travel route france

7 top road trips to see the best of France

Dec 17, 2023 • 6 min read

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

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

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

1. Wine villages in Burgundy

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

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

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

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

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

2. Castles of the Loire Valley

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

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

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

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

3. Across the French Alps

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

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

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

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

4. Dordogne villages and markets

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

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

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

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

5. The D-Day Beaches

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

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

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

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

6. South of France and the Côte d'Azur

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

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

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

7. Breton coast loop

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

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

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

Top tip for driving in France

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

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

This article was first published Sep 9, 2020 and updated Dec 17, 2023.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

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Your Complete French Road Trip Planner

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

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

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

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

Getting to France

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

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

Driving to France from UK

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Take a French Road Trip

December to february.

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

March to May

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

June to August

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

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

September to November

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

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

Road Trip France Planner by Region

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

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

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

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

France Road Trip Map by Region

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

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

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

A UNESCO Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road trip here if you like…

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

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

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

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

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

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

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

The Jura Route des Lacs

Dijon – marigny – thoirette.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brittany Coast to Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Centre-Val de Loire

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

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

Chateaux of the Loire

Orleans – blois – tours – angers – nantes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Route Touristique du Champagne

Reims – trigny – epernay – cumieres – essoyes.

• Distance 285km
• Drive Time 5 hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hauts-de-France

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

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

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

Explore the Opal Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

France Road Trip Essentials

Lonely Planet France

France driving essentials

France SIM card

UPF 50 travel sun hat

France beaux villages guide

universal adaptor + USB

Ile-de-France

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

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

A Road Trip Around Paris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The World War II Sites of Normandy

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

• Distance 180km
• Drive Time 3 hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

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

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

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

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

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

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Best of the Dordogne

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

• Distance 380km
• Duration 5-7 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POST: The Best Wild Swimming in France

Beaches & Mountains of the Languedoc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pays de la Loire

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

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

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

RELATED POST: The Best Campervan Destinations in France

The Coast of the Vendee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

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

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

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

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

The Route Napoleon

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

• Distance 314km
• Drive Time 8 hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED POST: Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

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

France Country Road Trip Resources

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

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

Information About Driving in France

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

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

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

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

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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 , the Mediterranean gem of France. It is the perfect destination if you are looking to mix sun and outdoor experiences. 

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

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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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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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

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Helping you plan amazing holidays

Best road trips in France – exciting itineraries around the French countryside

Europe , France , Travel Guides / November 19, 2022 by littleholidays / 5 Comments

Get to know France beyond the glitz and glamor of its cities!

Go for a road trip to the French countryside and explore its fragrant fields, cliffside castles, and vibrant vineyards.

Here are 6 of the best French road trips to take.

Best road trips in France

Here are 6 of the best French road trip routes for your next travels. You’ll find more details, itinerary recommendations, and road trip tips below.

• Alsace wine route
• Route Napoleon
• Normandy and the Loire Valley
• Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Languedoc and Provence
• Toulouse to Montpellier

Only have time for a short and sweet weekend trip? Check out these French weekend destinations for ideas!

Use this Google map to plan your fabulous French road trip.

1. Alsace wine route

Begin your road trip in Strasbourg, a beautiful border city that enjoys French finesse and German joviality. Stay in the gorgeous Cour du Corbeau and take your time exploring the storybook districts of Petite France and Place Kleber, eating tarte flambée and choucroute, and taking road trips to the northern Vosges natural park.

For a quick and active way to explore the city, go on a guided bike tour of Strasbourg .

After 3-4 days of dining, hiking, and shopping, drive south to Colmar and make the charming Le Colombier your base as you explore the south of Alsace. Visit Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, Alsace’s small wine-growing towns, and taste the region’s world-class white wines.

Walk along vineyards, hike to old castles and ruins, and end your days with hearty food and great wine. Unwind with a trip to Lac du Ballon and the Grand Ballon and enjoy the forest trails and spectacular views. On your way back to Strasbourg, stop by the medieval chateau of Haut-Koenigsbourg.

Top tips for your Alsace road trip

• Fly to Strasbourg (buses and trains from elsewhere are also doable)
• Reserve your car online in advance and pick it up either from the Strasbourg airport or from Gare Centrale
• Divide your stay between Strasbourg and Colmar . Stay in Strasbourg to explore northern Alsace, then move to Colmar to explore the southern parts.
• Don’t drink and drive! Have a designated driver or bring home a bottle of wine to enjoy at the hotel at the end of the day.
• Driving in Alsace
• Best things to do in Strasbourg
• Best things to do in Colmar

2. Route Napoleon

Combine sightseeing with learning about history in this road trip that follows Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1815 march from Elba to Grenoble on his way to overthrow Louis the 18 th . This road trip route is especially scenic, as Napoleon chose remote roads that avoid large cities and pass through beautiful countryside.

Fly to and get your car in Cannes , then head straight to Grasse, the center of the French perfume industry. Check in to the quaint Aux charmes de grasse and explore the hilly medieval town for a day or two.

Head next to the mountains for a stunning view of the Mediterranean coast, and keep your eyes peeled for signs and plaques commemorating Napoleon’s march along the mountain roads.

Drive to the Col de Valferriere, the ruins of Chateau de Broundet at Seranon, and the pretty town of Castellane. This is one of the most scenic segments of the trip and the most exhilarating with its hairpin turns and cliffside views.

Make a short detour to the Verdon Gorge before continuing to stay the night at the elegant La Bonne Étape , where you can celebrate your mountain driving feats with haute cuisine and an extensive wine collection.

After your restful pitstop, continue your drive to Grenoble, making sure to stop by Grand lac de Laffrey to marvel at the bright blue lake. Finally, in Grenoble, check in to Le Grand Hotel Grenoble and spend the next couple of days enjoying crozets and foie gras and gorgeous mountain views at every turn.

Top tips for your Route Napoleon road trip

• Fly to Cannes or Nice
• Take advantage of one-way car rentals – get your car from Cannes (or Nice) and return it in Grenoble
• Book your hotels in advance – perfect stopovers are: Grasse , La Bonne Étape , and Grenoble
• A wild road follows a wild river – here’s one more road trip itinerary off the Route Napoleon

3. Normandy and the Loire Valley

History buffs will love this road trip through the historic Normandy and Loire Valley. If you’re visiting Paris, it’s one of the best road trips to take after you’ve had your fill of the French capital. You can make a nice loop and explore the regions west of Paris to see the French countryside beyond its flashy cities.

From Paris, drive to Rouen, a historic medieval town that inspired many Impressionist painters, including Claude Monet. Walk around to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Gros Horloge, and the charming half-timbered houses. Continue your drive to Honfleur, a harbor town with picturesque streets, which is also the perfect place to stop for lunch.

Next up, visit the historic beaches of Normandy, where the Allies landed in 1944. Take a day or two to visit the World War 2 sites and tributes, or join a Normandy battlefields day tour with an expert guide .

Stay in either Bayeux or Caen as you explore Normandy. Manoir Sainte Victoire in Bayeux and Hotel La Fontaine in Caen are perfect places to stay in Normandy.

While you’re in Normandy, explore the neighboring Brittany region. Visit the fortified city of Saint-Malo, then head to Mont Saint-Michel, an impressive island commune perched on a rocky peak.

Head next to Loire Valley, making Tours your base ( Hotel Val De Loire is our top pick). Spend the next few days time-traveling to medieval towns and chateaux. Don’t miss the beautiful Chateau de Cheverny and Chateau de Chambord!

From Tours, a scenic drive northeast brings you right back to Paris.

Top tips for your Normandy road trip

• Fly to Paris
• After a couple of days exploring the capital city, pick up your rental car in Paris and start your drive to Normandy
• Book your hotels in advance – perfect stopovers are Caen and Tours .

4. Bordeaux to Biarritz

Need a quick break from hectic city life? This road trip that goes from countryside to coast is the perfect antidote.

Begin your holiday in Bordeaux. Get a car and spend a couple of days driving around the wine region, making sure to make your way to the beautiful medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Go on hikes, fuel up on the region’s amazing cuisine, sample the region’s wines , and see the city on bikes .

Stay at Yndo Hotel to get the best of Bordeaux. Once you’ve had your fill of this scrumptious city, pack your car and head south.

Break up your drive with a quick stop at Domaine de Laas to enjoy the chateau’s vast gardens and artworks. Have lunch at Navarrenx, crowned France’s most beautiful village in 2014, and take a stroll around the markets. Finally, drive into Barcus and spend a day or two relaxing in the serene Hotel Restaurant Chilo , while you go for hikes and drives to the surrounding mountains.

From Barcus, it’s time to make your way to the coast. Stop by Saint Jean Pied de Port for breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and a walk around the walled town, then proceed to Saint Jean de Luz for a wonderful Basque meal by the bay.

Finally, make your way to Biarritz and check in to Le Garage , where you can spend the final stretch of your trip swimming and surfing to your heart’s content. Take a half-hour drive to San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque country for the most amazing tapas and paella.

