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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 Top France Road Trips You Need to Plan Now

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

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

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

I loved it so much that I planned a road trip the following year… and the next year…and will likely plan another the year after.

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

15 Best Road Trips in France

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

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

Okay, for more details, keep reading below! 

1. Provence Road Trip

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

Days Needed: 7-10 days

Great Place to Stay: La Mirande in Avignon

When to Go: June-September

Highlights: Lavender fields, beaches, and markets

Distance: Approx. 417 km

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

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

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

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

2. Highlights of Normandy

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

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

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

Distance: Approx. 348 km

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Western France/Brittany Road Trip

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

Days Needed: 10 days

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Beaufort in Saint-Malo

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

Distance: Approx. 668 km

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

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

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

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

4 . Pyrenees Road Trip

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

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

Highlights: Epic hiking, mountains, and pilgrimage sites

Distance: Approx. 745 km

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

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

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

5. Rhone-Alpes Road Trip

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

Days Needed: 7 days

Great Place to Stay: Cour des Loges in Lyon

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

Distance: Approx. 344 km

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

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

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

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

6. Burgundy Road Trip

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

Great Place to Stay: Abbaye de Maizieres in Beaune

When to Go: June-October

Highlights: Wine, food, and stunning countryside

Distance: Approx. 388 km

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

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

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

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

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

7. Loire Valley Road Trip

Suggested Route: Tours–Amboise–Blois–Orleans

Days Needed: 5 days

Great Place to Stay: Chateau d-Artigny in Montbazon

When to Go: May-September

Highlights: Castles, wine, and beautiful rivers

Distance: Approx. 176 km

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

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

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

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

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

8. Dordogne Road Trip

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

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

Highlights: Castles, historic caves, and beautiful scenery

Distance: Approx. 220 km

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suggested Route: Cassis-Cannes-Antibes-Nice

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

Highlights: Beaches, gorgeous towns, and day trip options

Distance: Approx. 216 km

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

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

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

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

10. Nouvelle-Aquitaine Road Trip

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

Great Place to Stay: Hotel de Tourny in Bordeaux

Highlights: Wine, cognac, history, and beaches

Distance: Approx. 589 km

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

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

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

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

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

11. Alsace Road Trip

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

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Hannong in Strasbourg

When to Go: November-December or June-July

Highlights: Christmas markets, wine route, and beautiful towns

Distance: Approx. 125 km

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Champagne Road Trip

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

Great Place to Stay: Les Suites du 33 in Epernay

When to Go: April through October

Highlights: Champagne cellars and lovely scenery

Distance: Approx. 191 km

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Island Time in Corsica Road Trip

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

Great Place to Stay: Hotel Casadelmar in Porto-Vecchio

When to Go: May through September

Highlights: Beaches, hiking, mountains

Distance: Approx. 360 km

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

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

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

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

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

14. Ile de France Road Trip

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

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

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

Distance: Approx. 271 km

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

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

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

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

After that, you’re back in Paris! 

15. Ultimate Paris to Nice Road Trip

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

Days Needed: 14 days

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

Distance: Approx. 1,258 km

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Tips For the Best France Road Trips

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

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

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

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

Want more France travel inspiration? Check out these posts:

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

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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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Best French Road Trips – 12 Amazing France Road Trip Ideas

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

France by Car

If you have wheels, wanderlust, and some free time, there’s nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate the diversity of the country at a more relaxed pace. A road trip in France ticks all the boxes of epic drives, amazing food, friendly people, beautiful culture, and some of Europe’s most gorgeous sights. Plus, French road trips are fun!

From the Alps to the French Riviera, from the Atlantic Ocean to cute medieval villages inland, France by car means unforgettable routes that will plunge you straight into the country’s heart and soul.

We’ve taken many road trips through France, and you can find more France road trip ideas here . For this post, however, we asked other experienced travelers and friends to help us complete the list of the very best road trips in France, so if you are looking to plan a France road trip, where’s what and where we recommend.

Plan your Trip to France

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation.

Transportation:   Omio  is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. We use Omio or Trainline to book our train tickets; both sites are good, with lots of information in English.

Accommodation:   Booking.com  offers savings on hotels, furnished apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Car Rental: Discover Cars is a great site because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and makes the comparison of prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

Travel Insurance:  We never travel abroad without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust  Safety Wing , which we’ve used since its launch. Safety Wing is marketed as insurance for nomads, but you can use it also for short trips. Since April 2019, Safety Wing covers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantines for new policies too!

Related posts

30 Ideas for an Unforgettable Road Trip in France

If you are looking for an epic road trip, France has it all to make you happy. Here’s an ultimate guide to the best road trips in France, suitable for all types of travelers. These phenomenal France road trip itineraries can be easily combined, shortened, or extended.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Duration: 6 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse – Colmar – Strasbourg
• Region covered: Grand Est
• Best for: sightseeing, small towns, nature, landscapes, French wine

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest and most famous wine routes in France. This France road trip itinerary from Mulhouse to Strasbourg takes 6 days, and it is the perfect road trip for those who love pretty small towns, picturesque landscapes, and wine – Click here to rent a car in Mulhouse

This French road trip starts in Mulhouse , where you will book a hotel for one night. Hotel Bristol is super central and comfortable, and it has secure parking at a small extra cost.

Stroll around Mulhouse’s Old Town with beautiful architecture. Mulhouse has two great museums, La Cité de l’Automobile and La Cité du Train . Depending on your interests and the time available in Mulhouse, visit one museum or both.

From Mulhouse, drive to Colmar and book a hotel for three nights. The James Boutique Hotel is central and with beautiful and cozy rooms and common spaces.

Take the time to explore Colmar’s pretty streets and historical sights; Colmar is the most beautiful town in Alsace! In Colmar, the Museum of Alsatian Wines is an excellent introduction to the wines of Alsace .

