and smooth.

From this blog, we want to give you a few tips that we believe may be useful before starting your trip.

The first piece of advice is to consider paying for the full insurance of the car , all risks, to avoid surprises like a scratch.

Remember that you will be on the road for many days and never know what can happen.

The second tip is to make sure you have access to the Internet.

If you live in the European Union, your carrier should include it in your data plan, but if you don’t live in the EU, I recommend you buy a French prepaid SIM card or look at Holafly’s services .

This way, you will not have internet connection problems if you get lost.

If you have to work while traveling (or you are hooked on a Netflix series) and need a 4G connection, here’s the 4G coverage map in France . Keep this in mind when planning your stops.

The third tip is to learn a few words in French to ask for directions, ask for help, or be able to interact more easily with the locals.

The locals always appreciate the effort of speaking their language; if you try, it will be easier for them to help you and get you out of trouble.

Check out this page with some phrases in French.

And finally , we advise you to do a brief search for parking close to your accommodations, as this will save you a lot of time , especially on those days when you arrive late and are super tired and want to go to bed.

If you are traveling in a camper van or motorhome, I recommend checking the Camping Park Night website or the Park4night App to find designated sleeping areas. Many are free of charge.

If you are going to sleep in your vehicle, the best thing to do is to find where you will spend the night before it gets dark.

Before you discover the list we have prepared, you should know that road trips give you some flexibility.

For this reason, we have planned certain itineraries with estimated days, many of which can be done faster or slower, depending on your pace and interests.

Without further ado, here is the list of the best Road Trips you can do in France.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Travel distance: 170 km
• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse- Colmar and surroundings- Strasbourg
• Region: Alsace

If you are passionate about small and picturesque villages but you are also a wine lover, we invite you to take the Alsace wine route.

This legendary route runs through 170 km of grape growing fields where hundreds of wineries are located, where you can discover how they process the product and, of course, taste the elixir of Alsace, which is the main objective of this road trip.

Your first stop will be Mulhouse, a beautiful city that deserves a good walking tour.

In this city, you will find ancient and modern paintings along the city’s facades and the beautiful Protestant church of St. Stephen that captivates all visitors.

If you are looking for museums to visit, you can find them in Mulhouse:

• The Automobile Museum has a vast collection of classic cars.
• The Train Museum has some examples of the first locomotives.

On the second day, visit Colmar , which will also serve as a base camp to see the surrounding villages.

You can do your first wine tasting in Colmar at the Karcher Cellars or the Wolfverger Boutique.

The third day can be spent visiting the villages of Riquewhir, Egusheim, and Kayserberg , less than 15 km from Colmar.

These medieval villas are located in the middle of vineyards and have some museums where you will discover the secrets of the wines of this region.

Some of the most attractive tourist attractions in the area are:

• The Museé du Vinogle et des Vins d ‘Alsace at Kayserberg
• The Domaine DOPF AU Molin winery in Riquewhir.

To end the route, visit the beautiful city of Strasbourg . This city is one of the most beautiful in France.

Despite having a similar appearance to the towns previously visited, Strasbourg has a unique charm.

If you have the opportunity, I recommend you take a boat ride through the city’s canals, where you can see the old fishermen’s quarter of the city.

Today, it has become the most acclaimed place for visitors to Strasbourg.

Undoubtedly, you have to visit this city day and night. The lighting gives it a special charm.

Note: If you are not interested in doing a wine tour in Alsace, I recommend visiting the area, as it is beautiful, especially at Easter and Christmas.

2. Road Trip across the Champagne Region

• Travel distance: 357 km
• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris- Reims- Epernay- Troyes- Provins
• Region of France: Grand Est, Ile de France

The following route we propose is through the Champagne region, which starts in the beautiful city of Paris and ends in Provins.

The route can be done in only four days, but we suggest that if you have never visited Paris before, you add at least two, or better 5 or 6 days, more for sightseeing in the fantastic French capital.

This road trip is perfect for those who love sparkling wine as it is a tour of the most emblematic sites in France that produce the famous Champagne, but also for lovers of places with history and picturesque villages.

The sparkling wine invented by the monk Dom Perignon in 1920 has become part of the popular culture of some regions of France.

This route perfectly combines landscape, historical heritage, and enology. The first stretch will take you from Paris to the city of Reims.

On the way, make a brief stop at La Ferté sous Jouarre. This small town, and its Abbey, house two wonderful 7th-century crypts worth visiting.

After this short stop, you will reach the capital* of Champagne, Reims, full of historical heritage and beauty in equal parts.

The city is well known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, the coronation place of most of the kings of France.

(Don’t tell me it doesn’t look like Notre Dame de Paris. This has an explanation, but we’ll leave it for another post).

We recommend that you visit Reims for at least one day. Here you have to visit:

• The cathedral
• The city’s subway galleries
• The Museum Hotel Le Vergeur
• The Museum of Fine Arts

*Capital of the northern part of the Champagne – Ardennes region, as well as the economic capital of the region.

The second day in the direction of Eperney , the capital of Champagne (the beverage). On the way, we recommend you visit two picturesque villages with a tradition of sparkling wine production.

• Town of Verzy
• Village of Mutigny (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Epernay is known as the capital of champagne wines.

Here is a post with everything you can do in Epernay and options to visit it if you are short of time.

Not far from Epernay is the Abbey of Hautvillers, where Dom Perignon is buried.

Because he spent much of his life in a local monastery researching and testing viticultural production methods.

You can spend the night in either of these two cities, they have a good hotel offer for their size.

But if you are looking for something more special, I have three recommendations:

• Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa
• Castel Jeanson
• Château de Rilly

On the third day of the trip, head for Vertus , known as “la Côte des Blancs.”

Passing through Mont Bernon via Chouilly, you will descend to Pierry (castle and cellars of the 18th century) to discover the church of Chavot-Courcourt (12th century).

It is like a small island in the middle of an ocean of vines.

Then continue your way to Sézanne; on this stretch between Vertus and Sézanne, you will find castles, abbeys, and even dolmens. You have to make a stop at the following:

• Tallus Saint Prix

On the third day of this Champagne road trip, I recommend you visit Troyes .

This city has beautiful and well-preserved “pan de bois” architecture. The center of Troyes has gorgeous half-timbered buildings inherited from the Middle Ages.

Must-sees of Troyes :

• Saint Pantaléon Church – Hôtel de Vauluisant
• Maison de l’Outil and de la Pensée Ouvrière
• Place du Marché au Pain
• Lili la dame au chapeau
• Cathedral of Saint Pierre Saint Paul
• Le Cœur de Troyes
• Basilique Saint Urbain
• Hôtel de Ville
• Tourelle de l’Orfèvre
• Ruelle des Chats
• Église Sainte Madeleine
• Maison Rachi

After exploring Troyes, you have two options, if you like the plan, you can spend the night here, or if you prefer, you can drive to Provins and spend the night there .

Provins is the last town you visit before returning to Paris. This city is known for its medieval festival in June and for its subway city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century connected all the houses.

In addition, Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the Caesar Tower, the Grange aux dîmes, the Saint-Ayoul Priory, the museum, the ramparts, etc.

You can visit the wall for free all year round.

3. Alabaster Coast Road Trip

• Travel distance: 140 km
• Suggested itinerary: Le Treport, Dieppe, Veules-les-Roses, Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Saint-Pierre-en-Port, Fécamp, Etretat, Le Havre
• Region of France: Normandy

I propose you this itinerary along the French Alabaster coast. It is a route along the white cliffs of Normandy. You will pass through picturesque villages and beautiful white limestone cliffs.

We did this route in 5 days because we traveled in a camper van, which travels more slowly. Also, we made some hiking trails to the cliffs.

If you like this plan, visit Veules-les-Roses and, of course, Etretat. But you can do it even in 2 days if you want, but you would miss the details.

These Normandy cliffs have inspired painters such as Monet or Pizarro, and today they dazzle every visitor who comes to contemplate them.

In our case, we chose to go to the farthest point and then go closer to home, but you can do it in either direction.

I recommend you visit a maximum of two of these places per day.

Some of the stops you will make will be in various coastal towns such as Etretat, Fécamp, Dieppe, and Le Treport.

These fishing villages are beautiful for their unique architectural style and the cradle of good food serving the most exquisite seafood.

Le Havre, a UNESCO heritage site, may not be the most beautiful city on the route, but it has a lot of history and deserves at least a half-day visit.

Another of the best things to do on this trip is to take a boat trip along the coast to see the immense cliffs from a different perspective.

One of the best views of the cliffs is from Cape Fagnet, and to see Etretat, you have several options.

From the pebble beach, where everyone goes. There is also a good view from the gardens of Etretat, but I think the best is from the other side, you have to walk and climb a little, but it’s worth it.

4. Road Trip through Brittany, France

• Travel distance: 153 km
• Duration: 5 Days
• Suggested Itinerary: Dinan, Cap Fréhel, Saint Malo, Cancale, Mont St. Michel
• Region of France: Brittany

This 5-day road trip through Brittany from Dinan to the bay of St. Michel. covers two French departments (Côtes d’Armor and Ile et Vilaine) and will take you through some of the main sights of French Brittany.

This itinerary through Brittany is a good combination of natural landscapes, small picturesque villages, and good food.

For this road trip, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and a raincoat (just in case) to enjoy the trails along the route to the fullest.

Start by visiting the town of Dinan and then start with the stops, we recommend the following:

• Visit Cap frehel
• and finish your route with a golden brooch at Mont St Michael (Normandy), undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in France.

This Abbey overlooking the sea gives us a beautiful postcard since it looks like a movie landscape with a kind of castle on the coast, indeed a place to visit at least once in life.

5. Road Trip through the Loire Valley

• Trip distance: 178 km
• Suggested Itinerary: Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Chinon
• Region of France: Centre-Val-de-Loire

This 5-day trip is designed for those who love castles. This route runs through the central part of France, which is characterized by lush forests and huge, elegant castles.

Throughout the trip, you will find several villages where you can taste typical local food and wine. The wines of Val de Loire are soft and perfect for drinking with cheeses at any time of the year.

Some of the must-see castles in the area are:

• Chambord Castle , a Renaissance masterpiece with a double helix staircase, is the largest in the Loire Valley and is attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci.
• Château Royal d’Amboise , a castle with a rich history, is located atop a hill overlooking the Loire River.
• The Castle of Chenonceau is known as the Château des Dames. This beautiful castle is located on the Cher River and has fabulous gardens!
• Blois Castle , an impressive castle that was home to several French kings and is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture.
• Château de Villandry : a Renaissance castle known for its impressive gardens, including formal gardens and orchards.
• If you are in Paris, you can visit the Loire Chateaux in one day.

6. Road Trip through Les Corniches (from Nice to Monaco and Menton)

• Trip distance: 42 km
• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested Itinerary: Nice, Eze, Monte Carlo, and Menton
• Region of France: Provence Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco

This 3-day road trip itinerary is ideal for those who want to discover the Côte d’Azur quickly. The first day can be spent in Nice, which is full of cultural and leisure attractions.

On the second day, visit the medieval hanging village of Éze . From here, you will have one of the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean on the entire route.

In the afternoon, drive to Monte Carlo, the capital of the Principality of Monaco.

There you can spend the morning seeing the harbor area, which is one of the most striking things about Monte Carlo, and then retake the car to the last destination, Menton.

7. Road Trip to the French Riviera

• Distance of the route: 34 km
• Duration: 6-7 days
• Suggested Itinerary: Marseille, Cannes, Antibes, Nice
• Region of France: Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Côte d’Azur

Marseille or Cannes is an ideal place to start this road trip. Unlike the other ideas, this trip has a different approach. The French Riviera itinerary is designed for personal enjoyment and relaxation.

Marseille , Cannes , Antibes , and Nice offer many leisure activities and a climate suitable for spending time in the sun.

Distribute the days in each city as you wish, bearing in mind that Antibes is perhaps the most peaceful area to stay in.

Although these cities focus on luxury tourism, they also welcome cultural and sun and beach tourism with a wide range of prices and hotels for all types of tourists.

On this road trip, relax and enjoy a nice swim in the blue coast’s turquoise waters without considering the time or what your next stop will be.

8. Road Trip in Provence

• Duration: from 3 to 10 or 15 days
• Suggested Itinerary: Aix en Provence- Valensole- Verdon
• Region of France: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

This Itinerary will take you through the most striking scenery of Provence.

To begin with, spend 2 days in the city of Cézanne, Aix en Provence, discovering the historical heritage of the city and the Provençal market that takes place every morning in the city center.

The second-day visits Valensole and its endless fields of lavender which are in bloom in the months of July, August, and early September.

To finish your road trip in Provence, you will visit the grand French canyon, Gorges Du Verdon .

If you are an adventurous person, this is the place for you in France because it offers one of the most enjoyable activities in Provence.

Gorges Du Verdon is where many come to practice kayaking or rafting for its turquoise river waters full of cliffs, so go ahead and try to follow the course of the river; you will have a great time!

If three days in Provence is not enough, read this 10-day road trip itinerary .

Here is another 3-day alternative for a road trip in Provence, France:

• Visit the historic city of Avignon and tour the Pope’s Palace
• Explore the charming village of Gordes
• Visit the Abbaye de Senanque, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery surrounded by lavender fields.
• Visit the famous town of Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs and vibrantly colored houses.
• Visit the city of Les Baux-de-Provence
• Drive to the village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence
• Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum
• Drive to the French Riviera.
• Visit the Calanques National Park, a series of rocky inlets and cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.
• Finish the trip with a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Cassis, known for its harbor and seafood restaurants.

9. La Route des Grandes Alpes

• Travel distance: 684 km
• Suggested route: Haute-Savoie- the Chablais – Beaufortain – Vanoise- Cerces- Queyras – Ubaye – Mercantour massifs
• Region of France: Auvergne – Rhône – Alps

The route of the Great Alps will take you through four national parks where you will enjoy dreamlike views of lakes and valleys. The best time to do this route is between June and October.

Along this route from the highest to the lowest point in Menton, you will find cozy villages where you can stay and recover your energy.

We recommend doing this route in 5 days to avoid rushing and be able to walk some long trails to get into the beautiful valleys of the landscape.