Top tips for your Bordeaux to Biarritz road trip

• Fly into Bordeaux , fly out from Biarritz
• Reserve your rental car for pick-up in Bordeaux and drop-off in Biarritz
• Book your hotels in advance – perfect stopovers are: Bordeaux , Barcus , and Biarritz

5. Languedoc and Provence

Nature-lovers and beauty connoisseurs, this road trip’s for you. The neighboring provinces of Languedoc and Provence will have you swooning for dramatic bastides, frolicking in flower fields, and embracing the sunshine and stunning sceneries.

Fly into Avignon and, unless you’re arriving on an evening trip, pick up your rental car and drive to the romantic medieval town of Uzes. Make the lovely L’Albiousse your base for the first half of this road trip as you take your time exploring the gorgeous region of Languedoc.

From Uzes, drive south to visit Nimes, a beautiful well-preserved city with vestiges of the Roman Empire. Explore the Amphitheater , one of the world’s best-conserved artifacts of Roman architecture. Check out the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct, Jardins de la Fontaine, and the Maison Carree. This 2-hour walking tour introduces you to the city’s Roman culture.

Go further south through Arles and Camargue, and all the way to Aigues Mortes, a medieval walled French commune with plenty of stories to tell.

After exploring east of Languedoc, it’s time to cross over to Provence. Move to Hotel Chateau Des Alpilles in Saint Remy, and relax as you get ready for a drive across the bendy yet oh-so-breathtaking roads of Provence.

Start at the postcard-perfect L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and make your way east, through the Luberon to Gordes and Roussillion. Take some time to stroll around each of these old towns and take hikes around the surrounding forest trails. If you’re traveling from late June to early August, it’s worth driving all the way to Valensole to see – and frolic in – the copious lavender fields.

Once you’ve breathed in all the beauty of Southern France, return your car and fly out of Avignon.

Top tips for your South of France road trip

• Fly in and out of Avignon
• Reserve your rental car for pick-up and drop-off at Avignon
• Book your hotels in advance – Uzes and Saint-Remy are perfect bases, but if you prefer to stay in one place, Avignon is a great central location

6. Toulouse to Montpellier

For a relaxed and balanced mix of city breaks, natural landscapes, and a touch of Spanish customs and cuisine, head to the warm and sunny Occitanie region.

Start your adventures in Toulouse, a vibrant and youthful city known for its warm brick and terracotta architecture, earning it its nickname “The Pink City”. You’ll want to stay for at least two days – Le Grand Balcon Hotel is a gorgeous base.

Walk around the Japanese garden in the center of Compans-Caffarelli park, visit the Basilica of Saint Sernin, and check out Roman art at the Musée Saint Raymond.

(Top tip: if you’re planning to explore Toulouse’s museums and monuments, get the Toulouse City Card for discounts to the city’s top sights and free travel on the local public transport.)

While you’re in Toulouse, drive a little over an hour north to Cordes sur Ciel, one of France’s most beautiful villages . This quaint medieval town was founded in 1222 and is a historic, gothic showcase of the evolution of architecture.

From Toulouse, slowly begin your drive east. Stop by Carcassonne and see sites of scenes from the Robin Hood movie. Spend a few hours exploring the Carcassonne Fortress.

Continue on to the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park , where you’ll want to stay for a couple of days, especially if you love nature trips. During the warm months, you can go hiking, cycling, kayaking, or swimming, or simply enjoy the journey around the nature park.

Stay at Villa d’illouvre , a cozy bed and breakfast nestled in nature. For a special treat, dine at Les Fleurs d’Olargues – make sure to book in advance!

Continue on to Montpellier and enjoy walks around the old town, visits to patisseries and cafes, and food festivals during the summer months. You’ll also be a short drive away from the beach, so stay for a bit longer if you want to soak up the sun. Domaine de Biar is a gorgeous boutique hotel just a short drive away from the center.

Top tips for your Toulouse to Montpellier road trip

• Fly in to Toulouse and out of Montpellier or Nimes
• Reserve your rental car for pick-up at Toulouse and drop-off at Montpellier
• Book your hotels in advance – stay in Toulouse , at the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park , and Montpellier .

Ready to go on your fabulous French countryside road trip?

Here are helpful links to help you plan your road trip:

• Complete guide to driving in France

Includes requirements for driving, options for renting a car, road rules, and driving safety, as well as estimated costs.

• Car hire locations in France

Got other road trip itineraries in mind? Check the list of car hire locations in France and take advantage of one-way rentals. You can also input your travel dates and locations below for a quick free quote and instant reservation.

I hope this gives you fantastic ideas for your road trip in France! Enjoy your holiday!

First published – 8 September 2018

Last updated – 19 November 2022, updated information and added Toulouse-Montpellier route

Reader Interactions

September 11, 2018 at 5:38 am

What a gorgeous post.

September 14, 2018 at 3:13 pm

Hi, What would be the best way to get frame Rome to Nice?My mom is 81 and I’m worried about all the steps down to some trains so she thought the bus might be better. What are your hours; we will be doing this Nov 1- 10. Thanks for your input. Erin

September 16, 2018 at 7:33 pm

Hi Erin, here’s a nice website that you can use for finding routes – https://www.rome2rio.com/ . You’ll see all your options there, including number of hours and estimated prices. Have fun on your trip!

February 10, 2019 at 1:13 am

Thanks for your post, great tips as we are planning a driving trip to Normandy in May. We have done a driving tour of Provence a few years ago and you can’t beat getting up close to the charm of the french villages. The problem is so many gorgeous places to see and stay it’s hard to decide but of course half of the fun.

February 11, 2019 at 5:12 pm

Ah yes, so many charming French villages, so little time. 😉 Thanks for reading, Anne! Have a great time in Normandy – I’m sure it will be lovely in May.

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• The Most Beautiful Road Trips...

The Most Beautiful Road Trips in France

From the significant D-Day shores of Normandy to the volcanoes of the Auvergne, France boasts a varied selection of routes for beautiful road trips – we’ve picked the best.

Even though France is well connected by its high-speed trains and domestic flights, it’s a country that’s crying out to be explored on the open road. There’s something magical in driving through its ever-changing landscape and climates and, if you fall in love with one of the country’s many picturesque towns and villages, there is the freedom to simply stop and explore.

Retrace the footsteps of the past in historic Normandy

Normandy is made for road trip exploring. Travelling this pocket of France by car means that you can combine its famous D-Day beaches, colourful harbour towns and striking white-cliff coastline with ease. Start your trip at Vierville-sur-Mer where soldiers landed on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. Here, you can visit the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach as well as the Normandy American Cemetery. There are more historical stops to make along this coastline, such as the Longues-sur-Mer battery, a huge gun defence built by the Germans, and the Merville Battery Museum. Keep travelling northeast up the coast and you’ll reach Honfleur, the picturesque town loved by Claude Monet. Due north of Honfleur is Étretat, the town known for its breathtaking white-cliff walks.

Drive the volcanic trails of the Auvergne

The Auvergne region lies almost at the centre point of France and covers approximately 15% of the country. It is rural and mountainous, with the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park being the largest of its kind in Europe, and home to about 450 dormant peaks. A road trip around the Auvergne puts you at an advantage compared to other forms of transport; you really need four wheels to get from place to place here. Don’t miss the highest summit – Puy de Dôme – from where you have panoramic views of the volcano heads marking the landscape and of the high, expansive volcanic plateau of Cézallier, which has several lakes. Once parked, all you’ll need is a good pair of hiking boots to really get the most out of this special area.

Take a regal route in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley was historically where the French aristocracy would retreat to in order to escape the heat of Paris in summer. Home of the châteaux , or castles, the best drive to explore the region’s towns is along the picturesque D952, which hugs the Loire River. Depending on where you start and finish, this road will take you past all the delights of the region, from the pretty towns of Amboise and Saumur that overlook the river, to the bigger cities like Angers. Dip into the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park to the south of the Loire River for châteaux visits and the quaintest roadside picnic spots.

Explore the coast in western France

Head west of Bordeaux and you’ll reach the Atlantic Coast. Here, in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, the beaches will be some of the most impressive you’ve seen with white sands that seem to go on for miles and unspoiled views of wild grasses. This is the road trip for lazy, hazy summer days. Start at the attractive town of Arcachon, which lies on Arcachon Bay, and head south towards the Spanish border. Along the way, stop at the incredible Dune du Pilat – Europe’s tallest sand dune – and Biarritz, the surfing capital of France . Take your time, find hidden beach spots, enjoy the slower pace of life and, of course, indulge in great seafood.

Navigate far from the trodden path

Much is written about Provence when it comes to road trips in the South of France, and of course, this is deserved, as it’s a beautiful part of France. However, there is an unsung beauty on the western side of France and that is the Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. Straddling both France and Spain, this area is as enticing to discover by car in the warmer months as it is by skis during the winter season. Climb west from the Mediterranean and you’ll first come to Céret, one of the artist towns in France. The scenic N116 road connects Perpignan to the border of Spain and hikers will want to set up camp near Pic du Canigou, the mountain peak that offers up truly exceptional views just south of this road.

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France road trip ideas- 11 best areas to visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of france road trip ideas and points of interest.

