Ready to embark on a comfortable road trip across France with one of our luxury vehicles? For your next car journey, don’t spin around in circles: Drive across the hexagon! From the North to the West, and the South to the East, including the Isle of Beauty, SIXT has prepared a road trip across France for you to explore its most beautiful regions. So brush up on your geography, get ready to drive some long distances (it’ll be worth it, we promise!), and plan your road trip with us – in just a few weeks, you’ll have traveled all over France!
Rent a car for your Road Trip in France
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- From the North to Paris: Start your road trip at the top! 🤩
- From Mont Saint-Michel to Brittany: A salty road trip 🐚
- From Tours to the Loire Castles: A royal road trip 🤴
- From Puy du Fou to Île de Ré: A historic road trip ✨
- From Bordeaux to the Basque Country: A road trip at the peak of the wave 🌊
- From Provence to the Verdon Gorges: A vacation-like road trip 😎
- From Marseille to Corsica: A road trip along the Mediterranean coast ☀️
- From Puy de Dôme to Lyon: An explosive road trip 🌋
- From Lake Annecy to Alsace: A road trip where mountains move ⛰
- FAQ
1. FROM THE NORTH TO PARIS: START YOUR ROAD TRIP IN STYLE! 🤩
Start your trip with this playlist, let’s goo !
Kick off your adventure in the North and make a stop at the beaches of Dunkirk. To begin this road trip in France, we suggest you mingle with the peaks, all without taking any mountain roads! In the North, gain some altitude and drive through the plains of Flanders and Artois. On the agenda:
- A swim in the waters of Dunkirk (for the bravest)
- A day exploring Lille, the largest city in the region
- A visit to the old mines of Pas-de-Calais
- Numerous comforting specialties home made with (slightly) fragrant cheeses
After driving through the northernmost lands, head back down to the capital: Paris (just a reminder in case you forgot your geography lessons)!
Yes, driving in the City of Light might not be the easiest, but if you want to complete a road trip in France, you’ll have to do it! And if the infamous roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe and the peripheries feel like a bit much to contend with, know that there are also many places to discover around Paris in the Île-de-France region.
For example, you can visit the Palace of Versailles, stroll through the forests of Rambouillet or Fontainebleau, and discover charming villages like Provins, Montchauvet, and La Roche-Guyon.
Consult our guide to know the rules for driving in France and our advice!
2. From Mont Saint-Michel to Brittany: A Salty Road Trip 🐚
Have you fallen under the charm of life in Paris? In that case, for your next stop, do as true Parisians do: Head to recharge in Normandy!
It’s now time to head west on your French road trip and discover what lies within the waters of the English Channel. After a quick stop in Giverny, Monet’s holiday destination, follow the salty breeze towards Rouen and the D-Day beaches.
Finally, to discover Mont Saint-Michel, a Norman jewel (yes, we said Norman!), among the most beautiful monuments in France, simply follow the coast, park your car, and let yourself be guided by shuttle to the island.
Now that you know the northern tip of the hexagon, how about discovering its westernmost point? For that, continue your itinerary in the direction of Brittany.
For this Armorican escapade on your road trip in France, we recommend indulging in a galette in Rennes, exploring the fortifications of Saint-Malo, setting foot on the Quiberon Peninsula, strolling among the menhirs of Carnac, and of course, admiring the ocean from the Pointe du Raz.
In front of these cliffs, a true journey to the end of the world awaits you!
Rent a car for your tour in Brittany
3. From Tours to the Loire Castles: A Royal Road Trip 🤴
If you love grandeur and beautiful mansions, take a royal turn on your road trip in France by heading to Tours in the famous Loire Valley!
For this leg, you don’t need a carriage; in the largest city of the Loire Valley, a car or even a van from SIXT will suffice! Once your vehicle is parked in the city, set out to discover the Château de Tours located on the banks of the Loire, and the historic city center with its half-timbered houses.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to head to the famous covered food market, Les Halles – a culinary hotspot! Here, you can taste delicious Touraine specialties like fouace, rillettes, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese, or nougat from Tours.
Once your royal feast is over, you can continue your itinerary through the Loire Valley and discover its castles. Along the way, the doors of Chenonceau Castle, Chambord Castle, Amboise Castle, and Azay-le-Rideau Castle are open to you.
In the region, there are nearly 3000 castles! So, if you want to see beautiful stonework during your road trip in France, the Loire Valley Castles route is an unmissable stop!
