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Embarking on a France road trip is an adventure that will take you through the country’s history and to breathtaking panoramas as well as culinary treasures. From the grandeur of Paris to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the rolling vineyards of Burgundy, France unfolds like a fairytale.
I put together four road trip itineraries for you to explore. This guide is your compass for unexpected experiences and moments of pure escapism on French roads. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip and see some of the best places in France.
The best time for your road trip in France
The diversity of the French climates opens up a variety of possibilities each season, shaping unique experiences across the country. Whether you’re looking for the promise of spring, the exuberance of summer, or the shimmering colours of autumn, each time of the year has its own magic.
- Spring (March–May): As nature awakens, the country roads are dotted with flowers. Spring is indeed the perfect time to travel through the Loire Valley and see its castles during a week-long road trip in France. It is also a great time for a journey on the wine route in Burgundy, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June–August): The high season attracts crowds to the beaches and tourist towns. To avoid the influx, opt for a road trip to less travelled regions like Brittany. Also think about the perched villages of Provence during a trip in France, where the lavender fields are in full bloom.
- Autumn (September–November): Enjoy the flamboyant colours and bountiful harvests on an autumnal France road trip. This is the perfect time to explore the Burgundy wine route or for a culinary adventure in the Dordogne with local events and mild temperatures.
- Winter (December–February): Although it may be cold, it is a good time to visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg or for an excursion to the Alps when snowy landscapes and ski resorts beckon.
Away from the hustle and bustle of summer, the Côte d’Azur reveals itself fully at the end of spring and the beginning of autumn. For those with less time, a road trip to the south of France in five days promises an immersion in the azure blue of the Mediterranean. In addition, the picturesque landscapes of Provence and the unique architecture of the villages of the Riviera await.
Plan your budget for an unforgettable road trip in France
Budgeting wisely is essential for a successful trip. If you’re planning a road trip in France for 7 days, you should expect the following:
Car hire: €532 (about £446) on average for 7 days*
Mid-range double hotel room: €250 (about £209) on average per night in Paris* and €129 (about £108) on average in Marseille*.
Hostel: €124 (about £104) per night on average in Paris* and €53 (about £44) on average in Lyon*
Fuel: approx. €75 (about £63) to cover 229 miles based on a cost of €6.85 per gallon in May 2024, according to numbeo.com.
*These prices are based on data collected by KAYAK comparing hundreds of accommodation and car hire websites.
The budget for the 7-day road trip in the South of France suggested below is therefore around €1,510 (about £1,250) for two people (including the 7 nights in a double hotel room, car hire and fuel), or roughly €750 (£625) per person.
For explorers considering doing a 2-week France road trip, double these estimates. This way you can add more stops and explore even further! Adjustments, such as alternative accommodations or optimised itineraries, can also extend your adventure without adding too much to the budget. Want an extra long getaway? Consider booking a car hire for a month as prices are often reduced when you book for a longer period.
How to get to France?
You have many options for getting to France from the UK, with multiple flight routes as well as the Eurostar train from London to Paris. Return trip flights from London to Paris cost on average £120.
You can also fly into Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, or Strasbourg. From these airports, you can get your road trip car hire or take public transport to the starting point of your France road trip.
The right car for your France road trip
Choosing the right type of car hire for your France road trip is an important step. To zip between vineyards or across villages, a compact city car is enough. On the other hand, if travelling long stretches on the motorway or for groups, a spacious sedan or SUV is essential.
Make sure your choice includes GPS, important for easily navigating from one point of interest to another.
A sunny road trip in the south of France
The scents of lavender, terraced vineyards, and the song of cicadas guide you on this road trip to the south of France, promising wonder and discovery at every turn.
Day 1 – Marseille: Mediterranean soul (1 night)
Immerse yourself in the excitement that is Marseille with a visit to the MUCEM Museum and a stroll through the historic Panier district. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for a breathtaking view of the city.
Where to stay in Marseille: Hermes Hotel is ideally located near the Old Port, offering modern rooms with balconies to admire the sunset over the city.
Day 2 – Cassis: Charm & coves (1 night)
Distance from Marseille: 13 miles, 30 min drive
Discover Cassis, a jewel between cliffs and crystal clear waters. Stroll around the port, enjoy an artisanal ice cream, and go by boat to explore the famous creeks and coves.
Where to stay in Cassis: Choose the Hotel Le Golfe for its picturesque atmosphere and perfect location very close to the port and the beach.