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

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

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

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

French Alps- our favourite France road trip destination

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

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

Points of interest in the French Alps

Some of our favourite places in the Alps have included:

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

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

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

When is the best time to head to the Alps?

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

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

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

Recommend by Kat | Worldwide Honeymoon

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

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

Famous Chateaux and points of interest in the Loire Valley

Château de Chambord

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

Chateau de Nitray

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

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

Château de Chenonceau

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

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

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

Provence ( and the Lavender Fields)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verdon Gorge

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

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

France road trip ideas- how to get to Verdon Gorge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dordogne- an incredible france road trip idea.

Recommended by Hannah | Nouvelle-Aquitaine Travel

The Dordogne is a department in the south-west of France.  Inland from Bordeaux, it is known for its river valleys, medieval towns and historic cathedrals.  The Dordogne can most easily be enjoyed by way of a road trip, or by local trains. Bordeaux is the largest international airport (2.5hrs drive); although Bergerac also has an airport too.  

How long to spend visiting the Dordogne

You can see the highlights of the Dordogne in a couple of days; however, I recommend spending at least a week in the area if you can.  

Points of Interest in the Dordogne 

The city of Périgueux, with its 5-domed cathedral based on St Mark’s in Venice, is worth a visit.  The cathedral was started in the 10 th century and renovated considerably in the 1800s.  While only the bell tower and crypts remain of the original structure, it is a magnificent piece of French history .  It is on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

One of the most picturesque spots in the Dordogne is the town of  Brantôme .  Sitting on a hairpin turn in the Dronne River, Brantôme is famous for its Troglodyte Caves and Abbey.  Another site that was on old pilgrimage routes, Brantôme’s Abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 769. Brantôme has lots of riverside dining options, weirs to canoe on, and lots of history to soak up.

Towards the eastern edge of the Dordogne is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.  This market town avoided much of the modernisation of recent centuries, so has a really authentic feel.  Located in the Périgord Noir area, Sarlat is famous for its walnut groves, wild cèpe mushrooms, and truffles.  Needless to say, it is a very popular culinary destination.

Castlenaud-la-Chapelle (pictured) is also incredibly beautiful and well worth a visit

Pyrenees- one of the best places to visit in France 

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The French Pyrenees is a beautiful area in France. This jagged mountain range runs along the French-Spanish border and is full of snowy peaks (even in summer), and some of Europe’s rarest wildlife including vultures and even brown bears.

Why should you include the Pyrenees in your France road trip itinerary?

Compared with their more famous sister, the French Alps, they are much less known and have a wild, brooding feel. This part of the world is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts including skiers, climbers, hikers and cyclists.

Argelès-Gazost is a good base. It’s a small town but well-known for its thermal spa – and also (a little incongruously) its casino. Near Argelès-Gazost, there’s a treetop trail course, river rafting and an animal park that’s popular with kids. There’s also a cycle path along the valley bottom which is a lovely ride if you prefer your cycling flat.

Access to Argelès-Gazost is easy by road. From Toulouse, you take the A64 motorway to Tarbes, then Lourdes. From there take the main road to Argelès-Gazost.

Points of interest and things to do in the Pyrenees

The nearest mountain peak is Hautacam, which is located just a few minutes away from the town. Here you’ll find many mountain-based activities including a mountain luge, segway and hiking trails. If you’re into road cycling, Hautacam is also one of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the Cirque de Gavarnie – one of the most beautiful places in France and home to the second-highest waterfall in Europe! 

When is the best time to visit the Pyrenees on a road trip?

Winters aren’t overly long in the Pyrenees, but they’re pretty much reserved for winter sports (like downhill and nordic skiing) between November and the end of April. Come during late spring and summer to get the best of the Pyrenees when it’s not covered in snow! If you are planning a winter motorhome trip , read this to make sure you’re prepared.

Depending on how much you love the outdoors and what activities you want to sample, you could spend anything from a weekend to a two week holiday exploring the Pyrenees and all it has to offer.

Cassis, France- a perfect France road trip stop

Recommended by Lora | ExplorewithLora

Cassis is a small fishing village in southern France, about a 45-minute drive from Marseille. With its colourful streets, beautiful port, and nearby hiking opportunities, Cassis makes a wonderful place to visit on a road trip in France.

Points of Interest in Cassis

The town of Cassis is lovely to stroll around; it’s full of colourful streets and Provencal charm. There is a beautiful beach right next to the main pier, which is perfect for sunbathing. Nearby is the Calanques de Cassis, which is a great place to go hiking.

You can also enjoy the Calanques on a boat tour that leaves from the Cassis harbour. There are some excellent French restaurants to dine at in Cassis, offering fresh seafood options.

How easy is it to visit Cassis on a road trip?

Cassis is open year-round and is easy access from Marseille. The drive along the coast is beautiful, with amazing views of the Calanques as you approach Cassis. Parking is available in town but may be tricky to find during the busy summer season- especially for a motorhome.

There are several parking lots in Cassis which you can reserve in advance (but often not for large vehicles). If you don’t have a car, there is a train which regularly runs between Marseille and Cassis.

How long to spend at Cassis

One day will give you enough time to walk around the town, enjoy the beach, and dine at one of the restaurants. If you’d also like to hike around the area, then it’s better to stay overnight for a night or two. There’s enough to in the area to keep you busy for a weekend.

Calanques National Park

Recommended by Nadine | Le Long Weekend The  Calanques National Park , near Marseille in Southern France, is one of the country’s most treasured jewels. Teeming with natural attractions, it’s a great place to hike, swim, and enjoy nature in its purest form. The landscape is one of incomparable beauty – limestone cliffs jutting out into the azure blue sea and garrigue-laden hills serenading you with their scent. Beloved by the locals, you’ll find them walking the many tracks throughout the park at any time of year.

What is the best way to explore the Calanques?

Accessible via either Marseille or Cassis, there are many different routes you can choose, depending on your fitness level and ability. But even if you’re not up to hiking, you’ll be pleased to know the majority of the national park is actually the marine area that surrounds the craggy coastline! Jump on a boat tour from Cassis and you’ll be able to explore the Calanques from below, or hire a kayak and enjoy them at your own pace.  

Points of interest in the Calanques

There are less than a handful of services within the park, but you’ll find sustenance available at two of the most accessible Calanques – Morgiou and Sormiou. In the off-season, it’s possible to drive right down and park at either of these Calanques.

For the others, it’s preferable to set aside a day and hike to a hidden beach for serene swimming.

TOP TIP: Be aware that the park often closes in the height of summer due to the risk of wildfires. In July & August, it’s preferable to enjoy it via the sea instead.

Recommended by Alice | Take your Bag

The region of Brittany is one of the best places to see in France. This French region has the best of everything: beautiful cities , stunning medieval towns where you can go back in time and be immersed in history, beautiful nature, and gorgeous secluded beaches with impressive coastlines.

It’s rugged, authentic, full of opportunities for adventure and water sports and the people are some of the friendliest in the country!

When is the best time to visit Brittany?

Brittany has a bad reputation because of its climate; truth is I’ve seen very few rainy days on the many summers I’ve spent in Southern Brittany. It’s mostly been beautiful weather and compulsory sunscreen – even if the nights can be a bit chilly. Still, expect similar weather to the UK and prepare for rain at any time of the year… just in case! 

Points of Interest in Brittany

Brittany is a large region, with different landscapes and atmospheres whether you’re in the Northern part (St-Malo, the Pink Granite Coast, Brest…) or the Southern part (Lorient, Vannes,…) so you could easily choose to spend a weekend or a month exploring and you wouldn’t see everything there is to see!

Don’t forget to try the traditional treats, including cider and crêpes! And if you’re into history and folklore, angle your trip around the Legend of King Arthur and Celtic myths, still very vividly alive in this part of France. (Yes, the same King Arthur from Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave in Cornwall!)

Recommended by Ashley | My Wanderlustylife

Given their incredibly significant history, the  World War II sites of Normandy  are some of the best places to visit in France. Normandy is a beautiful and worthwhile tourist destination in its own right, but visiting the World War II sites is to view the region from an entirely new perspective.

Points of Interest in Normandy for WWII

D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is one of the most well-known battles of World War II and to see and experience these locations in person is life-changing. 

Among these sites are Omaha Beach (and the four others that were part of the amphibious D-Day invasions known as Operation Overlord), Pointe du Hoc, the comprehensive Caen Memorial Museum, the artificial harbours at Arromanches-les-Bains, and Normandy American Cemetery, to name just a few. There are also a number of battlefields, abandoned batteries like the one at Longues-ser-Mer, museums, and other cemeteries.

When is the best time to visit the WWII sites in Normandy?

These sites (and more) are open all year long but, if you can, visit as close to D-Day (June 6 th ) as possible to experience them at their best. Costumed re-enactors, enthusiasts, and World War II veterans at and around the sites greatly add to the overall experience.

There are  numerous WWII sites to visit in Normandy—you could spend a week there visiting them all on a road trip, or see the key highlights in a single day if time is limited. They are quite easy to get to if you have a car or motorhome (and all sites have adequate, dedicated parking). 

