northern france road trip itinerary

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Northern France Itinerary

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Over 5 to 7 days in northern France, you can see many beautiful seaside towns, wander around historic villages and indulge in some excellent French food and drink. Our northern France itinerary will take you from Saint-Malo on the border of Brittany and Normandy, up the coast to the Belgian border city of Lille. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone on the north coast of France.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern France?

The North of France encompasses everything from Brittany to Alsace, including Normandy and of course, Paris – each of which has its own distinct culture and traditions. So, to see all of these amazing places in one northern France road trip, you’d need to spare at least a month.

That’s why we’ve focused primarily on the northern coast of Normandy, as you can happily spend at least 4 to 5 days in Brittany alone, and a further 4 to 5 days discovering the magical city of Paris . Or, if you want to experience beautiful castles and world-class wine, consider heading to the Loire Valley for a few days .

But if you want to spend just 5 days in northern France, sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the seaside towns and eating wonderful seafood, it’s best to stick to the Normandy coast and travel around at your leisure by car.

Normandy also has wonderful cycling routes, without too many inclines for a more easy-going journey, so you can have a fantastic 7 days in northern France on your bike, without spending too much time on the road. This way you also get to discover the quaint villages and rural locations that won’t come up on a standard itinerary.

Getting To & Around Northern France

There aren’t many major airports in northern France, especially near the towns on our north France itinerary, however, if you’re planning to reach France by aeroplane, you can fly into Rennes Airport, Paris-Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airports and rent a car, or take a train to the first stop on our itinerary.

But, this will take the best part of a day to fly into Paris and make the journey out to Saint-Malo, so bear this in mind when planning your trip.

The best way to reach the starting point of your road trip in northern France, if you’re following our road trip itinerary and beginning in Saint-Malo, is by ferry from Portsmouth or Poole on the south coast of England, which takes about 7 hours; that way, you can also bring your own car to make your journey easier and cheaper.

If you’re following the itinerary in reverse, you can take your car on the ferry or Eurotunnel from Dover to Calais, or take the passenger train the Eurostar from central London to Lille.

If you need to rent a car for your trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Each stop on the itinerary is reachable by public transport so you can take the train or bus to arrive at each destination as well as book your tickets as a foot passenger on the ferries, or utilise the fast and eco-friendly Eurostar trains. You can view schedules here.

However, if you choose to use public transport, you will have to arrange your holiday according to transport times, rather than having the freedom of moving as you please with your own car.

5 to 7-Day Northern France Itinerary

Beaches, castles, cathedrals and history abound on our northern France itinerary, so don’t forget to pack your beach towels, sunglasses and guidebooks so you’re ready for everything that awaits you.

Day 1 – Saint-Malo

Ferry is the best way to arrive in Saint-Malo, not just for comfort and ease, but also to see the wonderful seaside town from a different perspective, arriving majestically on the French shore to explore your first destination.

Saint-Malo is predominantly famous for its large and scenic port area where you can find some delicious seafood as well as wander around the small side streets and coastal promenade. But Saint-Malo is also full of ancient history, with the 15th-century Saint-Malo castle and the National Fort standing proudly on the coastline, surrounded by the town’s ramparts.

You can spend a day walking along the 2 km-long city walls, enjoying views over the town, as well as the incredible coastline, filled with small islets.

You can walk to some of the islets at low tide to spend some time on the beautiful beaches, reach the National Fort and look back over the town.

There are several hotels in Saint-Malo, most of which are moderately priced, but you can also travel further inland to find holiday lets and gîtes if you’re travelling with several family members.

Where to Stay in Saint-Malo

Hôtel Bristol Union Intra Muros – This 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a great place to stay in Saint-Malo. They have a number of chic rooms to choose from and a superb breakfast to enjoy each morning. Click here to check availability

La Maison des Armateurs – This grand hotel is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a bit of luxury on their northern French adventure. They have a number of lovely rooms on offer, they’re pet-friendly and also offer wine and champagne to guests. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde – This 4-star beachfront hotel is another wonderful place to stay while in Saint-Malo. They have a great location and beautiful rooms along with amenities like a spa, indoor swimming pool and a great breakfast in the mornings. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Saint-Malo hotels!

Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel

When most people think of north France, the first image that comes to mind is the small rocky island, with mediaeval houses and winding streets below a magnificent abbey with pointed turrets reaching up into the sky.

This quintessential French town is the island of Mont-Saint-Michel, about 1 km from the French coast – although thanks to the massive number of visitors the town receives every year, you can now reach the island by road.

Having become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the first French site to be listed, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most popular spots in North France and is a must-see destination on any northern France road trip.

You can wander around the winding cobbled streets either independently on or on a walking tour , enjoying the remnants of the mediaeval architecture, as well as walk around the 13th-century ramparts to enjoy views over the French coastline and reach the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Michael that defines the island. You can buy your tickets in advance

The Saint Michael’s Abbey is a wonder of mediaeval and flamboyant Gothic architecture, built after Saint Michael appeared three times before Bishop Saint Aubert in 708, and welcomes visitors to discover its refectory, beautiful cloister, ornate chapels and crypts over several levels across the place of worship.

You can learn about the abbey’s transformation into a prison for almost 100 years, as well as the artistic history of the breathtaking island from its four museums in the town’s lower streets.

It’s definitely worth spending a full day in Mont-Saint-Michel as the changing light throughout the day will make you crave a photograph from every angle. At night, the island is lit up, looking even more picturesque as the shadows dance on the layered roofs, especially during the light shows in summer.

Stay on the island in one of the many bed and breakfasts and fancy hotels, or head back to the mainland to enjoy views of Mont-Saint-Michel in all its glory, with many hotels in the small village of La Caserne to accommodate the 2.5 million yearly visitors.

However, the longest journey on this north France itinerary takes place between Mont-Saint-Michel and Honfleur, so if you want to save yourself the 2-hour drive in the morning, get on the road in the evening and stay closer to the city of Caen for a shorter drive on day 3.

Day 3 – Honfleur

Further north along the French coast, before reaching the industrial port of Le Havre, is the beautiful port city of Honfleur. Located on the Seine estuary into the English Channel, this lovely city is a great place for a peaceful afternoon wandering around the old harbour and enjoying fantastic fresh seafood.

The city’s beauty is undeniable, having been a popular destination for many artists, including Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, who adored the seafront as much as the 16th-century houses with their uneven and characterful roofs. You can  organise a walking tour  if you prefer to learn more from a guide.

The best part of Honfleur is the seafront, although, of course, you can enjoy a bit of shopping in the old and new town located just outside the harbour. So, if you have a full day to spend in the area and don’t mind driving a little further, it’s worth heading slightly further north to the picturesque gardens of Ertretat.

The Jardins d’Etretat is a wonderfully diverse ornamental garden, divided into separate areas, with one garden designed to replicate the area’s famous oyster farms, with unusual sculptures by Samuel Salcedo hidden amongst the topiary.

You can happily spend a few hours here, so it might be best to head here in the morning of day 3 of your 7 days in the north of France, before heading back down to Honfleur for an afternoon walk and evening meal.

There are lots of lovely hotels in Honfleur, with some budget hotels and several 4-star hotels if you’re looking for a bit more luxury, so finding somewhere to stay in the area is not a problem. However, if you don’t want to move accommodation many nights in a row, consider making the city of Rouen a base for the next few nights.

Where to Stay in Rouen

Hotel Cardinal – Located in the very centre of Rouen on the banks of the Seine River, this hotel is an excellent option for mid-range travellers. They have a number of great rooms to choose from along with a lovely terrace for guests to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde – This 5-star hotel is the perfect choice for those who want to spare no luxury while visiting the north of France. There are countless incredible amenities available to guests, the hotel is excellently located and there are plenty of great rooms to choose from. Click here to check availability

La Villa – If you’d like to have your own apartment while visiting Rouen, then these fully furnished flats are a great choice. There are a range of different flats to choose from along with plenty of great amenities and a fantastic location in the city. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rouen hotels!

