France has it all: a huge cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and uncountable popular activities, all of which would be impossible to narrow down to one city or town. So today, we’re giving you ideas for different road trips, themed or not, that will let you travel from one part of the country to the other, and will let you uncover the true immensity of France’s cultural diversity.
1. Joining the Ends (Lille to Marseille)
From North to South, and from the Hauts-de-France to the French Riviera, France is a melting pot of so many cultures, traditions and climates that listing them all would be impossible. So instead, we’re presenting you with a vertical trip which will give you a varied and extended view of the country and will help you understand just how much France has to offer.
Highlights: History City Culture Food
Suggested length: 10 days
Total distance: roughly 1.000km (100km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Grand-Place in Lille
At the center of the Général-de-Gaulle square stand the imposing and majestic “colonne de la Déesse” (column of the Goddess). Among the Flemish facades surrounding the plaza, you can also find the Vieille Bourse (old stock exchange), the Théâtre du Nord (Theater of the North) and the building used as premises for the Voix du Nord, a local newspaper/
2. The “bêtises de Cambrai”
For those with a sweet tooth and those who like trying local food, the traditional Cambrai sweets, usually mint-flavored but also available in other more exotic flavors, will provide a sweet break that children and adults alike will enjoy.
3. The Imperial Palace in Compiègne
This castle, whose interior was remade exactly the way it was during the 19th century, allows you to explore the history of the French monarchy after the Revolution.
4. The Champ-Élysées in Paris
The most beautiful avenue in the world remains a must in every French road trip. Come and admire freely the great windows of luxury shops, as well as the incredible Arc de Triomphe at the end of the avenue.
5. The Clock Tower in Auxerre
At the heart of a center that looks as if it is out of a medieval book, this great and imposing tower easily dominates its surroundings.
6. The Saint-Laurent island in Châlon-sur-Saône
The tour du Doyenné and the former Saint-Laurent hospital stand along the sides of the Saöne river, and offer a large, pretty view of the opposing bank.
7. The Old Lyon and the Saint-Jean cathedral
Take a walk in the “traboules”, the typical narrow streets of a charming old paved city center, and don’t forget to stop for a moment to gaze up at the wonderful facade of the cathedral.
8. The Palais des Bonbons, du Nougat et des Souvenirs in Montélimar
On your way, visiting the “Palace of Candies, Nougat and Memories” is a dream opportunity to taste the city’s specialty and discover the secrets of its making, as well as that of many other delicious candies.
9. The Bridge of Avignon and the Palais des Papes
The former city of Popes largely deserves its own visit. Between the splendid architecture of the Palace and the unfinished bridge which inspired a famous French children song, there is a whole part of French heritage hiding there.
10. The Old Port and the cathedral Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille
As the finish line to your trip, the typical Old Port and the beautiful cathedral will provide a breathtaking sight and an unforgettable memory.
2. Chasing the Sun (Strasbourg to Brest)
From East to West and from the Rhine to the Atlantic, get ready to follow the sun across France. From the half-timbering houses in Alsace to the salty odor of the sea in Brittany, this road trip will get you from one end of the country to the other, and will allow you to look in wonder at our large cultural heritage.
Highlights: City Culture Typical Photogenic
Suggested length: 12 days
Total distance: roughly 1.150km (95km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Petite-France in Strasbourg
Located in the middle of the Ill river, this charming “Little France” district is full of paved streets and typical Alsatian houses with woodings, and is the ideal place for a peaceful walk along the water.
2. The Place Stanislas in Nancy
This huge square, included in the UNESCO World Heritage, spreads between the city hall, the opera and the fine arts museum, and is surrounded by gorgeous facades.
3. The underground citadel in Verdun
A group of underground galleries retracing the city’s history during World War One thanks to an audio-guided tour. A cultural monument not to be missed, which serves as a reminder of how important the duty of remembrance is.
4. The Notre-Dame cathedral in Reims
More than just a religious building, this cathedral is a true cultural monument, as it was long used as the coronation site of the kings of France. There is a great part of French history lying under this Gothic architecture.