Use Colmar as a base to explore the beautiful town of Kaysersberg on day 3 and the towns of Riquewihr plus Eguisheim on day 4, combining sightseeing with wine tastings. Riquewihr and Eguisheim are very small, so if you start early in the morning, you can also squeeze in a short hike through the surrounding vineyards.

On day 5, drive from Colmar to Strasbourg , where you will spend your last two nights of this road trip France. For this last stop, we recommend the Hotel Cathédrale , with incredible views over the Strasbourg Cathedral and public parking available nearby.

Before arriving in Strasbourg , stop at the impressive Château de Haut-Koenisgsbourg , one of the best castles in France . Then in Strasbourg , use this Strasbourg itinerary for two days which covers the city’s main sights.

OTHER FRENCH ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Best of Alsace Road Trip

2. Paris to Nice Road Trip

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Suggested route: Paris – Lyon – Valence – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Region covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: sightseeing, food, and wine

This road trip from Paris to South of France is one of the best road trips France has to offer to admire its diversity of landscapes and cities. It takes ten days, and it is an ideal road trip for those who love history, architecture, food, and good wine – Click here to rent a car in Paris

Arrive in Paris and book a hotel for three nights. The Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  is super comfortable and is situated close to the main sights. Spend four days in Paris , dedicating one of these days to visiting Versailles .

From Paris, drive to Beaune , where you will spend one night. On the way, you can visit Auxerre , which is a beautiful Burgundian village with some wonderful historic sights. For a night in Beaune, book at the Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa located in a beautiful historical building in the center of Beaune.

Continue south to Lyon , where you are going to sleep for one night. Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charms. In Lyon , take the time to visit the Old Town and its famous Traboules and climb up to Fourvière Hill for some fresh air and great views.

From Lyon, drive to Avignon in Provence. Spend one day in Avignon visiting the Palace of the Popes and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine. Hotel Central is a great option for your night in Avignon.

From Avignon, continue south to Marseille , where we recommend spending at least two days. For your time in Marseille, have a look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary   and pick the sights and activities you like most. The hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port has the perfect location for your visit to Marseille.

The last stop of this road trip through France is Nice , where you can use this list of the best things to do in Nice  to visit the city. Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges is a great option and comes with the best view of Nice, over the Baie des Anges.

3. Normandy Road Trip

• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur – Cabourg
• Region covered: Normandy
• Best for: history, small towns, seaside resorts

This 5-day Normandy road trip is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. This France roadtrip through Normandy starts from Paris and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Normandy region – Click here to rent a car in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris is  Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden. Then, in the afternoon, head to Les Andelys to explore this picturesque town and the Château Gaillard , one of the best castles in Normandy . This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century under the rule of King Richard the Lionheart, is located on the top of a high cliff, and it dominates one of the meanders of the Seine Valley.

After exploring Les Andelys, drive to  Rouen , where you will spend the next two nights. For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , a central hotel inspired by the French poet born and raised in this city.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Rouen , which boasts the best Medieval center in all of France and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

On the third day, drive from Rouen to Étretat through the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine. On the way, stop at Jumièges Abbey to visit the ruins of this magnificent building. In the afternoon, visit Étretat , a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast and world-famous for its impressive chalky cliffs. For a unique stay in Étretat,  Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon  is an excellent option, located 500m from the beach.

Day 4 of this Normandy road trip explores Honfleur . This pretty coastal town on the Seine’s estuary is one of Normandy’s top places to visit . For your night in Honfleur, book at  Villa du Cèdre , a property full of charm with a garden and swimming pool.

The last day of this French road trip explores two of the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie: Deauville  and  Cabourg . Both towns are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas.

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Normandy WW2 Sites
• Brittany Road Trip
• Road Trip in Northern France from Paris
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

4. Champagne Road Trip

• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Reims – Epernay – Troyes – Provins
• Regions covered: Grand-Est, Ile-de-France
• Best for: history, small towns, champagne wine

This Champagne road trip is another beautiful roadtrip France has to offer. It explores the historical region of Champagne , well known for its rolling hills, historical sites, and sparkling wine with the same name. This France road trip itinerary is a good combination of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and (of course) champagne – Click here to rent a car in Paris

On day one, drive from Paris to Reims. On the way, do a short stop at  La Ferté sous Jouarre . This small town, and more precisely, its abbey, hosts two wonderful Merovingian crypts from the 7th century listed as Historical Monuments.

Dedicate the rest of the day to exploring Reims , the capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit. The city is well known for its Gothic cathedral, the coronation place for most of the Kings of France. For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , a mythical property in the city nestled in seven hectares of park, 300m from Pommery Champagne House. Once the car is well parked, you can explore the best champagne houses in Reims .

Day two of this road trip through the Champagne region explores Epernay and its surroundings. Epernay is best known as the main “warehouse” for champagne wines – here are the best champagne houses in Epernay . Not far from Epernay, there’s the Abbey of Hautvillers , where Dom Perignon is buried. Dom Perignon (1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk credited with the revolutionary champagne method, which transforms a still wine (without bubbles) into sparkling wine.

Leave Epernay direction to Troyes and stop at  Château d’Etoges for the night. This lovely château-hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne has individually decorated rooms with period furniture and magnificent grounds.

On the third day of this Champagne road trip visit Troyes . This city was one of France’s most important fair towns during medieval times, a center for hosiery and cloth making. Stroll around the Old Town and admire its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.

After exploring Troyes, drive west to Provins, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Provins, book at  Demeure des Vieux Bains ,  a stunning historical property with comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

During the last day of this French road trip, explore  Provins , another medieval fair town. Provins is well-known for its Medieval festival (yearly, in June) and its underground city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century that connected all the houses.

