Exploring France by car is like flipping through a living storybook—coastal drives, sleepy villages, vineyard-covered hills, and iconic cities all stitched together by scenic roads. Whether you’re a first-timer behind the wheel in France or a seasoned traveler looking to discover hidden gems, this guide brings together the 15 best France road trip itinerary ideas, plus practical driving tips to help you enjoy every turn of the journey.
Why Road Tripping in France is a Dream
Let’s be real—France was made for road trips. The roads are well-maintained, signage is pretty straightforward (especially if you brush up on a few French terms), and every region offers a completely different flavor. You can sip wine in Bordeaux, hike in the Alps, sunbathe on the Riviera, or get lost in medieval villages—all within one trip.
But before we dive into the road trips, here are a few quick things to know:
Quick Driving Tips for France
- Drive on the right side of the road. Like most of mainland Europe.
- Toll roads (autoroutes) are common and can get pricey. Budget for them or use the “avoid tolls” option on your GPS to take the scenic route.
- Speed limits can change based on weather. For example, the limit on highways drops from 130 km/h to 110 km/h when it rains.
- Roundabouts are everywhere. Yield to the left unless signs indicate otherwise.
- Parking in cities can be a pain. Use park-and-ride systems (Parc Relais) or book accommodation with parking when staying in towns.
Now that you’re prepped, let’s hit the road!
1. Paris to Normandy – History, Cliffs & Coastal Charms (4–6 Days)
Start in the capital and head northwest toward the coast. This road trip combines rich history with dramatic natural beauty.
Stops to Include:
- Giverny – Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens. Spring and summer are magical.
- Rouen – A medieval town with Gothic churches and Joan of Arc’s legacy.
- Honfleur – A charming port town with colorful buildings and a laid-back vibe.
- Étretat – Don’t miss the white cliffs and natural arches.
- D-Day Beaches – Sobering but important. Visit Omaha Beach, Arromanches, and the American Cemetery.
Ideal for: History lovers and coastal explorers.
Driving Note: Normandy roads are easy to drive and not too crowded. A small car is perfect for narrow village streets.
2. Bordeaux to Dordogne – Wine, Castles & Caves (5–7 Days)
Start in Bordeaux, France’s wine capital, and head east into the heart of medieval France.
Stops to Include:
- Saint-Émilion – A fairy-tale town surrounded by vineyards.
- Bergerac – For wine and beautiful old-town charm.
- Sarlat-la-Canéda – One of the prettiest towns in France. Think cobblestones, markets, and duck confit.
- Lascaux IV – Replica of prehistoric cave art—surprisingly moving.
Ideal for: Wine lovers and fans of old-world charm.
Driving Note: Roads here are hilly and scenic. Avoid driving at night—some areas have little street lighting.
3. Alsace Wine Route – Colorful Villages & Riesling (3–5 Days)
This underrated gem in eastern France hugs the German border and feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Stops to Include:
- Strasbourg – Start in this lively city with a mix of French and German culture.
- Colmar – Bright half-timbered houses and canals—postcard perfect.
- Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg – Small villages, each with their own charm and top-notch wines.
Ideal for: Couples, photographers, and wine enthusiasts.
Driving Note: This is a relaxed route with short distances. Try to visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer tourist crush.
4. Provence Lavender Route – Purple Fields & Hilltop Villages (4–6 Days)
If you’ve ever dreamed of running through lavender fields under the sun, this is your route. Best done in late June to mid-July when the lavender is in bloom.
Stops to Include:
- Avignon – Start here with the famous Papal Palace.
- Gordes and Roussillon – Two of the most beautiful hilltop villages in the Luberon.
- Valensole Plateau – Endless purple fields with mountain backdrops.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Nestled into cliffs with access to the Verdon Gorge.
Ideal for: Nature lovers and anyone with a camera.
Driving Note: Avoid weekends during lavender season—traffic can slow to a crawl.
5. French Riviera Coastal Drive – Glamour, Sun & Sea (5–7 Days)
Cruise along the Mediterranean coast from Nice to Saint-Tropez, or go even further to Marseille. The coastal views are unforgettable.
Stops to Include:
- Nice – A good base with markets, beaches, and sunshine.
- Eze – Tiny medieval village perched above the sea.
- Monaco – Quick detour for casinos and luxury vibes.
- Antibes and Cannes – Chic beach towns with great shopping and art.
- Saint-Tropez – Glamorous and surprisingly charming once you leave the marina.
Ideal for: Beach bums, sun seekers, and fans of French chic.
Driving Note: Parking is expensive and limited. Trains are a decent option if you want to avoid the hassle in certain towns.
6. Loire Valley Châteaux Route – Castles, Gardens & Wine (4–6 Days)
This road trip is like time-traveling through Renaissance France. The Loire Valley is packed with châteaux (castles), and each one has its own personality.
Stops to Include:
- Orléans – Start here and follow in Joan of Arc’s footsteps.
