Depending on how much you love the outdoors and what activities you want to sample, you could spend anything from a weekend to a two week holiday exploring the Pyrenees and all it has to offer. Accessible via either Marseille or Cassis, there are many different routes you can choose, depending on your fitness level and ability. On the last day, spend a few days in Aix-en-Provence with its atmosphere full of art and culture, before visiting the Camargue Region, one of the most unique landscapes in Southern France. Head southeast to explore picturesque Poitiers, with its impressive Romanesque architecture. This part of the world is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts including skiers, climbers, hikers and cyclists. 8 days, add: Loire. Points of interest and things to do in the Pyrenees. more than Paris. We spend a lot of time touring France in our motorhome and exploring as many of the pretty towns, villages and points of interest as we can. When is the best time to head to the Alps? (Yes, the same King Arthur from Tintagel Castle and Merlin's Cave in Cornwall! If you'd also like to hike around the area, then it's better to stay overnight for a night or two. But your 10-day itinerary is not done yet. By Kathryn Bird at Wandering Bird Adventures, Start in Menton, which is a beautiful town with lots to explore. We also visited Monaco and Nice but the area was too crowded for us, even in March- probably because it's one of the best places to visit in Europe in February and March! This route does it in reverse with a detour to Lake Annecy and Gorge du Fier. Inland from Bordeaux, it is known for its river valleys, medieval towns and historic cathedrals. Want ideas for the best regions or places to visit? The purple fields of lavender, the heart and soul of Provence are integral to this road trip itinerary through the southern reaches of France. The colours of the architecture are gorgeous in the warm summer sun. French Road Trip Ideas. With its colourful streets, beautiful port, and nearby hiking opportunities, Cassis makes a wonderful place to visit on a road trip in France. Gorges du Verdon is primarily a mecca for rock climbers and a destination for expeditions of amateurs of quite strenuous trekking, but also for all those who are looking for unusual, unique views without sporting ambitions. The cathedral was started in the 10th century and renovated considerably in the 1800s. There is a beautiful beach right next to the main pier, which is perfect for sunbathing. Day 1 – arrival in Paris. The nice thing about the Loire is that it is not too far from the English Channel, so you could visit for a long weekend or stay for 3 weeks. It smells like fresh lavender, has delicious cheese and boasts pristine nature that inspired some of the world’s most renowned artists. When is the best time to visit the lavender fields in France? Brittany is a large region, with different landscapes and atmospheres whether you’re in the Northern part (St-Malo, the Pink Granite Coast, Brest…) or the Southern part (Lorient, Vannes,…) so you could easily choose to spend a weekend or a month exploring and you wouldn’t see everything there is to see! D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is one of the most well-known battles of World War II and to see and experience these locations in person is life-changing. The first ones are the most popular, which also means they will be really crowded unless you go super early in the morning. 1. I suggest two places in particular: the lavender fields in Valensole and the fields at the Senanque Abbey. There are bars and restaurants open all year, but the highlight for us was going up the Cable car onto Mont Blanc. Located approximately 2 hours south of Paris, the Loire Valley is one of the most unique places in the world, famous for its charming scenery, delicious wineries and the vast number of châteaux. Our two weeks in France itinerary will take you around to some of the best places to see in France. France Road Trip Planner: Scenic Drives You'll Love. There's enough to in the area to keep you busy for a weekend. Learn how your comment data is processed. From the Pink Flamingos of the wet and wild Camargue to the purple lavender of picturesque Provence. This outdoorsy ramble through the heart of the French Alps runs from Annecy (perhaps France’s... Basque Country road … Marseille – Calanque National Park – Cassis – St Tropez – Cannes – St Paul de Vence – Monaco. ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! A fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as... Marseilles to Nice. The Verdon Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of France, is an impressive sight somewhat out of odds with the relaxed and bucolic countryside that surrounds it. Going to almost the top of Mont Blanc and standing in a glass box over a sheer drop into the valley below. A little update – plus news we’re heading South! If you'd like help planning your route and journey, grab our FREE road trip planner here– it walks you through everything you need to know to organise your road trip. We recommend Rentalscars.com for booking your rental car. Also, this scenic Paris to Nice drive is one of the best road trips in France as well as one of the best road trips from Paris. You’ll have to time your trip right if you want to experience these fields at their best. We love visiting the Alps later in the year, like October (here are some more ideas for places to visit in Europe in October) but they're also lovely in late Spring and even throughout the summer they don't get too crowded. France’s 10 most stunning road trips Loire Valley road trip. After exploring Marseilles, why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to … Bordeaux – Sarlat – Lacave – Terrasson – Perigueux – Bordeauxerigueux – Bordeaux. 7 Driving the Verdon Gorge – The Grand Canyon of France. Pin it to your France Travel board. With this itinerary, you will visit four of the nine remembrance sites that commemorate US activities along the Western Front of The Great War. There are less than a handful of services within the park, but you’ll find sustenance available at two of the most accessible Calanques – Morgiou and Sormiou. If you’re travelling with kids, try some of this fun and free printable road trip games from Nerd Bear. If you're driving from the UK to Italy, this is the route we drove through the Alps (near Chamonix, so you can stop at Mont Blanc if you wish). The nearest mountain peak is Hautacam, which is located just a few minutes away from the town. You can visit any time between the end of June and mid-August. If you are not afraid of heights climb up to the top of the bell tower. While you're in the area, don't miss a visit to the Cirque de Gavarnie– one of the most beautiful places in France and home to the second-highest waterfall in Europe! When is the best time to visit the WWII sites in Normandy? However, every year might be a little different. Located in the Périgord Noir area, Sarlat is famous for its walnut groves, wild cèpe mushrooms, and truffles. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. This French region has the best of everything: beautiful cities, stunning medieval towns where you can go back in time and be immersed in history, beautiful nature, and gorgeous secluded beaches with impressive coastlines. I hope you've found this information useful and enjoy your France trip! It is beautiful to behold, and if you prefer to try more Loire Valley wine, this is a great castle to visit as additional wine samples are available for purchase, here. You’ll find more details, itinerary recommendations, and road trip tips below. Few of us have this luxury, however, and so here we present 1- and 2-week itineraries to help you make the most of your time. The landscape is one of incomparable beauty – limestone cliffs jutting out into the azure blue sea and garrigue-laden hills serenading you with their scent. On the second day head to Reims, the capital of Champagne region. France, Spain and Portugal 10 Days Road Trip Itinerary Day 1 – Mont-Saint Michel Mont-Saint Michel – France. Bordeaux is the largest international airport (2.5hrs drive); although Bergerac also has an airport too. The tour finishes with a glass of champagne. You can explore regions of Normandy or Le Mans, or head south to Nice. This 7-day journey will help you uncover parts of the region most tourists never see. This jagged mountain range runs along the French-Spanish border and is full of snowy peaks (even in summer), and some of Europe’s rarest wildlife including vultures and even brown bears. It is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, and its deepest place is 700 metres. We’re going to start this France and Switzerland road trip itinerary in Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland. Returning north, discover Burgundy’s delightful city of Dijon, which dates back to the Stone Age. The last area to explore is Bordeaux, which reminded us of a little Paris in its architecture. If you want cities, here are 10 top cities to visit in France (besides Paris) and if you're looking for a little history and culture, here are 7 unmissable historical places in France. Views from the front and back give contrasting visions of this 12th-century feudal castle. While still overnighting in Nice, head east for the most thrilling drive in all of France, a trip along the Grande Corniche highway, which stretches 31km (19 miles) east from Nice to the little resort of Menton near the Italian border. Enjoy the ancient Roman architecture in Nimes, Be amazed by the Ancient Theatre in Orange, Enjoy the colourful spectacle of the blooming lavender fields near Apt, Be surprised