5. Cathar Country Road Trip

• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassonne – Cucugnan – Narbonne – Carcassonne
• Regions covered: Occitanie
• Best for: history, medieval châteaux, small towns

This Cathar Country road trip from Carcassone in Southern France takes five to six days and is the best road trip in France for those who love history, Medieval castles, and small towns. For the history of the Cathar and a complete description of the Cathar sites, check out the road trip’s detailed itinerary – Click here to rent a car in Carcassone

Arrive at Carcassone and book a hotel for two nights. Mercure Carcassonne La Cité  is super comfortable and has a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also boasts amazing views of the walled citadel from the garden and some rooms.

Take a day to explore the medieval Cité de Carcassonne , one of the most important Cathar sites and one of the main targets during the first Cathar Crusade in 1209.

Day 2 of this road trip France visits the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix , and Château de Monségur , where the last Cathars who did not surrender were burnt alive. Spend the night at the  Logis Auberge du Vigneron , in Cucugnan , with fabulous views of the surrounding valley.

On day 3, visit Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus , two fabulous hilltop fortresses and Cathar sites. Then drive to Fontjoncouse , a gorgeous oh-so typical French village in the heart of the Aude department conveniently located close to the next Cathar sites. Book a room (or a full cottage) for one night at   Le Petit Clos , a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, terrace, and garden.

The next day of this roadtrip France visits Fontfroide Abbey and the Medieval village of Lagrasse with the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu . Both abbeys had an important role in the Cathar crusades, and they are interesting to visit.

On the last day of this Cathar road trip, drive to Minerve, a pretty medieval village where you can see a replica of one of the catapults used by the Crusaders. Then, visit Châteaux de Lastours , one of the best castles in Southern France , before driving back to Carcassonne. Châteaux de Lastours is an ensemble of four Cathar castles with a spectacular setting at the top of a rocky spur.

6. Route des Grands Crus, Bourgogne

• Suggested route: Beaune – Vougeot – Dijon
• Regions covered: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

The Route des Grands Crus is one of the best road trips in France for wine lovers. This Burgundy road trip from Beaune to Dijon takes four days and is an ideal road trip for those who enjoy small towns and beautiful landscapes – Click here to rent a car in Beaune

Arrive at Beaune the day before and book a hotel for 2 nights. Château de Challanges , a gorgeous 19th-century country house set in 7 hectares, is perfect for a relaxing stay.

Take a day to explore Medieval Beaune, the capital of wines of Burgundy. Be sure to cover Les Hospices de Beaune , a jewel of Burgundian architecture, and La Maison des Climats to learn more about the (wine) climats of Burgundy.

From Beaune, drive to Vougeot , where you will spend one night. For something special, book at  Château de Gilly , a 14th-16th century château with moats, French-style gardens, and a dining room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

On the way to Vougeot, stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges , a lively small town with a long history of wine-making. Visit the town, and perhaps a domain or two for some wine tastings.

In the afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cîteaux , the founder of the Cistercian order in France. It was its abbot who spotted the best kind of soils and selected certain grape varieties, improving the quality of the wines.

On day 3, visit the Château Clos de Vougeot , a must of any Burgundy wine route. In the 14th century, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux built the first walls separating vineyards, known as  clos , contributing like this to the promotion of the wines of the region. Clos de Vougeot was the first clos built by the monks, and the visit reveals the winemaking genius of the monks in the Middle Ages.

In the afternoon, drive to Gevrey-Chambertin , a small village home to nine Burgundy Grands Crus, perfect for a stroll and some wine tastings. Then, drive to Dijon, where you will spend one night. The  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions.

On the last day of this French road trip, visit Dijon , the historical capital of Burgundy. Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. Follow the owl trail, which takes you to Dijon’s main sights, like the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne , built in the 14th-15th centuries.

OTHER ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

7. Road Trip through the Jura, Eastern France

• Suggested route: Paris – Baume-les-Messieurs – Château-Chalon – Dole
• Best for: landscapes, small towns, hiking

This road trip through the Jura takes four days, and it is the ideal road trip for those who love nature and good food & wine. This Jura road trip covers the region of the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura (a department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in Eastern France), and is one of the best road trips from Paris for nature lovers – Click here to rent a car in Paris

From Paris, drive to Baume-Les-Messieurs , a picturesque village in the heart of a blind valley. Take a stroll to explore the village and its main sights, and then head to the Cascade des Tufs , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura.

For the first night, book a hotel in one of the villages nearby. La Maison du Lac Chalain , in Doucier, is a good option, and it has an excellent restaurant perfect for tasting the regional cuisine.

The second day is dedicated to exploring some of the best lakes and waterfalls of the Jura. The hike to the Belvédère des 4 lacs and Pic de l’Aigle (12 Km) is one of the area’s main highlights. If you start the day early, you can also hike to the Cascades du Hérisson , a beautiful 4 km trail that links many waterfalls.

Then drive to Château-Chalon , another pretty village in the Jura, where you are going to spend the night. Les Relais des Abbesses is a beautiful, historical property in the heart of the village, and it has a terrasse with magnificent views over the Jurassic plateau.

Spend the morning of the third day visiting Château-Chalon , one of the villages with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France.’ In the afternoon, head to Dole, which was the capital of the County of Burgundy until its annexation to the Kingdom of France.

Dole is a picturesque city bordered by the Doubs River, a city of canals and interesting architecture from the 16th century. Dole’s Old Town is a confusion of alleyways edged by Renaissance homes with turrets and courtyards. Book a night at Hotel de la Cloche , a charming property with an excellent location for exploring the city on the last day of this road trip.