This route is designed to get in touch with nature and to enjoy views such as that of the Mont Blanc glaciers or the view of the Ecrins Massif.

10. Paris – Normandy

• Travel distance: 282 km
• Suggested route: Paris- Rouen- Etretat- Honfleur

The itinerary from Paris to Normandy is a route that combines relaxing walks, history, and nature in its purest form.

Departing from Paris, you will pass through Giverny, where the house and gardens of the painter Monet are located.

Taking advantage of the proximity, you can visit the noble Gaillard Castle, built in the 13th century and still in a good state of preservation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vero✨Touristear Travel Blog (@touristear).

The next day visit Rouen, which has the largest medieval historical heritage in France.

In the following days you will visit Etretat’s white cliffs and Honfleur’s coastal town.

11. Road Trip through the Cathar Countries

• Travel distance: 197 km
• Duration: 5 – 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassone- Mirepoix- Minerve- Carcassone
• Region of France: Occitania

Unlike the previous ones, the Cathar road trip is a circular route that can be done in 5 or 6 days.

For those who love medieval times and the crusades with the Cathars, this is probably the best road trip you can take to increase your knowledge of this period.

Stay in Carcassonne to enjoy the wonders of this walled city that will be like an appetizer for your trip.

Carcassonne was one of the cities with the highest concentration of Cathars during the 13th century.

During the second day, visit Mirepoix and the Castle of Monségur where apparently the last Cathars who did not surrender were burned alive.

On the third day, you can visit the two most important fortresses for the Cathars; Castle Peyrespertuse and Castle Queribus.

On your fourth day, visit the Abbeys of Fontroide and Saint Mary of Orbieu, which played a very important role during the Crusades.

On the fifth day, we recommend visiting Minerve. In this small medieval village, you will see replicas of catapults and several castles before undoing the road to the point of origin, Carcassone.

12. Road Trip through Burgundy

• Travel distance: 60 km
• Suggested itinerary: Beaune- Vougeot- Dijon
• Region of France: Burgundy

The Burgundy itinerary is the ideal route for wine lovers. The most famous wine fields in France are located between Beaune, Vougeot, and Dijon and it is, therefore, possible to do thousands of activities related to wine tourism in the surrounding area.

If you like castles, you must visit the Château Clos de Vougeot, a must on any wine route through Burgundy, as it is a symbol of the region.

Very close to Burgundy is the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, which has some of the best wine-tasting places in the region.

Throughout the different villages, you can taste multiple varieties of wine, among which dry white and rosé wines stand out.

The last stop will be the iconic city of Dijon, where the Dukes of Burgundy lived.

Dijon has a fascinating cultural and architectural heritage, and it is possible to visit it by following the owl trail that will take you to the city’s most important monuments.

Example 2 of a 6-day itinerary in Burgundy

• Arrival in Dijon, check-in at the hotel.
• Explore the historic center and visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History.
• Enjoy a wine tasting in the afternoon.
• Drive to the nearby town of Gevrey-Chambertin, another famous wine-producing town.
• Drive to Nuits-Saint-Georges, a town famous for its Pinot Noir wine.
• Visit local wineries and taste their wines.
• Drive to Beaune and visit the famous Hospices de Beaune.
• Explore the city, known for its medieval architecture and wine production.
• Visit the Burgundy Wine Museum and taste some local wines. The museum is located in the former Hôtel de Ducs de Bourgogne.
• Drive to Meursault, a town famous for its white wine.
• Drive to the nearby town of Puligny-Montrachet, another famous white wine-producing town.
• Drive to Chablis, a town famous for its Chardonnay wine.
• Visit some local wineries and taste their wines.
• Drive to the nearby town of Auxerre to explore its historic center and visit the Abbey of Saint-Germain.
• Return to Dijon and spend the morning exploring the city.
• Return the rental car and depart to your next destination.

Note: The itineraries are only an example and can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

Plan Your Road Trip in France

• Printable Road Trips Planner Car rental in France
• Seasons in France
• What to see in Paris in 7 days

This post may include affiliate links. This means that we will receive a small fee if you make a purchase through our links. It has no additional cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

Similar Posts

What are The Most Famous Bridges in France?

3 Days in Paris: Complete Itinerary Guide

How to Drive in the South of France

Where to Find Lavender Fields in Provence, France

What to Wear in Paris for Men: A Fashion Guide for Travelers

Cheapest Places to Visit in France: Budget-Friendly Destinations

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.

Privacy Overview

Best French Road Trips – 12 Amazing France Road Trip Ideas

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

France by Car

If you have wheels, wanderlust, and some free time, there’s nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate the diversity of the country at a more relaxed pace. A road trip in France ticks all the boxes of epic drives, amazing food, friendly people, beautiful culture, and some of Europe’s most gorgeous sights. Plus, French road trips are fun!

From the Alps to the French Riviera, from the Atlantic Ocean to cute medieval villages inland, France by car means unforgettable routes that will plunge you straight into the country’s heart and soul.

We’ve taken many road trips through France, and you can find more France road trip ideas here . For this post, however, we asked other experienced travelers and friends to help us complete the list of the very best road trips in France, so if you are looking to plan a France road trip, where’s what and where we recommend.

Plan your Trip to France

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation.

Transportation:   Omio  is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. We use Omio or Trainline to book our train tickets; both sites are good, with lots of information in English.

Accommodation:   Booking.com  offers savings on hotels, furnished apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Car Rental: Discover Cars is a great site because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and makes the comparison of prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

Travel Insurance:  We never travel abroad without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust  Safety Wing , which we’ve used since its launch. Safety Wing is marketed as insurance for nomads, but you can use it also for short trips. Since April 2019, Safety Wing covers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantines for new policies too!

Related posts

12 Ideas for an Unforgettable Road Trip in France

If you are looking for an epic road trip, France has it all to make you happy. Here’s an ultimate guide to the best road trips in France, suitable for all types of travelers. These phenomenal France road trip itineraries can be easily combined, shortened, or extended.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Duration: 6 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse – Colmar – Strasbourg
• Region covered: Grand Est
• Best for: sightseeing, small towns, nature, landscapes, French wine

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest and most famous wine routes in France. This France road trip itinerary from Mulhouse to Strasbourg takes 6 days, and it is the perfect road trip for those who love pretty small towns, picturesque landscapes, and wine – Click here to rent a car in Mulhouse

This French road trip starts in Mulhouse , where you will book a hotel for one night. Hotel Bristol is super central and comfortable, and it has secure parking at a small extra cost.

Stroll around Mulhouse’s Old Town with beautiful architecture. Mulhouse has two great museums, La Cité de l’Automobile and La Cité du Train . Depending on your interests and the time available in Mulhouse, visit one museum or both.

From Mulhouse, drive to Colmar and book a hotel for three nights. The James Boutique Hotel is central and with beautiful and cozy rooms and common spaces.

Take the time to explore Colmar’s pretty streets and historical sights; Colmar is the most beautiful town in Alsace! In Colmar, the Museum of Alsatian Wines is an excellent introduction to the wines of Alsace .

Use Colmar as a base to explore the beautiful town of Kaysersberg on day 3 and the towns of Riquewihr plus Eguisheim on day 4, combining sightseeing with wine tastings. Riquewihr and Eguisheim are very small, so if you start early in the morning, you can also squeeze in a short hike through the surrounding vineyards.

On day 5, drive from Colmar to Strasbourg , where you will spend your last two nights of this road trip France. For this last stop, we recommend the Hotel Cathédrale , with incredible views over the Strasbourg Cathedral and public parking available nearby.

Before arriving in Strasbourg , stop at the impressive Château de Haut-Koenisgsbourg , one of the best castles in France . Then in Strasbourg , use this Strasbourg itinerary for two days which covers the city’s main sights.

OTHER FRENCH ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Best of Alsace Road Trip

2. Paris to Nice Road Trip

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Suggested route: Paris – Lyon – Valence – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Region covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: sightseeing, food, and wine

This road trip from Paris to South of France is one of the best road trips France has to offer to admire its diversity of landscapes and cities. It takes ten days, and it is an ideal road trip for those who love history, architecture, food, and good wine – Click here to rent a car in Paris

Arrive in Paris and book a hotel for three nights. The Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  is super comfortable and is situated close to the main sights. Spend four days in Paris , dedicating one of these days to visiting Versailles .

From Paris, drive to Beaune , where you will spend one night. On the way, you can visit Auxerre , which is a beautiful Burgundian village with some wonderful historic sights. For a night in Beaune, book at the Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa located in a beautiful historical building in the center of Beaune.

Continue south to Lyon , where you are going to sleep for one night. Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charms. In Lyon , take the time to visit the Old Town and its famous Traboules and climb up to Fourvière Hill for some fresh air and great views.

From Lyon, drive to Avignon in Provence. Spend one day in Avignon visiting the Palace of the Popes and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine. Hotel Central is a great option for your night in Avignon.

From Avignon, continue south to Marseille , where we recommend spending at least two days. For your time in Marseille, have a look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary   and pick the sights and activities you like most. The hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port has the perfect location for your visit to Marseille.

The last stop of this road trip through France is Nice , where you can use this list of the best things to do in Nice  to visit the city. Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges is a great option and comes with the best view of Nice, over the Baie des Anges.

3. Normandy Road Trip

• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur – Cabourg
• Region covered: Normandy
• Best for: history, small towns, seaside resorts

This 5-day Normandy road trip is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. This France roadtrip through Normandy starts from Paris and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Normandy region – Click here to rent a car in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris is  Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden. Then, in the afternoon, head to Les Andelys to explore this picturesque town and the Château Gaillard , one of the best castles in Normandy . This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century under the rule of King Richard the Lionheart, is located on the top of a high cliff, and it dominates one of the meanders of the Seine Valley.

After exploring Les Andelys, drive to  Rouen , where you will spend the next two nights. For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , a central hotel inspired by the French poet born and raised in this city.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Rouen , which boasts the best Medieval center in all of France and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

On the third day, drive from Rouen to Étretat through the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine. On the way, stop at Jumièges Abbey to visit the ruins of this magnificent building. In the afternoon, visit Étretat , a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast and world-famous for its impressive chalky cliffs. For a unique stay in Étretat,  Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon  is an excellent option, located 500m from the beach.

Day 4 of this Normandy road trip explores Honfleur . This pretty coastal town on the Seine’s estuary is one of Normandy’s top places to visit . For your night in Honfleur, book at  Villa du Cèdre , a property full of charm with a garden and swimming pool.

The last day of this French road trip explores two of the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie: Deauville  and  Cabourg . Both towns are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas.

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Normandy WW2 Sites
• Brittany Road Trip
• Road Trip in Northern France from Paris
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

4. Champagne Road Trip

• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Reims – Epernay – Troyes – Provins
• Regions covered: Grand-Est, Ile-de-France
• Best for: history, small towns, champagne wine

This Champagne road trip is another beautiful roadtrip France has to offer. It explores the historical region of Champagne , well known for its rolling hills, historical sites, and sparkling wine with the same name. This France road trip itinerary is a good combination of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and (of course) champagne – Click here to rent a car in Paris

On day one, drive from Paris to Reims. On the way, do a short stop at  La Ferté sous Jouarre . This small town, and more precisely, its abbey, hosts two wonderful Merovingian crypts from the 7th century listed as Historical Monuments.

Dedicate the rest of the day to exploring Reims , the capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit. The city is well known for its Gothic cathedral, the coronation place for most of the Kings of France. For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , a mythical property in the city nestled in seven hectares of park, 300m from Pommery Champagne House. Once the car is well parked, you can explore the best champagne houses in Reims .

Day two of this road trip through the Champagne region explores Epernay and its surroundings. Epernay is best known as the main “warehouse” for champagne wines – here are the best champagne houses in Epernay . Not far from Epernay, there’s the Abbey of Hautvillers , where Dom Perignon is buried. Dom Perignon (1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk credited with the revolutionary champagne method, which transforms a still wine (without bubbles) into sparkling wine.

Leave Epernay direction to Troyes and stop at  Château d’Etoges for the night. This lovely château-hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne has individually decorated rooms with period furniture and magnificent grounds.

On the third day of this Champagne road trip visit Troyes . This city was one of France’s most important fair towns during medieval times, a center for hosiery and cloth making. Stroll around the Old Town and admire its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.

After exploring Troyes, drive west to Provins, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Provins, book at  Demeure des Vieux Bains ,  a stunning historical property with comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

During the last day of this French road trip, explore  Provins , another medieval fair town. Provins is well-known for its Medieval festival (yearly, in June) and its underground city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century that connected all the houses.

5. Cathar Country Road Trip

• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassonne – Cucugnan – Narbonne – Carcassonne
• Regions covered: Occitanie
• Best for: history, medieval châteaux, small towns

This Cathar Country road trip from Carcassone in Southern France takes five to six days and is the best road trip in France for those who love history, Medieval castles, and small towns. For the history of the Cathar and a complete description of the Cathar sites, check out the road trip’s detailed itinerary – Click here to rent a car in Carcassone

Arrive at Carcassone and book a hotel for two nights. Mercure Carcassonne La Cité  is super comfortable and has a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also boasts amazing views of the walled citadel from the garden and some rooms.

Take a day to explore the medieval Cité de Carcassonne , one of the most important Cathar sites and one of the main targets during the first Cathar Crusade in 1209.

Day 2 of this road trip France visits the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix , and Château de Monségur , where the last Cathars who did not surrender were burnt alive. Spend the night at the  Logis Auberge du Vigneron , in Cucugnan , with fabulous views of the surrounding valley.

On day 3, visit Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus , two fabulous hilltop fortresses and Cathar sites. Then drive to Fontjoncouse , a gorgeous oh-so typical French village in the heart of the Aude department conveniently located close to the next Cathar sites. Book a room (or a full cottage) for one night at   Le Petit Clos , a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, terrace, and garden.

The next day of this roadtrip France visits Fontfroide Abbey and the Medieval village of Lagrasse with the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu . Both abbeys had an important role in the Cathar crusades, and they are interesting to visit.