by the landscapes in The Colorado Provençal, Feel free in the vast natural lands of the Camargue, The charming seaside towns of Cassis and St Tropez, Stroll the romantic gas-lit lanes of romantic Sarlat, Walk in the steps of Richard the Lionheart at the medieval Château de Beynac, Enjoy a beverage and stunning views on the terrace at L’Esplanade in Domme, Stay in a 17th century castle with a Michelin-star restaurant in Lacave, See prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, Get a taste of the region at the market in Perigueux, Sample the local wines in Saumur and in the many Loire Valley vineyards, Wander around the exquisite gardens in Chateau de Villandry, Cross the river Cher for breathtaking views of the Chateau de Chenonceau as it strides the whole span of the river, Stop at the stunning observation points along the route, Drinking wine in the sunshine in Bordeaux, Comfort Hotel Strasbourg – Montagne Verte. Head north up to Cerviéres (don’t follow the sat nav- the Route des Grand Alpes is not the quickest route.). The town of Cassis is lovely to stroll around; it's full of colourful streets and Provencal charm. If you have only a week and it's your first trip to France, do Paris, Normandy, and the Loire. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hi there, I’m Kat. Another site that was on old pilgrimage routes, Brantôme’s Abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 769. Normandy is a beautiful and worthwhile tourist destination in its own right, but visiting the World War II sites is to view the region from an entirely new perspective. This e-book France by Car – 12 French Road Trip Ideas was written for one purpose – to help you explore the best of France by car with the least amount of effort.. Get inspired and get ready for a memorable road trip in France. If you are looking for the most beautiful places to visit in France , you have to visit the Verdon Canyon/ Gorge. Come during late spring and summer to get the best of the Pyrenees when it's not covered in snow! Explore Toulouse and the Gers, part of France’s Occitanie region – an area similar to Provence but less touristy. There is just something about the Alps which keeps us returning again and again. Check out these French weekend destinations for ideas! Read more about road tripping in France: France by Car Guide. One day will give you enough time to walk around the town, enjoy the beach, and dine at one of the restaurants. Grab your FREE road trip planner HERE and start creating your perfect trip, Map of France Road Trip ideas and points of interest, French Alps- our favourite France road trip destination. Next, you’ll be enthralled by Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau, set on an island on the River Indre. Just… maybe book a campsite in advance. You’ll have no problem inserting both stops on your South of France itinerary, and there’s plenty of parking available. Amateur Traveler Award Winning Travel Blog and Podcast helping real travelers plan real trips to their own backyard or around the world. We recommend at least a day in the area to explore the gorge properly. But, for this post, we'll focus on France and the French Alps. Through this somewhat ridiculous near-month long road trip in France and surrounding borders, we share the sheer diversity of travel during summer in France and the nearby region, from the scorching sand dunes of the Vendee to the snow-capped mountains over Chamonix. On the French Riviera, get to know Grasse’s prestigious perfume industry at the Musée International de la Parfumerie and even create your own scent, before moving onto to Provence for a stop at Marseille’s Old Port. This article may contain compensated links. There are numerous WWII sites to visit in Normandy—you could spend a week there visiting them all on a road trip, or see the key highlights in a single day if time is limited. Start your day off in Mont-Saint Michel, one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. You can't miss it while visiting France! Brittany has a bad reputation because of its climate; truth is I’ve seen very few rainy days on the many summers I’ve spent in Southern Brittany. The village of Marciac is known for its jazz festival. READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome, Want to save this post for later? Don't forget to grab your FREE road trip planner HERE and start creating your perfect France road trip, Dordogne- an incredible France road trip idea, Pyrenees- one of the best places to visit in France. With its colourful streets, beautiful port, and nearby hiking opportunities, Cassis makes a wonderful place to visit on a road trip in France. Review: Car & Away – The Airbnb for Rental Cars, How to get the most out of 10 days in Japan, The Best of What to Do in Portland, Oregon. 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