• French Alps Road Trip from Annecy to Chamonix

8. Loire Valley Road Trip from Nantes

• Suggested route: Nantes – Saumur – Amboise – Angers
• Regions covered: Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire
• Best for: Renaissance châteaux, small towns, French wine

This Loire Valley road trip from Nantes Airport takes five days and visits some of the best Loire Valley Castles . This itinerary through the Loire Valley is one of the best French road trips for history and architecture lovers – Click here to rent a car at Nantes Airport

Arrive at Nantes Airport and drive about 90 minutes to Saumur , where you will book a hotel for two nights. Hotel St. Pierre is super comfortable, has a great historical feel, and is situated right on the main square. Dine at Michelin-starred Le Gambetta to treat yourself to an amazing French meal.

From Saumur, drive to Château d’Usse (the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty) with a stop at Château Miniere for a walk among the vines and some wine tasting on the way. The sumptuous and artistic gardens at Château Villandry are also a must-see and easily accessible from Saumur.

Continue east along the Loire Valley to Amboise for two nights. Hotel Le Manoir St. Thomas is a great choice of hotel and even features a suit of armor to guard the lobby. Amboise is home to the Royal Château d’Amboise and the Clos Luce , where Da Vinci spent the final years of his life.

From Amboise, drive to the Loire Valley’s most iconic chateaux: Château Chenonceau and Château Chambord . Enjoy dinner in Blois , followed by the exciting light show after dark at Château Royal de Blois .

On the return to Nantes Airport, break up the more than 3-hour drive with a stop in Angers to see the Apocalypse Tapestries at Château d’Angers . Château d’Angers resembles a menacing fortress rather than an elegant château and is an excellent counterpoint to the other places visited during this Loire Valley Itinerary.

By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) | Sidewalk Safari

• Road Trip Castles of the Loire Valley

9. West Coast of France Road Trip

• Duration: 10 days
• Suggested route: Etretat – Ile de Ré – Bordeaux – Biarritz
• Regions covered: Normandy and Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Best for: architecture, sightseeing, nature, and landscapes

Stunning landscapes, old cities, and historically important places are all part of a road trip along the west coast of France. Whether you camp or stay in hotels, this France roadtrip will be epic.

Start this road trip through France’s western coast in Étretat , known for its huge chalk cliffs. Enjoy a breathtaking walk on the cliffs and finish off with a delicious seafood dish in one of the seafront restaurants of this pleasant village.

The next stop is the WW2 beaches of D-day , such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. Visiting this place will leave an everlasting impression. The last stop in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel , the Medieval abbey that speaks to anyone’s imagination. It is built on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by a bridge during high tide. For a magical experience, book a night in one of the hotels inside Mont Saint-Michel .

This road trip through the west coast skips the region of Brittany. The next stop of this itinerary is the island of Ile-de-Ré in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Ile-de-Ré is a fantastic small Island, right off the coast, reachable by a toll bridge. The island is known for oysters, the local drink Pinot, salt production, and the lighthouse watching over its rugged coastline. Rent a bike, as this is the main way of transport on the island.

After 1 or 2 days visiting Bordeaux , continue your journey to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat . This dune is the highest and biggest sand dune in Europe! Walking across it will give you the feeling of being in a desert. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dune while watching over the Bassin of Arcachon. A moment you’ll never forget.

End this west coast of France road trip with a visit to Biarritz , close to the Spanish border, and go surf in the Atlantic waters.

By Hellen | the Global Wizards

BEST ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Basque Country Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Road Trip Dordogne

10. Gorges du Verdon Road Trip

• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested route: Aix-en-Provence – Valensole – Verdon Natural Regional Park
• Regions covered: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: nature and landscapes

If you are looking for South of France road trips, you will love this itinerary from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Natural Regional Park , which is considered one of the most scenic drives in France – Click here to rent a car in Aix-en-Provence

Did you know that there was a Grand Canyon in France? Yep. Well, it’s not as big as the one in the US, but when you get there, you’ll have the same feeling. It’s called the Gorges du Verdon , and it’s a stunning rocky landscape with towering cliffs, where a turquoise-green river meanders at the bottom.

To start this Gorges du Verdon road trip , you can drive from Aix-en-Provence or any nearby major cities: Marseille, Nice, or even Cannes. The trip takes three days to complete, with one day in Valensole and the lavender fields, one day driving around the different lakes, and one day driving the epic road on top of the Gorges du Verdon. Here are the major stops on this trip:

– Valensole is famous for its lavender fields , which bloom from the end of June to the end of July. Valensole is a cute little village where you can spend the night after exploring the fields around.

– Esparron de Verdon , and Lac Quinson de Verdon , are two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main lake in the area and the perfect place to stop for a while and relax on the beach.

– Gorges du Verdon is the main attraction around here, France’s Grand Canyon. Drive on top of the gorges on an epic scenic route ( Route des Crêtes ), and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in France.

– Sillans la Cascade . Before you leave, check out this secret waterfall, it is absolutely worth the trip!

One of the best places to establish your home base while exploring the area is the village of Valensole, for the ultimate traditional French experience. The bed & breakfast Les Terrasses de Valensole is exceptional.

By Kevin |  Kevmrc

• Lavender Fields in Provence Road Trip
• Route Napoleon Road Trip
• Luberon Road Trip
• The Ultimate Provence Road Trip

11. Gorges du Tarn Road Trip

• Suggested route: Millau – La Malène – Florac
• Regions covered: Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Best for:  nature, landscapes, and small towns

Les Gorges du Tarn is another beautiful south of France road trip. This 4-day itinerary will take you through The Causses, and The Cévennes , a region that offers the ultimate scenery for an amazing French road trip, from deep gorges with hairpin bends to wide-open pastoral landscapes. Because of its uniqueness, the region has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

This road trip in France starts and ends in Millau . On the first day, visit the world’s tallest bridge – Millau Viaduct –, and the tiny village of Payre . Stay the first night in Millau and use the evening to explore this beautiful Medieval city. Hotel des Causses in Millau is comfortable, central, and has an on-site restaurant.