5. The banks of the Seine in Paris
A walk on foot or a bike ride by the riverside makes for an ideal opportunity to spot all the great centers of interest of the city. Who will be the first to see the Louvre museum, Notre-Dame, the Luxor Obelisks or the Eiffel Tower?
6. The Maison Picassiette in Chartres
A most curious house built with glass and earthenware debris mixed in with concrete.
7. The Cité Plantagenet in Le Mans
The center of the city dates back to the Middle-Ages, with medieval buildings that are remarkably well-preserved. The battlements surrounding it only add to its majesty.
8. The Parlement de Bretagne in Rennes
This Classical building, which now harbors the court of appeals, can still be visited through booking. On the inside as well as on the outside, it retains its appearance of power and leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
9. The battlements of Saint-Malo
The city, formerly a fortified port, managed to preserve most of its massive battlements. The walk along their top offers an incomparable view on the bay on one side and the city center on the other.
10. The Villa Rohannec’h in Saint-Brieuc
A beautiful building inspired by Italian architecture, which is now used as a hall for cultural events. Its park is open to everyone, and is a perfect place for a peaceful walk.
11. The cable car in Brest
Your trip will finally end in Brest, a seaside city and the capital city of the Finistère department. The cable car gliding across the Penfeld river offers an unrivaled view over the port, the Recouvrance bridge and the Tanguy tower.
3. Race along the Atlantic (Paris to Biarritz)
Fresh air, seaside winds and waves galore are to be expected in this road trip along the west coast of France. The Atlantic coastline is filled with marvelous cultural items and landscapes, whose beauty and mysteries are only awaiting you.
Highlights: Ocean West Islands Ships Landscapes
Suggested length: 12 days
Total distance: roughly 1.050km (87km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The banks of the Seine in Paris
To get yourself into an aquatic atmosphere from the very beginning, nothing better than a walk along the most well-known French river, or possibly a cruise on the Seine with a bateau-mouche, the most famous of tourist boats.
2. The Vindunum thermals in Le Mans
The old thermals of the city, or rather what’s left of them, date back to the Gallo-Roman period (where they take their name from). They act as reminders of a past long gone.
3. The Machines de l’Île in Nantes
The “Machines of the Island” make for an atypical visit, halfway between the fictive universes of Jules Verne (who was born here) and the machines designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, and make good use of giant mechanical animals that will leave children and adults with stars in their eyes.
4. Escal’Atlantic in Saint-Nazaire
A path that tells of the making and functioning of the great transatlantic liners. It exhibits numerous authentic items and helps commemorate the naval heritage of the city.
5. The Île de Noirmoutier
This island is both known for its wilderness and its salt marshes. It is a series of beautiful landscapes spreading until the Atlantic ocean.
6. The Place Napoléon in La Roche-sur-Yon
One of the biggest open squares of France; it is lined by impressive buildings such as the Saint-Louis church, the city hall and the courthouse.
7. La Rochelle and the Île de Ré
The great port town of La Rochelle has many centers of interest to offer, such as the Lantern Tower or the impressive aquarium. Adventurous souls will also be able to go and visit the Île de Ré, the island facing the city, either by foot, by bike or by car.
8. The Île d’Oléron
This other island of the “Charentais archipelago” is the second biggest island in metropolitan France. Between the breathtaking spectacle of its vast moors, the view over the French-famous Fort Boyard and a great breath of fresh air, it will make for a much-welcome stop.
9. The Pont de Pierre and the Porte de Boulogne in Bordeaux
The great stone bridge dating back to 1822 crosses the Garonne river and offers a stunning view on each side of the city. It also leads to a most remarkable triumphal arch.
10. The Dune du Pilat
The highest European dune gives a wonderful point of view both over the sea and the inside lands, not to mention the pride and joy you will feel after climbing it.
11. The Old Port and the Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz
The stone port easily makes for leisurely walks alongside the sea. As for the “Rock of the Virgin Mary”, it seems to defy the ocean and the waves beating at it.