If you get time, we highly recommend a detour on your road trip and visit Ypres in Belgium- the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate for the fallen soldiers is one of the most moving things we have ever experienced.

French Riviera- not the best France road trip destination! 

We have mixed views on the French Riviera, but we wanted to show you the good and bad aspects of the region, especially in regards to a road trip. 

Oh, it’s a beautiful spot for sure and the beaches and boats are to die for! BUT… it’s not particularly road trip friendly- especially for those of us with big vehicles. Aires are few and far between and are often full. Wild camping is almost impossible and campsites are… well, they vary in quality- let’s put it that way. 

Points of Interest in the French Riviera

We stayed for a couple of nights in March so we could visit the Menton Lemon Festival. We also visited Monaco and Nice but the area was too crowded for us, even in March- probably because it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in February and March! I can’t imagine it in high summer or in May around Cannes- the volume of people is frightening. 

But, don’t let our opinion put you off. Just… maybe book a campsite in advance. If you enjoy cities, nightlife and people watching, this is definitely one of the best areas in France to visit.

So, there are 11 regions in France you can visit on your road trip- with points of interest. I hope you’ve found this information useful and enjoy your France trip!

To help you plan a great roadtrip, here is a list of things you should NOT do on your roadtrip .

How else can I help you today?

• Which are the best cities to visit in France (outside of Paris)
• How do you travel Europe in a motorhome?
• I want more Europe road trip ideas
• Visiting Mont St Michel with a motorhome or camper

See all our France Travel Posts here

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Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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The Ultimate South of France Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Here’s the Best Road Trip South of France Itinerary

The South of France is the perfect French holiday destination. There are many great places to visit in Southern France , the scenery is always beautiful, and the food and culture are hard to beat.

This area of France has a wonderful climate with long warm summer days stretching through to September and October. Winters in Southern France, especially along the Mediterranean coast, are always mild.

The best way to explore Southern France is by car. This South of France road trip itinerary from Toulouse to Nice (or vice-versa) covers the French regions of Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This Southern France road trip itinerary lasts two weeks, and it is a good itinerary for first-timers in Southern France who love history, sightseeing, outdoor activities, and great food.

This road trip south of France is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Southern France Road Trip Overview

• Start: Toulouse
• Finish: Nice
• Duration: 14 days
• Suggested route: Toulouse – Narbonne – Arles – Camargue – Aix-en-Provence – Cassis – Cannes – Nice
• Total distance: 751 Km, 8.5 hours drive in total
• Region covered: Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: history, sightseeing, nature, small towns, food & wine

This South of France road trip itinerary starts from  Toulouse , the capital city of the Occitanie region. Toulouse is easy to reach by train from Paris or Bordeaux. The journey from Paris to Toulouse by train takes around 4 hours while Bordeaux to Toulouse by train is only 2 hours.

Toulouse also has one of the major airports in France . Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) has regular and seasonal international flights from Europe, Africa, and America – Click here for flight times and rates to Toulouse .

TIP: If you are looking for a road trip from Paris to South of France, here’s the perfect road trip itinerary for you .

South France Road Trip Map

Click here to see this South France Road Trip Map on Google

South of France Road Trip Itinerary

For this South of France roadtrip, you don’t need the car until day 2, so if you are taking a South of France driving holiday in a hire car, wait until then to pick up your rental car in Toulouse. Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France .

Click here to rent your car in Toulouse

Day 0 | Arrival at Toulouse

Arrive at Toulouse the day before the start of this road trip South France. For your two nights in Toulouse, the Boutique Hotel SOCLO  is comfortable, beautiful, and very central. Its swimming pool and garden are ideal for the warmest days in Southern France.

Click here to book your stay at Boutique Hotel Soclo

Day 1 | Toulouse

Located in the Southwest of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. Boasting a rich historical heritage and sumptuous monuments, the famous “Pink City” always ranks among the most beautiful cities in France .

Cradle of aviation and space, Toulouse is ranked among the most advanced technology parks in terms of research. With many elegant mansions, historical buildings, museums, and monuments, Toulouse welcomes many students and tourists each year, making the city very lively and an excellent base to explore the region.

The list of interesting things to visit in Toulouse includes:

• Toulouse free walking tour
• Place du Capitole
• Basilique Saint-Sermin
• Toulouse bike tour
• La Cité de l’Espace
• The banks of the River Garonne
• La Maison de la Violette
• Halle de la Machine (exhibition hall of performance machines)
• Nocturnes at Marché Victor Hugo (Thursday night)

TIP: with this Toulouse City Card , enjoy free entrance to museums along with discounts at dozens of participating partners. Travel for free on city buses, trams, and the metro, save money on cruises, boat rental, and much more!

Day 2 | Toulouse – Carcassonne – Narbonne

It’s time to hit the road and drive to Narbonne, the next stop of this South of France trip. The drive from Toulouse – Narbonne via the A61 highway is straightforward and only takes 1.5 hours.

If you are not in a hurry, stop for a couple of hours at Carcassonne to admire one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France . The Cité de Carcassonne is listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top sights of the Cathar Country .

For your stay in Narbonne , book two nights at Hôtel La Résidence . Set in an elegant 19th building well located to the Canal de la Robine, with restaurants and public parking nearby, Hôtel La Résidence offers everything you could expect for a perfect stay in Narbonne.

Click here to book your stay in Hôtel La Résidence

Day 3 | Narbonne

Located in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region , Narbonne is a touristy city thanks to its 5 km of thin sand at Narbonne-Plage . It is also a city with a rich history that goes back to Roman times (118 BC) and an excellent base to explore the Massif de la Clape and the Fontfroide Abbey.

The Canal de la Robine is one of France’s oldest canals, and it separates the Historical Center and the Cité district in central Narbonne. Here, you will see vestiges of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Narbonne’s Age of Gold at the end of the 19th century.

The list of interesting things to visit in Narbonne includes:

• Stroll around the Old Town
• Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Narbonne
• Visit the Musée Lapidaire de Narbonne
• Explore the Musée Roman Horréum (ancient Roman galleries)
• Beach day at Narbonne-Plage
• Sail the Canal de la Robine on an electric boat (no boating license required).

Day 4 | Arles

After three days in the Occitanie region, this road trip Southern France moves to Provence. Provence is one of France’s favorite destinations and a must on any Southern France itinerary. With gorgeous towns such as Cassis, Grasse, St Remy, and Arles and stunning countryside, you can see why it remains one of the most popular destinations in France to visit.

Start the day early with a coffee and drive to Arles , where you will spend one night. For your stay in Arles, book at L’Hotel Particulier , a charming private mansion built in the 18th century and lovingly renovated in the center of Arles. L’Hotel Particulier offers stylish rooms with comfortable beds, beautiful floral gardens, a pool, and private parking.

Click here to book your stay at L’Hotel Particulier

Located in the heart of Provence, Arles is always a favorite. Arles has it all: an interesting Roman heritage, beautiful 17th-century mansions, mazy streets, modern museums, and the wide rolling Rhône River. When the temperatures are warm, all the café-terraces and restaurants are full of locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.

Arles was also the base for Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most famous masterpieces.

The list of interesting things to visit in Arles includes:

• Arènes d’Arles
• Roman Theater
• Arles through Van Gogh: Espace Van Gogh & Fondation Van Gogh
• Abbey of Montmajour
• Church and Cloister St Trophime
• Musée Départamentale Arles Antique
• Les Alyscamps (Roman necropolis)

Days 5 and 6 | The Camargue

From Arles, this south of France itinerary 14 days takes a detour for the sole reason of visiting the Camargue. The Camargue Regional Natural Park is the largest wetland in France, covering a surface of ​​100,000 hectares. It is famous worldwide for its stunning landscapes, lakes, and exceptional fauna.

Located on the axis of migration of birds from northern Europe to Africa, this area is also home to one of the main nesting sites for pink flamingos in France. But above all, the Camargue is an area for breeding Camargue horses and bulls! Here, bulls and horses live in semi-freedom, most often in herds, watched over by herdsmen on horseback.

From Arles, take the road D570 to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer . Considered the capital of the Camargue, Les Saintes is a little corner of paradise with beautiful beaches, wild nature, and some places of interest.

After four days on the road, it’s time to relax for a couple of days in one of France’s most beautiful natural regions! For your stay in the Camargue, book two nights at the Hotel La Tramontane . The hotel offers individually-decorated, airy rooms which lead to the outdoor swimming pool, the garden, and a private pond.

Click here to book your stay in Hotel La Tramontane

To get the most out of this natural paradise, book this guided safari in a convertible 4×4 , which starts from Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. If you prefer to explore the Camargue from the water, rent a boat (with or without a skipper) at Port Camargue.

Day 7 | Aix-en-Provence

Start the day early and enjoy a last breakfast in the gardens of Hotel La Tramontane. Back to Arles, take the N113 road direction to Aix-en-Provence , the next stop of this Southern France road trip.

