Is it time to start planning your great French road trip?
France is a diverse and fascinating country encompassing a range of regions, each with its own unique appeal. From wide sandy beaches, bucolic rolling countryside, mountains, vineyards and diverse, fascinating cities, France is always surprising.
Exploring France by car is a great way to discover what this fascinating country has to offer in all of its diversity. Road trips in France allow you to find hidden gems, get off the beaten track and see where the road takes you.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy for you to find the right vehicle for your French road trip whatever your budget.
Here are ten of the best road trips in France to fire up your imagination.
Provence Lavender Route
The Provence Lavender Route is a feast for the senses and has long been a favourite among road trips in France. Starting in the historic city of Avignon, roadtrippers wind their way through fields of vibrant lavender, rambling vineyards, and picture-perfect villages. The drive is traditionally taken in the summer when the landscape is transformed into a sea of purple.
The drive takes you to the hillside village of Gordes, known for its stunning stone architecture, and the town of Roussillon, located amid red ochre cliffs. As you weave your way through rolling hills the road opens up to panoramic views of the Provencal countryside. This is a road trip best taken at a lazy pace, with plenty of stops to sample the local food and learn more about the region’s history.
- Total Driving Distance: 150 Miles (240km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 6 Hours
French Riviera Corniches
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of natural beauty, coastal glamour and a dash of driving adventure, then the French Riviera Corniches have it all. A “Corniche” is a coastal road built into the side of a cliff or along a mountainous terrain, and the French Riviera has three of the most iconic.
The Grande Corniche is the highest of the three, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline below. The winding route takes you through charming hilltop villages such as Èze, offering not only stunning vistas but also opportunities to explore historical sites and enjoy the unique ambience of each stop. The Moyenne Corniche runs parallel to the Grand Corniche but at a lower altitude. This route passes through towns like La Turbie, where you can discover the ancient Roman monument known as the Trophy of Augustus.
The Basse Corniche is the closest to the sea and provides a more relaxed drive with stunning sea views. Passing through towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer with its colourful buildings and historic Old Town, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, this route gives you easy access to beautiful beaches and classic promenades. Nice and Monaco are key destinations along the route, allowing you to enjoy a little Riveria sophistication.
- Total Driving Distance: 60 Miles (97km)
- Driving Time: 2 to 3 Hours
Normandy Beaches & Countryside
Normandy in northern France is a region of rolling countryside, orchards, charming towns and villages and long sandy beaches. This road trip through Normandy, provides a picturesque and poignant journey, through the historic landscapes of northern France.
Beginning in Caen, the road leads to the coast where the momentous D-Day Landings occurred during World War II. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer is a moving stop, with rows of white crosses overlooking the sea. Honfleur is known for its picturesque harbour and colourful buildings, the Pays d’Auge region is famous for its Camembert cheese, and half-timbered towns like Beuvron-en-Auge are great to stop and explore. In Spring, the orchards are a sea of apple blossom.
With its blend of history, natural beauty and great food and drink, this Normandy exploration is a favourite among road trips in France.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Loire Valley Châteaux Route
This beautiful tour that winds along the banks of the Loire River and its tributaries is a captivating road trip through the heart of the country. This is France at its most charming, with enchanting châteaux dotting the picturesque landscape. Beginning in the city of Tours, the route takes travellers through a region that’s celebrated for its architectural wonders. Iconic châteaux such as Chambord, known for its grandeur and intricate spires, Chenonceau, with its elegant bridge over the Cher River, and Villandry, celebrated for its stunning gardens, are among the highlights of this scenic route.
This is a road trip for connoisseurs of culture and beautiful landscapes with each château stop providing an opportunity to wander through opulent interiors and beautiful gardens. Along the way, there are countless charming villages where you’ll find great places to eat and drink. This is a beautiful road trip through the cultural heart of France.
- Total Driving Distance: 250 Miles (400km)
- Driving Time: 7 Hours
The Alsace Wine Route
The French have elevated the cultivation and enjoyment of wine to an art form, and nowhere is that more on display than on the Alsace Wine Route. This captivating journey is a favourite among road trips in France, taking travellers through the picturesque charm of Alsace. Starting in Marlenheim in the north and winding its way south to Thann, this scenic route takes you through lush vineyards, medieval villages, and rolling hills. The vineyards along the route are renowned for producing exceptional white wines, with the Alsace region being celebrated for varietals like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
Villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg have half-timbered houses, flower-filled streets and a strong German influence. The Alsace Wine Route allows you to visit family-owned vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this beautiful region.