Day 3 – Saint-Tropez: Chic meets tradition (1 night)
Distance from Cassis: 90 miles, approx. 2.5 hours drive
Saint-Tropez has the charm of a Provençal village with a touch of glamor. Visit the Annonciade museum, stroll around the Place des Lices, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the port.
Where to stay in Saint-Tropez: Hotel Les Palmiers lies hidden in a quiet alley and is an intimate address that has preserved the original Saint-Tropez spirit.
Day 4 – Nice: Art at the Riviera (1 night)
Distance from Saint-Tropez: 68 miles, approx. 2 hours drive
In Nice, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, explore old Nice and its colourful markets and don’t miss the panorama from the Colline du Château park.
Where to stay in Nice: Hotel Le Negresco is the emblem of the city and offers a historic and luxurious waterfront experience. Hotel Nice Côte d’Azur offers a cheaper but comfortable alternative in the city centre.
Day 5 – Monaco: Royal brilliance (1 night)
Distance from Nice: 13 miles, 30 min drive
Monaco amazes with the Prince’s Palace, the exotic garden, and its famous casino. Taste luxury life in the principality and admire the yachts in the harbour.
Where to stay in Monaco: The Fairmont Monte Carlo offers an unforgettable experience with views over the Formula 1 circuit and the Mediterranean.
Day 6 – Menton: Serenity & lemons (1 night)
Distance from Monaco: 8 miles, 20 min drive
Menton, the pearl of France, invites you with lush gardens, peaceful beaches, and the Jean Cocteau museum.
Where to stay in Menton: The Napoleon Hotel with its contemporary art and sea-facing location is an oasis of tranquillity.
Day 7 – Grasse: Scent of Provence (1 night)
Distance from Menton: 37 miles, approx. 1 hour drive
End this road trip in France in Grasse, the city of perfume. Visit its perfumeries, the international perfume museum, and stroll through its streets steeped in history.
Where to stay in Grasse: The B&B Lou Candelou, nestled in the Grasse countryside, promises a fragrant and authentic end to your stay.
To fully appreciate each moment, don’t hesitate to get off the beaten track. Even small roads can offer breathtaking panoramas and authentic encounters. Take the time to stop at a small cellar for a wine tasting or at a farm for a picnic with local products. It’s in these spontaneous moments that the true beauty of a France road trip is revealed.
Between ocean and sea: a road trip on France’s west coast
The French Atlantic coast, nicknamed Côte d’Argent (Silver Coast), offers miles of beaches, historic towns, and unforgettable gastronomy, promising an escape rich in discovery and relaxation.
Day 1 – Nantes: The city of a thousand facets (1 night)
Start this road trip on the west coast of France in Nantes, a city where history meets innovation. Visit the Machines of the Island, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and stroll through the Jardin des Plantes.
Where to stay in Nantes: The Hotel Voltaire Opera in the heart of Nantes is recommended for comfort, affordable prices, and as a perfect location for urban explorers.
Day 2 – La Baule: seaside chic (1 night)
Distance from Nantes: 50 miles, approx. 1 hour drive
La Baule welcomes you with one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, a sailing session or a fresh seafood tasting.
Where to stay in La Baule: The Adonis La Baule is ideal for its location near the beach and its amenities, ensuring comfort for all travellers.
Day 3 – Vannes: Jewel of Brittany (1 night)
Distance from La Baule: 50 miles), approx. 1 hour drive
Explore Vannes with its medieval ramparts, charming port, and the vibrant market on Place des Lices. Finally, don’t miss a visit to the Vannes Aquarium, a fascinating window to Breton marine life.
Where to stay in Vannes: The Golfe Hotel is known for its view of the gulf and easy access to the historic centre. It is perfect for a relaxing night during your France road trip.
Day 4 – Quiberon: Nature & terroir (1 night)
Distance from Vannes: 28 miles, approx. 1 hour drive
In Quiberon, walk over the wild peninsula, visit the local curing workshops, and admire a sunset over the Côte Sauvage. You also have to take a break in a traditional creperie to taste Breton pancakes thus rounding up your experience of local culture.
Where to stay in Quiberon: The Europa Hotel offers sea views and a wellness area as well as a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
Day 5 – Concarneau: The fortified city (1 night)
Distance from Quiberon: 93 miles, approx. 2.5 hours drive
Concarneau enchants with the Ville Close (a walled town), maritime museums, and beautiful walks along the quays. Don’t forget to savour the local specialties at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The freshly caught seafood promises a memorable culinary experience in the right setting!