For a unique stay in Aix-en-Provence, book a night at the  Hotel des Augustins , a former 12th-century convent just off the famous Cours Mirabeau in the heart of the Old Town. The hotel features spacious rooms combining historic and modern features and a magnificent lobby.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel des Augustins

Aix-en-Provence   is the typical Provencal city and a wonderful place to explore in Southern France. Aix’s historic center, with Italian influences, boasts beautiful architecture and pretty squares adorned with stone fountains. Aix is also known for its traditional markets. The Aix-en-Provence markets are worth exploring for their colorful stalls and delicious local products.

The list of fun things to do in Aix-en-Provence includes:

• Stroll around the Old Tour
• Aix-en-Provence markets walking tour with tastings
• A coffee break at Cours Mirabeau
• The Mazarin neighborhood
• Paul Cézanne’s workshop
• Granet Museum (art museum)
• Taste the famous  calissons  (Aix’s typical sweets)
• E-bike tour of Montagne Sainte-Victoire

TIP: Don’t miss this 3-hour gourmet walking tour in Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town!

Days 8 and 9 | Cassis

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Cassis , the last Provencal destination of this South of France itinerary by car. For your stay in Cassis, book two nights at Le Jardin d’Emile . This characteristic Provence-style house has the perfect location by the beach with a short walk to the port/town. Le Jardin d’Emile offers uniquely decorated rooms, each with a different color and atmosphere, a garden, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Cape Canaille.

Click here to book your stay in Le Jardin d’Emile

Cassis  is a cute fishing town located on one of the sides of the  Parc National des Calanques de Marseille-Cassis . This colorful town near  Marseille , so typical of Provence, is one of the best coastal towns in France , perfect for a couple of relaxing days by the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend day 8 exploring Cassis. The town is dominated by a castle built in the 8th century, and it is renowned for its trails running along the Cap Canaille, its round pebble beaches, and a little bit further, its creeks and their majestic cliffs plunging into deep blue water (Calanques). There’s also an adorable little port lined with multicolored buildings, cafés, and delicious restaurants offering bouillabaisse, seafood, and fish dishes.

On day 9, you can take a day trip to Marseille – here’s a list of the best things to do in Marseille . You can also explore the Calanques of Cassis on foot or on a catamaran tour.

Suggested tours and activities:

• Calanques National Park sea kayaking tour
• Calanques Cassis Hike: Port-Miou, Port-Pin & En-Vau
• From Marseille: 5-hour catamaran tour with lunch
• Calanques & Viewpoints guided tour with mountain e-bike
• Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Cassis

Days 10 and 11 | Cannes

The last days of this South France road trip are spent in Côte d’Azur, also known as French Riviera . Côte d’Azur is well-known for its beaches and coves, impressive views, azure water, and for being a playground for the wealthy. The French Riviera is also home to pretty towns and villages, and there’s a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the summer.

From Cassis, drive to Cannes , where you will spend two nights. For your stay in Cannes, book at Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes Mc Gallery . Located in central Cannes, 150m far from the famous La Croisette beach, this hotel offers the best of the French Riviera: stylish and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant with sea views, and a private beach at an extra cost.

Click here to book your stay in Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes Mc Gallery

Known for its luxurious accommodations and shopping, as well as for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, Cannes truly is a dream destination for many travelers. Cannes is the kind of place you visit when you want to relax and enjoy some luxury. With its stunning beaches, warm weather, and convenient location close to Nice, this is where the stars go for a holiday.

Use the first day in Cannes to visit the city. The list of fun things to do in Cannes includes:

• Cannes free walking tour
• Explore Le Suquet (Cannes’ oldest neighborhood)
• La Croix des Gardes neighborhood
• The Old Port
• La Croisette Walkway
• Sandy beaches
• Villa Rothschild

For your second day, you can take a relaxing catamaran tour with lunch or drive to one of the many great places to visit on the French Riviera near Cannes:

• Juan-les-Pins
• Boat trip to the Calanques d’Esterel
• Mandelieu-la-Napoule
• Private boat trip to Lérins Islands and Cap d’Antibes

Days 12, 13, and 14 | Nice

The last stop of this road trip South of France is Nice , the capital of the French Riviera. For your stay in Nice, book three nights at the  Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. Rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor, and some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views. 

Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges

In Nice , take your time to explore the Old Town, taste some provençal specialties, and, of course, have a stroll on the famous  Promenade des Anglais ! Nice also has some of the  best French Riviera beaches , and their turquoise waters are calling for a dip.

For your first two days in Nice, we recommend this  Nice 2-day itinerary , which also explores the colorful neighboring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer . For your last day in the city, take one of these best day trips from Nice . We recommend Éze Village and Menton , but all the places on the list are lovely.

So, what are you waiting for? Book this South of France road trip itinerary today!

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Getting to France from the UK

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 21 March 2024, updated on 23 April 2024

Being the UK’s nearest neighbour and boasting one of the best transport infrastructures in the world, France is wonderfully easily accessible to us Brits, whichever way you choose to travel. Airlines are expanding French routes every year, with maximum flight times of two hours; ferries are a great option for families or road trippers; and France’s reliable rail network spans all four corners of the country, making train travel a delightfully scenic option for those with more time.

France’s air connections with the UK are growing every year, and today it’s possible to fly from and to more cities than ever before, both in and out of season.

For those landing in Paris , the capital has two airports: Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle (25 km north of the city) and Orly (14 km south), both linked to the centre by shuttle buses and the suburban rail service (RER). Several other cities also have an international airport: Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg, Toulouse ... and these cities also have good air links with Paris. Many smaller cities and towns are served by airports that connect through the capital. Low-cost carriers Easyjet and Flybe offer an extensive range of flights from the UK to France – look up your route options and book online now.

Did you know France is separated from the UK by just 18 nautical miles at the narrowest part of the Channel, between Dover and Calais? Multiple daily ferries make this straightforward, speedy journey, but no need to depart from Dover if you’re travelling by sea – from Plymouth to Brighton , many other British ports are connected to France by both Brittany Ferries and P&O Ferries , with a range of crossing times (including overnight) either as a foot passenger or with your car. Look up your route options and book online now.

A car is probably the best way to explore France in total freedom – make sure you read our dedicated guide to driving in France before you set off.

The extensive, centralised French rail network is without doubt the most practical form of transport for travelling around the country, with every major city boasting a comprehensive network of services to its suburban areas. Towns are linked by TER (Trains Express Régionaux) trains , while major cities are served by high-speed TGV (Trains à Grande Vitesse) services .

From London, take the Eurostar direct from St-Pancras to Paris, Lille, Lyon, Avignon or Marseille, before connecting to the TGV or TER for any onward journeys. In many cases you’ll only need to make one change of train, meaning less hassle and more time to sit back and enjoy the French scenery.

Those wishing to travel by train with their car can choose the Eurotunnel option, with Channel crossings taking just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais. A car is probably the best way to explore France in total freedom – make sure you read our dedicated guide to driving in France before you set off.

Voyages-sncf.com is your European rail expert. Trains from London to Paris, onward connections throughout France and rail passes can all be booked via their website or call centre.

With Eurolines , you can travel from UK city centre to French city centre on a modern, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, plenty of legroom and onboard toilets. You'll even get free Wi-Fi and power sockets so you can keep in touch while you travel. Don't worry if you're not travelling from London Victoria. Eurolines offers a simple add-on fare with National Express from anywhere in the UK to save you money – one-way or return, adult or child, for just £15 each, so if you're booking a return it's really great value!

Learn more about Driving in France

La sécurité routière

La vitesse est limitée sur l’ensemble du réseau routier français et est adaptée en fonction des conditions météorologiques. Cette réglementation s’applique à tous les conducteurs et à tous les véhicules.

Pour les voitures et deux-roues de plus de 50cm3 :

• Sur autoroute  : la vitesse maximale est de 130km/h et de 110km/h par temps de pluie.
• Sur autoroute urbaine et route à chaussées séparées par un terre-plain central  : la vitesse maximale est de 110 km/h et de 100 km/h par temps de pluie.
• Sur les routes nationales  : la vitesse maximale est de 90 km/h et de 80 km/h par temps de pluie. Depuis le 1er juillet 2018, la vitesse maximale autorisée sera réduite de 90 km/h à 80 km/h sur les routes à double-sens, sans séparateur central.
• En ville  : la vitesse maximale est de 50 km/h.

Bon à savoir : Ces vitesses peuvent être revues à la baisse par les autorités locales chargées de la circulation. La vitesse requise fait l’objet d’indication par des éléments de signalétique (panneaux, marquage au sol…).

Les autres réglementations de circulation

Par ailleurs, le port de la ceinture de sécurité est obligatoire à l'avant comme à l'arrière du véhicule. Il est également obligatoire d'avoir dans l'habitacle de son véhicule un gilet de sécurité fluorescent ainsi qu'un triangle de signalisation de danger.

L'usage d'un téléphone tenu en main en conduisant est interdit tout comme le port à l’oreille de tout dispositif susceptible d’émettre du son. Cela inclut les oreillettes permettant de téléphoner ou d’écouter de la musique.

En France, il est également interdit de conduire avec une alcoolémie supérieure à 0,5 g d’alcool par litre de sang et de prendre le volant après avoir fait usage de stupéfiants.