Day 4 – Rouen

Moving away from the coastal towns and further inland towards Paris along the Seine, we reach the wonderful capital city of Normandy, Rouen.

Rouen is a fantastic city to walk around and admire the remaining architecture of the Romans and the Mediaeval period, with numerous Gothic churches to be found scattered around the city. You  take a walking tour  of the area.

The most famous is the huge Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen which gives the Parisian cathedral of the same name a run for its money with its incredibly ornate stone carvings decorating the building from floor to spire.

Rouen’s Cathédrale Notre-Dame was another favourite of impressionist painter Claude Monet, so you can find many replicas and other paintings in a similar style in art shops all around the centre.

The city is perhaps most famous, however, for being the location of the death of French legend Joan of Arc. The 19-year-old was burned at the stake for heresy in May 1431 and quickly became a symbol of French freedom and heroism thanks to her efforts in leading the French army to defeat the British in Orléans in the Hundred Years War.

You can see the location of the young heroine’s death, now marked with a monument, as well as a statue in her honour beside the church dedicated to her.

Besides the beautiful half-timbered houses, historic monuments and churches, you can also find a number of lovely restaurants, the gorgeous 14th-century astronomical clock, the Gros Horloge, a brilliant Fine Arts Museum and the oldest auberge in France, La Couronne, dating back to 1345. Rouen has a bit of everything.

So, if you have more than 5 days to dedicate to your itinerary, it’s worth having a couple of days to spare for Rouen.

Day 5 – Dieppe

If you choose to continue on for another day rather than spending two nights in Rouen at the end of your 5 days in northern France, you’ll have a relaxing beach day in the town of Dieppe.

To get back home at the end of your day, you can head South to Paris to fly out of the country or take the Eurostar to London , Brussels or Amsterdam . Or, head up to Calais to take the Eurotunnel back across the English Channel in your car.

Dieppe is a small fishing community located on the Normandy coast, so it’s a perfect location to get your fresh fish, oysters and langoustines as well as enjoy the sunshine and a dip in the sea on a warm day.

You can visit the Château de Dieppe which houses a museum dedicated to the town’s history as a significant location in France’s ivory trade, with many skilled ivory carvers having lived there, as well as it being a place of influence in the impressionist artistic period.

For those with a historical interest, you can also learn about Operation Jubilee in the town’s permanent exhibition the Memorial of 19 August 1942; this military endeavour saw many soldiers from Dieppe killed during the Second World War.

The town itself is also lovely to wander around, with such gems as the Gothic Church of Saint-Jacques, the huge white cliffs looming over the beach and the harbour for you to discover.

Day 6 – Le Touquet

Making the most of the coast before heading inland again on day 7 of your northern France itinerary, we come to the delightful small town of Le Touquet.

Also known as Paris-Plage, le Touquet is one of the main destinations that saw thousands of Parisians descend on it during summer from the early 1900s onwards to enjoy the wonderful beaches.

Many large villas were built as summer homes for the wealthy Parisians, as well as tennis courts, golf courses and a casino, so there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the warm weather.

A lot of the town of Le Touquet was destroyed in both Allied and Nazi German bombings during the Second World War, and some buildings remain partially destroyed as memorials to the destruction.

However, several wonderful large houses also remain, showing off the fanciful designs of the Roaring Twenties. The town has also kept up its famous nightlife, so it’s a great place to spend your evening with a few cocktails and dance the night away.

Just along the coast from Le Touquet, you can find another lovely seaside town, Berck-sur-Mer. Film and literature enthusiasts will know the town as the setting of the internationally renowned book and film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly ; the true story of a man who overcomes incredible adversity by writing a novel despite having Locked-In Syndrome. Definitely give it a watch before you go or read the book while you lounge on the beach.

