5 Stunning Road Trips in France That Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags Right Now
France is made for road trips, with its diverse landscapes, charming villages, and scenic routes. Here are five dreamy road trips in France that will take you through some of the country's most beautiful and iconic regions.
1. The Lavender Route in Provence
If you love lavender, this road trip is perfect. Start in Avignon, a city with old stone buildings and narrow streets. From there, drive through the Luberon region, where you’ll pass small villages like Gordes and Roussillon. These villages sit among beautiful lavender fields that seem to go on forever. Late July is the best time to see the lavender in full bloom, especially near the village of Sault. An unforgettable drive along the bright purple fields.
Key stops:
- Avignon: historic town with medieval bridge.
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue : canals and antique markets.
- Gordes: hilltop village with stunning views.
- Roussillon: red ochre cliffs and colorful houses.
- Sault: best spot for peak lavender in July.
- Abbaye de Sénanque: abbey surrounded by lavender fields.
2. Alsace Wine Route
This road trip takes you through one of France’s most scenic wine regions. Start in Strasbourg, a city full of half-timbered houses and canals. From there, drive along the Alsace Wine Route, passing through small towns like Eguisheim and Riquewihr. These towns are surrounded by vineyards and have colorful, fairytale-like buildings. Along the way, you can stop at local wineries to taste some of the best wines in France.
Key stops:
- Strasbourg: half-timbered houses and canals
- Obernai: charming village with a market square
- Riquewihr: colorful medieval town surrounded by vineyards
- Eguisheim: picturesque village with cobbled streets
- Colmar: scenic town with canals and a fairytale feel
- Kaysersberg: a small village with a historic castle and vineyards
3. The Atlantic Coast from Biarritz to Bordeaux
This road trip along France’s Atlantic Coast is a mix of beach vibes and city charm. Start in Biarritz, a seaside town known for its surfing and chill atmosphere. As you head north, stop at the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, where you can climb to the top for an amazing view. Continue to Arcachon Bay, a great place for fresh seafood. End your trip in Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s historic center and enjoy some of the best wine in the world.
Key stops:
- Biarritz: surf town with sandy beaches
- Bayonne: historic town with Basque culture
- Hossegor: popular surfing destination
- Dune du Pilat: Europe’s tallest sand dune with panoramic views
- Arcachon Bay: seaside town famous for oysters
- Bordeaux: vibrant city known for wine and historic architecture
4. The Loire Valley Castles Route
This road trip takes you through the heart of the Loire Valley with its incredible castles. Start in the town of Amboise, home to Château d'Amboise, where you can explore royal gardens and views of the Loire River. As you drive, you’ll pass world-famous castles like Château de Chenonceau, which stretches over the water, and Château de Chambord, with its massive towers. The peacefull roads are surrounded by vineyards and forests.
Key stops:
- Amboise: home to Château d’Amboise and royal gardens
- Château de Chenonceau: castle stretching over the Cher River
- Château de Chambord: iconic castle with grand towers
- Blois: charming town with Château Royal de Blois
- Saumur: known for its fairytale castle and wine cellars
5. The Route Napoléon
This road trip is full of history and mountain views. Start in the town of Golfe-Juan, where Napoléon landed after returning from exile. From there, follow the winding roads through the Alps toward Grenoble. The drive is filled with stunning scenery - green valleys, rocky cliffs, and pretty mountain villages. Along the way, you’ll find small cafés and spots to take in the views.
Key stops:
- Golfe-Juan: starting point where Napoléon landed after exile
- Grasse: known for its perfume industry
- Sisteron: historic town with a citadel and river views
- Digne-les-Bains: thermal spa town in the Alps
- Gap: gateway to the Alps with scenic mountain views
- Grenoble: city surrounded by mountains, full of history and culture