Le stationnement

Le stationnement est également règlementé et payant dans 800 communes françaises. Depuis le 1er janvier 2018, le stationnement payant sur la voie publique est géré par les mairies, qui peuvent en fixer le tarif et confier sa gestion et sa surveillance à des entreprises privées.

L’amende pour non-paiement de stationnement est remplacée par un "forfait de post-stationnement" qui peut atteindre jusqu'à 75 euros. Il est à payer dans les trois mois après réception d’une notification sur le véhicule en infraction ou après son envoi par la Poste. 

Conseils et Recommandations Pouvoir conduire en France peut présenter un avantage certain lors d’un voyage en France. Toutefois, les réseaux de transport en commun (train, tramway, métro, bus) s’avèrent très développés et permettent de se déplacer facilement sur tout le territoire français. De même, de nombreuses solutions de mobilité douce sont mises à disposition dans les villes de France. Alors, au moment de choisir votre moyen de transport, pensez à vous tourner vers l’option qui allie sérénité et préservation de l’environnement. Excellents déplacements dans les régions et villes de France !

En savoir plus

• Conduire en France avec un permis européen UE/EEE
• Conduire en France pour un court séjour ou des études avec un permis étranger
• Forfait post-stationnement en cas de stationnement non payé

À lire aussi

• Où trouver des recharges électriques en France pour sa voiture ?
• Louer une voiture en France

By Redaction France.fr

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.

Holidays at Galeries Lafayette

Air France, the best and most comfortable way to get to France

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A Fairy Tale 1, 2, 3 Christmas!

8 Luxurious Boutiques in Paris

A historical and cultural melting pot in French Polynesia

Tahiti-French Polynesia

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Your Eurail France Pass is the key to the world's most popular travel destination. Explore the romantic capital Paris, relax at the beach in the French Riviera and visit beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Traveling by train through France is a guarantee for beautiful and varied scenery.

Please keep in mind that French high-speed and night trains always need reservations in advance and often have limited seating for Eurail Pass holders.

Train types in France

The French railway network is mostly run by SNCF . You can check train times with the Eurail timetable .

• Domestic trains
• High-speed trains
• Night trains

Regional and intercity trains in France

Reservations for regional trains are not required (except for the TER trains).

Connects most French cities and towns, with frequent services.

Certain ‘Nomad’ trains in the Normandy region have mandatory reservations

• €1.7 reservation fee can be made via  Rail Europe  and at French stations

I nterCité (InterCity)

• Connects major cities and towns in France.
• Reservations are not required for  most  InterCité trains.
• The SNCF website has  a map of InterCité trains that do require a reservation  (in French only: Blue=reservations required; green=reservations not required; Purple=night trains)

Paris: suburban RER trains

RER trains connect central Paris with suburban areas of the city. Please note these trains are  NOT   included in the Pass. Keep this in mind when you're travelling to:

• Orly Airport
• Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Disneyland Paris

Domestic high-speed trains in France

Connects popular destinations like  Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice.

Travels at speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph).

Features luggage racks, power sockets, and snacks in a restaurant car.

• Reservations are required.

International high-speed trains in France

• Paris  – London
• Paris  – Brussels
• Paris  – Brussels – Antwerp – Rotterdam – Amsterdam
• Paris  – Brussels – Liège – Cologne – Düsseldorf – Dortmund
• Disneyland Paris  – Brussels – Antwerp – Rotterdam – Amsterdam
• Reservations are compulsory for these trains, which can get fully booked. We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Read more about special booking conditions on our dedicated Eurostar page .
• Services to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Dortmund are operated by red-coloured former Thalys trains.

TGV  &  ICE  to Germany

• Paris – Frankfurt, Freiburg, Stuttgart & Munich (Germany)
• Marseille – Frankfurt (Germany)
• Bordeaux – Frankfurt (Germany) Running on Saturdays 08 July – 26 August
• Bordeaux – Freiburg (Germany) Running on Saturdays 01 April – 02 September

TGV  to Barcelona

• Connects  Paris with Barcelona (Spain).
• Quickly sells out in summer, travel by  Intercités de Nuit  to Latour de Carol or Cerbère as an alternative.

RENFE AVE to Spain

• Lyon – Barcelona
• Marseille – Madrid
• Reservations are required
• Connects  Paris to Geneva and Zurich (Switzerland).

TGV  to Brussels

• Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes & Strasbourg to Brussels.

TGV  to Luxembourg

• Connects  Paris and Montpellier to Luxembourg City (Luxembourg).

TGV  to Italy

• Connects  Paris to Turin and Milan (Italy).

Train stations of bordering countries

An Interrail Pass valid in France covers travel to some train stations of bordering countries:

Basel (Switzerland)

Geneva (Switzerland)

Portbou (Spain)

• Ventimiglia (Italy)

Domestic night trains in France

Intercités de Nuit

Connects Paris to various destinations in the east, west and south of France:

The Intercités de Nuit runs on the following routes:

(A map can be found here: Carte IC 2024 version Finale (sncf-connect.com) )

• Paris – Toulouse (Daily)
• Paris – Foix – Latour de Carol (Daily)
• Paris – Nîmes – Montpellier – Perpignan – Cerbere (Only daily in the summer)
• Paris – Bayonne – Pau – Lourdes – Tarbes (Daily)
• Paris – Rodez – Albi (Not daily)
• Paris – Aurillac (Not daily)
• Paris – Marseille – Toulon – Cannes – Nice (Daily)
• Paris – Briançon (Not daily)

Use the Intercités de Nuit as an alternative route to Spain

Both the night trains to Latour de Carol and Cerbère are good alternatives for the busy TGV route to Barcelona. The night train to Bayonne is a good alternative to reach San Sebastian and Bilbao via Hendaye.

• Search for  Paris to Latour de Carol  in our timetable and find the local train to Barcelona on the  Rodalies website  (‘La Tor de Querol-Enveitg’).
• Search for  Paris to Cerbere  and Cerbere to Barcelona in separate enquiries in our timetable.  This train only runs daily during summer season.
• Search for  Paris to Hendaye  in our timetable and find the local trains to San Sebastian and Bilbao on  Euskotren * to Spain. RENFE trains to San Sebastian and Madrid depart from Irun, which is a 30 minute walk across the border or a 4 minute train ride by Euskotren.*

*Euskotren is not part of the Eurail network. Buy your tickets locally in Hendaye from vending machines or at the ticket desk.

Reservations are required for these trains. 

International night trains in France

ÖBB Nightjet

• Paris - Munich - Vienna

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes
• Ferry routes

France has an extensive high-speed train network, which will get you where you want to go a lot faster compared to the regional train system. However, for the high-speed trains you'll need to book a seat reservation. We'll explain you more about reservations a bit further down on this page.

View approximate train travel times between top cities in France with regional and high-speed TGV trains:

International ferry connections to and from France

Great Britain to France Get a Eurail discount of 30% off  Irish Ferries  journeys from Rosslare in Ireland to Cherbourg (19.5 hours) or Roscoff (18.5 hours) in north-west France.

Reservations

Eurail reservation self-service system

• TGV, ICE, Eurostar, Nightjet, Intercités de Nuit
• TGV to Barcelona

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• TGV, Intercités, Intercités de Nuit
• International TGV’s including Lyria and all Eurostar trains 
• ÖBB Nightjet : Only Nightjet

Other platforms

• Rail Europe:  TGV (Lyria), ICE, Eurostar, Intercités (de nuit), and Train Nomad regional trains 

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:   How do I book my reservations

By calling SNCF

• Call  SNCF call centre
• Select #85 for English
• You can book both domestic and international reservations
• The SNCF call center currently only accepts payment via American Express

At the station

AVE trains (RENFE) can only booked at train stations in Spain at the moment, also for domestic reservations within France.

Which trains in France require reservations?

TGV high-speed trains

‘Nomad’ trains in the Normandy region – the €1.7 reservation fee can be made via  Rail Europe  and at French stations

All international high-speed trains (such as the Eurostar and ICE)

All night trains

You can make reservations up to  3 months in advance . The number of seats available for Eurail Pass Holders is  limited  on the TGV, Eurostar trains, certain InterCités trains and the Paris-Frankfurt ICE train. Please reserve your seats on these trains as far in advance as possible.

For more information about reservations for French trains:

• Reservations in France
• Reservation fees
• How to avoid reservations

Eurostar trains are popular and therefore, usually sell out quickly. Make sure to get your seat reservation in time. Alternatively, find trains without seat reservations in our timetable by toggling on the ‘no reservation needed’ button.

Get your Pass for France

France pass.

This Pass allows you to explore all of France!

Standard prices from  $ 84

Global Pass

Be free to visit France and up to 32 other European countries.

Standard prices from  $  233

Tips and tricks for France

Quick facts.

Capital: Paris

Population: 65 million

Language: French

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Dialing code: +33

Ferry travel

Discounted ferry travel to Ireland is an extra benefit of a Eurail Pass valid in France on these routes:

Roscoff – Rosslare (Ireland)

Cherbourg – Rosslare (Ireland)

Other benefits

Eurail Pass holders also get discounts on several hostels, city cards and even Disneyland!