This part of the coastline is also famous for having seal colonies living on the beach all year round, especially on the Plage des Phoques.

You shouldn’t approach the animals, but admiring them from the clifftops (you may need a pair of binoculars at low tide) is a wonderful way to spend your afternoon. For families with young children, there’s also a small amusement park, Bagatelle, just outside of the town.

End your day of exploration in the city of Lille, where there are plenty of great places to stay.

Where to Stay in Lille

Moxy Lille City – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Lille is an excellent choice for mid-range travellers. They have an array of great rooms to choose from, breakfast on offer each morning and a perfect location for exploring the city. Click here to check availability

Grand Hotel Bellvue – Those after a luxury option in Lille will love this opulent hotel located on the Grand Place. There are a myriad of gorgeous rooms to choose from and endless great amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

Aparthotel Adagio – This aparthotel is a fantastic choice for travellers looking for their own furnished flat while visiting the north of France. They have a great location in Lille along with a range of flats to choose from. Click here to check availability

The People – Lille – Budget and solo visitors to this historic French city will love this centrally-located hostel. Not only do they have a range of private rooms and dorms available, but there is also an on-site bar and restaurant to enjoy here. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lille hotels!

Day 7 – Lille

There’s no better place to spend the last day of your road trip, than the beautiful city of Lille . With its wonderful central square, Place du Général de Gaulle, lined on all sides by exquisite architecture, especially the city’s old stock exchange, La Vieille Bourse, this is a great place to enjoy your final night and say your farewells to France.

Take a quick ride on the big wheel for views over the city, visit the stunning modern Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral and walk down to the Citadelle de Lille for a pleasant stroll and marvel at famed architect Vauban’s work.

While in Lille you can also visit the Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle, where the former French president and leader of the Free French during WWII grew up, expertly restored to accurately resemble his original childhood home, with the addition of information about the Frenchman and his contribution to defeating the Nazis in France.

To learn more about the city you can take a walking tour with a guide. If you plan to visit many attractions then the Lille City Pass could be worth it as well.

You’ve probably eaten enough fish so far on the Normandy coastline, so it’s time for some cheese-covered treats like Le Welsh, similar to Welsh Rarebit and the Portuguese Francesinha, or the Flemish-style Chicory Gratin.

You can, of course, get fantastic Moules Frites in the city, but whatever you order, make sure you get some classic French Fries on the side.

To end your trip, you can then easily take the Eurostar back to London or on to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam .

Have More Time?

If you’re lucky enough to have more than a week in northern France, there are many more activities you can enjoy and small coastal communities to visit, especially for those with a keen interest in history.

Between Mont-Saint-Michel and Honfleur, if you want to break up your journey slightly, you can stop by the small town of Bayeux, famous for its enormous tapestry of the same name.

Created in the 11th century and depicting the battles of William the Conqueror, the Bayeux Tapestry is an impressive 70 metres long and almost half a metre tall, and has survived the last thousand years in remarkable condition.

Along the coast north of Bayeux and on to Honfleur, are the famous D-Day beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, which saw the Americans, British and Canadians land in June 1944 before pushing through northern France and freeing the French from Nazism. You can take historic guided tours of the beaches to learn of the significance of D-Day and the Allied efforts in the war.

You can also spend a day in the lovely historic city of Caen. With brilliant Romanesque architectural remnants all over the city and a castle constructed by William the Conqueror, there’s plenty in the city of history fans – not to mention the museums dedicated to WWII and the Cold War.

Another great option is to visit the lovely city of Giverny, which is en route to Paris coming from Rouen and another popular place to visit within Normandy . It has a beautiful, historic old town and a great vibe to explore.

Northern France has plenty to excite any traveller, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the wonderful beaches, delight in the incredible seafood and immerse yourself in a thousand years of history as you drive or ride along on your North France itinerary.

