Are you ready for an adventure beyond Paris?
Many international visitors to France never get beyond Paris. While the capital is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities the rest of the country is a feast for the senses. Diverse landscapes, rich culture, and great food and drink, make France one of the most iconic destinations on the planet.
With Cheaper Than Cars finding the right vehicle for your great French adventure has never been easier or more affordable. With easy pick-ups and drop-offs across the country, we make French car hire convenient and accessible.
Here are 10 more of the best road trips France has to offer!
The Vosges Mountains Circuit
The Vosges Mountains in northeastern France is an enchanting region characterised by rolling hills, dense forests, and charming villages. With a strong German influence, the region is a picturesque blend of vineyards and castles. Charming villages like Kaysersberg, with its half-timbered houses, and Colmar, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, are fascinating places to explore and unwind.
The Vosges Mountains themselves are traversed by hiking trails providing challenging walks and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The Route des Crêtes, a scenic mountain road provides breathtaking views, while the Ballon d’Alsace, a prominent peak, offers not only stunning panoramas but also a sense of accomplishment for anyone who makes it to the summit. Whether a nature lover, history buff or confirmed foodie, a circuit of the Vosges Mountains is one of the most memorable road trips France has to offer.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Auvergne Volcanoes Route
Ancient volcanic activity has created dramatic geological features and stunning landscapes across the Auvergne region. Know for its dormant volcanoes, picturesque lakes, and lush greenery, the Auvergne region is a popular destination with homegrown tourists. Starting the route in the city of Clermont-Ferrand, in the shadows of the iconic Puy de Dôme, road-trippers set out to explore a region that blends natural wonders with rich cultural heritage.
The highlight of the Auvergne Volcanoes Route is undoubtedly the exploration of dormant volcanic peaks and crater lakes. The Puy de Dôme, a prominent stratovolcano, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and other volcanic formations. The route can also include a visit to the Chaine des Puys, a chain of volcanic cones, and the stunning crater lake of Gour de Tazenat. Along the way, road trippers encounter traditional villages like Saint-Nectaire and Besse-en-Chandesse, where local traditions, medieval architecture, and warm hospitality combine.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Dordogne Valley & Castles
The Dordogne Valley is one of the most picturesque and best-loved regions of France. Situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it is a fairy-tale-like landscape, where the Dordogne River meanders past medieval castles, past vineyards, and through historic towns and villages. With a rich culinary heritage, the Dordogne Valley is a feast for the senses.
The Château de Beynac, perched dramatically on a limestone cliff overlooking the river, is a prime example of medieval military architecture. Its well-preserved interior and panoramic views make it a must-visit. Another iconic castle is the Château de Castelnaud, which boasts a fascinating medieval warfare museum and offers stunning vistas of the Dordogne Valley. The Château de Milandes with its beautiful gardens was once owned by the famous Josephine Baker and adds a touch of glamour to the journey.
A road trip through Dordogne Valley is an unforgettable journey through the essence of France.
- Total Driving Distance: 150 Miles (240km)
- Driving Time: 5 Hours
The French Jura
Situated between the Vosges Mountains and the Swiss Alps, the French Jura offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage. Starting in towns like Dole or Arbois, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, road trippers can meander through vineyard-covered hills producing renowned Jura wines. The region is also famous for its Comté cheese, and visits to local fromageries provide a taste of the Jura’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The impressive Cascades du Hérisson, is a series of waterfalls cascading through a verdant forest. The region also hosts the Lac de Vouglans, one of the largest artificial lakes in France, offering opportunities for water activities and lakeside relaxation. There’s a host of charming traditional towns and villages to explore. Arbois is known for its medieval streets and the House of Louis Pasteur, Poligny has a vibrant market where you’ll delicious local produce and Comté cheese cellars.
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
The Camargue Delta and Mediterranean Coast
The Camargue is Western Europe’s largest river delta. Situated in the Rhône River, this unique ecosystem is made up of expansive salt flats, marshes, and lagoons, that provide a haven for a wide variety of bird species, including the iconic pink flamingos. This road trip through the delta and along the Mediterranean coast takes roadtrippers up close to the region’s free-roaming white horses and black bulls. The distinct Camarguaise culture comes to life in villages like Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, through colourful festivals, traditional music, and equestrian events.
Continuing along the Mediterranean Coast, road trippers are treated to scenic drives with panoramic views of the azure sea and picturesque coastal towns. The route may include stops in charming seaside villages like Cassis, known for its vibrant harbour and stunning Calanques fjords. The coastal road winds through vineyards, cliffs, and sandy beaches, offering opportunities for leisurely breaks.
- Total Driving Distance: 250 Miles (400km)
- Driving Time: 7 Hours
French Basque Country
With its strong identity rooted in the cross-border Basque culture, the French Basque country is a fascinating region to explore. Blending rich local traditions with stunning landscapes, this southwestern corner of France is a place apart. Stretching from the picturesque town of Hendaye to the vibrant city of Bayonne and inland to the charming villages of Espelette and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this is one of the most engaging road trips France has to offer.