French hub stations

France has several hub stations in Paris including: 

• Montparnasse

From these train stations it's possible to connect to trains to most of France's main cities.

Station facilities

The main train stations in France usually have excellent facilities, often including:

Luggage lockers

Foreign exchange desks

Restaurants and cafés

Tourist information offices

ATM cash machines

Elevators and escalators

Access for disabled passengers

Get inspired

Change of currency

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From Marseille to Mont-Blanc: What to know about the journey of the Olympic torch to Paris

T he Olympic torch will finally enter France when it reaches the southern seaport of Marseille on Wednesday. And it's already been quite a journey.

After being lit by the sun’s rays on April 16 in Ancient Olympia, the torch was carried around Greece before leaving Athens aboard a three-mast ship named Belem, headed for Marseille.

The Belem was first used in 1896, the same year the modern Olympics came back. It will be accompanied by more than 1,000 boats as it parades around the Bay of Marseille, before arriving at the Vieux-Port, or Old Port, and docking on a pontoon resembling an athletics tracks.

Torch bearers will carry the flame across Marseille the next day, the last stretch running on the roof of the famed Stade Vélodrome, home to Marseille's passionate soccer fans.

After leaving Marseille, a vast relay route is undertaken before the torch odyssey ends on July 27 in Paris .

Here’s a look at where the torch goes before reaching Paris:

MONT-SAINT-MICHEL

The torch is due to reach the famed and visually stunning site of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy on May 31.

Located in an area of raised land surrounded by water, the island fortress looks like it was created for a Game of Thrones film set. But it's real, and very old.

So old that it already existed during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, from 1337 to 1453. An English attack was even fended off. Later it became a prison, and in 1979 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every years swarms of tourists are in awe of its raw and haunting beauty.

ACROSS THE OCEANS

The torch travel route is even more unique considering it takes a detour through France’s overseas territories called the Relais des Océans, or Ocean Relay. Riding the waves of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, it will be in French Guiana on June 9 before hitting New Caledonia on June 11.

Next is the island of Réunion at Saint-Denis — coincidentally the same name as the Paris suburb with the Olympic village — before reaching Papeete in the surfing realm of Tahiti, then Baie-Mahault in Gaudeloupe and finally Fort-de-France in Martinique.

The torch comes back to France on June 18 in the southern city of Nice.

FROM SEA BREEZE TO HEAVY CHEESE

Just five days after landing on French shores, the torch heads up the Alpine mountain pass of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Olympic Day on June 23.

The Haute-Savoie region is known for its outstanding Chamonix ski resort, which hosts World Cup races, for sweeping views across glacier fields to nearby Italy, and — some would say more importantly — as a producer of fine cheese.

A Cheese Olympics, should it be invented, would feature a sturdy crew of eight competitors from Savoie: Abondance, Beaufort, Chevrotin, Emmental, Reblochon, Tome, Tomme and the heavy-duty Raclette.

HEADING FOR PARIS

After leaving fromage-friendly Savoie, torch bearers will digest in the Doubs region of eastern France, and then visit the Alsace city of Strasbourg in the northeast.

Three days later the torch will reach Verdun, the site of one of the most horrific battles of World War I. From February to December 1916, more than 700,000 French and German soldiers were killed or wounded at the Battle of Verdun.

BASTILLE DAY ARRIVAL

The torch is to arrive on the streets of Paris on July 14 — hardly surprising, considering it's Bastille Day, France’s national day.

The torch will stay the following day in Paris, then exit again before snaking back to the French capital via Versailles — home to the resplendent Royal Palace — and the suburbs of Nanterre on July 24 and Seine Saint-Denis on July 25.

From there, it's to travel a very short distance back to Paris on July 26, the eve of the grandiose opening ceremony where athletes will parade on more than 80 boats at sunset on the Seine River.

FINAL DESTINATION?

After the nearly four-hour ceremony ends shortly after 11 p.m., the cauldron will be lit at a location that is being kept top-secret until the day itself. Among reported options are such iconic spots as the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries Gardens outside the Louvre Museum.

FLAME PROTECTION

A total of 10,000 people will carry the torch along its route. Local police forces on each section of the relay will help to ensure security is high, providing a security bubble around the torch and its carrier.

ECO-FRIENDLY

The torches have a lower environmental impact than those used at previous Games. They burn biogas instead of propane and are recharged when fuel runs out.

Around 2,000 torches will be used compared to more than 10,000 before, according to Georgina Grenon, the director of environmental excellence at Paris 2024. The torches are made with recycled steel and not new aluminum.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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6 Reasons Why We Love Air France KLM Flying Blue

Air France KLM Flying Blue has been growing in prominence in North America over the past few years.

At a time when many programs are stripping away value and removing features, Flying Blue has been making itself felt on various fronts, warranting greater attention from Miles & Points enthusiasts.

In This Post

1. ease of earning, 2. competitive award pricing, 3. excellent route network, 4. free stopovers, 5. promo rewards, 6. partner awards.

It’s easier than ever to earn Flying Blue miles in North America these days, thanks mostly to transferable points currencies and co-branded credit cards.

In Canada, Brim Financial offers the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® , which has been rotating welcome offers between miles and Experience Points (XP).

Furthermore, the card provides the following everyday earning rates, which helps you boost your balance on daily spending:

• Up to 30 Flying Blue miles per dollar (CAD) spent with select Brim Financial merchant partners†
• 5 bonus Flying Blue miles per euro spent on Air France and KLM flights†
• 2 Flying Blue miles per dollar (CAD) spent at restaurants and bars†
• 1 Flying Blue mile per dollar (CAD) spent on all other eligible purchases†

• Earn  10,000 Flying Blue miles upon first purchase
• Plus, earn 10,000 Flying Blue miles when you spend $5,000
• And, earn 10,000 more Flying Blue miles when you spend another $10,000
• And, earn 30,000 Flying Blue miles when you renew your card for a second year
• Get 60 XP in the first year, plus 30 XP in subsequent years
• Earn 5 Flying Blue miles per euro spent on Air France KLM flights
• Earn 2 Flying Blue miles per dollar spent on food and drink
• Earn 1 Flying Blue mile per dollar spent everywhere else
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Annual fee: $132

In addition to earning miles with Brim’s co-branded card, you can also accumulate Flying Blue miles by transferring from American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points at a rate of 1 MR point = 0.75 Flying Blue miles.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Bank of America has its own version of the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard. Like its Canadian counterpart, this card usually offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 miles.

The US-issued card also comes with the following earning rates on daily spending:

• 3 Flying Blue miles per dollar (USD) spent on eligible Air France and KLM flights
• 1.5 Flying Blue miles per dollar (USD) spent on other eligible purchases

In the US, Flying Blue has far more transfer partners than it does in Canada, and more favourable transfer ratios to boot:

• American Express US Membership Rewards: 1 MR point = 1 Flying Blue mile
• Capital One Miles: 1 Capital One mile = 1 Flying Blue mile
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1 Ultimate Rewards point = 1 Flying Blue mile
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: 1 ThankYou Rewards point = 1 Flying Blue mile
• Marriott Bonvoy:   60,000 points = 25,000 Flying Blue miles

Of course, you can also earn Flying Blue miles on paid flights with Air France, KLM, Transavia, TAROM, Aircalin, and SkyTeam carriers, regardless of which credit card you use to pay.

Additionally, holding elite status with the Flying Blue program enhances your earning rates on paid flights. With Platinum status, for instance, you can earn as many as 8 Flying Blue miles per euro spent on Air France and KLM flights.

Air France KLM Flying Blue arguably offers the best overall transatlantic award pricing amongst its competitors. This is largely due to the program harmonizing its North American award pricing in Fall 2023.

Regardless of total distance flown, Air France and KLM awards between North America and any city in Europe have the following “starting at” prices:

• 20,000 Flying Blue miles in economy
• 35,000 Flying Blue miles in premium economy
• 50,000 Flying Blue miles in business class

The pricing above even extends to award flights from North America to select countries in North Africa, as well as Turkey.

In comparison, Aeroplan award flights with distances of up to 4,000 miles start at 35,000 Aeroplan points in economy and 60,000 Aeroplan points in business class. Transatlantic award flights that measure more than 4,000 miles cost even more.

Unlike Aeroplan, Flying Blue adds carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets. Although not ideal, these costs are relatively reasonable compared to awards booked with British Airways Executive Club or Emirates Skywards.

The taxes and fees increase as you fly in higher classes of service. For a one-way transatlantic business class flight, you can expect to pay around $300 (CAD) or so, depending on the route.

Unfortunately, Flying Blue’s competitive harmonized award pricing doesn’t extend to partner airlines. In the future, it would be nice to see Flying Blue apply consistent award pricing for routes operated by partner airlines, too.

Air France and KLM together operate a network that spans five continents.

In the US, the two airlines fly to 19 destinations, including major cities from coast to coast, as well as secondary hub cities like Minneapolis (MSP) and Raleigh (RDU).

In Canada, KLM flies to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal, while Air France flies to Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.