Are you planning a trip to northern France? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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The Ultimate One Week Road Trip Itinerary For Normandy

Exploring Normandy? Here’s my guide to a one week road trip in this beautiful and storied region of northern France.

This guide covers all the top attractions and must visit towns in Normandy to see in 7 days. I also give you options for extending your trip in Normandy.

Normandy is a region steeped in history. In Normandy, legendary figures like William the Conquerer and Joan of Arc changed the course of history.

Normandy’s landscapes inspired the Impressionist painters. D-Day beaches commemorate the horror of WWII. In Bayeux, a 1,000 year old tapestry tells the story of medieval warfare and sieges.

Handsome Normandy is crammed with appealingly diverse landscapes. From its picturesque pastures to its ancient fishing harbors, Normandy is a bucolic melange of medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Colorful half timbered architecture, windows bursting with flower boxes, is everywhere. Weathered slate-steepled churches decorate apple orchards, which produce the region’s famed cider. Seaside pleasures, set against chalky cliffs, cater to the senses.

Normandy is the birthplace of the Impressionism movement. No place is more linked to a particular art movement than Normandy is linked to Impressionism.

Impressionists didn’t just share a unique style of painting, focused on light and color. The artists found a common muse in Normandy.

Here’s an overview of my recommended one week itinerary for visiting Normandy:

• Day 1 : Drive to Rouen, stop in Giverny or at Chateau Gaillard
• Day 2 : Explore Rouen
• Day 3 : Drive to Honfleur
• Day 4 : Day Trip To Etretat and/or Fecamp
• Day 5 : Day trip to Le Havre or Deauville
• Day 6 : Drive To Bayeux
• Day 7 : Day Trip to D Day Beaches
• More time: Mont Saint-Michel and Brittany

This 1 week itinerary assumes you’re departing for Normandy from Paris. If you want to spend time in Paris, I have a 3 day itinerary for Paris and a 5 day itinerary for Paris you may find useful.

For this Normandy itinerary, you’ll have three bases: (1) Rouen (2 nights); Honfleur (3 nights); and Bayeux (2 nights). If you don’t want to move bases, you can just pick one. The destinations in this Normandy itinerary aren’t far apart.

I would recommend Bayeux, a beautiful town right out of the middle ages. Bauyeux is near the inland towns, but still only 4 miles from the coast of Normandy.

There are 16 direct trains from Paris from Bayeux, if you’d prefer not to drive from Paris. Honfleur also makes a good base, central to all the Normandy destinations I’ve listed.

This detailed 7 day road trip itinerary for Normandy has a mix of historic sites, leisurely villages, and nature. It’s perfectly adjustable, giving you some destination inspiration for Normandy.

You can make the road trip shorter or longer, depending on your available vacation time or personal fast/slow travel pace. If you just have a long weekend, skip Giverny and Rouen and head right to Honfleur or Bayeux.

One Week In Normandy Itinerary

Here’s how to spend 7 blissful days in beautiful Normandy.

Day 1: Paris To Rouen, Stop at Giverny or Chateau Gaillard En Route

On day 1, you’ll depart from Paris and head west on the A13 to the medieval town of Rouen.

En route, depending on your interest, stop in either Giverny (home of Claude Monet) or at Chateau Gaillard (medieval ruins of Richard Lionheart’s fortress).

1. Option 1: Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny

En route, follow signs for Vernon and stop in Giverny. Giverny is about a one hour drive from Paris. Rouen is approximately 45 minutes further on from Giverny.

Giverny is the perfect place to start your Normandy adventure. Giverny is home to the house and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. It’s a one-of-a-kind pastoral paradise, born from the great artist’s obsession.

READ : The Monet Guide To Paris

Monet lived half his life in Giverny. You won’t find any original Monet paintings. Instead, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into one of his utopian paintings.