The next day head to the heart of the Gorges du Tarn . The road (D809, D907, and D907bis) follows the bends of the River Tarn, which has cut deeply into the cliffs forming this stunning canyon. You’ll be passing through lots of lovely villages along the Tarn.

At Les Vignes, take the D46 road to Point Sublime , from where you will have the most breathtaking view over the canyon. Go back to Les Vignes and follow the road towards La Malène . On the way, stop at Pas de Soucy for some more amazing views.

You can stay the second night at La Malène. The Hotel Le Manoir de Montesquiou is a beautiful and historical building with a great location in the middle of the Gorge area.

On day 3, head to Sainte-Enimie – a postcard beautiful village. On the way, you can stop at Saint-Chélly-du-Tarn . After Sainte-Enimie, continue to Florac , where you can spend the third night. Grand Hotel du Parc has a perfect and relaxing setting in the Cévennes National Park.

The next day take D16 and D63 to the famous cave Aven Armand. You’ll be crossing Causse Méjean , a plateau with a totally different landscape from the canyons. After the cave, stop at the nearby Medieval Farm to learn more about the local traditions in this area ( Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois ).

Afterward, continue to Meyrueis on D986. When you arrive at Meyrueis, take D996 to Le Rozier. Follow the road along the canyon on La Jonte River – Gorges de la Jonte . Stop at Le Rozier and Peyrelau – two lovely places where the La Jonte River flows into the Tarn River. Afterward, continue to Millau, the end of this road trip.

By Daniela | Ipanema Travels

12. French Riviera Road Trip

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Suggested route: Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Monaco
• Best for: landscapes, and sightseeing

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes follows one of the best drive routes through France, with the French Riviera coastline being dotted with picturesque towns and pristine coves along the way – Click here to rent a car in Cannes

One of the best starting points for this France road trip along the Côte d’Azur is Cannes , a city filled with glitz and glamour that will make you feel as though you’ve arrived in the French Riviera in style! Book one night or two in the Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes soaking up the atmosphere and visiting Cannes’ top sights before moving on towards Nice.

On your way to Nice, you might want to stop off in Antibes . This is a lovely place to unwind after the buzz of Cannes, and you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend your afternoon at the Picasso Museum . If you want to hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend an extra day on the beach, consider staying a night in Antibes itself.

Next, you’ll drive to Nice , where you can explore the city’s narrow streets, bustling markets, and ochre-colored architecture. For your stay in Nice, book at Hotel Locarno , which has an excellent location 200 m from the beach and offers the best breakfast ever.

After spending 2 days in Nice and around, you can drive on to Monaco , stopping off at the medieval village of Eze and perhaps Villefranche-sur-Mer . You can then choose whether you want to stay in Monaco for a chic casino break or move on to Menton , a small foodie town on the French /Italian border.

The distances between the destinations are relatively short, so you can easily tick off two places in one day. We would suggest spending at least seven days on this French Riviera road trip, but of course, you can spend much longer delving into this stunning French region.

By Chrisoula | Historic European Castles

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIPS NEARBY

• Road Trip Southern France
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa

And there you have it, our favorite road trips in France to inspire your next trip. Check out our Road Trips category for the detailed itineraries and more French road trip ideas.

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8 beautiful road trips in France to take this summer

By Sarah James

Sure, driving to France takes longer than flying or getting the Eurostar. But the journey itself is part of the trip. Not just a method of transport for a holiday that only starts once you’re on the beach in Breton stripes, but part of the whole reason you’re going in the first place. You can stop wherever you like en route to gawp at a view, swim in the sea or have a picnic from the boot of the car. Almost all of the country can be reached in a day by road without needing to spend hours in the airport or be squeezed in next to a stranger on a brightly lit train. It’s a throwback to simpler breaks, before they became about getting far away as quickly as possible. Rediscover the joy of travelling through, not flying over, with our favourite driving holidays to France.

When can I drive to France?

It is possible to drive to France via the Eurotunnel currently. You will need to complete a health declaration before travelling, and will be expected to quarantine for 14 days both on arrival in France and when returning to the UK. Ferries for visitors are not running as of 18 June, but are expected to start this summer.

The Foreign Office is still advising against all non-essential travel overseas – always check before you book. The government is expected to announce an update about travel to France on 29 June. For more details, see our guide to where can Brits travel this summer?

TAKING THE EUROTUNNEL TO CALAIS

The Eurotunnel – also known as Le Shuttle – goes from Folkestone to Calais. It takes 35 minutes, with shuttles travelling up to four times an hour, and costs from £90 each way.

ILE DE RE ROAD TRIP

Best for: a slice of island life

Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Ile de Ré is where Parisians go for a long, sandy weekend. It’s just 18 miles long, with most island life centred around the pretty harbour town Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site with terracotta rooftops and cobbled streets. The lovely ocean-view restaurants here are packed out in July and August (French schools go back after the summer at the end of August, so arriving in early September is a clever idea). Cycle from Saint-Martin-de-Ré to La Flotte, another seaside village. The softest, sandiest beaches are in the north of the island, but the wilder, less-crowded spots are to the west, backed by pine forests and tumbling dunes.

When to go: In September, when the French clear out and the streets get quieter.

Where to stay: Converted 17th-century house Hôtel de Toiras . Doubles from about £150.

Getting there: Take a ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. The drive to Ile de Ré takes about 4 hours.