It’s worth noting that Air France and KLM operate rare transatlantic flights out of Edmonton, Ottawa, and Quebec City. Neither Air Canada nor WestJet fly to Europe out of these airports, forcing passengers to connect through one of their hubs instead.

If you live in Ottawa, Quebec City, or Edmonton, you shouldn’t have a difficult time redeeming Flying Blue miles for direct transatlantic flights, which likely costs fewer miles than through other programs and also removes the need for positioning flights.

Plus, once you arrive in Europe, you can connect to a multitude of destinations, as Air France and KLM fly not only to gateway cities, but also to destinations that you might not have even heard of.

In 2023, Air France KLM Flying Blue added the option to add free stopovers on award tickets. The stopovers are allowed to be between 24 hours and up to a year in length.

This means that you can enjoy multiple destinations on a single award ticket, with the usual stopover points being Air France’s and KLM’s hub cities of Paris and Amsterdam, respectively.

However, stopover tickets can only be ‌booked over the phone, and according to some feedback from the Miles & Points community, award pricing can be inconsistent when you add a stopover.

That said, hopefully Flying Blue is working to make stopover pricing consistent across bookings. It’d also be doing the community a huge favour if it makes booking stopovers possible online, as is the case with Aeroplan.

Promo Rewards is one of Air France KLM Flying Blue’s most attractive features.

With Promo Rewards, the program releases a list of discounted flights in various classes of service every month.

The discount is usually 25%, but sometimes goes as high as 50%, and it applies on specific routes for travel in the next few months.

With a 25% discount, you might see transatlantic awards for as few as 15,000 miles in economy, 26,250 miles in premium economy, and 37,500 miles in business class.

Promo Rewards discount Flying Blue’s already competitive pricing, allowing you to fly business class for what many programs charge for economy.

However, the availability of flights with Promo Rewards pricing can be quite limited, and it’d be nice to see more availability and perhaps even a guaranteed allotment of discounted awards to improve this feature.

Air France and KLM are both members of SkyTeam, which means that you can also use Flying Blue miles to book award flights on SkyTeam-member airlines, such as China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic.

However, you can also book award flights with Flying Blue’s growing roster of partner airlines who don’t belong to an alliance, such as Air Mauritius and Etihad Airways.

Having these options expands your horizons, so to speak, and you’ll find these partners helpful for getting to destinations or regions not served by Air France or KLM.

For example, you can fly from Vancouver to Taipei in China Airlines business class for 83,500 Flying Blue miles, plus $136 (CAD) in taxes and fees.

Getting premium cabin award flights across the Pacific is more difficult than ever before, so you should always remember to check availability through Flying Blue if you can’t find what you’re looking for with other programs.

That said, partner award pricing with Flying Blue isn’t always as favourable when compared to other loyalty programs. To improve the program even more, we’d love to see better partner award pricing to make it more competitive with other programs.

Air France KLM Flying Blue has been making its presence felt in Canada and the US in the past few years. 

After harmonizing its award pricing between North America and Europe , Flying Blue members can enjoy generally affordable transatlantic award flights, with one-way business class seats going for as low as 50,000 miles.

Additionally, the program’s monthly Promo Rewards provide discounts on its already competitive rates by 25–50%, often featuring destinations across North America.

The above are just some of the many reasons why we love Air France KLM Flying Blue, and we hope that it further takes hold in North America to foster competition with other programs.

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Editor's note: This article, which was originally published on May 3, was updated on May 6 to include a section about the Team USA aircraft's arrival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Today, Delta unveiled its custom Airbus A350 Team USA aircraft livery in Toulouse, France honoring the airline’s commitment to celebrate the athletes' journeys and connect them with their dreams as the official airline of Team USA.  

The Team USA-inspired A350 celebrates Delta's eight-year partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which runs through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

“Unveiling the Team USA aircraft for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 marks a major milestone for Delta’s support of Team USA as we look toward the start of competition in just a few months,” said Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. “This plane, designed by our in-house creative team, represents Delta’s commitment to Team USA and our partnership to elevate these athletes to reach their highest potential. As this plane flies around the world in the coming months and years, we hope it is seen as a symbol of hard work, dedication and the upward momentum to being the best that Team USA and Delta innately share.”    

DELTA’S CHAIRMAN’S CLUB TAKES DELIVERY IN TOULOUSE  

The celebration in Toulouse – home of Airbus’ global headquarters and where the plane was built and painted this year – had a special audience this year, with Delta’s Chairman’s Club – a peer-selected honoree group of the airline’s top 100 employees from divisions across the company – being a part of the reveal moment for the first time.  

These employees, who are nominated by their peers and Delta’s most senior leaders, represent top employees from across the business. The honorees, which are selected annually, are chosen based on their merit and ability to exemplify the Delta brand each day. Each year, Chairman’s Club Honorees receive the distinction of flying on a new Delta aircraft home to Atlanta as recognition of their commitment and dedication to the brand. To celebrate the countdown to the Paris Games, the 2023 honoree class was able to unveil the brand-new Team USA livery design and be the first to fly on the newly minted plane. Members of the 2023 class were in attendance for the occasion.  

“Team USA athletes are resilient and perseverant – much like Delta’s own people who work each day behind the scenes to connect the world," said VP of Global Communications Gina Laughlin. “Celebrating this moment alongside our 2023 Chairman’s Club Honorees is only fitting as Delta’s people and Team USA work diligently each day to bring the best of themselves to their work. No one better understand what it means to Keep Climbing to the top.” 

Delta’s Chairman’s Club Honorees will fly the aircraft back to Atlanta on May 3.  

DESIGNING THE LIVERY   

The custom livery was designed over several months by Alessandra Rabellino and Delta’s internal brand design team, Window Seat. The bespoke design boasts red, white and blue colors with ‘Team USA’ proudly written across its side and maintains elements of the Team USA Livery design for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, as a nod to the beginning of the partner journey, while also incorporating features that look ahead to Paris and beyond.   

“We evolved one of the main features from the Beijing Livery – the jet stream – into the shape of the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing momentum as we countdown to Paris,” Rabellino said.  “Being able to see the big reveal after the curtain drop was so exciting. But what is even more special is being part of this occasion alongside the Chairman’s Club Honorees who have such a big impact on our company – it's a true honor.”   

On May 2 Delta unveiled its custom Airbus A350 Team USA aircraft livery in Toulouse, France honoring the airline’s commitment to celebrate these athlete’s journey and connect them with their dreams as the official airline of Team USA. NBC’s Keir Simmons shared an exclusive look inside on TODAY.

THE TEAM USA 2024 LIVERY LANDS IN ATLANTA 

Following the exciting reveal celebration in Toulouse, the Team USA 2024 Livery made is first flight to Delta’s home airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The brand-new plane flew the 2023 Chairman’s Club Honorees on a special route from Toulouse to Atlanta, landing to a celebratory water cannon salute at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.  

The plane was met by Delta leadership, Team USA athletes and past Chairman’s Club Honorees who were able to see the livery for the first time. The aircraft will complete final certifications before beginning flying routes and carrying customers in a few weeks. 

For those looking to track the Team USA 2024 Livery for a chance at plane spotting, the aircraft is registered as N521DN and will fly primarily transatlantic routes and be based at Delta’s home airport, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 

ABOUT DELTA’S TEAM USA PARTNERSHIP 

To further its commitment to Team USA, Delta has also proudly partnered with 15 Team USA athlete ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. This group of inspiring athletes will join Delta on the road to Paris as the airline will support them both on and off the field of play, celebrating their stories of resilience and perseverance as they pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.   

U.S. Olympic Athletes:    

Allyson Felix, 11X U.S. Olympic medalist, Track and Field 

Gabby Thomas, 2X U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Track and Field 

Ilona Maher, U.S. Olympian, Rugby 

Brooke Raboutou, U.S. Olympian, Sport Climbing 

Jagger Eaton, U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, Skateboarding 

Chase Kalisz, 2X U.S. Olympic medalist, Swimming 

Victor Montalvo, U.S. Olympic hopeful, Breaking 

Ashleigh Johnson, 2X Olympic gold medalist, Water Polo     

U.S. Paralympic Athletes:    

Brad Snyder, 8X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Swimming & Paratriathlon 

Oksana Masters, 17X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Cycling & Para Cross-country ski 

Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Sitting Volleyball 

Trevon Jenifer, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Wheelchair Basketball 

Roderick Townsend, 4X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Track and Field 

Chuck Aoki, 3X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Wheelchair Rugby 

Mallory Weggemann, 5X U.S. Paralympic medalist, Para Swimming 

As Team USA’s official airline, Delta will manage travel for all U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milan 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it also is an inaugural founding partner.  

The partnership with Team USA furthers Delta’s longstanding support for sport – and the airline’s proud history supporting Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Delta served as a past sponsor of its hometown in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Atlanta 1996 and Salt Lake City 2002.   

The foundation of Delta’s partnership is in the alignment of values and a shared focus on excellence, a passion for connecting people and cultures and a drive to be the best and the gold standard difference. Learn more about Delta’s partnership with Team USA .   

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