Do you dream of embarking on an unforgettable journey through the France ? You are in the right place! France is an ideal destination for road tripsthanks to its diversity of landscapes, its cultural and historical richness and its renowned gastronomy. In this article, we offer you 20 ideas for unmissable road trips in France, the best time to go and practical advice for getting organized.
The best ideas for road trips in France
#1 The wine route in Alsace
If you are a wine lover, this route is for you. Cross theAlsace following the famous Wine Route, which extends for more than 170 km between Marlenheim and Thann. Taste the best Alsatian wines at local wineries, admire picturesque villages such as Riquewihr or Kaysersberg and visit the historic castles that line the route.
Best period : May to October.
#2 The Route des Crêtes in the Vosges
After the wine route, continue on an exceptional route offering panoramas of the Vosges peaks and the surrounding valleys. Don't forget to stop at the farm inns to taste local specialties.
Best period : July-August
#3 The French Riviera, from Menton to Marseille
A road trip on the French Riviera will allow you to enjoy fine sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the Mediterranean sun. Departing from Chinfollow the coastline passing through Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez to discover the gems of this popular region. You will arrive at the end of your road trip by passing the creeks of Cassis then entering Marseille.
Best period : April to June and September to November
#4 The castles of the Loire
The Loire Valley is famous for its sumptuous castles, witnesses of French royal history. Travel the region, visiting must-see places such as Chambord, Chenonceau or Amboise and take the opportunity to taste local wines in the neighboring cellars.
Best period : May-June and September-October (avoid July-August, peak months).
#5 The Napoleon Road
Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon during his return from the island of Elba in 1815 using the Route Napoléon which links Golfe-Juan to Grenoble. Admire the grandiose landscapes of the Southern Alps and visit historic towns such as Grasse, Digne-les-Bains or Gap.
Best period : May-June and September
#7 Morvan, land of Napoleon
To stay on the theme of the famous emperor, explore the landscapes of the Morvan regional natural park, passing through Autun (home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his brothers), Avallon, Saulieu and Vézelay.
Best period : April-May and September-October.
#6 The Occitanie region between Carcassonne and Rocamadour
An itinerary rich in medieval heritage and exceptional natural sites, such as the Padirac chasm or the Lot valley.
Best period : May to September
#8 The Grandes Alpes route
Mountain lover? This itinerary is made for you! Linking Thonon-les-Bains to Nice, the Route des Grandes Alpes crosses the most beautiful French Alpine massifs and offers breathtaking panoramas over more than 700 kilometers and 17 passes.
Best period : June-September.
#9 The Basque Country
Discover Basque traditions and gastronomy as you cross the Basque Country from the ocean to the Pyrenees mountains, passing through Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Espelette.
Best period : May-June and September.
#10 From Normandy to Northern Brittany
Discover the authentic charm of the Breton and Normandy coastline by exploring the wild coastlines, picturesque ports and medieval villages. Your starting point could be Etretat and its dizzying cliffs and your arrival point the historic town of Saint-Malo. On the way, don't forget to stop to visit Mont-Saint-Michel and taste oysters in Cancale!
Best period : June to September.
#11 The Atlantic coast, from the Basque Country to the Pays de la Loire
Start your adventure in Biarritz, an elegant seaside town with golden sandy beaches and waves perfect for surfing. Then, follow the coast to Bayonne, renowned for its authentic Basque gastronomy, before reaching the charming town of La Rochelle, with its medieval towers and lively quays. Explore the surrounding islands, such as Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron (both accessible by car via bridges), for breathtaking landscapes. Continue your journey to Nantes, birthplace of Jules Verne. Finally, end your journey in Saint-Nazaire, where you can discover the maritime history of the region.
Best period : May to October.
#12 Provence
There Provence is an ideal destination for an exotic and sunny road trip. Explore the typical landscapes of this region, between lavender fields, perched villages and coves with crystal clear waters.
Best period : April to June and September to October.