4. From Puy du Fou to Île de Ré: A Historical Road Trip ✨
Following in the footsteps of the Loire Valley Castles route, in Vendée, let history guide you! It will take you to Puy du Fou, an amusement park specializing in exciting historical reenactments.In just one day, you can traverse the ages, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, and from the Renaissance to World War II. You can also enjoy a fascinating bird show, and explore lifelike historical villages.
Once this time-travel journey is over, to recover from your adventures, treat yourself to a little nature break on your road trip in France!
For this, stay west and head back down the Atlantic Coast to Île de Ré – a firm French favorite. Between fishing villages, green countryside, sandy beaches, and oyster parks, there’s no doubt that this island escapade will please you!
Enjoy this french playlist during your road trip in France !
5. From Bordeaux to the Basque Country: A Road Trip at the Peak of the Wave 🌊
On the road to your next destination, we warn you, it might be slow going! But it’s not traffic we’re talking about. After exploring the Atlantic Coast on its northern side during the first part of your road trip in France, now the Southwest and its wine capital, Bordeaux, await you, and you’ll want to savor every moment!
Whether among the vineyards or in the city, combine cultural discoveries and gastronomy during this journey through Bordeaux – the so-called ‘Sleeping Beauty.’
And if you prefer the ocean’s turmoil to the tranquility of the Garonne, swap the appetizer boards for a surfboard and head to the Basque Country! From Biarritz to Hendaye, passing through Anglet, you can catch the waves and let yourself glide. When the swell is too strong or if you simply want to switch from blue to green, the Basque Country is also full of treasures on its land! On the slopes of La Rhune or in the small village of Espelette, the first inclines of your road trip in France will make their appearance!
6. From Provence to the Verdon Gorges: A Vacation-like Road Trip 😎
As you approach the lavender fields and the rhythmic chirping of cicadas, your road trip in France through Provence takes on the essence of a true vacation! But before diving headfirst into the waters of the Mediterranean and the rivers of Verdon, follow a cultural and historical itinerary between Nîmes, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon.
If you’ve always dreamed of the vast American landscapes and canyons, you’ll be served here! In the heart of the Provençal Prealps, the Verdon River has carved through the rock to offer breathtaking landscapes.
Between cliffs, pine forests, and turquoise waters, the Verdon Gorges are a perfect playground for adventurers. Kayaking, climbing, swimming, hiking… Get ready, this part of your road trip in France promises to be full of adventure.
7. From Marseille to Corsica: A Mediterranean Coast Road Trip ☀️
After a few exhilarating days in the Verdon Gorges, are you craving some tranquility? We won’t hide it from you, the next stop on your road trip in France, Marseille, is likely to be quite lively! Yes, even though it’s not the capital, the Phocaean city, the second-largest city in France, never sleeps!
From the old port to the Panier district, from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde to the Vélodrome Stadium, you won’t be bored. But after a few intense days under the Marseille sun, Corsica welcomes you for a well-deserved rest!
With your car on the ferry, you’re ready to cross the Mediterranean towards the Isle of Beauty! Once you set foot in Ajaccio, Calvi, or Bastia, there’s only one thing left to do: relax and enjoy! Explore the Corsican mountains, party in Calvi, sunbathe on the beaches of Ajaccio, cruise through the Calanques de Piana… there’s something for everyone.
No matter which city you stay in or which route you choose, during a road trip in France, Corsica is a must-visit destination!
8. From Puy de Dôme to Lyon: An Explosive Road Trip 🌋
Now that you’ve explored the south far and wide, it’s time to start heading north again. And even though it’s hard to bid farewell to Provence, the French Riviera, and the Isle of Beauty, the next destination on your road trip in France promises to be exciting!
We invite you to Puy de Dôme to discover its capital, Clermont-Ferrand, and its magnificent chain of volcanoes. You can go hiking around the craters, visit the Vulcania amusement park, and end with a stroll and a delicious meal in Clermont-Ferrand. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck – Auvergne specialties like aligot and truffade will delight your taste buds!
Still have some room in your stomach? Perfect! After Puy de Dôme, it’s on to the capital of Gastronomy and Gauls: Lyon! Like in Bordeaux, you’ll encounter ‘bouchons,’ but here, it refers to traditional inns. Once you’ve enjoyed your Lyonnaise meal, a delightful post-dinner walk awaits you among the traboules and the city’s heights, where you’ll find the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the charming Croix-Rousse district.