- Château de Chambord – The largest and most dramatic castle in the valley.
- Château de Chenonceau – Built over a river. Romantic and beautiful.
- Amboise – Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years here.
- Saumur – A lovely town with a fairytale-like castle and local sparkling wine.
Ideal for: History buffs, families, and couples.
Driving Note: Roads are flat and well-marked. You’ll want to rent a car to reach some of the more remote castles.
7. Brittany Coastal Road Trip – Wild Beaches & Crêpes (5–7 Days)
Brittany feels like its own little world—with rugged coastlines, Celtic roots, and charming harbor towns.
Stops to Include:
- Saint-Malo – Start in this fortified pirate town by the sea.
- Dinan – Cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
- Cap Fréhel – Windswept cliffs and lighthouses.
- Quimper – Colorful houses and excellent crêpes.
- Carnac – Thousands of mysterious standing stones, older than Stonehenge.
Ideal for: Adventurers, families, and those craving cooler coastal air.
Driving Note: Expect a mix of coastal roads and countryside lanes. Weather can be moody, so pack layers.
8. The French Alps – Lakes, Peaks & Chalet Vibes (5–8 Days)
If you love mountain scenery, you’ll be spoiled here. This road trip works well in summer for hiking or winter for skiing.
Stops to Include:
- Annecy – France’s “Little Venice” with a stunning lake.
- Chamonix – At the foot of Mont Blanc. Great for cable cars and alpine views.
- Grenoble – More urban but surrounded by peaks.
- Chartreuse Mountains – Quiet drives and green forests.
Ideal for: Hikers, photographers, and winter sports fans.
Driving Note: Mountain roads are curvy—take your time. Some passes close in winter, so check ahead.
9. Champagne Region – Bubbly, Rolling Hills & French Countryside (3–4 Days)
Just a couple of hours from Paris, this route lets you sample world-famous Champagne right at the source.
Stops to Include:
- Reims – Home to grand Champagne houses and a jaw-dropping cathedral.
- Épernay – Avenue de Champagne is lined with famous cellars.
- Hautvillers – Tiny village where Dom Pérignon is buried.
- Troyes – A medieval town with timbered houses and quiet streets.
Ideal for: Foodies and anyone who enjoys a glass of bubbly.
Driving Note: You don’t need to go far—everything’s close. Great for a long weekend trip.
10. Basque Country Road Trip – Culture, Surf & Pintxos (4–6 Days)
Tucked in the southwest, French Basque Country mixes Spanish influence with French charm. It’s less touristy and full of personality.
Stops to Include:
- Biarritz – A surfing town with style.
- Bayonne – Colorful and full of local culture.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz – A peaceful seaside town with great seafood.
- Espelette – Known for its hanging red peppers.
Ideal for: Culture seekers and beachgoers.
Driving Note: The roads are smooth and coastal views are great, but traffic picks up in July and August.
11. Northern France Road Trip – War History & Countryside Charm (4–6 Days)
This region blends emotional World War history with peaceful countryside landscapes and charming towns.
Stops to Include:
- Lille – A lively city with Flemish influence.
- Arras – Pretty squares and underground WWI tunnels.
- Vimy Ridge – Canadian memorial and preserved trenches.
- Amiens – Visit the stunning cathedral and floating gardens.
- Somme Battlefields – A moving experience for those interested in history.
Ideal for: History lovers and off-the-beaten-path travelers.
Driving Note: Mostly flat and easy. You’ll appreciate having your own wheels to explore rural memorials and cemeteries.
12. Auvergne Volcanoes & Villages – Underrated Natural Beauty (4–7 Days)
Few people think of volcanoes when they think of France—but the Auvergne region is packed with ancient, dormant peaks and green, untouched landscapes.
Stops to Include:
- Clermont-Ferrand – A dark stone city at the base of volcanoes.
- Puy de Dôme – Hike or take the train to the summit for views over volcanic craters.
- Le Mont-Dore – A spa town with hiking and waterfalls.
- Salers – One of France’s most beautiful villages.
Ideal for: Hikers, nature lovers, and slow travelers.
Driving Note: Roads can be winding but beautiful. This area is far less busy than the Alps or Pyrenees.
13. Pyrenees Mountain Drive – Nature, Wildlife & Remote Escapes (6–8 Days)
Between France and Spain lies the wild and wonderful Pyrenees. It’s perfect for a summer adventure.
Stops to Include:
- Lourdes – A major pilgrimage site.
- Cauterets – Charming and great for nearby hikes.
- Gavarnie – Famous for its huge waterfall and cirque.
- Foix – Visit the hilltop castle.
- Ax-les-Thermes – Spa town with natural hot springs.
Ideal for: Outdoor adventurers and anyone looking to unplug.
Driving Note: Expect tight mountain roads and tunnels. Some roads are seasonal, so double-check your route.
14. Lyon to Annecy – Food & Alps in One (3–4 Days)
Short on time? This mini road trip from France’s food capital to one of its most scenic towns offers big payoff with little stress.