On the last day of this Cathar road trip, drive to Minerve, a pretty medieval village where you can see a replica of one of the catapults used by the Crusaders. Then, visit Châteaux de Lastours , one of the best castles in Southern France , before driving back to Carcassonne. Châteaux de Lastours is an ensemble of four Cathar castles with a spectacular setting at the top of a rocky spur.

6. Route des Grands Crus, Bourgogne

• Suggested route: Beaune – Vougeot – Dijon
• Regions covered: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

The Route des Grands Crus is one of the best road trips in France for wine lovers. This Burgundy road trip from Beaune to Dijon takes four days and is an ideal road trip for those who enjoy small towns and beautiful landscapes – Click here to rent a car in Beaune

Arrive at Beaune the day before and book a hotel for 2 nights. Château de Challanges , a gorgeous 19th-century country house set in 7 hectares, is perfect for a relaxing stay.

Take a day to explore Medieval Beaune, the capital of wines of Burgundy. Be sure to cover Les Hospices de Beaune , a jewel of Burgundian architecture, and La Maison des Climats to learn more about the (wine) climats of Burgundy.

From Beaune, drive to Vougeot , where you will spend one night. For something special, book at  Château de Gilly , a 14th-16th century château with moats, French-style gardens, and a dining room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

On the way to Vougeot, stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges , a lively small town with a long history of wine-making. Visit the town, and perhaps a domain or two for some wine tastings.

In the afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cîteaux , the founder of the Cistercian order in France. It was its abbot who spotted the best kind of soils and selected certain grape varieties, improving the quality of the wines.

On day 3, visit the Château Clos de Vougeot , a must of any Burgundy wine route. In the 14th century, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux built the first walls separating vineyards, known as  clos , contributing like this to the promotion of the wines of the region. Clos de Vougeot was the first clos built by the monks, and the visit reveals the winemaking genius of the monks in the Middle Ages.

In the afternoon, drive to Gevrey-Chambertin , a small village home to nine Burgundy Grands Crus, perfect for a stroll and some wine tastings. Then, drive to Dijon, where you will spend one night. The  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions.

On the last day of this French road trip, visit Dijon , the historical capital of Burgundy. Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. Follow the owl trail, which takes you to Dijon’s main sights, like the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne , built in the 14th-15th centuries.

OTHER ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

7. Road Trip through the Jura, Eastern France

• Suggested route: Paris – Baume-les-Messieurs – Château-Chalon – Dole
• Best for: landscapes, small towns, hiking

This road trip through the Jura takes four days, and it is the ideal road trip for those who love nature and good food & wine. This Jura road trip covers the region of the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura (a department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in Eastern France), and is one of the best road trips from Paris for nature lovers – Click here to rent a car in Paris

From Paris, drive to Baume-Les-Messieurs , a picturesque village in the heart of a blind valley. Take a stroll to explore the village and its main sights, and then head to the Cascade des Tufs , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura.

For the first night, book a hotel in one of the villages nearby. La Maison du Lac Chalain , in Doucier, is a good option, and it has an excellent restaurant perfect for tasting the regional cuisine.

The second day is dedicated to exploring some of the best lakes and waterfalls of the Jura. The hike to the Belvédère des 4 lacs and Pic de l’Aigle (12 Km) is one of the area’s main highlights. If you start the day early, you can also hike to the Cascades du Hérisson , a beautiful 4 km trail that links many waterfalls.

Then drive to Château-Chalon , another pretty village in the Jura, where you are going to spend the night. Les Relais des Abbesses is a beautiful, historical property in the heart of the village, and it has a terrasse with magnificent views over the Jurassic plateau.

Spend the morning of the third day visiting Château-Chalon , one of the villages with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France.’ In the afternoon, head to Dole, which was the capital of the County of Burgundy until its annexation to the Kingdom of France.

Dole is a picturesque city bordered by the Doubs River, a city of canals and interesting architecture from the 16th century. Dole’s Old Town is a confusion of alleyways edged by Renaissance homes with turrets and courtyards. Book a night at Hotel de la Cloche , a charming property with an excellent location for exploring the city on the last day of this road trip.

• French Alps Road Trip from Annecy to Chamonix

8. Loire Valley Road Trip from Nantes

• Suggested route: Nantes – Saumur – Amboise – Angers
• Regions covered: Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire
• Best for: Renaissance châteaux, small towns, French wine

This Loire Valley road trip from Nantes Airport takes five days and visits some of the best Loire Valley Castles . This itinerary through the Loire Valley is one of the best French road trips for history and architecture lovers – Click here to rent a car at Nantes Airport

Arrive at Nantes Airport and drive about 90 minutes to Saumur , where you will book a hotel for two nights. Hotel St. Pierre is super comfortable, has a great historical feel, and is situated right on the main square. Dine at Michelin-starred Le Gambetta to treat yourself to an amazing French meal.

From Saumur, drive to Château d’Usse (the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty) with a stop at Château Miniere for a walk among the vines and some wine tasting on the way. The sumptuous and artistic gardens at Château Villandry are also a must-see and easily accessible from Saumur.

Continue east along the Loire Valley to Amboise for two nights. Hotel Le Manoir St. Thomas is a great choice of hotel and even features a suit of armor to guard the lobby. Amboise is home to the Royal Château d’Amboise and the Clos Luce , where Da Vinci spent the final years of his life.

From Amboise, drive to the Loire Valley’s most iconic chateaux: Château Chenonceau and Château Chambord . Enjoy dinner in Blois , followed by the exciting light show after dark at Château Royal de Blois .

On the return to Nantes Airport, break up the more than 3-hour drive with a stop in Angers to see the Apocalypse Tapestries at Château d’Angers . Château d’Angers resembles a menacing fortress rather than an elegant château and is an excellent counterpoint to the other places visited during this Loire Valley Itinerary.

By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) | Sidewalk Safari

• Road Trip Castles of the Loire Valley

9. West Coast of France Road Trip

• Duration: 10 days
• Suggested route: Etretat – Ile de Ré – Bordeaux – Biarritz
• Regions covered: Normandy and Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Best for: architecture, sightseeing, nature, and landscapes

Stunning landscapes, old cities, and historically important places are all part of a road trip along the west coast of France. Whether you camp or stay in hotels, this France roadtrip will be epic.

Start this road trip through France’s western coast in Étretat , known for its huge chalk cliffs. Enjoy a breathtaking walk on the cliffs and finish off with a delicious seafood dish in one of the seafront restaurants of this pleasant village.

The next stop is the WW2 beaches of D-day , such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. Visiting this place will leave an everlasting impression. The last stop in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel , the Medieval abbey that speaks to anyone’s imagination. It is built on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by a bridge during high tide. For a magical experience, book a night in one of the hotels inside Mont Saint-Michel .

This road trip through the west coast skips the region of Brittany. The next stop of this itinerary is the island of Ile-de-Ré in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Ile-de-Ré is a fantastic small Island, right off the coast, reachable by a toll bridge. The island is known for oysters, the local drink Pinot, salt production, and the lighthouse watching over its rugged coastline. Rent a bike, as this is the main way of transport on the island.

After 1 or 2 days visiting Bordeaux , continue your journey to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat . This dune is the highest and biggest sand dune in Europe! Walking across it will give you the feeling of being in a desert. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dune while watching over the Bassin of Arcachon. A moment you’ll never forget.

End this west coast of France road trip with a visit to Biarritz , close to the Spanish border, and go surf in the Atlantic waters.

By Hellen | the Global Wizards

BEST ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Basque Country Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Road Trip Dordogne

10. Gorges du Verdon Road Trip

• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested route: Aix-en-Provence – Valensole – Verdon Natural Regional Park
• Regions covered: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: nature and landscapes

If you are looking for South of France road trips, you will love this itinerary from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Natural Regional Park , which is considered one of the most scenic drives in France – Click here to rent a car in Aix-en-Provence

Did you know that there was a Grand Canyon in France? Yep. Well, it’s not as big as the one in the US, but when you get there, you’ll have the same feeling. It’s called the Gorges du Verdon , and it’s a stunning rocky landscape with towering cliffs, where a turquoise-green river meanders at the bottom.

To start this Gorges du Verdon road trip , you can drive from Aix-en-Provence or any nearby major cities: Marseille, Nice, or even Cannes. The trip takes three days to complete, with one day in Valensole and the lavender fields, one day driving around the different lakes, and one day driving the epic road on top of the Gorges du Verdon. Here are the major stops on this trip:

– Valensole is famous for its lavender fields , which bloom from the end of June to the end of July. Valensole is a cute little village where you can spend the night after exploring the fields around.

– Esparron de Verdon , and Lac Quinson de Verdon , are two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main lake in the area and the perfect place to stop for a while and relax on the beach.

– Gorges du Verdon is the main attraction around here, France’s Grand Canyon. Drive on top of the gorges on an epic scenic route ( Route des Crêtes ), and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in France.

– Sillans la Cascade . Before you leave, check out this secret waterfall, it is absolutely worth the trip!

One of the best places to establish your home base while exploring the area is the village of Valensole, for the ultimate traditional French experience. The bed & breakfast Les Terrasses de Valensole is exceptional.

By Kevin |  Kevmrc

• Lavender Fields in Provence Road Trip
• Route Napoleon Road Trip
• Luberon Road Trip
• The Ultimate Provence Road Trip

11. Gorges du Tarn Road Trip

• Suggested route: Millau – La Malène – Florac
• Regions covered: Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Best for:  nature, landscapes, and small towns

Les Gorges du Tarn is another beautiful south of France road trip. This 4-day itinerary will take you through The Causses, and The Cévennes , a region that offers the ultimate scenery for an amazing French road trip, from deep gorges with hairpin bends to wide-open pastoral landscapes. Because of its uniqueness, the region has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

This road trip in France starts and ends in Millau . On the first day, visit the world’s tallest bridge – Millau Viaduct –, and the tiny village of Payre . Stay the first night in Millau and use the evening to explore this beautiful Medieval city. Hotel des Causses in Millau is comfortable, central, and has an on-site restaurant.

The next day head to the heart of the Gorges du Tarn . The road (D809, D907, and D907bis) follows the bends of the River Tarn, which has cut deeply into the cliffs forming this stunning canyon. You’ll be passing through lots of lovely villages along the Tarn.

At Les Vignes, take the D46 road to Point Sublime , from where you will have the most breathtaking view over the canyon. Go back to Les Vignes and follow the road towards La Malène . On the way, stop at Pas de Soucy for some more amazing views.

You can stay the second night at La Malène. The Hotel Le Manoir de Montesquiou is a beautiful and historical building with a great location in the middle of the Gorge area.

On day 3, head to Sainte-Enimie – a postcard beautiful village. On the way, you can stop at Saint-Chélly-du-Tarn . After Sainte-Enimie, continue to Florac , where you can spend the third night. Grand Hotel du Parc has a perfect and relaxing setting in the Cévennes National Park.

The next day take D16 and D63 to the famous cave Aven Armand. You’ll be crossing Causse Méjean , a plateau with a totally different landscape from the canyons. After the cave, stop at the nearby Medieval Farm to learn more about the local traditions in this area ( Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois ).

Afterward, continue to Meyrueis on D986. When you arrive at Meyrueis, take D996 to Le Rozier. Follow the road along the canyon on La Jonte River – Gorges de la Jonte . Stop at Le Rozier and Peyrelau – two lovely places where the La Jonte River flows into the Tarn River. Afterward, continue to Millau, the end of this road trip.

By Daniela | Ipanema Travels

12. French Riviera Road Trip

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Suggested route: Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Monaco
• Best for: landscapes, and sightseeing

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes follows one of the best drive routes through France, with the French Riviera coastline being dotted with picturesque towns and pristine coves along the way – Click here to rent a car in Cannes

One of the best starting points for this France road trip along the Côte d’Azur is Cannes , a city filled with glitz and glamour that will make you feel as though you’ve arrived in the French Riviera in style! Book one night or two in the Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes soaking up the atmosphere and visiting Cannes’ top sights before moving on towards Nice.

On your way to Nice, you might want to stop off in Antibes . This is a lovely place to unwind after the buzz of Cannes, and you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend your afternoon at the Picasso Museum . If you want to hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend an extra day on the beach, consider staying a night in Antibes itself.

Next, you’ll drive to Nice , where you can explore the city’s narrow streets, bustling markets, and ochre-colored architecture. For your stay in Nice, book at Hotel Locarno , which has an excellent location 200 m from the beach and offers the best breakfast ever.

After spending 2 days in Nice and around, you can drive on to Monaco , stopping off at the medieval village of Eze and perhaps Villefranche-sur-Mer . You can then choose whether you want to stay in Monaco for a chic casino break or move on to Menton , a small foodie town on the French /Italian border.

The distances between the destinations are relatively short, so you can easily tick off two places in one day. We would suggest spending at least seven days on this French Riviera road trip, but of course, you can spend much longer delving into this stunning French region.

By Chrisoula | Historic European Castles

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIPS NEARBY

• Road Trip Southern France
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa

And there you have it, our favorite road trips in France to inspire your next trip. Check out our Road Trips category for the detailed itineraries and more French road trip ideas.

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later

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 |

5 top road trips to see the best of France

May 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Alpine roads to Roman-straight routes through 2,000-year-old vines, France’s road trips are as varied as they are scenic © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

Anna Richards has travelled France researching Lonely Planet's latest guidebook . Here she shared her favourite road trips to get you inspired.

The freedom of the open road in France is even more accessible for British travellers who can arrive with their own car, via the ferry or Eurotunnel. And as the home of the original motorist’s guide, the Michelin Guide, it seems only fitting to explore it on four wheels. 

All of the below routes avoid paying tolls (for more information on toll roads, see the tips at the end) – taking you along smaller, more picturesque, routes into the heart of the French countryside.

Here are the five best road trips for exploring France.

1. Mont St-Michel to Étretat

Best for road trip for coast crawling

Mont-St-Michel to Étretat: 286 km (460 miles), allow three days.