Ile de Ré guide

FRANCHE-COMTE ROAD TRIP

Best for: foodies

The drive from Calais to Franche-Comté, near France’s eastern border with Switzerland , hugs the northern regions before heading south. It takes about six and a half hours to drive the breadth of the country between the two. Stop in Reims, which is halfway along – it’s the largest city in the Champagne region and has a crop of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Big-name vineyards including Taittinger and Ruinart call Reims home, and both producers run cellar tours for visitors to see how the wines are made. From here, it's another four hours to Franche-Comté, a foodie corner that’s often overlooked in favour of nearby Burgundy. The quiet, simple way of life here revolves around long lunches starring its namesake Comté cheese, and exploring the local farmlands backed by the mountains of Jura.

When to go: In spring or summer to make the most of the locally grown produce.

Where to stay: Restaurant with rooms Château du Mont Joly .

Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). From Calais, drive to France-Comté (about 6.5 hours).

Franche-Comte: a guide to France's secret corner

THE FRENCH LAKE DISTRICT ROAD TRIP, Savoie and Haute-Savoie

Best for: wild swimming

Less raved about – by British travellers at least – than Italy’s great lakes , the French equivalent is a clever alternative to the country’s sometimes crowded Mediterranean coast. These three Alpine lakes have quiet beaches lapped by sparkling clear water. The drive from Calais will take up a day of your trip, so plan to stay for a while. The lakes – Annecy, Bourget and Aiguebelette – are utterly distinct from one another. Start in Annecy, which is the first town you hit on the route, where the streets wind alongside canals. Sailing clubs dominate one shore while the other is lined with villas and grand hotels – the village was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until the late 1800s, which gives the whole place an Italian feel. Aix-les-Bains, on the deep Bourget, was once a spot for French aristocracy to take to the mountains, while nearby Le Bourget-du-Lac is more laidback. Of them all, little Aiguebelette is best for swimming – waters can skim 30°C in the summer.

When to go: The season here is much quieter than on the coast, even in the height of summer – come in July or August for a peaceful substitute for the French Riviera .

Where to stay: Farmhouse-turned-B&B La Bageatière . Doubles from £70.

Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). The drive from Calais to Annecy takes about 8 hours – break it up with stops in Reims or Dijon.

BONNELLES, Yvelines ROAD TRIP

Best for: countryside adventuring

Ditch notions of a rural French getaway requiring a crumbling château. Just 45 minutes outside Paris , a clutch of old barns set in 500 acres of woodland has been redefined as Le Barn, a relaxed country hotel. It’s a hideout for off-duty Parisians designed by local studio Be-poles, also responsible for cute 18th arrondissement spot La Pigalle . Those staying can be self-sufficient, which allows guests to go totally off-grid – there’s a pond to boat on, horses to ride, a restaurant, bags of room to cycle, a Nordic bath and even a pick-your-own vegetable patch. If you want to explore further, Paris is just a 40-minute train journey away (or drive to one of the city’s 24-hour car parks). But a stay here is more about slowing down and stepping back.

When to go : Le Barn is wonderful for children, so families should travel in the summer holidays or October half term.

Where to stay: Read our full review of Le Barn, one of the best family holidays in Europe .

Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). From Calais, drive to Bonnelles (about 3.5 hours).

PROVENCE ROAD TRIP

Best for: a hit of the Med

Those committed to a serious road trip can embark on the drive from Calais down to Provence . It’ll take at least 10 hours – stop in Burgundy’s capital, Dijon, which has a car-free medieval centre with timber gabled houses and cafés on pretty cobbled squares, or stay overnight in Lyon , which is about three hours north of Bouches-du-Rhône’s capital, Marseille. The long drive is rewarded with a clutch of fortified hilltop towns and colourful fields to explore when you arrive. Tiny, peaceful villages in the green Luberon – such as Oppède-le-Vieux – centre around ancient churches. Sleepy market town Eygalières has the craggy Alpilles as its backdrop, set on a hill with brilliant views of the scrubby vine-covered countryside below. For those craving the sea, shorefront Cassis, where the rocky Calanques rise out of the Mediterranean, is a chilled-out alternative to splashier Nice or Cannes.

When to go: Lavender season , which falls from June to July.

Where to stay: Everyone from F Scott Fitzgerald to Jean Cocteau has bedded down at Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus in arty city Arles. Doubles from about £85.

Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). The drive from Calais takes about 10 hours.

The prettiest towns in Provence

LE PERCHE, NORMANDY ROAD TRIP

Best for: antique hunting

A couple of hours west of Paris in Normandy, rural La Perche is, unusually, better known for its orchards than its vineyards. Small villages set around 12th-century churches are knotted together by country lanes. It should lend itself to comparisons with the Cotswolds, except this corner is too much of a secret, too off the beaten track to compare. Parisians in the know are drawn to the region’s many antique shops, where carefully curated boutiques sell mid-century finds or paintings from the 1800s. Parc Naturel Régional du Perche was created in the 1990s to protect the area’s wild landscapes and natural resources. Excellent restaurants such as La Vie en Rouge in market-town capital Mortagne-au-Perche serve locally grown produce and wines at laidback lunches.

When to go: In autumn, when streets are quiet and rustic food joints and hotels have a cosy atmosphere.

Where to stay: D'une Ile , a cluster of guest houses with stone walls and roll-top baths. Doubles from about £75 a night.

Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). The drive from Calais takes about 6 hours.

A weekend break in Le Perche, Normandy

Ferries from the UK to France depart from Dover, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Poole and dock in Brittany and Normandy. Travelling overnight is our recommendation, so you’re rested for a day of driving once in France. Prices start at £190.

LOIRE VALLEY ROAD TRIP

Best for: wine lovers

The Loire is France’s longest river. French royalty used to favour the area for their getaways, and so the surrounding countryside is dotted with grand châteaux and impressive estates. The building of these manors meant that tiny villages and tons of vineyards cropped up in the area, too, and now the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its central setting means that it feels not quite like northern or southern France but rather its own entity entirely. Exploring the storybook châteaux, dominated by turrets and moats, is one way to spend a trip – more than 100 are open to the public. And the Loire Valley is one of France’s main wine-producing regions, with hundreds of vineyards to tour – grab a bike and cycle between them, refreshing with crisp glasses of local Sauvignon Blanc.