4. Constant Summer (Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Nice)
Feel like getting some sun for yourself? Get ready for a trip along the Pyrenees mountains and the French Riviera to get your fill of warm accents and dream landscapes. From the Atlantic ocean, close to the Spanish border, to the seaside Alps at the gates of Italy, come open your senses to the South of France.
Highlights: South Sun Landscapes Culture Mountains Sea
Suggested length: 10 days
Total distance: roughly 950km (95km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Fort of Socoa in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This fortress overlooking the Atlantic offers an unrivaled view over the port and the city. A walk along the battlements will allow you to have a foretaste of sea winds.
2. The Castle of Pau
This 14th-century castle and birthplace of King Henry IV is very well preserved, and the National Museum which is now located here displays a large collection of tapestries and works or art.
3. Lourdes
This exceptional place for Catholic pilgrims is not only set aside by its statues of Mary and its beautiful basilica, but also by its location at the foot of the Pyrenees, which makes for an incredible landscape.
4. The Canal de Brienne in Toulouse
This canal at the heart of the “pink city” is lined with trees and makes for a heavenly walk for one-time visitors.
5. The Cité de Carcassonne
One of the most beautiful French medieval citadels, with massive towers that overlook the rest of the city with majesty. Inside the battlements are, among other things, a town full of medieval houses and a beautiful basilica.
6. The Arènes de Nîmes
This amphitheater dating back to Antiquity does not only show off with its impressive and well-kept architecture, but also hosts live historical reenactments.
7. The Parc naturel régional de Camargue
The regional park of Camargue is a sumptuous region, mostly known for its breathtaking landscapes and the numerous bird species living there, including several groups of flamingos.
8. The Parc national des Calanque near Marseille
High rock cliffs seemingly advancing into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, whose tops alternate between desert-like spaces and sparse pine woods are waiting for you.
9. The Lighthouse of Saint-Tropez
A lighthouse with an original appearance that clashes with those you are accustomed to, which overlooks the sea, the port and the city center at the same time.
10. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
A village for artists (and proud of it) located above Cagnes-sur-Mer. The picturesque charm of its stone streets, its narrow alleys and the numerous workshops and studios will definitely leave you fulfilled.
11. The Promenade des Anglais in Nice
The longue avenue, or “Walkway of the English”, runs along the sea for 7km, and is lined with palm trees on one side and mind-blowing luxury hotels on the other.
5. Lovely Mountains (Paris to Nice via the East)
France is a country filled with breathtaking and incredible landscapes, and its mountain ranges play no small part in it. From the Vosges to the Jura and finally to the southern Alps, come discover the three French mountain ranges bordering Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Highlights: East Mountains Landscapes Borders Nature
Suggested length: 15 days
Total distance: roughly 1.500km (100km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Butte de Montmartre in Paris
There may not be any literal mountains in Paris, but you can still get your legs ready for the trip by climbing the stairs up the hill, leading to the fantastic Sacré-Coeur basilica.
2. The Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges
Merely a few kilometers away from Mulhouse, the regional park in the south of the Vosges mountain range contains not only beautiful natural landscapes, but also typical, picturesque Alsatian towns.
3. The Castle of Montbéliard
Also known as “castle of the Dukes of Wurttemberg”, this fortified castle from the 13th century now hosts two museums retracing the history of the city and its region.
4. The Porte Saint-Pierre in Pontarlier
An imposing gate at the heart of the city with the official French denomination of ‘historical monuments’, which seems to keep a close eye on each visitor passing through it.
5. The Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura
This natural park located in the north of the Jura mountain range is filled with forests, lakes and waterfalls, and guarantees a breath of fresh air and fantastic landscapes.
6. Lake Geneva
Known as “lac Léman” in France, this large and beautiful lake marks the border with Switzerland. The funicular in Thonon-les-Bains gives a higher viewpoint to better admire it.
7. Chamonix
Although it is mostly known as a ski resort, Chamonix remains a lively city in every season, mostly thanks to its unrivaled views over the Alps, particularly over the Mont Blanc, the highest European summit.