The 9th century tidal abbey of Mont-St-Michel is one of the most famous sights in the country, and still the residence of some 33 monks and nuns. Twice a day, when the tide swirls in over the mysterious mud flats and quicksand, the causeway is the only thing which links Mont-St-Michel to the mainland. From Mont-St-Michel, drive for half an hour to Avranches and climb up to the top of the château, for a view which extends all the way to Mont-St-Michel. A further 90 km (55 miles) on the A84 and D572 takes you to Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry woven after 1066, showing the French conquest of England over 68 metres of intricately woven fabric. Skirt around Caen to reach Deauville (1½ hours), where the boardwalk hugging the beach has metal stars set into the floor in homage to 200 stars of the silver screen who have attended the American Film Festival, which Deauville hosts at the end of each summer. A final couple of hours driving takes you to Étretat, where the rocks have eroded to form an ocean sculpture garden of sea arches and needles. They were immortalised many times by Monet, who would row out to paint in solitude. 

Local tip: Parking at Mont-St-Michel and Étretat is difficult and expensive. Consider parking further out and walking to reach your destination.

2. The Loing Valley

Best road trip for history buffs

Fontainebleau to Montargis: 50 km (31 miles), allow for a day 

The chateau of Fontainebleau , formerly a hunting lodge, became the country home of the French royals under Louis IX in the 13th century, and has 130 hectares of grounds. Curiously enough for a country with so many mountain ranges, one of the first marked hiking trails in the country was in Fontainebleau, planned by a Napoleonic army veteran, Claude-François Denecourt, in 1842. The first part of the journey, south towards Nemours for 20 minutes (D607), goes through Gâtinais-Français Regional Park, criss-crossed with waterways and pint-sized villages.

Keep following the D607 south to reach Souppes-sur-Loing, a riverside town with the remnants of a 12th century monastery. Ten minutes along the étangs (lagoons) to reach Fontenay-sur-Loing is exceptionally scenic. Fontenay-sur-Loing itself is a sleepy little place with little to make it worth lingering, so continue to the picture-perfect town of Montargis (13km; 8 miles) to finish your trip, where half-timber houses overhang the canals.

Planning tip: The château of Fontainebleau is open daily except Tuesdays, but summer is the best time to visit, when additional activities like boat cruises on the lake and hot-air balloon rides are added onto the agenda.

3. A loop through Hérault

Best road trip for coastal views without the crowds

Round trip from Sète: 208km (129 miles), allow for three days

The little city of Sète sits on a tightrope-thin stretch of land between the 7,500 hectare saltwater Étang de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. Thriving and in parts extremely modern in appearance, traditions still hold strong here. Among the most famous is Sète’s five-day water jousting festival each August. From Sète, a drive of 47km (29 miles) along the D2 and D28 takes you to Béziers , a city first established by the Romans and an important stop on the first road the Romans built through France, the Via Domitia.

From Béziers, head to Haut-Languedoc Regional Park, where the foliage is dense, like tight curls, and historic little villages look glued to the hillside. Two of the prettiest are Roquebrun and Vieussan. A further 50km (31 miles) east of the latter on the D908 is an otherworldly, red rock lake. Lac du Salagou, an artificial reservoir, owes the rusty colour of its soil to iron oxide in the sandstone. From here, drive 30km (18 miles) to Pézenas, former home of France’s most famous playwright, Molière. Stop at Bouzigues on the way back and don a snorkel if conditions are favourable, you may see seahorses. It’s just 15 minutes from here back to Sète. 

Planning tip: Aim to arrive in Pézenas on a Saturday to coincide with their weekly market.

4. Alpine lakes and valleys loop

Best road trip for off-the-scale nature

Round trip from Grenoble, 324 km (201 miles), five days recommended

Leave Grenoble and take the D1091 to reach the Serre Chevalier valley. It’s worth spending at least a day, possibly more, to explore Serre Chevalier. During the winter, 250km (155 miles) of ski slopes delight amateurs and die-hard ski fans alike. The historic fortified city of Briançon isn’t just a base for hikers and skiers; there’s a plethora of art galleries here too. 

From Briançon, head south on the N94 to reach the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Hire a paddleboard and paddle out to the island chapel of Saint-Michel, the only building to have survived the flooding of the valley to create the reservoir, thanks to its elevated position. Two hours northwest is Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, where the water positively glows, sandwiched between the Écrins National Park on one side and the softer, but no less spectacular, cliffs of Vercors Regional Park to the other. Himalayan hanging bridges are suspended across the lake, which sway like wind through the trees as you cross them. From here, a final 50km (31 miles) takes you back to Grenoble. 

Planning tip: Tackle this route in summer. If travelling in winter, make sure that you have snow tyres or carry snow chains.

5. The Massif Central

Best road trip for cheese and hiking

Clermont-Ferrand to Aurillac; 196km (122 miles), three to four days

Clermont-Ferrand is an austere-looking city, the black, volcanic stone buildings making it appear extra gothic. It’s 28km (17 miles; D942) to Orcival, and its impressive 12th century basilica. A further 18km (11 miles) south is Mont-Dore, a ski station whose curiously colourful architecture looks like a Victorian seaside resort. In summer, people come to hike Puy de Sancy, the highest of the extinct volcanoes. From Puy de Sancy, drive south for 85km (52 miles) to Murat, a town which looks like a medieval film set, and has been used as such many times. Strap your hiking boots on again and drive the 22km (13 miles) to Puy Mary, to hike the volcano ridge trail. Your trip finishes in sleepy little Aurillac, full of cheese shops.

Planning trip: Much of this route follows the Auvergne Cheese Route, and there are many farms to stock up on Salers, Saint Nectaire, Cantal, Auvergne Blue and Fourme d’Ambert. If you’d like to visit the farms it’s best to call in advance. Be aware that many do not speak English.

Top tips for road-tripping around France

Be wary of toll roads (péages). They’ll get you to where you want to go faster (the speed limit is 130 km per hour), but tolls often cost as much (or more) than fuel – and it goes without seeing that the fast road is not the most scenic. Fuel from service stations along the highway is also considerably more expensive than elsewhere. 

One way to reduce costs is by taking carpooling passengers to reduce the cost. The lift-sharing platform blablacar.fr is widely used in France. Use viamichelin.fr to calculate the cost of your trip with tolls and fuel.

This article was first published Sep 9, 2020 and updated May 18, 2024.

Explore related stories

May 30, 2024 • 6 min read

From tickets and terminals to queues and border crossings, here’s everything a first-time Eurotunnel user needs to know.

Sep 8, 2023 • 5 min read

May 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Apr 13, 2022 • 7 min read

Jul 13, 2021 • 5 min read

Nov 19, 2020 • 11 min read

Aug 11, 2020 • 2 min read

Jul 26, 2019 • 5 min read

Mar 1, 2019 • 7 min read

Apr 18, 2018 • 7 min read

The Perfect 4 to 5-Day Dordogne Road Trip Itinerary

Published on July 19, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Dordogne Valley is one of the best locations in France for a family holiday, with many quaint villages to visit, prehistoric caves to explore and, of course, the Dordogne River to kayak down and cool off in. 4 to 5 days in Dordogne is perfect to follow the river and visit the must-see destinations in the region, and our Dordogne road trip itinerary will take you through the most logical route to see and experience as much as possible.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! You can always rent a canoe or kayak and have a great getaway in the Dordogne.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Dordogne?

The Dordogne Valley stretches further than just the Dordogne region, so you might end up spending more time in the area than you anticipate.

What’s more, there are no big cities in the area for a city break or weekend away, so if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Dordogne for your holiday, consider that to see most of the sights you’ll spend a couple of hours each day on the road, so you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Dordogne, although ideally around a week.

One of the best-known and most popular activities in the Dordogne is kayaking down the Dordogne River, and you can rent boats of different sizes from many locations along the river, from half a day up to a week, and make use of the free bus rides taking you back to your original location.

So, to make the most of the area and enjoy at least a day on the river, you’ll need to spend 3 days in Dordogne, but if you want to see more of what the area has to offer, from the cliffside town of Rocamadour to the underground rivers of Padirac, 4 days in Dordogne is best.

However, since the Dordogne is a warm, slow-paced, rural location, to fully enjoy the activities as well as get a feel for the culture and enjoy some downtime with a pastis in one hand and a book in the other, you should try to spend 5 days in Dordogne or more.

You can base yourself in a central location such as Gourdon and take short trips each day to minimise moving around a lot, or you can follow our Dordogne road trip itinerary along the Dordogne River and camp or rent properties in each location to minimise your time on the road.

Getting To & Around Dordogne

The Dordogne is not the easiest location to reach with public transport, so you’re best off driving there if you’re comfortable taking long journeys in the car.

The biggest airport near the region is Bordeaux Airport, so if you’re coming from a faraway location, your best option may be to fly to Bordeaux , rent a car and drive to the Dordogne. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices for car hire.

However, you can also fly from some destination to Bergerac, the most central and one of the largest towns in the Dordogne, or to Brive-Souillac Airport which is closer to the stops on our route, but a much smaller airport.

There are trains and buses traversing the region, however, the timetables aren’t particularly convenient for tourists, especially for the smaller villages, so having to rely on public transport may disrupt your enjoyment of the area.

The roads are in very good condition though, so you can easily cycle through the Dordogne or drive through and enjoy a 5-day Dordogne road trip, moving around at your own pace.

Within each village, you’ll find you won’t need public transport as each destination is easily walkable, although if you want to save your legs or whizz around a village and rush to the next stop on your Dordogne itinerary, there’s a petit train (a small tourist train with an audio guide) in most places.

4 to 5 Days in Dordogne Itinerary

The 300-mile Dordogne River provides the valley with lush vegetation and great biodiversity for you to enjoy as you travel through the area.

But the Dordogne Valley is also home to some of France’s most spectacular prehistoric sites and 21 winners of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” award, so there’s plenty to get stuck into in 4 to 5 days in Dordogne.

Day 1 – Collonges-la-Rouge to Bretenoux

Our itinerary to visit the Dordogne Valley will take you on a circular route, assuming you start your journey in Brive-Souillac Airport where you can rent a car for the duration of your trip. However, you can also begin in Bergerac or Bordeaux and join the loop from whichever location is most convenient.

Collonges-la-Rouge

The first stop on your road trip, just 25 minutes driving from Brive-Souillac Airport, is the incredible town of Collonges-la-Rouge.

French speakers will have an idea from the name, this town is made of largely red sandstone and limestone thanks to the region’s high iron oxide content, and boasts an extraordinary number of châteaux and flamboyant gothic buildings, giving it the nickname, the town of 25 towers.

You can walk around the streets and wonder at the colourful mediaeval buildings, including the Château de Vassinhac which is now a very authentic and unique guesthouse, but still open to visitors during the day, and the Mermaid House, now a small museum, named after the mermaid statue in the doorway.

The village may be small but you can still find a number of authentic French restaurants and bistros, for a morning coffee or midday lunch before heading on to your next stop.

Tours de Merle

The furthest point East on our Dordogne road trip, and a stop we simply couldn’t ignore, is Tours de Merle. Named after the impressive castle that was built on a hilltop jutting out of the gorge between the 12th and 15th centuries, Tours de Merle was once a thriving feudal village and is now a historic town that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Visit the historic houses, the ruined castle and the village museum to discover the long history of the small town either on a self-guided tour, or book a guided tour to enhance your experience. Then jump back in the car and take the D13 for around an hour Southwest to Bretenoux.

Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle

Finish the first day of your trip to the Dordogne at the magnificent Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle; the 12th-century castle stood strong through the feudal disputes of the Middle Ages, with towers, residences and gates added to the structure to resist attacks from all sides.

After changing hands, the castle then became a luxurious home in the 16th century, before being damaged in the French Revolution and suffering further from a devastating fire in the 1850s.

Today, the castle is owned and managed by the state, at the behest of its last owner, French opera singer Jean Mouliérat, who asked for its decoration to remain the same after he spent the end of his life repairing and restoring the impressive building.

You can see the splendid castle standing out on the landscape as you approach as well as see the impressive interior for a modest fee.

For your first night in the Dordogne, you can head back to the nearby town of Bretenoux to find a small collection of restaurants and just drive along the riverside to find some lovely campsites – some of which have gites, bungalows and tents to rent in case you didn’t bring your own.

The Dordogne Valley is one of the best places in France to go star-gazing due to the few cities and minimal light pollution, so before you head to bed, make sure to take a look and get a panoramic view of the night sky and count the shooting stars.

Day 2 – Caves and Medieval Villages

Your second day in the Dordogne takes place in the northern Lot department, exploring the mighty caves and gorgeous villages of the Dordogne River.

A short drive along the Dordogne River will take you to the charming medieval town of Carennac – another of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. This small village will take you on a journey back through time as its medieval origins are proudly still on display through its old stone houses and religious buildings.

As you walk around the village after your morning coffee and croissant, stop by the 12th-century Saint-Pierre church with its ornate entrance, peaceful cloister and legendary sculpture “Entombment”.

You can also see the impressive Château des Doyens overlooking the Dordogne River, which now houses the Museum of Art and History of the Dordogne Valley, so you can learn a little about the area while you’re there.

Next, drive for 10 to 15 minutes South to see one of France’s top attractions.

Gouffre de Padirac

Le Gouffre de Padirac, or Padirac Cave, is a 103-metre-deep cave in Padirac that you can visit and take a boat ride on the underground river!

Either by stairs or taking the lift, you can descend into the cave and marvel at the enormous stalactites that reach down from the cave ceilings as you pass through the different chambers on the river, reaching the extraordinary Salle du Grand Dôme, named such because of its whopping 94 metre-tall ceiling!

The cave itself is around 13°C, so make sure you bring a jacket with you even if you’re in the height of summer, and it’s a good idea to book in advance in July and August to ensure you get the chance to see this wondrous place.

Drive on for another 20 to 25 minutes to reach one of the Dordogne’s most famous towns.

Any Dordogne itinerary that missed out Rocamadour would be amiss, however, if you’re limited on time and have only 3 days in Dordogne, you should leave a whole day to spend in Rocamadour as there’s plenty to see and do.

This cliffside town is iconic to the Dordogne Valley and a hotspot for tourists and pilgrims alike due to its unique layout and fantastic vistas. Walk or take the Petit Train around the town and stop by the religious complex known as la Cité Sainte de Rocamadour, with its chapel built onto the rocky cliff edge and providing the destination for many pilgrimages for over a thousand years.