In Giverny, Monet, a devoted horticulturist, created an ethereal and exquisitely staged garden in the French-Norman countryside. With the scent of roses wafting in the air, Monet’s garden is one of the world’s most beautiful and popular gardens.

To wander through Monet’s Garden is akin to living in one of his paintings. A world of flowers of every color fills your field of view, nodding slightly in the breeze. It looks like a paint factory explosion, or a few flicks of Monet’s paintbrush.

There are two parts to Monet’s labor-of-love gardens — the Clos Normand flower garden and the Water Garden. The Clos Norman is a boldly colored display and expressly Western. The Water garden is organic, Asian, and more exotic.

The two gardens are connected by a tunnel passing under the road. The gardens are immensely popular — a pilgrimage and mecca for Monet fans, Francophiles, and avid gardeners.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Giverny . Click here to book a 1.5 hour guided tour of Monet’s house and gardens. Click here to book a skip the line ticket + 2 hour guided tour.

2. Option 2: Chateau Gaillard

If you’re a ruin luster who’d like to avoid tourists, stop in Les Andelys on the Seine River to visit Chateau Gaillard . It’s a designated historic monument in France. Its name means “strong castle.”

Richard the Lionheart built Chateau Gaillard between 1196-98. Perched on the Seine, the fortress secured the western border of France and was a symbol of power. The fortress changed hands and endured various sieges until Henry IV ordered its destruction in 1603.

You can explore the chateau grounds year round. With a ticket, from March to November, you can head inside and visit the inner bailey, and upper courts, and dungeon.

For the time, Chateau Gaillard had an innovative design.

The fortress was one of the earliest known examples in which machicolations were used – openings in the floor of battlements through which objects and hot liquids were thrown on would be attackers.

The chateau’s successive rings of moats and fortifications made the inner keep almost impregnable. It features a “stepped” or “scalloped” wall at the top of the defences. This allowed soldiers to shoot between sections of wall.

Chateau Gaillard is 55 minutes from your destination of Rouen. If you have extra time en route to Rouen, you can also stop in the pretty village of Lyon-la-Foret, 30 minutes from the chateau.

Designated one of France’s Les Plus Beaux Villages, Lyons-la-Foret is a classic French village with half-timbered houses. It dates from the 17th and 18th century.

The town has cozy cafes, quaint antique shops, and a covered marketplace. If you want to grab some lunch, try Le Bistro du Grand Cerf, Le Petit Lyons, or La Licorne.

From Lyons-la-Foret, it’s about 45 minutes to Rouen, which will be your first base.

Where to stay in Rouen : Hotel de Bourgtheroulde , Hotel Cardinal , Le Vieux Carre

Where to eat in Rouen : Restaurant Gill (Michelin), Restaurant Origine, l’Odas (Michelin), La Pecherie, Au Bouillon Normand

Day 2: Explore Rouen

Medieval Rouen is 2000 years old. It’s one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations, with half timbered homes and winding medieval lanes.

With its lantern tower piercing the clouds, Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is Rouen’s crown jewel.

Rouen’s central square is where Joan of Arc, the teen who rallied France to drive out the English, was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. During WWII, Allied bombing raids laid waste to the city. A lot to endure, no?

But Rouen is still lovely and its cobbled old town is a joy to wander. You may want to book a guided walking tour .

Stroll the length of the Rue du Gros Horloge, the pedestrianized main drag, to Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Along the way, take in all the colorful half timbers, the Place du Vieux Marche, the massively ornate Great Clock, and the modern Joan of Arc Church. If you have time, climb the clock tower’s 100 steps for panoramic views.

Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a landmark of art history, one of Europe’s best cathedrals. Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral was built on the foundations of a 4th century basilica.

The cathedral rises 151 meters tall, making it one of the tallest in France. The Dukes of Normandy were traditionally crowned and buried there. Richard the Lionhearted insisted his heart be kept there. You can still see what Impressionist artist Claude Monet painted more than a century ago.