8. Annecy and its lake
The whole area surrounding the lake is definitely worth the visit, but Annecy proves particularly charming with its numerous canals and its old, colorful city center.
9. Chambéry
The exceptional location of Chambéry, located between the Bauges massif and the Chartreuse massif, is far from the only advantage of the city. The Elephants fountain is an oddity not to be missed.
10. The Parc National des Ecrins
High mountains and permanent snow along with valleys and small towns make for an incredible natural harmony.
11. The Parc National du Mercantour
This natural reserve’s sometimes desertic appearance only adds to the beauty of its landscapes, and acts as a reminder of its surprising closeness to the Mediterranean.
6. Call of History: the World Wars Loop (Normandy, Northern France, Champagne)
The rocky history of the 20th century hasn’t spared France in the slightest. The north of the country in particular still bears scars from two world wars, and their memory is still real. This more serious road trip will have you follow the tracks of those highly scarring conflicts, and will let you discover the still fresh memory of History.
Highlights: North History Culture Memory
Suggested length: 12 days
Total distance: roughly 1.400km (116km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Shoah Memorial in Paris
A highly symbolic place of memory, heavy with meaning, which honors the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. On a set of walls are written the names of all the victims of deportation.
2. The Caen Memorial
Although the Caen Memorial retraces the whole history of the 20th century, the part dedicated to World War Two and the D-Day landings is still the most complete one.
3. Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach
The so-called “landing beaches” are today nearly all open-air museums, and some still sport the wrecks of military ships. You may also go to Omaha Beach and its huge American cemetery.
4. The Bunkers and the Canadian Military Cemetery in Dieppe
The bunkers located along the coast near the castle are a reminder of the German occupation of the city during World War Two. The military cemetery, located south-west of the city, pays homage to Canadian soldiers.
5. The Musée Dunkerque 1940: Opération Dynamo
Located on the port, the museum retraces, event after event, the battle of Dunkirk and the Dynamo Operation, meant to evacuate Allied soldiers facing the advancing German troops to nearby England.
6. The military cemeteries in Cambrai
The city created resting places for soldiers of all nationalities, notably British, but also Canadian, Russian and German.
7. The Thiepval memorial
This massive French-British memorial is dedicated to the Battle of the Somme, which took place during World War One. On each of its feet are engraved the names of more than 70.000 soldiers who went missing in the Somme from 1915 to 1918.
8. The Museum of the Great War in Péronne
Working along the Thiepval memorial, this museum retraces the history of World War One, with great help of visual projections and recovered authentic items.
9. The underground citadel of Verdun
The walk located under the fortress of Verdun presents the brutal battle that took place in 1916, and notably focuses on the life of the “Poilus” (“hairy ones”) in the trenches.
10. The Armistice clearing in Rethondes, in Compiègne
A replica of the train car in which the Armistice was signed on November 11th, 1918 can still be seen, with other buildings around acting as a memorial and museum.
7. Deep in the Countryside (Paris to Carcassonne)
Some prefer going to the sea and others in the high mountains, but the center of France also has many unsuspected treasures. Countryside and mountains mesh together in harmony and offer plenty of surprises to those looking for quiet and peace.
Highlights: Center Countryside Culture Landscapes Nature Parks
Suggested length: 15 days
Total distance: roughly 1.300km (87km/day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris
Get into the trip’s atmosphere with a bit of green at the heart of Paris, and enjoy the park’s freshness and its wooded paths.
2. The Forest of Fontainebleau
This massive preserved forest, barely a few steps away from the cities of Fontainebleau and Avon, offers a wide range of walking paths and is home to a number of wild animal species.
3. The house of Joan of Arc in Orléans
Now turned into a museum, this house hosted Joan of Arc during the siege of Orléans in 1429. Today, it retraces the story of the French heroine of the Hundred-Years War.
4. The Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne
A volcanic range that has been sleeping for thousands of years, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
5. The water tower in Brive-la-Gaillarde
Now used as the tourism information point, it was originally used to water the surrounding fountains. Climbing to the top will allow you to have a downward view on the market place.