The Chapelle Notre Dame has a 12th-century black Madonna statue which pilgrims pray to in search of miracles, and non-believers and historians still find themselves in awe of the incredible artwork.

Behind the chapel lies Rocamadour Castle, built to protect the pilgrim site in the 1300s and in good shape today, ready to welcome tourists to discover the history of the village and enjoy a spectacular panorama for a small fee.

As you walk around the town, you may notice some large birds of prey flying above; head to the Rocher des Aigles for an up-close look at the bird displays, or simply position yourself high up in the village to see all kinds of eagles, vultures, owls, macaws and many more bird species take flight.

If you haven’t had your fix of ancient history yet, head over to Rocamadour’s Grotte des Merveilles, a 22,000-year-old cave filled with stalactites and original palaeolithic paintings of equine animals in amazing condition.

Lacave Caves

Although you can happily spend a whole day in Rocamadour, you can’t come to this part of the Dordogne Valley without taking a quick trip to the caves of Lacave. You’ll also end your day closer to the campsites on the banks of the Dordogne River.

Clearly named after its top attraction, Lacave has an enormous cave that is well worth a visit. Either on foot (bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes) or with the small electric train, you can take an hour and 20 minute-guided tour of around 1 km or the 4 km long tunnels running underground and learn of the 150 million years of history that created this amazing maze of caves.

Like all caves in France, flash photography is prohibited, but you can take non-flash photos to remember the amazing caves.

Day 3 – Adventuring on the Dordogne River

You can’t visit the Dordogne without taking a boat out along the river. Head to Souillac (or anywhere on the Dordogne River) and rent a kayak or canoe for the whole day or just a morning or afternoon, and spend the rest of your day in the town of Souillac.

Canoeing or Kayaking

The banks of the Dordogne River are beautifully green and dotted with glorious châteaux and mediaeval villages that make boat trips down the river some of the most idyllic.

Whichever company you start at, you’ll be taken via a free shuttle bus down the river where you can then start your journey back and arrive back at the boat rental company. This can be booked in advance here.

The river is mostly flat and calm, with small islands causing the current to flow faster, but no rapids or dangerous areas, making it a perfect place for first-time kayakers or families to enjoy a day out. There are also many small beaches where you can stop and enjoy a picnic or pick up a Croque Monsieur at a small riverside cafeteria before continuing your journey.

Along the journey you’ll be able to spot herons and kingfishers, and if you’re lucky, some salmon and eels migrating upstream.

If you’ve been out for the day on your kayak, Souillac is the perfect place to return to as it’s a pleasant small town with many restaurants and campsites.

Souillac also has an impressive 1,000-year-old abbey worth visiting as you amble around the small town looking for somewhere to eat, such as Le Quercy de Souillac, a small French restaurant serving fresh local produce for a reasonable price.

However, Souillac also offers more to visitors than you may imagine, with its large market on Friday and Sunday mornings from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm, drawing locals and visitors from many nearby villages, as well as its yearly jazz festival.

Souillac en Jazz lasts for a few days in the middle of July each year and sees a range of jazz artists play open-air concerts in the town, which you can buy tickets for online, or be lucky enough to overhear as you sit in a nearby brasserie.

Day 4 – Discovering Dordogne Towns

As you reach the border of the Dordogne department and enter 4 days in Dordogne, you’ll discover the small towns that make the Dordogne Valley so famous.

The Dordogne Valley is home to many historic towns, and none shows off its identity more proudly than Gourdon. With beautiful mediaeval stone houses with wooden doors in winding pathways, as you walk the city streets you can’t help but feel as though the town has looked the same for the past 500 years – and you wouldn’t be wrong.

At the beginning of August, you’ll come across a fantastic mediaeval festival taking place in the town, with many locals donning old-fashioned garb to bring the streets alive as they would have been hundreds of years ago.

These festivals also bring arts and crafts stalls as well as other local and traditional products for sale for visitors to peruse, not to mention the battles that take place in the squares, displaying traditional weaponry and fighting techniques to onlookers.

The historic town of Gourdon, or Bastide, surrounds a church on the hilltop and has its original city planning that defended the town from attack through the 12th to 15th centuries, so you can walk up the winding streets to the church to obtain amazing views over the town and surrounding area.

Gourdon’s market also takes place each Saturday morning from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm, so you can grab some fresh fruits, cheeses (try the local Rocamadour cheese for a real treat) and breads for a picnic, or just admire the local handicrafts.

A 25-minute drive through the countryside will take you back to the Dordogne River where you can find the beautiful town of Domme. Founded in the 13th century, Domme is another bastide town, formed due to its strategic location on a hilltop, with the Dordogne River to the North for protection.

It’s a perfect town to wander around on foot, or experience from the Petit Train accompanied by an audio guide, as the pale-stone buildings create a wonderful aesthetic, especially with the classic French hanging baskets filled with small flowers to brighten up the bridges, streets and windows.

You can enter the town through the ancient town gates, La Porte des Tours, which served as a prison during the Hundred Years’ War which ravaged many towns in the Dordogne area during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Prisoners of the Knights Templar engraved strange symbols and markings into these walls which you can still see today; pick up a brochure from the Tourist Office to see how they’ve interpreted the symbols.

Domme is also famous for its walking trails that take you around the clifftop for stunning views over the river and countryside as well as a peaceful exploration of the local flora and fauna.

Head to Place des Halles, the old marketplace to find a restaurant for lunch before heading off to the nearby town of La Roque-Gageac – or if you still have time, learn about the traditional way of life in Domme and the Périgord area in the Oustal du Périgord Museum, located in the central square, near the entrance to Domme’s caves.

La Roque-Gageac

Just 10 minutes driving from Domme is one of the most picturesque villages on the Dordogne River: La Roque-Gageac. This small village sits on the riverside, backed by an enormous rock, giving the village a wonderful aesthetic. It’s a great place to explore on foot and find small traditional shops selling local handicrafts and produce such as walnuts, goat’s cheeses and foie gras.

Built into the cliffside is an old fort, the remains of which you can admire from below or visit via a long set of stairs, while set a little back from the riverside is the marvellous Château de la Malartrie, a 19th-century mansion built in the Renaissance style.

Explore the incredible exotic gardens of the village, complete with palm trees, bamboo and banana trees, creating a tropical jungle atmosphere in this small mediaeval village.

If you’re in La Roque-Gageac for lunch or dinner, look no further for restaurants than Fat Pig; this local restaurant showcases the best of the local produce for a reasonable price (especially with the set menus), with fantastic views from the large terrace overlooking the Dordogne River. If you want one special night on your trip to Dordogne, it should be here.

The Marqueyssac Gardens

Just a 5-minute drive from La Roque-Gageac is the final stop on day 4 of your Dordogne itinerary, the splendid gardens and château of Marqueyssac.

With 6 km of paths leading through the ornately designed and curiously shaped gardens, the Jardins de Marqueyssac are a peaceful adventure for most, although can be an exciting one for others with many activities to take part in on offer in the gardens too.

From getting-to-know-nature workshops to corn mazes, there’s plenty to do for people of all ages, not to mention the Candlelit Nights every Thursday from 7 pm to midnight in July and August.

On these Candlelit Nights, visitors can wander the gardens, lit up by 2000 candles leading visitors through the gardens to the nearby waterfall with views back over the Dordogne and La Roque-Gageac.

Not only does the candlelight create playful shadows and intriguing shapes in the gardens, but there are four musical performances to be found at various locations around the gardens, as well as candle-making workshops for the children, and fairies on stilts wandering around the gardens.

Tickets are only available online, so make sure you get yours in advance; if you’re visiting the Dordogne in Summer, be sure to check out this magical setting.

Day 5 – Sarlat to Lascaux

As you arrive at your final day in the Dordogne, you can’t miss out on the small yet mighty village of Sarlat, nor the most incredible prehistoric site in France.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Like many villages in the Dordogne, Sarlat-la-Canéda, also known simply as Sarlat, is a small mediaeval village that proudly displays its heritage from street to street, making it a wonderful place to discover on foot.

But unlike the others, Sarlat actually has the highest number of historical buildings in one area than anywhere in France! Plus, thanks to the village being restored in the 1960s, you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.

You’ll be forgiven for bursting into song as you walk the streets surrounded by old stone buildings, as Sarlat has been the setting of many mediaeval films, including the 1982 French adaptation of Les Misérables!

The one curio that stands out against the mediaeval backdrop of the town, however, is the unbelievably large black doors that welcome you into Sarlat’s legendary St Mary’s Church, which now holds the food hall.

You can explore the local gastronomy through numerous food festivals in Sarlat in Spring and Autumn, although through Summer the streets are filled with theatrical and cultural displays to entice visitors.

Wednesday mornings and all-day Saturday you can find Sarlat’s market, offering the region’s best honey, chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles, duck and foie gras – just some of the Dordogne’s specialities. It is possible to arrange a gourmet tour here.

Head North for 20 minutes on the D704 to reach one of Dordogne’s (and France’s) most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the prehistoric caves of Lascaux!

Although visitors have been unable to visit the original cave discovered by four school boys and their dog in the 1940s since 1963 due to fears of the cave paintings deteriorating, historians, artists and archaeologists expertly recreated the caves and their paintings using the same materials and techniques as the original, thus Lascaux 4 was born.

There is no indication that you’re visiting a replica – a testament to the incredible talent of those who copied the original – as you descend into the cave and your eyes widen at the thousands of images painted on the cave walls displaying the historic fauna of the area some 17,000 years ago.

Affectionately nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory, the cave walls have over 900 animals on display, from deer and bulls to ibex and cows, and one bird-headed person, each in remarkable form and vibrant colours given the materials and knowledge of prehistoric man.

These cave paintings are some of the best examples of Upper Palaeolithic art, and some of the best preserved, so you can’t miss out on a trip to Lascaux 4 during 5 days in Dordogne.

The cave is rather narrow so people with severe claustrophobia may wish to skip the cave itself and head on to the on-site museum and gift shop where you can still learn a great deal about the history of the area, but everyone else is highly recommended to visit the cave to appreciate the artistic skill and interest of our ancestors.

The Gardens of Eyrignac Manor

For those visiting the Dordogne in Summer – which comes highly recommended due to the excellent weather as well as the many activities that take place through July and August – you can’t miss out on an evening in the Jardins d’Eyrignac.

Every Monday night over Summer, the proprietors of Eyrignac Manor open its gardens for a fantastic White Picnic. This family-friendly evening sees white blankets placed all over the gardens for visitors – wearing only white – to sit and enjoy a picnic with the sunset, followed by music, dance and fireworks.

Each ticket includes a visit to the gardens, so get there before sunset to explore the wonderful horticulture before relaxing for the evening with your own picnic, or one you’ve bought on-site, and a drink from the cocktail bar. Dogs are allowed for ordinary visits to the gardens but are unfortunately not permitted during the picnics due to the number of visitors and abundance of food.

It’s also a popular event, so to guarantee entry, book your ticket in advance and have a spectacular final night of your Dordogne Valley road trip!

Where to Stay in the Dordogne Valley

Hostellerie de la Bouriane – Located in the town of Gourdon, this 3-star hotel is perfect for those looking for a tranquil escape while visiting the Dordogne Valley. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with other amenities for guests to enjoy.

Le Relais des galets – This 3-star hotel located in the town of Domme is another wonderful option when visiting the Dordogne Valley. They have a number of great rooms to choose from along with a fantastic location outside of Domme.

Le Manoir – This country bed and breakfast just 5 kilometres outside of the town of Souillac is an excellent option in the Dordogne area. There are a number of great rooms to choose from along with a fab breakfast available and an on-site swimming pool.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Dordogne hotels!

If you want a city break, the Dordogne Valley is not for you. But if you’re interested in relaxing in the French countryside and indulging in local gastronomy as well as exploring ancient historical sites, you absolutely have to spend 4 to 5 days in Dordogne.

Are you visiting the Dordogne region? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Dijon or Beaune: Which Burgundy City to Visit?

Cannes or St Tropez: Which French City to Visit?

2 to 3 Days in Chamonix Itinerary (Winter or Summer!)

About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

This looks like an interesting tour. What beautiful, strange gardens

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

What are you looking for?

12 best road trips in france [for 2024 & beyond].

There are plenty of incredible places to visit in France and what could be better than travelling the country by car? Road trips in France can be the perfect way to travel at your own pace and discover everything this beautiful country has to offer. 

If you’re planning a trip to France or looking for some inspiration, we have put together this guide which includes some of the best driving routes through France. 

No matter what your interests are, I’m sure you will find something in this guide that is the perfect fit.

Let’s get straight into it! 

Travellerspoint

When Is The Best Time To Road Trip France?

There is no correct answer to this question as each season offers different things to explore.

Our recommendation on the most ideal time for France road trips would be the spring months (between April and June) or during Autumn (September to November). 

The weather from November to March can be quite unpredictable .

You could encounter colder temperatures, snow and rainfall which can make conditions hard for driving. 

If you choose to road trip France in July and August, be prepared to experience high temperatures of up to 30°C with even many locals also taking it easy.

You will also want to start your days extra early to avoid the crowds during the day.

Between April and June, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy mild weather conditions and make the most of your trip before the summer crowds arrive.  

Although you may experience some rain in Autumn, it can be a great time to travel around France as you can get some good bargains once the crowds ease..

Should I Road Trip France In A Campervan Or Car?

Once again, there is no correct answer to this question as the vehicle choice will depend on your interests and budget. 

If you choose to travel France by car, the biggest advantage will be convenience.

‍ French roads, especially in the countryside and villages, can be quite narrow . 

However, we road-tripped throughout France for a total of 6 weeks and never really had an issue with our campervan (it’s 6 meters in length for reference). 

France caters pretty well to campers. There is usually dedicated parking too!

If you don’t want to rent a campervan, then no worries. A car will work just fine and you can check out many cosy Airbnb homes or hotels during your stay.  

Take a look at our guide to the best car rentals in France to give yourself an idea of the options available to you.

For ideas on how much a van will cost, check out our guide on the best campervan and motorhome rentals in France .

How Long Do I Need To Road Trip France?

French road trips can be the perfect way to immerse yourself in a journey and in turn discover the culture, history and landmarks of each region.