When to go: In October most of the crowds have disappeared, the weather is dry and warm, and the food is at its finest.

Where to stay: Château du Grand-Luce is a full-on French fairytale castle. Doubles rooms from about £430.

Getting there: Take an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo in Brittany. The drive to the Loire Valley takes about 3.5 hours.

The best châteaux in France

CAP FERRET ROAD TRIP

Best for: a smart seaside break

Known for its oysters, this tiny village sits at the end of a long peninsula buffeted by the Atlantic. It's an old-fashioned seaside getaway in the best sense: there’s a lighthouse to cycle to, boats bobbing in the waters, a long jetty to walk down. It is backed by Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe and, by our estimations, one of the best beaches in the world. Kids tumble down the sugary sand toward the sea, families walk along the shore to eat freshly caught seafood for lunch with toes dipped in the Atlantic. For a day of urbanity, Bordeaux is just over an hour’s drive east, and Arcachon, with its Art Nouveau architecture, an hour south.

**When to go:**In summer to make the most of the beach town.

Where to stay: La Maison du Bassin , minutes from the coast. Doubles from about £125.

Getting there: Take a ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. The drive to Cap Ferret takes about 6 hours.

Cap Ferret guide - things to see and do

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The best road trips in Canada

Things to do

At 9.8 million square kilometres, Canada is the world's second largest country. Which means the best way to see it is to hop in a car and drive . . . and drive. Along the way you'll gape at glacier-carved peaks, bird-filled marshlands and everything in between. There'll be plenty of stops to take in the views, sample local hot spots and rest your road-trip weary head too.

But knowing where to go in such a vast and diverse land might seem daunting. No worries - we've made it easy with this list of best road trips in Canada's 10 provinces and two of its three territories. (To date, there are no roads into Nunavut External Link Title or between its communities). Take your pick, start your engine - the open road awaits!

Crowsnest Highway, British Columbia

Stretching from BC to Alberta, the Crowsnest Highway External Link Title passes through breathtaking mountains and charming towns. After departing from the bustling city of Vancouver External Link Title , head toward the Fraser Valley on Highway 1. Stretch your legs after a few hours of driving with a hike at E.C. Manning Provincial Park External Link Title and then get a good night's rest in one of the rooms or cabins at the Manning Park Resort External Link Title . The next day, make your way to the Similkameen Valley and stroll around the many vineyards in Keremeos External Link Title , before continuing your trip to Osoyoos External Link Title -- which is home to the warmest lake in Canada.

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Thinking about the Canadian Rockies for your Canada road trip? Then the 235-kilometre Icefields Parkway External Link Title is your front-row seat to some of the range's most fetching glaciers and turquoise lakes. Leaving the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff National Park External Link Title , head north along Highway 93 to savor such sights as mirror-like Herbert Lake, the sweeping Athabasca Glacier and double-barreled Sunwapta Falls. Hang your toque at the newly renovated Glacier View Lodge External Link Title on the way up or at Jasper's cozy Chateau Jasper External Link Title in Jasper National Park External Link Title at route's end. Count on a full day but take a few to explore the icefields and both parks during less-busy spring and colourful fall.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Exploring Saskatchewan's eclectic roadside attractions just got better. Thanks to the 2019 opening of the Badlands Parkway External Link Title , you can now see Grasslands National Park External Link Title on not one but two revealing Canada road trips. From the village of Wood Mountain, drive south to the paved, seven-mile parkway in the park's East Block to glimpse a wild but fragile prairie landscape. Then make tracks to the West Block just south of Val Marie External Link Title to spot plains bison, black-footed ferrets and settler homesteads on the 80-kilometre-loop Ecotour Scenic Drive External Link Title . Take one to a few days; 286 kilometres total.

Interlake Region, Manitoba

Immerse yourself in history and nature on this 186-mile, one-to-three-day journey through Manitoba 's Interlake region, straddled by the province's two inland seas External Link Title of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. From the bustling capital External Link Title of Winnipeg, make tracks north to Lower Fort Garry Historic Site External Link Title , Oak Hammock Marsh External Link Title , Lake Winnipeg's iconic wooden piers, and swim-friendly Winnipeg Beach External Link Title . Detour west for the Narcisse Snake Dens External Link Title - visit in spring or fall for best viewing - before returning to the lakeshore for Viking-rich Gimli External Link Title and Hecla Village External Link Title . End with a round of golf and overnight at the Lakeview Hecla Resort External Link Title .

Toronto to Stratford, Ontario

Take in big-city sights and theater-town delights on this two-day sojourn in southeastern Ontario . Spend a day strolling Toronto External Link Title 's museums and galleries, and a night at the artsy Gladstone Hotel External Link Title or chic Kimpton Saint George External Link Title . Then motor west 150 kilometres for a dose of Victorian architecture and live theatre External Link Title in Stratford, home to the province External Link Title 's annual Stratford Festival External Link Title . Along the way, take a peek at Baden's ornate Castle Kilbride Museum External Link Title .

Montreal to Gaspésie, Quebec

Take a week or more to hit several Quebec External Link Title sweet spots on this charming 975-kilometre drive, which should be on everyone's best road trips in Canada bucket list. Visit Montreal External Link Title and Quebec City External Link Title - voted forth and first top Canadian cities, respectively, in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 20 External Link Title 21 External Link Title  - before heading northeast along the St. Lawrence River to the Gasp? Peninsula External Link Title and its striking Perc? Rock. Watch for whales, caribou and northern gannets - you can't miss their distinctive black-tipped wings. Alternatively, skip the cities for the full-on Gasp?sie Tour External Link Title or check out these other scenic drives.

