The 7 Best Road Trips in France

To say that France is a popular holiday destination is an understatement. In fact, has consistently ranked as the most visited country in the world for a number of years, with over 100 million tourists flocking to France every year for a holiday. Because of its large size, France has incredible scenery which differs greatly from the cooler northern shores of Normandy to the Mediterranean climate found on the French Riviera. 

So if you’re planning a road trip this year, why not head to France? Steeped in rich history, and from beaches to mountains, and quaint villages to bustling cities, France is an excellent destination for a road trip holiday. Here are 7 of the best road trips in France.

Buckle up: Take on France's best road trips

1. Bordeaux to Aix-en-Provence

If you want to see the best of what southern France has to offer, then a road trip from Bordeaux to Aix-en-Provence is a must. Traversing through wine country, this journey takes you across the south of France from west to east, eventually ending up in Aix-en-Provence on the glorious French Riviera.

While the journey is long (it can take up to 7 hours in one go), the views are incredibly rewarding – and nothing is preventing you from taking the trip over a few days to really soak in the scenery.

You will primarily be on the A61 and A62, gradually heading further south, until you take the famous A9 across the French Riviera, taking in places including Montpellier, Narbonne, Arles and more. This route is designed to be scenic rather than efficient, so make the most of the glorious sunshine and stop for a coffee in a traditional French bistro along the way, relax and watch the world go by.

Distance: 635km

Route highlights: Pont du Garde, Palais de Papes, French Riviera.

When to do it: Any time of year, although this route can get busy in the peak summer months from June to August.

2. Marseille to Monte Carlo

For those wanting a slightly shorter road trip while still taking in the delights of the south of France, the route from Marseille to Nice is an excellent choice. 

The more direct route is slightly shorter, but this route (coming in at just under 5 and a half hours) enables you to traverse along France’s Mediterranean coast, with a sea view from the driver’s side at almost all times.

Not only can you visit one of the most upmarket locations in the world in Monaco, but you also pass through some incredible French towns and cities such as Nice and Cannes along the way, perfect for stopping in for a short break or even an overnight stay.

You can really experience the French Riviera in all of its glorious magnificence by taking this route, which we think is best undertaken during the late summer sunshine, although any time of year is a good option for a road trip through the south of France.

Distance: 265km

Route highlights: Marseille, Cannes, Toulon, Nice.

When to do it: Late summer, although any time of year is ideal.

3. Lyon to Chamonix

As far as scenic road trips go, the route from Lyon to Chamonix takes some beating. You may already recognise Chamonix, as it is a popular ski resort at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps.

This alone grants this particular road trip golden status, but there is more than just the stunning backdrop of the Alps Mountains to look forward to on this two-and-a-half-hour journey.

Lyon is a city steeped in history and has been the birthplace of many famous people, including Roman Emperor Claudius, former Formula One driver Olivier Panis, footballer Karim Benzema and more. The city itself is beautiful and definitely worth spending some time there before setting off on your road trip.

The route will take you towards the French Alps and past the beautiful Lake Annecy. Finally, you will head up towards Chamonix, where, depending on the time of year you do this road trip, the snow-covered slopes of Mont Blanc will await your skis, or the lush green forests will be inviting you in for plenty of hikes.

Distance: 240km

Route highlights: Lyon, Lake Annecy, Chambéry, Mont Blanc

When to do it: Summer or winter – but be aware that driving conditions can be tricky in winter.

4. Angers to Orléans (Loire Valley)

The Loire Valley is one of the most famous regions in France, thanks largely to its abundance of vineyards, where some of the finest wine in the world is produced. If you’re into wine – or simply into gorgeous scenery – then a road trip through the Loire Valley is a must.

Starting in the beautiful city of Angers, you will make your way through the majority of the Loire Valley before eventually reaching your destination in Orléans. Both cities are steeped in history, so even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s lots to keep you interested throughout this road trip.

The Loire Valley is filled with vineyards, and if you want to see them in full bloom, the best time of year to visit is the summer. However, if you want to go at a quieter time, and have the chance of sampling some of the grapes (or wine!), then autumn is the time to go because this is the harvesting season. Many of the vineyards in the Loire Valley actively encourage visitors to help with the harvest, for a payment in either cash, grapes or wine – and if that isn’t an incentive to help out, then we’re not sure what is!

Distance: 250km

Route highlights: The Loire Valley, vineyards, Orléans.

When to do it: Summer or autumn.

5. Mont Saint-Michel to Paris

Heading from western France to northern France, this road trip takes you from the French Coast on the English Channel across to the country’s capital, Paris.

Mont Saint-Michel is a unique fortress on the Norman coast and attracts millions of visitors every year. Built approximately 1.5km off the coast, you will need to wait for the right tides to be able to drive from it, but it is definitely worth visiting. It is also one of the oldest established places in France, with records of the first monastery being built on the site in the eighth century.

You will then drive through Normandy, and can even make a stop off at Omaha Beach, famous for the D-Day Landings during the Second World War. Follow this route along to the French capital, where a taste of French culture awaits you – incredible restaurants, sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and more await you in Paris.

Distance: 280km

Route highlights: D-Day Beaches, Normandy, Paris

When to do it: Any time of the year.

6. Lille to Strasbourg

For those wanting a quiet road trip, heading to eastern France is a good idea. Sadly, eastern France is often neglected when it comes to road trips in favour of locations such as Paris, the Loire Valley and the French Riviera, but this is only advantageous to road-trippers – fewer people means quieter roads.

This five-and-a-half hour journey from Lille in northeastern France to Strasbourg on the German border takes you into the Alsace region, while also seeing the cultural relations between many of the border towns and villages, which are often more closely culturally aligned with their bordering countries rather than France.

This journey is unique because, within the space of the road trip, you can even cross the borders (with the right documents) into three different countries: Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany – ticking off four countries in the space of one road trip.

Distance: 550km

Route highlights: Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany borders.

When to do it: Spring, summer or autumn.

7. Golfe-Juan to Grenoble (Napoleon Circuit)

Named after the former French Emperor Napoleon, this route follows his route from his exile in Italy, starting in southeastern France in Golfe-Juan before reaching the French Alpine city of Grenoble.

This is also the longest road trip in this article because we have opted to do the full circuit – and once you reach Grenoble, you come down the E712, which passes through various national parks on your way back – with the journey time clocking it an incredible 10 hours of driving.

Of course, staying over is a must unless you are really determined to do it all in one day – but there are plenty of excellent places to stay over, from a seaside apartment overlooking the French Riviera, or a cosy Alpine lodge – the choice is yours.

This road trip really lets you see the very best of France and all of its natural beauty – from the stunning beaches on the Mediterranean coast to babbling brooks in the national parks, to the mighty French Alps, and countless acres of Alpine forest – you simply won’t be able to stop taking photos throughout this incredible journey.

Distance: 860km

Route highlights: Provence, the Alps, national parks, French Riviera

When to do it: Any time of the year.