Although there’s no fixed timeline, we recommend you spend a minimum of 12 to 15 days to explore the country’s villages and towns in-depth and experience everything they have to offer.

This way you’ll be able to go beyond the main tourist attractions and avoid the crowds.

France is such a magnificent country; you’re bound to find something to suit your interests. 

For each of the suggested road trips, we’ve added the approximate mileage covered and a rough time estimate to help you plan and adapt according to your needs.

The Best Road Trips In France

1.champagne region road trip.

• Length: 29.3km/18 miles 
• Time: 1-2 Days 
• Location: Reims to Épernay

Are you a wine lover? This might be one of the perfect French road trips for you to enjoy some sparkling wine as well as explore some beautiful French sites.

Champagne is a historical region located in Eastern France. There are two central regions of Champagne: Reims and Epernay. 

This is a very short road trip, but we suggest doing it over two days so you can enjoy drinking the champagne whilst also being able to drive!  

During this Champagne road trip, you can enjoy driving past different villages, whilst occasionally stopping at the vineyards to capture some stunning pictures.

Take a look at our Champagne road trip video for first-hand look at everything the region has to offer.

Highlights Of The Champagne Region Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Champagne Region Road Trip route include: 

• Notre Dame de Reims: This was an absolute gem on our visit to Reims! Almost exactly like the cathedral in Paris, this magnificent structure displays classic examples of 13th-century Gothic architecture.  
• Domaine Les Crayers: If you have the budget and are looking for a luxurious Michelin experience, then you’ll love this spot! Enjoy the fusion of flavours and high-quality food combinations. 
• The Avenue De Champagne : Stretching one kilometre long, this famous avenue might be one of the most expensive avenues in the World. Lined with many renowned Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier and Pol Roger, this UNESCO World Heritage site is well worth a visit!  

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Champagne Region Road Trip

Day 1: Explore the medieval city of Reims, often known as the unofficial capital city of Champagne. The city is well known for its large cathedral, so don’t forget to check out this beautiful gothic architecture and stained glass window. At night, we recommend you visit Domaine Les Crayères .

Day 2: Head towards Epernay. Enjoy the popular champagne house Moet and Chandon , perhaps the most famous champagne in the world. You can also try some of the other local champagne houses if you’re on a budget. In the evening, make your way to Hautvillers, which is a ten-minute drive. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of vineyards. 

We did a Taittinger Champagne House Tour which was super interesting and great value for money, you can book yours here.

2. The Beauty and the Beast Village Roadtrip

• Length: 85km/52 miles
• Time: 3 Days 
• Location: Strasbourg to Colmar

Alsace is located in the northeast of France that borders both Switzerland and Germany.

This road trip in France is in an exquisite wine region that’s certain to charm. 

This route is a must-visit for any Disney fans.

Many of the Alsace wine route villages are said to be the inspiration for Belle’s hometown from Beauty and The Beast. 

The tiny towns lie between numerous vineyards. Enjoy walking along the cobblestone lanes and admiring the picturesque architecture and scenery.

We had such a great time on this trip. Take a look at our Beauty and the Beast Village road trip video to see what we got up to.

Highlights Of The The Beauty and the Beast Village Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of The Beauty and the Beast Village road trip route include: 

1. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg –  This is one of the landmarks of Strasbourg. The cathedral is one of the highest buildings, built entirely during the medieval times and still standing currently. It has been constructed with magnificent Gothic architecture, beautiful interior and stained-glass windows, which have been preserved since the 12th and 14th centuries.

2. Grand Rue - This is the main street in Ribeauvillé, filled with bakeries, restaurants, and beautiful buildings maintained from the 18th century. Enjoy a walk on the cobblestones and observe the squares which are decorated with Renaissance-style fountains.  

3. Unterlinden Museum- If you love history or want to admire some creative pieces, this museum is filled with masterpieces from the middle ages. With over 3000 pieces, this is a perfect place for culture lovers. 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Beauty and the Beast Village Road Trip

• Day 1: Start your trip early at the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame and enjoy the architectural heritage of the city. Don’t forget to taste all the Alsatian specialities which can be paired with some regional wine. 
• Day 2: Next, visit the town of Ribeauvillé. Enjoy the views of colourful houses decorated with bright flower boxes and medieval churches spread amongst the old city. From there, make your way towards Riquewihr, a beautiful town listed amongst the “Most beautiful villages of France”. This town is full of small lanes and suited to pedestrians so you will have to park your cars outside the city. 
• Day 3: Head towards the picturesque town of Colmar. This old town is filled with beautiful houses, cobblestone lanes and bridges. Stroll through the city and enjoy some delicious foods. 

3. Parc Naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne to Bonaguil Castle

• Length: 323km/200km 
• Time: 2-3 days 
• Location: Parc Naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne to Bonaguil Castle 

If you’re looking for something short, sweet and unique, do take some time out to take a look at this beautiful road trip route!

There is so much room for new discoveries on this route as it’s not one of the most famous France road trip destinations. However, there’s still heaps of sightseeing along the way!

This road trip is even well-suited to history and geography lovers as it has a balance of everything. The town of Rocamadour also has a lot of religious significance and is a pilgrimage site for many. 

Highlights Of The Parc Naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne to Bonaguil Castle Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Parc Naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne to Bonaguil Castle Road Trip route include: 

• Puy de Dôme :  Here you will find excellent walking trails and earn about volcanoes as well as the history of the area. There are many other activities such as paragliding and bike riding too.
• Castle of Val: This is a beautiful, well-maintained castle located next to a lake, making it a picturesque location. Founded in the 13th century, the castle was built through the 14th and 15th centuries. There is also a landscaped beach nearby where you can enjoy swimming and water sports in the summer months.
• Bonaguil Castle: Although it’s mostly ruins, this is another well-preserved castle with so much to explore. Be ready for a lot of walking. The spiral staircase inside is quite unique, and you can enjoy beautiful views from the top of the castle. 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Parc Naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne to Bonaguil Castle

Day 1: Start your morning by visiting Puy de Dôme. After you have had a chance to hike and capture the breathtaking views, head towards Brive-la-Gaillarde, where you will be staying the night but make a stop to visit the castle of Val on your way.

Day 2: Head out early and make your way to Rocamadour. This is an enchanting village based on a clifftop. Leave aside around half a day to explore the little town. Make your way toward the last stop, which is Bonaguil Castle.

4. The South of France Road Trip

• Length: 151km/ 93.8 miles 
• Time: 4-5 days 
• Location: Saint Tropez to Menton

The French Riviera road trip refers to the Provençal coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, which consists of cities that are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the World. 

This road trip encompasses some beautiful landscapes for nature lovers, including the coastlines, beaches, and even a few National parks. 

The trip we’ve suggested can definitely be cut shorter or extended as per your travel arrangements. It makes it more worthwhile if you can stroll around at your own pace to discover these spots.

Overall, this south of France road trip has a great vibe, and it’s pretty easy to get around. There is so much versatility in things to do and see, which is why this region is unique.

Highlights Of The South of France Road Trip 

Some of my favourite highlights of the South of France route include: 

• Vieux Port : Often referred to as the heart of Saint Tropez; This is the old fishing village site, which has now been converted into a more peaceful port with fishing boats and yachts in the harbour. Along with the port, you will see pastel-coloured houses and buildings with some lively cafes for you to enjoy the views. 
• Promenade des Anglais: A popular place for a stroll in Nice, with stunning views of the seaside. The promenade stretches up to 7km and is also surrounded by some wonderful 19th-century royal houses. 
• Palais du Prince : Although this is the official residence of the Grimaldi family in the Principality of Monaco, some of the chambers within the palace can be visited by the general public. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guards ceremony, which takes place at 11.55 am daily in front of the palace.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The South of France Road Trip 

Day 1: Start your journey by discovering the city of Saint Tropez. Initially a tiny fishing village and military base in the past, the city has now been converted into a popular destination with beautiful beaches and some great restaurants. Make sure you visit Vieux Port. 

Day 2: Travel to Cannes, famous for the International film festival. Its a great city to simply chill out. You can enjoy a day at the beach if you’re looking to relax. Otherwise, you may also choose to go to Massif Esterel, where you will find many hiking trails and hidden beaches. 

Day 3: Soak up the sun and hit the beautiful beaches of Nice. However, there is more to Nice than its famous beaches. You can stroll through Vieille Ville, the Old Town and Promenade des Anglais. Head up to Castle Hill for some impressive views over the city. At night, you can head to a fancy restaurant or enjoy live music at the bars. 

Day 4: Make your way towards Monaco, which is quite a small city. Start off by visiting ‘the  Rock’, which is the oldest part of Monaco. You can catch a glimpse of the changing of the guard ceremony. 

Day 5: Lastly, make your way towards the city of Menton, located just 10km away from Monaco. You will find flowers growing everywhere in the city with the vibrant, colourful buildings, making it a beautiful setting to explore. 

Pssst, if you're short on time and want to see Provence from Nice, then this is a great tour!

5. Provence Road trip

• Length: 196km/ 122 miles 
• Time: 3 days 
• Location: Château des Baux-de-Provence to Verdon Gorge 

The Provence region is a major tourist destination for people all across the globe, and you are likely to find many picture-perfect moments for your social media accounts on this trip. 

If you’re after the ultimate summer road trip, look no further. The magnificent region of Provence has everything you want! 

The region is on any traveller’s bucket list as it is famous for its varied landscape, stunning lavender fields, beautiful vineyards and sparkling turquoise waters. 

The recommended time to do this road trip route would be spring and summer. However, there is something unique about every season so don’t worry too much if these months aren’t possible for you! 

We made a whole video on our trip to the area, check it out here for a detailed look at what we got up to.

Highlights Of The Provence Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Provence Road Trip route include: 

• Le Sentier des Ocres: The distinctive village of Roussillon in the South of France is known for the vibrant ochre colours of the landscape. Le Sentier des Ocres is a short hike that gives some truly spectacular views of ochre hillsides. You can choose from two different trails one is 30 minutes and the other 45 minutes.
• Lavender fields of Valensole: The biggest attraction of the Provence region is the lavender fields. The lavender usually blooms from late June to mid-August. Valensole also hosts an annual lavender festival to mark the start of the harvest in which you can find many lavender by-products such as essential oils, soaps, creams etc. 
• Verdon Gorge: This pristine long river canyon is known to be one of Europe’s most beautiful natural attractions. The magical turquoise colour of the water will not disappoint. We highly recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. There is a range of activities you can join as well, such as rafting, kayaking, paddle boating, bike riding and hiking. 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Provence Road Trip

Day 1: Start your trip by visiting Château des Baux-de-Provence. Make a pit stop at the town of Oppède, you can explore it at your own pace and then head to Gordes. 

Day 2: From Gordes, you can make your way to the stunning village of Roussillon. You can wander the streets and sightsee the centre of town. Don’t miss Le Sentier des Ocres. Visit the Lavender fields of Valensole and make your way back to Roussillon for the night.  

Day 3: Head towards the stunning Verdon Gorge! You can certainly spend the entire day here before returning or heading to your next destination. 

6. Bordeaux to Biarritz

• Length: 269km/ 167 miles
• Time: 3-4 days 
• Location: Bordeaux to Biarritz

Wine along with beach vibes all in one trip. What more can you ask for? This is the road trip for those who want to discover the French Atlantic Coast and the Basque country! 

You will love the mix of both coast and country on this road trip to discover more of Southwest France. 

Also, if you are into swimming or surfing, the French Atlantic coast will be a paradise for you. Soak up the sunshine and enjoy battling the waves. 

Enjoy this relaxed and laid back journey to simply wind down and get away from the hustle of the big cities!  

Highlights Of The Bordeaux to Biarritz Road Trip 

Some of my favourite highlights of the Bordeaux to Biarritz route include: 

• Place de la Bourse: Dating back to the 18th century, the architecture of this French classical-style building is simply marvellous. This is an impressive sight both in the day and at night too. There is also an attractive fountain in the centre, be sure to check out the water mirror! 
• Dune du Pilat : It is a very steep climb up the dunes but definitely worth it for some fantastic coastal views. The dune is quite a famous spot as it is the tallest sand dune in all of Europe. 
• Fêtes de Bayonne - Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience this festival, but if you are in Bayonne during August, this is not to be missed. It lasts for five days and is the largest festival celebrated in France.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Bordeaux to Biarritz Road Trip: 

Day 1: Start your journey from Bordeaux, which is famous for its wine. You can enjoy some wine tasting and then visit Place de la Bourse and rue Sainte Catherine. 

Day 2: Head to Arcachon; This admired seaside destination is perfect for beach lovers. Also, make sure you visit Dune du Pilat, which is a short drive away. You can move to the small town of Mimizan and stay the night if you want to explore another town. 

Day 3: From Mimizan or Arcachon, head to the town of Hossegor. Another great place for surfers to catch the waves. In the afternoon, make your way towards Bayonne. If you travel in summer, you may even be able to participate in the Fêtes de Bayonne, a fantastic festival. 

Day 4: You can conclude the trip by reaching Biarritz. This is a picture-perfect coastal town and a popular tourist destination. You can hit the beach or explore the town centre full of small boutiques and lovely cafes.  

7. Calais to Rouen

• Length: 212 km/ 131 miles
• Time: 2 days 
• Location:Calais to Rouen 

If you’re looking for a short yet sweet trip to explore Northern France, this might be the perfect one for you!

This road trip will give you a mix of both seaside sceneries paired with some Medieval French history.

You can certainly squeeze this itinerary into a full day, but we decided to spread it over two days so we could relax and enjoy the north side a bit more.  

As well as enjoying more time seeing all the great things to do in Rouen itself.

Highlights Of The Calais to Rouen Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Calais to Rouen route include: 

• Calais Town Hall: If you love architecture, this monument is not to be missed. It’s a change to the gothic architecture as the structure is designed in a renaissance revival style. We also loved the sound of the belfry’s chimes in the bell tower and the sight of the well-maintained gardens
• Calais Lighthouse: Standing tall in a quiet spot of town, it is quite visible from any distance. You will need to climb a total of 271 steps to reach the top, which may seem tiring, but it is definitely worth it for some spectacular views of the ocean and the city.
• Rue St. Jean: Get lost within French culture for a short while by doing a quick walk through the main street in Le Touquet, a small coastal town. This is the place to be if you’re looking to sightsee some local shops, cafés and restaurants.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Calais to Rouen: 

Day 1: Soak up the sunshine and head to Calais Beach! Visit Calais Lighthouse to learn some history and enjoy the views of both the city and the sea. At night, you can enjoy the local cuisine and stroll by the food markets.  