Rouen also has a wonderful museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It has masterpieces from the 15th century to the 21st century, including works from Velazquez, Van Dyke, Delacroix, Gericault, Delaroche, and the Impressionists.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour of Rouen

READ : Guide To the Impressionism Trail in Normandy

Day 3: Drive To Honfleur

On day 3, head to Honfleur, your next base for 3 nights. Honfleur is a 50+ minute drive from Rouen. So, if you start early, you can spend most of the day there. To get oriented, you may want to book a 1.5 hour guided walking tour .

Honfleur is a classic Norman town, dubbed “the jewel of Normandy.” In Honfleur, the Seine flows into the English Channel, reflections mirrored in Le Vieux Bassin or old harbor.

The novelist Baudelaire once declared, “Honfleur has always been the dearest of my dreams.” Victor Hugo called Honfleur “a ravishing port full of masts and sails, crowned with green hills and surrounded by narrow houses.

READ : Guide To the Victor Hugo Museum in Paris

Honfleur is lined with gorgeous 16th to 18th century row houses with slate roofs and facades. Honfleur also has some beautiful churches and is laced with a maze of tiny cobbled streets.

The medieval Church of Saint Catherine is the largest wooden church in France, and Honfleur’s spiritual heart. It was built in the 15th century by sailors.

All this beauty besotted the Impressionists and fellow artists and writers. Art historians claimed that Honfleur was the “birthplace of Impressionism. There, local artist Eugene Boudin urged Monet to paint outside in “plein air,” changing the course of art history.

Honfleur is a cultural treasure. Not surprisingly for a town that begs to be painted, the town boasts 95 art galleries, with works by contemporary painters keeping Boudin’s spirit alive.

Housed in a 19th century chapel, the Musee Eugene Boudin is a pleasing small museum with airy rooms. You’ll find myriad samples of dreamy coastal scenes by the Normandy-loving Impressionists, especially the Honfleur School.

There are plenty of meteorological coastal scenes by its namesake painter Boudin. There are also paintings by the likes of Courbet, Monet, Vuillard, Sisley, and Pissarro. You can see how Boudin inspired later masters, who took Boudin’s techniques to the next level.

Where to stay : Hotel de la Cheval Blanc , Horel de l’Ecrin , Hotel du Dauphin , La Maison de Lucie

Where to eat : La Bouilland Normand, Cote Resto, Restaurante la Lieutenance, Au P’tit Mreyeur, Fereme Saint Simeon, Sa.Qua.Na (Michelin), Entre Terre et Mer

Day 4: Explore Honfleur + Half Day Trip To Etretat or Full Day Trip to Etretat and Fecamp

1. option 1: morning in honfleur, afternoon in etretat.

Spend the morning exploring or going to the museum, if you didn’t get a chance on your first day in Honfleur. After lunch, drive to the famous white cliffs of Etretat.

It’s an approximately 1.5 hour drive. En route, you’ll drive over the Pond de Normandie, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.

Sleepy Etretat is a classic old world French town with absolutely mesmerizing scenery. Etretat is set on the sea. Waves crash against the shores of a jagged chalky coastline, with a pretty beach promenade.

A monumental arch, Porte d’Aval, plunges into the sea. It’s France’s version of England’s White Cliffs of Dover.

The town’s indescribable natural beauty inspired artists like Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Eugene Boudin, and Gustave Courbet. The cliffs, known as the Elephant and the Needle, were one of the artists’ favorite spots to paint. They’re huge and beautiful; softly undulating and momentous.

The best way to admire the seascape is to walk along the cliffs. It’s not intimidating at all. On your walk, you’ll come across the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The original was destroyed in WWII, but it was rebuilt in the 1950s.

When you’re done admiring the caves and tunnels carved into the cliffs, head down the staircase to the sparkling turquoise waters of Etretat Beach. The water is cold, but the pebbles are soft and smooth, not hard on the feet.

Etretat’s town center is quaint and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s bursting with shops, eateries, and art galleries.