Road trippers can enjoy the lively ambience of local markets, such as Les Halles in Bayonne, where they can sample traditional Basque cuisine, including specialities like Piquillos peppers, Basque ham, and the renowned Ossau-Iraty cheese. The colourful half-timbered houses in towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure add to the charm, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the Basque people’s pride in their heritage.
Lush green hills give way to scenic coastal landscapes and breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay. Quaint fishing ports like Saint-Jean-de-Luz provide opportunities to relax by the sea and sample the local seafood. The historic town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled in the Pyrenees foothills, offers a glimpse into the region’s medieval past with its well-preserved architecture and cobbled streets
- Total Driving Distance: 200 Miles (320km)
- Driving Time: 6 Hours
Burgundy Wine Region
Burgundy is one of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions. Known for its exceptional vineyards, traditional villages, and centuries-old winemaking traditions, it’s a haven for global wine lovers. The road trip typically begins in the historic city of Beaune, considered the wine capital of Burgundy. Beaune is home to the Hospices de Beaune, a medieval hospital turned wine museum, and its annual wine auction is a key event in the trade calendar.
Heading through the lush vineyard-covered hills, a road trip through Burgundy takes in wine villages Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Vosne-Romanée. Visitors can taste and purchase Burgundy’s exceptional wines directly from the producers. The Burgundy Wine Trail also encompasses the prestigious Route des Grands Crus, a scenic route that passes through the most prestigious vineyards, including names like Romanée-Conti and Montrachet.
- Total Driving Distance: 150 Miles (240km)
- Driving Time: 5 Hours
Classic Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur has been a fashionable destination for a couple of centuries, and a French Riviera adventure is among the best road trips France has to offer. Stretching from Menton near the Italian border to Cassis, this sun-kissed region is characterized by azure waters, golden beaches, and picturesque towns that exude elegance. Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, embodies the charm of the region. The Promenade des Anglais, with its palm-lined boulevard along the Baie des Anges, offers a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and stunning sea views. Cannes, famous for its annual film festival, is synonymous with red carpets, yachts, and high-end boutiques. Its historic Old Town, Le Suquet, has charming streets to explore and panoramic views from the old castle.
Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez gained international fame in the 20th century, attracting artists, celebrities, and jet-setters. The Vieux Port is a spectacle of luxury yachts, while the Place des Lices hosts vibrant markets. The nearby Pampelonne Beach, with its powdery sand and trendy beach clubs, completes the Saint-Tropez experience, making it an icon of the French Riviera’s chic lifestyle.
- Total Driving Distance: 500 Miles (800km)
- Driving Time: 12 Hours
A Breton Adventure
Brittany in North Western France is a rich, distinct region with its own language and a strong Celtic heritage. Combining wild, rugged coastal landscapes, charming medieval towns and enchanting countryside, the region is fascinating to explore.
Begin your adventure in Rennes, the bustling regional capital, where the cobbled streets of the Old Town lead to historic landmarks such as the Parlement de Bretagne. Venturing northward, you reach the walled city of Saint-Malo on the edge of the English Channel. Explore the cobblestoned Intra-Muros, where tight-packed medieval buildings house independent shops and bistros. Nearby Dinan is a beautifully preserved medieval town on the banks of the Rance River.
Transitioning to the Pink Granite Coast, the surreal landscape of Ploumanac’h reveals unique rock formations bathed in hues of pink. As you wind your way through the Breton countryside, explore historic towns like Morlaix and its iconic Viaduct before reaching the fortified island town of Concarneau. Conclude your journey in Quimper, where the winding streets of the Old Town lead to the majestic Cathedral of Saint-Corentin.
- Total Driving Distance: 476 Miles (766km)
- Driving Time: 8 Hours
La Rochelle & The Atlantic Coast Islands
France’s long Atlantic coastline is a haven for sun-seekers, surfers and families looking to enjoy traditional seaside holidays. La Rochelle is a lively seaside town with three beaches, a bustling port and a great reputation for seafood. From the town, the Avenue de la Repentie takes you across the bridge to the Île de Ré, a popular resort town with classic sandcastle charm. Two of the island’s main towns, Saint Martin and La Flotte, have a relaxed nautical feel, with bistros offering the finest local seafood.
The E602 coast road takes you past Rochefort to Marennes and over the bridge to Oléron, mainland France’s second-largest island after Corsica. Known as the oyster capital of France, enjoy a plate of oysters in a colourful floating cabane at the Chateau d’Oléron. Head eastwards to Saintes, famous for its Roman remains, before detouring through the vineyards to Cognac, for guided tours of famous brandy warehouses. From here, you can head back to La Rochelle to dip your toes in the Atlantic.
- Total Driving Distance: 230 Miles (370km)
- Driving Time: 5 Hours
Time To Start Planning Your French Road Trip?
France is a diverse country with countless regions to explore.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car to experience the best road trips France has to offer whatever your budget.