Day 2: Head towards Rouen. This is only a two-hour drive, so you can make your first stop at Le Touquet along the way. Continue your drive and make a second stop at Abbeville before reaching Rouen.

8. Paris to Strasbourg

• Length: 491 km/ 305 miles 
• Time:1-2 days 
• Location:Paris to Strasbourg

If you are short of time or are simply looking for a day trip out of Paris to explore more of the French countryside, this road trip might be the perfect option for you! 

You may even decide to stay a few days longer to explore the city in more detail and enjoy the fantastic food and restaurants located in Strasbourg and its surroundings.  

The city of Strasbourg is in Eastern France and is very close to both Germany and Switzerland. Strasbourg has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. 

Whether you love adventure, food, scenic views or history, Strasbourg is a city that has something for everyone and you’re sure to love this Paris road trip.

If you need some inspiration on what to do in one day in Paris , take a look at this video we made. 

Highlights Of The Paris to Strasbourg Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Paris to Strasbourg route include: 

• Strasbourg Cathedral: This cathedral is a spectacular building right in the centre of Strasbourg. You can climb up the tower and enjoy beautiful views of the city from above. The cathedral is free, but you will have to pay a small fee to access the top. 
• Petite France: The entire district is a pedestrian zone, so you may need to park a little far away! This was one of my favourite parts of France! It honestly felt like stepping into a postcard or fairy-tale because everything just seems like a treat to the eyes! Wander around at your own pace and immerse yourself in this French village! 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Paris to Strasbourg Route

Day 1: Make an early start and head straight to Strasbourg. Explore the Strasbourg Cathedral, Place Kléber and Petite France. Enjoy some of the amazing food that the restaurants and cafes have to offer. You can spend the night here and return to Paris the following morning. 

9. Paris to Albi

• Length: 1102km/ 684 miles 
• Location: Paris to Albi 

This is the perfect trip for enthusiasts of French history and architecture.

We enjoyed visiting the landmarks and structures, which provided a good insight into the country’s cultural heritage. 

We didn’t quite know what to expect when we planned this trip, but we loved embarking on this journey full of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The general distance between Paris and Albi isn’t too long so you can stop and sightsee along the way to make it more worthwhile.

This France road trip itinerary allows you to visit both the best parts of central and southern France. However, it can easily be adapted to your interests.

Highlights Of The Paris to Albi Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Paris to Albi route include: 

• Pont du Gard: This was one of our favourite landmarks in Southern France. The size of the structure is astounding and to think it was made by the Ancient Romans so many years ago makes it even more majestic. You can walk across the Pont for some lovely views from the top and swim below on a hot day. 
• Parc de la tête d’Or: This is a really beautiful park not to be missed. The park is entirely free, and you can spend hours exploring the various plants, animals and other activities. Great to walk around and spend time outdoors. 
• Toulouse-Lautrec Museum: Even if you are not an art lover, this museum and former castle is a great place to tour as it is very well preserved. This museum is dedicated to the paintings of the French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Paris to Albi Trip 

Day 1: Start early in Paris and make your way towards Lyon. Visit the Parc de la tête d’Or and then head to the old town. Make sure you visit the Traboules of Lyon, which are the secret passageways that helped locals escape the Gestapo.

Day 2: Leave Lyon and head towards the amazing structure of Pont du Gard. Then travel to Montpellier, where you will be spending the night. 

Day 3: Make your way to Carcassonne to explore the Great Medieval fortified city.

Head towards the town of Albi. There are quite a few World Heritage sites in Albi that are not to be missed. Make sure you visit Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, Pont Vieux and Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile, which was the largest brick building in Europe. 

10. Pau to Tarascon-sur-Ariège

• Length: 222km/ 137 miles 
• Location:Pau to Tarascon-sur-Ariège

If you’re looking for an escape from crowded cities, this short route might be the perfect getaway for you. 

This isn’t a majorly popular route, but it’s great for travelling at your own pace and discovering everything these two towns have to offer. 

For those who love hiking or simply just want to enjoy the peace and quiet, you can easily extend this trip to 2-3 days by adding stopovers of your choice. 

Highlights Of The Pau to Tarascon-sur-Ariège Road Trip 

Some of my favourite highlights of the Pau to Tarascon-sur-Ariègeroute include: 

• National Museum and the Château de Pau : If you’re looking for a change and want to explore some fantastic art, tapestries and history, then this might be an enjoyable place for you. The castle and museum are located in the city centre, and you will get an impressive view of Pau from up there. Unfortunately, they only give tours in French, but they do hand out paper translations in English.
• Parc de la Prehistoire: If you are travelling as a family, this museum is not to be missed as it is the perfect place to take your kids. The museum itself is at a stunning location and is very informative. There are also numerous interactive activities such as spear throwing and cave art demonstrations, sure to teach you more about the prehistoric ages. 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Pau to Tarascon-sur-Ariège Road Trip: 

Day 1: Stroll around the small city of Pau. This is a typical French town that has a more mild climate and gives picturesque views. Visit the National Museum and the Château de Pau. Then, make your way towards Tarascon-sur-Ariege. 

Day 2: Enjoy this little town; there are many hikes you can do for some stunning views. Don’t forget to take out some time for the Parc de la Prehistoire, which is a great place to visit for all ages! 

11. Normandy to Utah Beach

• Length: 168 km/104 miles
• Time: 1 day
• Location: Normandy to Utah Beach

This Normandy Road trip ensures a perfect balance for those who are looking to discover some scenic towns and villages but fun for food enthusiasts. 

This is a really enjoyable one because it’s such a nice change to be by the coast and visit the beach. 

The trip also explores the historical events of D-Day, when the troops stormed the coast to liberate Europe from the Nazi’s. 

It’s possible to complete this road trip in a day but you can certainly make a stopover and spend some more time sightseeing. 

Highlights Of The Normandy to Utah Beach Road Trip 

Some of my favourite highlights of the Normandy to Utah Beach route include: 

• Mémorial de Caen. This is a wonderful museum and war memorial which will give you an insight into World War II and the Battle for Caen. 
• Utah Beach: Visiting and walking Utah beach is a pretty humbling experience. You learn a great deal about the sad history of D-day.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Normandy to Utah Beach Road Trip

Day 1: Start at Caen and explore the Mémorial de Caen. Make your way to Utah beach for a historical experience in the spot where the D-day landing took place years ago. 

12. Annecy to Saint-Véran

• Length: 623 km/387 miles 
• Time: 4 Days 
• Location: Annecy to Saint-Véran

​​This scenic trip through the French Alps is for the adventurers and thrill-seekers who are willing to head away from the mainstream cities into winding roads and more challenging driving routes.  

All the Alpine villages have their own unique charm, so wind down your windows and enjoy breathing the fresh mountain air. 

Make sure you take some time out during your trip for some of the adventure activities (based on the season) this part of France offers such as skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting and snowboarding. 

This trip is perfect for photographers who wish to capture the scenic French Alps! Keep your camera handy during the drive too as there are so many secluded and hidden spots around this journey.  

Highlights Of The Annecy to Saint-Véran Road Trip

Some of my favourite highlights of the Annecy to Saint-Véran route include: 

• ​​Lake Annecy : Lake Annecy certainly is one of the most breathtaking sceneries in the French Alps. It makes the perfect place to relax and is truly a treat to the eyes. It’s a 40km ride around if you choose to explore the lake with a car and you can stop at various points to enjoy the view and the towns. In the summer months, you may prefer to hike or swim in the lake. 
• Aiguille du Midi : This should be a must-do on everyone’s bucket list! Make sure to check the weather forecast before you head up in the cable car. Also, pack warm clothes and sunglasses as you will need them once you reach the top. On a clear day, the panoramic views of Mont Blanc are mesmerizing. 
• Fort de La Bastille: The roads are very narrow, so we highly recommend doing this on foot! It is quite a workout for the legs but will be worth it once you see the amazing views of Grenoble and the Alps. You can also take a cable car up to the top if you don't have much time. 

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary For The Annecy to Saint-Véran Trip: 

​​Day 1: Explore the beautiful lake, colourful cottages, and cobblestone paths in Annecy. Head to the charming town of Chamonix and enjoy walking around the city centre. Catch a cable car to Aiguille du Midi to capture some panoramic views.

Day 2: You can explore Mont Blanc or some delicacies at Chamonix in the morning before heading to Albertville for a quick stopover. 

Day 3: Head towards Col de l'Iseran. If you love adventure, you can spend some extra time here; otherwise, head to Grenoble. 

Day 4: Visit the Fort de La Bastille. You can walk or grab a cable car for some spectacular views from the top. Head towards the last stop, the town of Saint Veran. 

Tips For Road Tripping France

Before I leave you, here are a few quick tips that might help make planning your French road trip a little bit easier.

• Be Flexible : Even if you think you have everything planned, you might find things along the way that will capture your interest, so leave time aside to discover other things you might not have added to your itinerary.
• Purchase a French SIM card: When you’re hungry, the last thing you want to do is hop around between restaurants to check out what is best! If you have the internet, it will make it much easier to look for recommendations in your area, and GPS will help you find your way if you go off track!
• Learn some French: This will be so helpful when you need help or are asking for directions!
• Check for Market days: When travelling in France by car you won’t have to worry about following a timetable. Head to the French Markets in small towns and villages as early as you can to get the best produce and products!
• Plan Parking before you start your travel: As mentioned above, many villages and towns have pedestrian access only. So when travelling by car in France it’s a good idea to find a secure parking spot in advance and avoid wasting time!

Our other French guides:

• Best campervan rentals in France
• Best things to do in Rouen
• One day in Paris itinerary

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

7-Day South of France Itinerary: Provence and French Riviera

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• 7-day-south-france-itinerary-provence-road-trip

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 21.08.2024

Looking for the perfect South of France itinerary? This 7-day itinerary will help you experience the best of Provence and the French Riviera. From vibrant markets in Aix-en-Provence to relaxing on the stunning beaches of Villefranche-sur-Mer, this itinerary offers a mix of cultural discoveries and natural beauty.

• Key Takeaways
• The best times to visit Provence and the French Riviera are in May, June, and September for ideal weather and fewer crowds, with lavender fields blooming in mid-June to mid-July!
• Traveling to the region is easy with convenient airports and TGV trains; renting a car is a must for exploring the charming towns at your own pace!
• This exciting 7-day itinerary showcases the highlights of Provence and the French Riviera , including vibrant markets, stunning landscapes, and beautiful coastal towns!

Best time to visit the south of France

• Getting to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

7-Day South of France itinerary overview

Day 1: explore aix-en-provence, day 2: discover les baux-de-provence, day 3: luberon villages and lavender fields, day 4: calanques national park and cassis, day 5: saint-paul-de-vence, day 6: beaches and coastal towns, day 7: final day in nice, where to stay in provence and the french riviera.

Tips from Marianne

France Travel Expert

7 days is just enough time to explore the highlights in the south of France. Make sure you visit at the right time (mid-June and mid-July) to see our famous lavender fields. No matter your plans, don't over-plan and do like the locals do: take it easy!

Choose the right time to visit the south of France can greatly improve your experience. The best time to go is from April to September; more specifically May, June, and September due to both favorable weather and fewer tourists. These months strike a nice balance between the benefits of warm temperature and few people cluttering up all the nice sites to enjoy throughout this region of France.

• Peak season : Travel during July and August brings you vibrant festivals and bustling with people. Simply expect more human beings and higher prices.
• Shoulder Season : Go in March or May, or come during the fall to experience less crowds and lower prices. Provide a more personal experience through local culture and landscapes.
• Lavender Fields : Visit the iconic lavender fields between mid-June and mid-July. The last week in June or the first week in July would be ideal for either enjoying the peak of the lavender season while missing the major tourist crowds.

Do remember that, for most people, the best time for your south of France itinerary will depend on what you value and at what time. 

The famous lavender fields in the Provence ©Shutterstock

Getting to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Traveling to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is simple, with several convenient options available. The main airports serving this stunning area include Nice , Marseille , Toulon-Hyères, and Avignon.

Fly into a major European hub

Most travelers from the US fly out of major cities like New York or Los Angeles to major European cities such as Paris (CDG), London (LHR), or Amsterdam (AMS). You can fly directly to most of these European cities from major US airports.

Connecting flight or train

When you arrive in Paris, you can fly to Marseille Provence Airport. The best option due to its central location and excellent connections. You can catch direct flights from Paris to any of Provence’s airports, including Marseille (MRS) or Nice (NCE). The flight from Paris to Marseille takes about 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Paris to Provence. The TGV high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence takes about 3 hours.

Renting a car

Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the region at your own pace. It's quite the trip from Paris to Aix-en-Provence. It takes around 8 hours, so it's better to break it up into two days. The positive side is that you'll cross some of France's most beautiful sceneries.

For more details on getting around in France, be sure to check out how to get around in France .

Nice is a great starting point for your 7 day itinerary in the South of France © Shutterstock

This 7-day itinerary through Provence and the French Riviera immerses you in the region’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. Here’s a quick glance at the detailed itinerary: 

• Day 1 begins in Aix-en-Provence, known for its lively markets and historic sites. 
• Day 2 takes you to the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, followed by a visit to the picturesque Luberon Villages and lavender fields on Day 3.
• Day 4 focuses on the natural beauty of Calanques National Park and the charming town of Cassis. 
• On Day 5, explore the artistic haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
• Day 6 delves into the coastal towns and beautiful beaches of the French Riviera.
• Day 7 concludes in Nice with its scenic Promenade des Anglais and historical Castle Hill. 

This south of France itinerary ensures you experience the best of the South of France in just one week.

Begin your adventure in Aix-en-Provence , known for its vibrant markets and artistic heritage. Start by exploring the bustling flea market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The daily fruit and vegetable market at Place Richelme offers fresh produce from local farmers and is a feast for the senses.