6. The Saint-Front cathedral in Périgueux
Its domes and massive towers make it look more like a fortress than a religious building. The cathedral, formerly an abbatial church, used to be an important passing point for the pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
7. Montfaucon and the Parc régional naturel des Causses du Quercy
A medieval town carved into a cliff, located at the heart of a low mountain park, where woods and nature mix in with human settlements.
8. The Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses
This huge natural park will show many a wonder to those who dare to venture there, including the spectacular Gorges du Tarn, among others.
9. The Goya museum in Castres
Named after the famous Spanish painter, this museum displays the largest number of Spanish works of art after the Louvre itself in France.
10. The Cité de Carcassonne
The medieval citadel overlooking the city is proof of a rich past. The Centre d’Histoire Vivante Médiévale (living medieval history center) will allow you to learn a lot about life during the Middle Ages.
8. City Style (Paris to Marseille)
Paris may be the most famous of them all, but all French cities have their treasures and unexpected secrets. Get ready for a tour around the biggest cities in France, and come discover the diversity of their stories and funny anecdotes.
Highlights: City Culture Monuments Modern History
Suggested length: 15 days
Total distance: roughly 1.500km (100km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The Champs de Mars in Paris
The Champs de Mars park is a very popular meeting place. And for good reason, thanks to the view on the Eiffel Tower on the other side, it is definitely worth it.
2. The Notre-Dame cathedral in Reims
As the historical coronation site of French kings, and so for millennia, the great cathedral has kept fascinating visitors even up to today.
3. The Place Stanislas in Nancy
Named after the former Duke of Lorraine and Polish king Stanislas Leszczynski, the square is the beating heart of the city, surrounded by remarkable buildings such as the city hall, the fine arts museum and the opera.
4. The old center and the Notre-Dame cathedral in Strasbourg
Paved streets and squares lined with half-timbering houses inevitably lead to a majestic cathedral made out of red stones.
5. The Place de la Libération in Dijon
This square is lined with a half-circle of stone arches faces the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, and currently hosts the city hall and the fine arts museum. The surrounding alleys are filled with tourist oddities.
6. The Place Bellecour in Lyon
In the center of the peninsula, this large, red square with statues and a Ferris wheel offers a beautiful view of the whole city and the basilica of Fourvière.
7. The city center in Saint-Etienne
The city’s original and traditional architecture is largely worth the walk around the center, from the trade union center building to the city hall and the Droguerie tower.
8. The Palace of the Popes and the bridge of Avignon
The city, which was the residing place of the popes for the whole of the 14th century, is still charming in an ancient and historical way. The half-bridge over the Rhône river, which inspired a famous French children’s song, is also a must.
9. The fountains in the city center of Aix-en-Provence
There are apparently roughly 250 fountains in the city center. Looking for them all is bound to make a walk both amusing and instructive, as well as a quirky and original visit.
10. The Palais Longchamp in Marseille
A mix between a palace and a water tower which not only houses several museums but is also located right next to two parks (including a public one), which are both ideal to stroll in the sun or take a nap in the shade.
9. The Tour de France According to Ratatouille
It has been established time and time over that France is THE country of fine food and gastronomy. However, it appears many foreigners will, when questioned, only think of snails, baguettes and macaroons. It’s about time we correct that thanks to a delicious and instructive road trip, and to the regional and national specialties, it will allow you to taste.
Highlights: Culture Cuisine Specialties Food Cities
Suggested length: 20 days
Total distance: roughly 3.300km (165km per day)
Must-sees -eats on the way:
1. Breakfast in Paris
Some baguette and a croissant with a coffee, it hardly gets more French than that. Add to that the wonderful setting of Paris and nothing will make you feel closer to being a true Parisian.
2. The “bêtises de Cambrai”
These “sweets of Cambrai” are traditionally mint-flavored candies, but can nowadays be made with several distinct flavors. They’ll please any sweet tooth.
3. Tarte flambée in Strasbourg
Crème fraîche with onions and lardons on top of a base thinner than a pizza’s: no need for more to have a hearty and delicious Alsatian meal.