- Find here our tips what to do in Lyon !
9. From Lake Annecy to Alsace: A Mountainous Road Trip ⛰️
On your road trip in France, from one lake to another, you’ll reach France’s most well-knownmountain range: the Alps. After mastering the winding roads of the Basque Country, navigating the Corsican maquis, and circling the volcanoes of Auvergne, it’s time to encounter the highest peaks of France.
Once you’ve conquered those hairpin turns and twists, you’ll find yourself in Annecy, the Venice of the Alps, where you can relax and unwind. Whether it’s in its castle, at a Savoyard restaurant table, along its canals, or in its waters, this alpine town is perfect for experiencing a tranquilmoment at the foot of the mountains.
Finally, to conclude this road trip in France, head to Alsace. Getting there is simple: just continue crossing the mountains, from the Alps to the Jura and the Vosges, and then the Ballons d’Alsace will appear.
In this region of storks, Christmas markets, and (almost) unpronounceable village names, there are plenty of wonderful discoveries to be made. In the streets of Strasbourg, on the canals of Colmar, in front of the colorful houses of Riquewihr, or on the hills of Kaysersberg, Alsace saves the best for last!
Rent a car for your Road Trip in France
FAQ ROAD TRIP IN FRANCE
HOW TO PLAN A ROAD TRIP IN FRANCE?
Here are all the steps for a perfect road trip in France:
1. CHOOSE YOUR ITINERARY
For any road trip, it’s essential to find the ideal route and plan your journey. You’ll need to select the points of interest and stops you want to make along the way. We’ve listed the must-visit places for a road trip in France in our article. Then, you’ll need to find the most suitable routes to take. Use apps like Google Maps to determine travel times between points.
2. FIND THE IDEAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Once you’ve chosen your itinerary, you must find the right mode of transportation for your road trip. Whether by car or even a campervan, it should meet your expectations and make your journey enjoyable. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re looking for flexibility, autonomy, and hassle-free travel, rent a vehicle with SIXT. We have excellent offers all over France. 😉
3. SET A BUDGET
To prevent your road trip from turning into a disaster, make sure to calculate the budget needed for accommodation, fuel, tolls, food, and activities at your destinations. Some activities, like a beach walk, may be free, but visiting museums or castles may have a fee. It’s better to overestimate than underestimate, and most importantly, you’ll travel with peace of mind.
4. PREPARE THE STOPS AND RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATIONS
Finally, to have a well-organized road trip in France, make sure to book accommodations in advance, especially if you have more than two stops. Finding accommodation at every stage ensures you won’t be left without a place to stay. Also, have backup plans in case your hotel or lodging is unavailable.
If you’re camping, research places where you can pitch your tent, and if you’re on a road trip in France by car or camper van, find out about parking and parking spaces. Avoid searching on the spot and wasting a lot of time.
WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL AROUND FRANCE?
To tour France and admire its magnificent landscapes, known or unknown, we recommend a three week trip. You can travel from north to south, passing through the west and east of the country. If you don’t have three weeks, here’s an itinerary for a one-week road trip in France:
- Road Trip in Brittany
- A road trip along the Mediterranean coast: from Marseille to Corsica
- Road trip in the Jura region in 6 stages
HOW MUCH DOES A ROAD TRIP IN FRANCE COST?
The budget for a road trip in France varies depending on the duration of the road trip, individual needs, and spending habits. To keep track, divide planned expenses into four categories: accommodation, food, activities, and transportation-related costs. Of course, the longer you travel, the more the different categories increase.
For accommodation, consider whether you prefer a hotel, staying with locals, or camping. Hotels are usually the most expensive option, so if you can’t do without your comfort, budget accordingly.
For food, are you more inclined to eat at restaurants or have a picnic? Be sure to consider the costs involved.
For activities, plan ahead for the activities you want to do – for those that come with a fee, they are often cheaper when booked ahead!
Finally, for transportation-related costs, such as in the case of a car, van, or motorcycle. Determine the distances between different stages and calculate the cost of tolls and, most importantly, fuel.
Considering the many variables, it’s impossible to determine a one-size-fits-all budget for a road trip in France. However, preparing your own food can help decrease expenses, and if you’re traveling in a campervan, you don’t need to budget for standard accommodation. Whatever your needs, with our handy guide and your SIXT rental car, you’ll be sure to make lasting memories on your road trip in France. Bon voyage!