#13 Tour of Corsica by car
Board a ferry to Corsica and explore the island via Ajaccio, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio and Bastia.
Best period : May-June and September-October (avoid the very busy months of July and August, both on the beaches and on the roads).
#14 The volcanoes of Auvergne
Explore the Auvergne volcanoes regional natural park via Clermont-Ferrand, Le Mont-Dore, La Bourboule and Salers.
Best period : June-September.
#15 Crossing theAubrac
Explore this wild plateau passing through Laguiole, Nasbinals and Marvejols.
Best period : June to September.
#16 From Puy-en-Velay to the Atlantic Ocean
Cross the Massif Central mountains and descend towards the Atlantic coast, passing through Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges and Bordeaux.
Best period : June to September.
The Emerald Coast and the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany
Discover the Breton landscapes by visiting Dinard, Saint-Malo, Ploumanac'h and Perros-Guirec.
Best period : June-September.
#17 The Dordogne and its prehistoric treasures
A journey through time to discover decorated caves and the remains of our ancestors.
Best period : May to mid-July and late August to October.
#18 The Normandy landing beaches circuit
Trace the history of the Second World War by visiting Caen, Arromanches-les-Bains, Omaha Beach and Bayeux.
Best period : May to September.
#19 The Verdon gorges
Explore this spectacular canyon passing through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Castellane and Trigance.
Best period : April-June and September-October.
#20 The northern departments
To finish our ranking, here is a little-visited region but with real tourist potential and many places and towns to discover. Visit Lille, Arras, Amiens and Rouen to discover Flemish and Gothic architecture.
Best period : May to September.
Why choose France for a road trip?
There France is full of charms that make it a popular destination for road trips. Its diversity of landscapes allows you to explore the snow-capped mountains of Alpsthe heavenly beaches of French Rivierathat the picturesque villages of the region Batch. In addition, with a unique cultural richness, each stage is an opportunity to discover a new part of French history through its architecture, its emblematic monuments and its flourishing artistic scene.
Finally, traveling around France by car offers great freedom in the choice of routes and stages, making it easy to adapt your trip according to your desires and your budget.
The best time to go on a road trip in France
Choosing the best time to go on a road trip in France will depend on your climatic preferences and the activities desired. Spring and fall generally offer mild temperatures and fewer tourist crowds, while summer is ideal for enjoying beaches and seasonal events. Winter can be an interesting option for winter sports enthusiasts or those who want to discover the Christmas markets (for example in Alsace).
Choose your means of transport
When choosing the ideal means of transportation for your road trip in France, there are several options to consider, each offering a unique experience.
- There personal car offers you complete freedom, allowing you to personalize your itinerary and go at your own pace.
- For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of car maintenance and prefer to travel by train or plane to the road trip destination, car rental is an excellent alternative. For example, Europcar, with its large fleet of quality vehicles, can offer you the flexibility you need, while ensuring reliable assistance when needed.
- If you are a two-wheeler enthusiast, a motorcycle can be a bold choice, allowing you to fully enjoy the winding roads and picturesque landscapes.
- Finally, for travelers seeking the comfort of home on the go, a campervan is the ideal option, offering the autonomy to cook and sleep wherever you want. If you do not have a campervan, know that you can rent one through specialized agencies or between individuals, for example with Yescapa.
Other tips for organizing your road trip
To organize a successful road trip in France, you should follow a few key steps:
- Establish a budget realistic including the cost of fuel, tolls, accommodation and activities.
- Subscribe to insurance adapted to cover possible incidents and accidents.
- Select the ideal period depending on the regions visited, the weather and tourist numbers.
- Plan your itinerary and book accommodation in advance, to avoid any
galleydisappointment (especially in high tourist season). - Consult online resources, such as ViaMichelin or Google Maps, to plan your route.
There France is an ideal adventure playground for lovers of road trips. Whether you are looking for a natural escape, cultural discovery or gourmet pleasures, each itinerary offered offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So, don't wait any longer and hit the French roads!