Don’t miss the flower market, showcasing a dazzling array of blossoms and plants daily except on the first Sunday of each month. The fairground market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings is another highlight, where you can shop for regional products, clothing, and accessories. 

After a morning of shopping, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Aix-en-Provence . Visit the iconic Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Stop by the Cours Mirabeau, a picturesque tree-lined avenue, and enjoy a coffee at one of the charming cafes.

As the day ends, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and savor Provençal cuisine. It's the perfect start of your French adventure!

Lavender fields around Aix-en-Provence © Shutterstock

On your second day, head to the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence , perched high on a rocky plateau with stunning views of the Alpilles region. This charming village, with its narrow streets and rich history, has been inhabited since around 6000 BC.

The village is home to numerous historical landmarks, with 22 officially recognized as Historic Monuments. Take time to explore the ancient castle ruins. 

Don’t miss the Carrieres de Lumieres, a former limestone quarry now transformed into an immersive art experience with captivating projections. This attraction is a favorite among art lovers and history buffs. 

Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the village, soaking in the medieval atmosphere and taking in the panoramic vistas.

On day 3, visit the picturesque Luberon Valley , famous for its charming villages and stunning lavender fields. Start your day in Gordes, a breathtaking village known for its unique architecture and scenic beauty and especially photogenic at twilight.

Next, visit Roussillon , a village known for its vibrant buildings in shades of orange, pink, and red. Take a hike along the Ochre Trail for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Another must-see is Bonnieux, a village offering quaint cafes, souvenir shops, and a local market where you can dive into the local culture.

For nature enthusiasts, the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the lavender fields in the Luberon Valley, especially around Valensole. Early July is the prime time to visit, as the lavender is in full bloom. 

Finish your day with a taste of lavender ice cream, a local treat that perfectly captures the essence of the region.

Beautiful view of the village of Gorders © Shutterstock

Day 4 takes us to the natural beauty of Calanques National Park and the town of Cassis. Found between Marseilles and Cassis, this park is well-known for its cliffs plummeting into the Mediterranean Sea. 

Start your day with a hike along one of the many trails available; there are beautiful lookouts of the calanques and hidden coves. For a different perspective, take a boat tour to explore the stunning calanques by sea. Many tours visit areas perfect for swimming and snorkeling, allowing visitors to see the calanques from inside the clear waters.

After enjoying the park, visit the small fishing town of Cassis. This charming little village has a sandy beach and offers boat tours that provide breathtaking coastal views. Wander around the small streets, shop in some of the local boutiques, and have lunch in one of the tiny seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Day 5 will be your opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic and historical atmospheres of Saint-Paul-de-Vence  and the elegant Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Boasting breathtaking views over the Mediterranean coastline and winding stone streets, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is known for its vibrant art scene.

Start your day by exploring a walled medieval fortress with panoramic views of both the countryside and the sea. The village's charm is enhanced by fabulous food, local cafés, and boutiques offering a true taste of Provençal life. 

Next, visit the resplendent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The villa is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with an entrance fee of US$15. The gardens are a highlight, featuring various themed sections that offer a peaceful escape and plenty of photo opportunities.

Calanques National Park is a must-visit during your south of France itinerary © Shutterstock

Day 6 is all about enjoying the stunning beaches and coastal towns of the French Riviera. Your first day, starts in Villefranche-sur-Mer , a picturesque old town with great beaches. It's a perfect mix for those looking for culture as well as relaxation.

Drive to Antibes next, a coastal town with a historic architecture and the luxurious Port Vauban, which houses numerous yachts. Wander through the old town, visit local markets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. 

Visiting the beaches, historic towns, and vibrant coastal life, day 6 offers a quintessential French Riviera experience. 

End your adventure in Nice , a city that perfectly encapsulates the charm of the Provence and the Riviera. Begin your day with a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais.

Next, head to Castle Hill for a vantage point that offers panoramic views of Nice and historical remnants to explore. Don’t forget to visit Fenocchio’s gelateria in Place Rossetti Square, renowned for its incredible variety of ice cream flavors.

As your journey comes to an end, make your way to Nice Airport to fly home or continue your trip in France .

Garden of the Cimiez Monastery in Nice © Shutterstock

Finding the perfect place to stay is key to enjoying your south of France itinerary. There are a dozens of options to stay.

• Aix-en-Provence : consider mid-range options like Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau, or indulge in luxury at La Maison d’Aix, blending comfort with historic charm. These accommodations provide a great base for exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings.
• Cassis : this town offers a variety of lodging choices, from the mid-range Hotel Les Volets Rouges to the luxurious Hôtel Les Roches Blanches. Each option provides stunning views and easy access to local attractions, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing stay.
• Nice : you have a range of choices from luxury hotels along the waterfront to boutique options and budget-friendly rentals, ensuring you find the perfect place to call home during your visit.

Make sure to read all about the best areas to stay in Nice .

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

• Inspiration

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for France

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to France

• Eating and drinking in France
• Getting around France: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips France for planning and on the go
• How to get to France
• Outdoor activities
• Shopping tips for France
• Weather in France in October
• Weather in France in September
• Weather in France in November
• Weather in France in December

Find even more inspiration for 34 here

Ready to travel and discover France?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Where to stay
• Itineraries

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Family Friendly Safaris

IMD Weather News

Greenest Destinations India

Worlds Most Dangerous Journeys

World Best National Parks

Vietnam Tourist Attractions

New road to reduce travel time between Assam and Meghalaya to 45 minutes

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Aug 24, 2024, 08:00 IST

You're Reading

A newly completed 36-kilometer road has cut travel time between Assam and Meghalaya to 45 minutes, down from 1.5 hours. Constructed by Badri Rai And Company at a cost exceeding ₹78 crore, the road enhances connectivity between Dam … Read more

A newly completed 36-kilometer road has cut travel time between Assam and Meghalaya to 45 minutes, down from 1.5 hours. Constructed by Badri Rai And Company at a cost exceeding ₹78 crore, the road enhances connectivity between Damra and Bajengdoba. This infrastructure development is expected to improve local commutes and boost regional economic growth. Read less

More from Travel News

10 most unreal places on Earth that you need to see to believe

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

6 places in India one must visit before the monsoon ends TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA

5 best beach destinations in Kerala for sun, sand, and serenity TRAVEL TRENDS , KERALA

World's 5 best national parks to see endangered animals TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Trending stories.

Asia’s richest village is in Gujarat, India where residents collectively hold INR 7000 crore in fixed deposits

Why is Sri Lanka's East Coast the perfect choice this season?

Tourism recovery: 4.78 million foreign tourist visited India in the first half of 2024

Adventure in the Western Ghats: Trekking, wildlife, and scenic views

6 places in India one must visit before the monsoon ends

• 1 New road to reduce travel time between Assam and Meghalaya to 45 minutes
• 2 Tourism recovery: 4.78 million foreign tourist visited India in the first half of 2024
• 3 IMD predicts rain and thunderstorms amid severe rainfall alerts for Delhi and other states in India
• 4 Maharashtra Bandh: What’s open and what’s closed? Will schools, colleges, hospitals, and public transport be affected on August 24?
• 5 Sri Lanka to offer visa-free entry to citizens of 35 countries, including India, from Oct 1

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• How to apply for a Singapore tourist visa: A step-by-step by guide
• Vietnam's top 5 must-visit tropical attractions
• How to plan a South Asian trip on a budget
• 7 reasons to plan your trip to Europe now
• In pictures: Vietnam's incense village turns into photographer's delight
• Exploring Kampong Glam: Singapore's historic and cultural district
• Wat Sam Phran: Thailand's Dragon Temple is an architectural marvel
• 5 cultural heritage sites to explore in Vietnam this summer
• Vietnam: Understanding the wonders of the great Mekong River Delta
• 7 common reasons for visa rejection
• 5 luxury hotels in Singapore for a memorable summer vacation!
• A guide to plan your ideal journey to Thailand
• From San Francisco to New York: A complete plan for America’s top cities
• There’s an Ayodhya in Thailand too called Ayutthaya!

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

A newly completed 36-kilometer road has cut travel time between Assam and Meghalaya to 45 minutes, down from 1.5 hours. Constructed by Badri Rai And Company at a cost exceeding ₹78 crore, the road enh...

5 playlists pour un road trip en musique

Qui n’a jamais rêvé de faire un road trip dans un beau van et découvrir des lieux incroyables partout en France, en Europe ou dans le monde ? Pour accompagner ces trajets, rien de mieux qu’une bonne playlist. En voici cinq.

Les vacances divises deux types de vacanciers, ceux qui souhaitent arriver à destination le plus vite possible et ceux qui prennent plaisir à sillonner les routes, admirer la nature et faire des escales à des points précis ou non… Si vous êtes plutôt dans la deuxième catégorie, voici cinq playlists sur Deezer , qui pourront rythmer ce parcours.

1- Un road trip rock’n’roll

Ne faut-il pas être un soupçon rock’n’roll pour faire un road trip ? Une philosophie de vie où la liberté règne en étant en marge des vacances classiques et bien préparées. L'esprit road trip, c’est justement l'état d’insouciance qui donne envie de vagabonder et de découvrir le monde comme on l’entend. Pour toutes les âmes rockeuses qui se reconnaissent, on n’oublie pas sa playlist avec les meilleures musiques de rock. D’ailleurs, pour un voyage 100% rock’n’roll, il est intéressant de sillonner les routes américaines dont beaucoup de rockeurs racontent dans leur musique, la géographie et l’histoire des Etats-Unis. Voici quelques morceaux des artistes incontournables du rock :

• Love Is A Long Road, Tom Petty
• Summer Rain, U2
• Harley Darling, The Pretty Reckless
• Woke Up This Morning, Alabama 3
• Life in the Fast Lane, Eagles
• Hang Tight Honey, Lainey Wilson
• Day Tripper, The Beatles

2- Un road trip à l’italienne

Et si l’on vivait des vacances à la Dolce Vita ? Toit ouvrant, cheveux aux vents pour un voyage romantique sur des grands classiques, de la disco ou de la pop italienne. Une escapade douce, qui pourrait vous mener aux frontières italiennes si vous passez par Nice. Vous pourrez alors vous arrêter à Vintimille, à San Remo, à Limone ou encore Imparia… Voici la playlist 100% italienne, qui vous donnera envie de parler avec les mains et déguster de délicieuses pizzas ou pastas :

• Via con me, Paolo Conte
• Ti Amo, Umberto Tozzi
• Felicità, Al Bano et Romina Power
• L’italiano, Toto Cutugno
• L’Ultime Valzer, Dalida
• Finalmente mia, Tiziano Lugli
• Viva per lei, Andrea Bocelli, Giorgia

3- Quand le road trip fait son cinéma

Pour rester dans l'esprit romantique, si on profitait de ce road trip pour écouter toutes les plus belles musiques du cinéma français. L’un des titres les plus phares est peut-être Les choses de la vie . Un magnifique film d’amour, bien que dramatique mais qui fait étrangement écho à l’été avec ces routes de villages et le soleil omniprésent dans ce chef-d’œuvre de Claude Sautet. Voici quelques titres de la playlist qui vous donnera envie de regarder un film à la belle étoile :

• Peau d’âne, Michel Legrand
• Les choses de la vie, Philippe Sarde
• Thème de Fantômas, Raymond Alessandrini
• La Valse d’Amélie, Yann Tiersen
• Les parapluies de Cherbourg, Michel Legrand
• Le samourai, François Roubaix
• La leçon Particulière, Francis Lai et Christian Gaubert

4- Un road trip disco avec les années 1980

Envie de vous tester autour d’un blind-test spécial années 1980 ? Le road trip est le moment idéal pour prendre tout son temps, participer à ce jeu et tester vos connaissances. Vous pourrez ainsi redécouvrir des tubes incontournables de ces années. On ne vous cache pas que l’envie de danser sera surement présente. Ce sera peut-être l’occasion de faire une petite pause et tester cette-fois-ci votre déhanché. Seriez-vous capable de reconnaitre ces singles sans voir leur titre ?

• Billie Jean, Michael Jackson
• Ella, elle l’a, France Gall
• Quand la musique est bonne, Jean-Jacques Goldman
• Maniac, Michael Sembello
• Sara perche ti amo, Ricchi & Poveri
• I’m So Excited, The Pointer Sisters
• La groupie du pianiste, Michel Berger

5- Prendre la route sur les musiques du moment

Faire un road trip c’est aussi pouvoir chanter de vive voix sur vos tubes préférés du moment avec quelques plaisirs coupables… Mais chut ça restera entre le van et vous durant cette traversée. Pour d’autres, ce sera peut-être le bon timing pour vous mettre à jour sur les artistes et les tubes de l'été 2024 et mettre sa playlist des années 80, 90, 00 et 10 de côté. Voici quelques tubes sur lesquels chanter cet été :

• Spider, GIMS DYSTINCT
• Imagine, Carbonne
• Training Season, Dua Lipa
• Nous on sait, Pierre Garnier
• Promets-moi, Vitaa
• Mon amour, Slimane
• Houdini, Eminem
• Pierre Garnier : quand sortira le premier album du gagnant de la Star Ac' ?
• Triste nouvelle pour les fans de Dadju
• Indochine signe son grand retour avec Le chant des cygnes

JUL bientôt de retour avec un nouveau projet 13 Organisé ?

Au fait, c'est quoi le tube de l'été 2024 , dadi, yorssy, amk, jyeuhair : retrouvez les hits de la saison 3 de nouvelle école sur deezer.

Avec ces playlists toutes très différentes, il est certain que vous trouverez celle qui vous correspond le mieux ! Sinon, vous pouvez vous-même créer votre propre playlist sur Deezer pour un road trip qui vous ressemble à 100%.

À lire aussi dans Musique

Back to Black en VOD : retour sur le destin brisé d'Amy Winehouse

Insolite : une quarantaine de titres inédits du Roi Lion dévoilés !

La musique aide-t-elle à se concentrer ?

Triste nouvelle pour les fans de Sylvie Vartan

Quels sont les albums les plus vendus de tous les temps en France ?