Stops to Include:
- Lyon – Eat your way through bouchons (local restaurants).
- Pérouges – A preserved medieval town.
- Annecy – Lakeside beauty, charming canals, and fresh mountain air.
Ideal for: Foodies and romantic getaways.
Driving Note: It’s a short route, so you can take your time. Roads are smooth and scenic.
15. Marseille to Camargue – Wild Horses, Flamingos & Fishing Villages (4–5 Days)
This unique trip takes you through southern Provence but swaps lavender for lagoons, pink salt pans, and wildlife.
Stops to Include:
- Marseille – France’s second-largest city with edgy charm and Mediterranean flair.
- Arles – Roman ruins and Van Gogh inspiration.
- Camargue – See wild white horses, pink flamingos, and black bulls.
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – A seaside village with Gypsy heritage.
Ideal for: Nature lovers and those craving something different.
Driving Note: Roads here are flat and sunny. Keep your camera ready for flamingos by the roadside!
Planning Your France Road Trip: Tips to Make It Smooth & Fun
Before you rent a car and hit the road, here are a few practical tips that will help your France road trip go from good to great.
1. Choose the Right Type of Car
- Small cars are best for village roads and city parking.
- If you’re road tripping through mountains or the Alps, go for something with more power and good brakes.
- Automatic cars exist, but they’re less common and more expensive in France—book early if you need one.
2. Book Accommodations with Parking
Many charming towns have narrow streets and limited public parking. When booking places to stay:
- Check if parking is included or nearby.
- In big cities like Paris, Nice, or Lyon, consider staying outside the center and using public transport for the final stretch.
3. Understand Tolls & Fuel Costs
- Tolls (péages) on French highways can add up quickly. Use a site like viamichelin.com to estimate costs in advance.
- Consider mixing highways with free departmental roads (D-roads). They’re slower but often prettier.
- Fuel is more expensive at highway service stations. Fill up in towns or supermarkets when you can.
4. Know the French Driving Rules
- Seat belts are mandatory for everyone.
- Children under 10 must sit in the back seat.
- Use headlights even during the day in bad weather.
- Drinking and driving laws are strict (limit is 0.05%). It’s best to play it safe and avoid alcohol completely if you’re behind the wheel.
- Every driver must carry a reflective vest and warning triangle (these are often provided with rental cars, but double-check!).
5. Learn Key Road Signs in French
Even if you don’t speak the language, knowing a few signs helps:
- “Rappel” = Reminder (often of speed limits)
- “Sortie” = Exit
- “Toutes Directions” = All directions (helps you rejoin the main road)
- “Péage” = Toll
- “Stationnement Interdit” = No parking
6. Don’t Try to Do Too Much
It’s tempting to pack in five regions in one week—but France is best experienced slowly. Give yourself time to wander, sip a coffee at a random café, or make that unplanned detour to a sunflower field.
Stick to 1–2 regions per trip and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Sample Routes to Inspire Your Planning
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ready-to-go France road trip ideas based on trip length and interests:
Classic France in 10 Days
- Route: Paris → Loire Valley → Bordeaux → Dordogne → Return via Limoges
- Best for: First-time visitors who want castles, wine, and countryside.
Scenic Nature Trip (7 Days)
- Route: Annecy → Chamonix → Grenoble → Chartreuse Mountains
- Best for: Nature lovers and hikers (summer or fall).
Wine & Romance (5 Days)
- Route: Strasbourg → Colmar → Riquewihr → Kaysersberg → Eguisheim (Alsace Wine Route)
- Best for: Couples and anyone who loves vineyards and cozy villages.
Sun-Kissed Southern Drive (7 Days)
- Route: Marseille → Arles → Camargue → Aix-en-Provence → Nice
- Best for: Beach days, unique landscapes, and Provençal charm.
Slow Brittany (6 Days)
- Route: Saint-Malo → Dinan → Quimper → Carnac → Vannes
- Best for: Families and those who love rugged coasts and quiet towns.
Best Time to Road Trip France
Each region has its own sweet spot, depending on what you want to see:
- Spring (April–June): Everything is green, flowers are blooming, and tourist crowds are still low.
- Summer (July–August): Lavender fields are at their best, but it’s peak season. Coastal towns and mountain regions are great now.
- Fall (September–October): Vineyard regions like Burgundy and Alsace are stunning with autumn colors and harvest festivals.
- Winter (December–March): Best for Alpine routes and ski trips. Avoid mountainous roads if you’re not experienced in snowy conditions.
Final Thoughts
France is the kind of country where detours often lead to the best memories. Whether it’s a bakery in a village you’ve never heard of or a local market that wasn’t on your map, a road trip lets you stumble upon France in the most authentic way.
You don’t have to see it all at once. Choose a few regions that call to you, take your time, and let the road lead you to something unexpected.
Bon voyage, and happy driving!
Have questions or need help planning your perfect France road trip? Drop them in the comments or pin this guide for later!