Where to stay in Concarneau: The Citotel De France Et D’europe offers a friendly atmosphere and is an ideal location for exploring the fortified city.
Day 6 – Brest: Ocean adventure (1 night)
Distance from Concarneau: 100 km (62 miles), approx. 1.5 hours drive
Then discover Brest with its rich naval history, the famous Océanopolis aquarium, and the panoramic view you get from the cable car.
Where to stay in Brest: The Hôtel Oceania Brest Centre is popular because it is central and comfortable – ideal for a stopover!
Day 7 – Saint-Malo: Privateers & great horizons (1 night)
Distance from Brest: 155 miles, approx. 3.5 hours drive
Finally, end this road trip in France in Saint-Malo with its historic ramparts, vast beaches, and tasty local cuisine.
Where to stay in Saint-Malo: The Hotel Ambassadors is a luxurious choice by the sea and has elegant, maritime rooms.
My advice for this route is to follow the rhythm of the tides. In Brittany and Normandy, coastal landscapes are radically transformed by the tides. Plan your journeys accordingly to discover hidden treasures like islands accessible only at low tide or spectacular views of cliffs revealed at high tide.
A charming 3-day road trip from Paris
Leave the hustle and bustle of the French capital behind to embrace the tranquillity of the surrounding rural landscapes and rich heritage – all within a few hours’ drive.
Day 1 – Versailles: Royal splendours (1 night)
Just a short distance from Paris, Versailles dazzles with its incredible castle and impeccable gardens. Explore the royal apartments, lose yourself in a maze of groves, and admire the almost sparkling Hall of Mirrors.
Where to stay in Versailles: Hotel Le Versailles offers an elegant and peaceful setting, a few steps from the castle. It is perfect for extending the royal experience into your dreams.
Day 2 – Giverny: brushes & petals (1 night)
Distance from Versailles: 40 miles, approx. 1 hour drive
The soul of Monet awaits in Giverny. Visit his colourful house and gardens that seem straight out of his paintings. The water lily pond and the Japanese bridge are must-sees for art and nature lovers.
Where to stay in Giverny: La Dime de Giverny is a charming guest house and is recommended for its picturesque atmosphere and garden where time seems to stand still.
Day 3 – Chartres: Gothic lights (1 night)
Distance from Giverny: 46 miles, approx. 1 hour drive
A reasonable distance from Giverny, Chartres offers a journey through time thanks to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture. The town itself is a hidden treasure with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
Where to stay in Chartres: The Best Western Premier Grand Monarque Hotel & Spa offers luxury and comfort with an ideal location for exploring the city and the majestic cathedral.
Road trip in the footsteps of the Cathars
Go on an unforgettable road trip in the southwest of France. Follow the path of the castles and fortresses of the Cathar Country. This historic route winds through the hills and valleys of Languedoc-Roussillon, rich in legends and history.
Day 1 – Carcassonne: the fortified city (1 night)
Immerse yourself in the history of Carcassonne. Its medieval ramparts and imposing citadel are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the towers and bastions and learn about the legend of Lady Carcas before tasting local dishes at a traditional inn.
Where to stay in Carcassonne: Choose the Hotel de la Cité, an enchanting castle located in the heart of the citadel. It has a historic atmosphere and breathtaking views of the ramparts.
Day 2 – Albi: The Red City (1 night)
Distance from Carcassonne: 66 miles, approx. 1.5 hours drive
Admire the beauty of Albi, nicknamed the Red City for its terracotta bricks. Visit the majestic Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum before you stroll along the banks of the Tarn.
Where to stay in Albi: The Hotel Alchimy is located in a restored art-deco building. It offers modern comfort, an excellent restaurant, and is close to the main sights of the city.
Day 3 – Cordes-sur-Ciel: celestial village (1 night)
Distance from Albi: 15 miles, 30 min drive
Finally, ascend to the sky by visiting Cordes-sur-Ciel, a hilltop village that seems to float above the clouds. Discover the artisan workshops, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Where to stay in Cordes-sur-Ciel: The Maison Bakéa is a medieval residence. It welcomes you to a setting steeped in history and has inviting rooms that have retained their old-world charm.
Disclaimer: The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author’s personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
The post How to plan the perfect France road trip: itineraries, hotels & budget appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