- Total Driving Distance: 105 Miles (170km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Mont Blanc Circuit
The Mont Blanc Circuit is a breathtaking road trip around the majestic Mont Blanc massif in the Alps. Taking in stunning alpine landscapes and charming mountain villages, the circuit extends into Italy and Switzerland, so be sure to take your passport. Beginning in Chamonix, the route winds its way through alpine passes and deep valleys, passing glaciers, pristine lakes, and the iconic Mont Blanc itself.
Along the way, you’ll have a chance to explore picturesque towns and villages, like Les Houches and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. A popular hike from the Flégère cable car takes you to Lac Blanc, a stunning mountain lake with reflections of the surrounding peaks. Known as the “Sea of Ice,” the Mer de Glace is one of the longest glaciers in the Alps.
With scenic viewpoints along the route, short hiking routes and a host of places to stay, eat and relax, this is a beautiful road trip through one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
- Total Driving Distance: 250 Miles (400km)
- Driving Time: 8 Hours
The Gorges du Verdon Loop
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, the Gorges du Verdon is a natural wonder in southeastern France. The Gorges du Verdon Loop is a favourite among road trips in France, navigating its way through the dramatic limestone cliffs that rise to 700 metres above the turquoise Verdon River.
The loop takes roadtrippers through the heart of this stunning landscape, which can best be enjoyed from viewpoints like the Balcons de la Mescla and Point Sublime. The Verdon Regional Natural Park provides plenty of opportunities for a range of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing and water sports. Walking trails crisscross the park and picturesque villages like Castellane provide places to stay, eat and drink.
- Total Driving Distance: 115 Miles (185km)
- Driving Time: 4 Hours
The Corsica Coastal Drive
The stunning island of Corsica is a favourite getaway for people from mainland France, and it’s not difficult to see why. The Corsica Coastal Drive takes in the best of the island’s rocky coastline and stylish seaside towns, giving you a chance to savour Corsica’s unique blend of French and Mediterranean culture.
As you navigate the Corsican coastal roads, highlights include the stunning Calanques de Piana, where dramatic red granite cliffs meet the turquoise Mediterranean waters. The drive also takes you through the Gulf of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional natural beauty. Charming coastal towns like Calvi, with its historic citadel, and Bonifacio, perched on limestone cliffs, provide opportunities to immerse yourself in Corsica’s rich history and enjoy the island’s renowned cuisine. This is a road trip that immerses you in the diverse topography and fascinating history of a true island gem.
- Total Driving Distance: 620 Miles (1,000km)
- Driving Time: 14 Hours
Pyrenees Mountain Route
The Pyrenees mountain range forms a majestic natural border between France and Spain, and this route through the heart of the mountains is a confirmed favourite among road trips in France. Starting in the vibrant city of Biarritz on the Atlantic coast or in Perpignan on the Mediterranean side, it meanders through picturesque valleys, alpine meadows, and charming mountain villages.
Highlights include the stunning Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering cliffs and the majestic Gavarnie Falls. The route also takes you through the Col du Tourmalet, one of the legendary mountain passes often featured in the Tour de France. Charming towns like Saint-Lary-Soulan and Ax-les-Thermes offer opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, with thermal baths, traditional cuisine, and historic architecture. The Pyrenees Mountain Route is a compelling journey through diverse landscapes, from the verdant foothills to craggy peaks.
- Total Driving Distance: 500 Miles (800km)
- Driving Time: 16 Hours
Ardèche Gorges and Cévennes National Park
The Ardèche Gorges and Cévennes National Park road trip is a spectacular journey through the rugged landscapes of southeastern France. Starting in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the route follows the Ardèche River, leading you through the iconic Ardèche Gorges. Be prepared for awe-inspiring views of towering limestone cliffs, natural arches, and the meandering Ardèche River. The route then takes you into the Cévennes National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its diverse flora, ancient chestnut forests, and picturesque villages.
This corner of France is rich in history and culture, and charming towns like Les Vans and Saint-Jean-du-Gard allow you to sample both. The Causse Méjean plateau provides expansive views of the surrounding landscapes. This relaxed circuit through a beautiful and distinct landscape is a memorable journey for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km)
- Driving Time: 7 Hours
Are You Ready To Begin Your French Adventure?
These ten of the best road trips in France are just a fraction of the potential adventures that could be awaiting. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beautiful beaches, history, great food and drink or a combination of all of them, road trips in France provide a range of experiences.
If you’re already planning your next adventure in France then Cheaper Than Cars can help.
We make it easy to find the right car for your French road trip adventure. With affordable prices and convenient pick-ups, you can start planning your UK road trip today!