4. Cheese fondue in Chamonix
Friendly and warm in all senses, the fondue is a mountain meal to be shared right next to the fire. Careful not to let your bit of bread fall in, though!
5. Bouillabaisse in Marseille
A fish stew with garlic croutons from the Mediterranean: the South of France and the sea all in one meal.
6. Cassoulet in Toulouse
Another warm and friendly meal. The cassoulet, prepared with beans, sauce and meat, will definitely delight your taste buds and your stomach.
7. Ham of Bayonne
One of the specialties in the South-West, the ham of Bayonne can be found on every market in the region, and be enjoyed without restrictions.
8. Wine in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is known worldwide for its vineyards and prestigious designations. Visiting a wine cellar and tasting is practically an obligation.
9. Crêpes and galettes in Nantes
Or really, in just about any city in Brittany. As actual cultural institutions, the sweet crêpe and its buckwheat-flour cousin are always sure to please children and adults alike.
10. Cider in Caen
A light apple alcohol, the cider is still as popular in Normandy as it is in Brittany. A cider tasting will surely delight the whole family.
11. Macaroons in Paris
Back to the start with a break for dessert and/or a sweet snack that will undoubtedly make your mouth water. These little pastries will make for a perfect ending for a French food tour.
10. Lords and Ladies (castles and medieval sites)
We’ve all dreamed of being able to time travel, at one point or another. And this is exactly the offer this road trip has: to make you travel between the medieval Kingdom of France and the French empire in the 19th century. Tag along to discover the castles, palaces and historical reenactments, and the heritage we are so proud of.
Highlights: History Middles Ages Loire river Photogenic
Suggested length: 10 days
Total distance: roughly 800km (80km per day)
Must-sees on the way:
1. The castle of Chantilly
From Paris, it’s easy to go to Chantilly, where the castle makes for a sumptuous start to this road trip. It’s famous for its horse shows, and also houses a horse museum.
2. The palace of Compiègne
One of the former houses of the royal and imperial families, the inside of the castle was rearranged exactly in the way it looked like under the Second French Empire. Behind it, the park of the Beaux-Monts, which spreads over two kilometers, cuts through the forests and offers a beautiful view.
3. The castle of Pierrefonds
An impressive fortified castle that is remarkably well preserved, which allows you to see what life was like in the Middle Ages. Its massive appearance made it the setting for several movies and TV series.
4. The castle of Versailles
Doubtlessly the most famous French castle, it symbolizes the royal luxury at the time of Louis XIVth, the “Sun King”. Between the ballrooms, the splendid gardens and the famous Hall of Mirrors, there’s almost too much to see.
5. The castle of Fontainebleau
It was used as a residence for many kings and emperors which is certainly justified by its ideal location next to a wide forest. The park is particularly popular and makes for peaceful walks.
6. The castle of Chambord
You may start your tour of the so-called “châteaux de la Loire” (castles along the Loire river) with the biggest and most well-known of them. This massive castle and its reflection on the pond in front of it keep fascinating each of its visitors.
7. The castle of Amboise
Originally built during the Middle Ages, it was restored during the Renaissance period. It nowadays overlooks the city, and has wonderful gardens and parks.
8. The castle of Chenonceau
Barely a few kilometers away from Amboise, the castle of Chenonceau is one to be admired, as it stands over the river just like a bridge. The inside was rearranged just as it was back then as well, so you can go satisfy your curiosity.
9. The castle of Azay-le-Rideau
This building that seems to appear right out of the water dates back to the 16th century, and remains one of the most well-known castles in the region, making it impossible to miss.
10. The castle of Angers
Also known as the castle of the Dukes of Anjou, this massive medieval fortress is impressive by its size and majesty. It notably houses the Apocalypse Gallery, in which a great series of Christian-inspired tapestries are displayed.
11. The Puy du Fou
To finish with a medieval road trip, there’s nothing better than attending one of the spectacular shows of the nation-famous Puy du Fou. This theme park offers fantastic reenactments that will leave children and adults with stars in their eyes.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