Irish Loop, Newfoundland and Labrador

Start with a stroll past colourful row houses in Newfoundland and Labrador External Link Title 's capital of St. John's, also North America's most easterly and oldest city External Link Title . Then head south on a 309-kilometre  coastal loop External Link Title packed with outdoor adventure and natural wonders. Spot whales and seabirds on a Witless Bay boat tour External Link Title or hike by sea stacks and cliffs on the East Coast Trail. Pick up fresh sandwiches and lemonade in Lighthouse Picnics External Link Title ' historic 1870 lighthouse, then enjoy them outside while watching icebergs float by.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Explore the wild ways of water on New Brunswick External Link Title 's Bay of Fundy External Link Title - a hot spot on a top Canada road trip. Here, some 150 billion tons of water flow in and out every six hours, making for the world's highest tides at up to 50 feet. Ease into this four-day 225-kilometre trip External Link Title by taking tea at Moncton External Link Title 's quaint 1883 Thomas Williams House External Link Title , then pad about the ocean floor during low tide at the Hopewell Rocks - eroded tree-topped sandstone formations External Link Title a.k.a. Flowerpot Rocks. Catch August's Rising Tide Festival in Fundy National Park External Link Title , and be sure to kayak St. Martins' red-rock sea caves External Link Title on the route's last leg. See more on these road trips .

North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island

It might be Canada's smallest province External Link Title , but Prince Edward Island boasts its fair share of road trips too. Foodies in particular will want to wind their way around the western peninsula External Link Title , sampling the island's fresh bounty on a four-day 350-kilometre drive. Find out why Prince Edward Island's potatoes are so famous at the Canadian Potato Museum External Link Title , then fill up on a fully loaded baked spud - choose from lobster, pulled pork and more - at the onsite PEI Potato Country Kitchen. Slurp back world-renowned oysters External Link Title at the rustic Malpeque Oyster Barn External Link Title  during the summer months, and savor mussels and lobster rolls at the Catch Kitchen + Bar External Link Title . Rinse it all down with a Drag'n Anchor blonde ale at Moth Lane Brewing External Link Title .

Halifax to the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Get your urban fix in the lively capital External Link Title of Halifax before striking out for rural Cape Breton Island and the world-famous Cabot Trail External Link Title - considered to be not only one of the best road trips in Canada but in the world. Named after Italian explorer John Cabot, who landed on these shores in 1497, the 300-kilometre coastal loop climbs from sea-swept beaches and sleepy fishing villages to forested slopes and cliff-tops. Plan for a full four days to take in Baddeck External Link Title on the shore of Bras d'Or Lake External Link Title ; Cape Breton Highlands National Park External Link Title and its 26 hiking trails; and the traditional Acadian town External Link Title of Ch?ticamp.

Dempster Highway, Yukon

Tucked into the northwest corner of Canada, the Yukon External Link Title is home to few people (population 38,500), many mountains and 4,989 kilometres of maintained roads. Of the territory's go-to road trips, the 737-kilometre, five-to-seven-day Dempster Highway External Link Title delivers the most off-the-beaten-track experience. Load up on supplies and gold-rush history in Dawson City External Link Title (think historic walking tours External Link Title , entertainment and the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail External Link Title ). Then drive north through wildlife-rich tundra, crossing the Arctic Circle and hopping two ferries on the way to Inuvik External Link Title in the Northwest Territories. Catch early fall's red, yellow and orange tundra, winter's ice roads, spring's foraging wildlife and summer's midnight sun.

Inuvik-Aklavik Ice Road, Northwest Territories

Come winter, some 2,000 kilometres of ice roads are plowed across Canada's vast Northwest Territories External Link Title . Impassable the rest of the year, these frozen waterways connect 12 towns and their residents to the outside world. If you're up for a more off-beat Canada road trip, make like a local and give ice-road travel a go on the 117-kilometre stretch External Link Title - called "pretty and pretty legendary" by the NWT tourism authority - between Inuvik External Link Title and the hamlet of Aklavik External Link Title . Revel in Richardson Mountain views as you cross the Mackenzie Delta. Winter travel in Canada can be unpredictable: drive with caution and be prepared External Link Title .

Trans-Canada Highway

Got the grit for a grand-slam road trip through Canada? Travel the country from coast to coast on the 7,820-kilometre  Trans-Canada Hwy External Link Title . Opened in 1962, the route External Link Title passes through all 10 provinces and most major cities. Start your journey in the west in Victoria, British Columbia, or the east in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Either way, take your time (at least two weeks) on the world's longest national road - it's sure to be a trip of a lifetime.

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LET'S GO ON A ROAD TRIP!

I'S NOT THE DESTINATION. IT'S THE JOURNEY.

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The most adventurous road trip card game!

Shuffle the cards and let yourself be led to unexpected adventures! Discover new places, complete epic tasks and answer the most thought-provoking questions to get to know each other even better.

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• Cast & crew
• Episode aired Nov 20, 2014

When Cyborg fixes up the T-car, he takes the other titans on a road trip, hoping to bond. When Cyborg fixes up the T-car, he takes the other titans on a road trip, hoping to bond. When Cyborg fixes up the T-car, he takes the other titans on a road trip, hoping to bond.

• Peter Rida Michail
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• Aaron Horvath
• Michael Jelenic
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Did you know

• Soundtracks Teen Titans Theme Written and Produced by Andy Sturmer Remixed by Mix Master Mike Performed by Puffy AmiYumi Courtesy of Epic Records Japan Inc.

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• November 20, 2014 (United States)
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• Runtime 12 minutes
• 1080i (HDTV)

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