Cider is a local specialty and there are plenty of crepes. There’s also quite a number of small bed and breakfasts — a testament to Etretat’s appeal to (mostly) French tourists.

2. Option 2: Full Day Trip to Both Etretat and Fecamp

Fecamp is about 25 minutes east of Etretat. Like Etretat, Fecamp is a pretty coastal resort town with dramatic white cliffs, just a 5 minute walk from the town center. You can stroll along the beaches and admire the lighthouse.

Cap Fagnet is Fecamp’s famous viewpoint, just across the port. On one side, you can admire the cliffs. On the other, you can see Fecamp’s harbor and block houses.

While in Fecamp, you should visit the Abbatiale de la Ste-Trinite, or the Benedictine Palace Museum. Built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the most important pilgrimage sites in Normandy until Mont Saint-Michel was built. Now, it has both Neo-Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

The abbey is famous for its Benedictine liqueur, which is still produced onsite. You’ll get a sip at the end of your visit. If you’re staying in Fecamp for dinner, you’ll find some good seafood restaurants. Try Chez Nounoute or La Maree

Day 5: Day Trip To Deauville or Le Havre

On day 5, head to either Deauville or Le Havre. Your choice will depend on where you interests lie.

Deauville is an utterly charming resort town on the Parisian Riviera, about 25 minutes from Honfleur. In Deauville, you can hit the beach, relax, and enjoy the social whirl.

By contrast, Le Havre is for art lovers. Le Havre is also only 25 minutes afield as well. The town has one of France’s best museums, with a stunning collection of Impressionism.

1. Option 1: Deauville

Glamorous Deauville is a favorite spot of wealthy Parisians. Deauville is like the Hamptons of Paris, a convenient and luxe beach resort just far enough to escape the bustle and heat of city life. The town is part of the “Parisian Riviera.”

The Parisian Riviera stretches for 25 miles between Caen and Honfleur and is known as the Cote Fleurie, or Flower Coast. In The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald has his protagonists spend part of the year in Deauville.

Deauville is a beautiful town. It’s stuffed with aristocratic Anglo-Norman mansions from the Victorian era.

They’re elegant old world half timbered homes with Queen Anne style accents and witches’ hat turrets The houses are even more distinctive and ornamental than those in Alsace.

Aside from architecture, Deauville is renowned for its stately seaside strand (Promenade des Planches), horse racing, luxury shopping, delicious cuisine, and film festivals. Enjoy a stroll down the promenade and stop for lunch at Augusto Chez Laurent or La Peniche.

In addition to attracting Parisians, Deauville also enamored the Impressionist painters. Those included Monet, Berthe Morisot, Boudin, and Gustave Caillebotte. Lured by the setting, they set up their easels outside on the beach and painted Deauville’s beautiful coastal landscapes.

If you don’t want to indulge in beach time, instead take a coastal drive along the Cote Fleurie and see its other villages — Trouville-sur-Mer, Cabourg, Houlgate, and Cricqueboeuf. Trouville’s beach is known as the “Queen of the Beaches.”

2. Option 2: Le Havre

As a result of Allied bombing, Le Havre was largely obliterated during WWII.

The town was rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, a mentor to Le Corbusier. His post-war modernist vision still marks the town, earning the first UNESCO designation for an urban center in 2005.

Le Havre was a favorite haunt of the Impressionist artists. Its location at the mouth of the Seine estuary gave the town exceptional light.

The water runs in a current, giving off glimmer and glints as the light catches it. Le Havre’s port, dockyards, beaches, and regattas inspired all the major players in Impressionism.

Claude Monet grew up in le Havre. In 1872, when he was 32, he painted the groundbreaking harbor scene Impression: Sunrise . It’s in a small secret museum in Paris , the Musee Marmottan Monet. The Post-Impressionist Raoul Dufy was also born in Le Havre.

The once gritty town has become a dynamic art center. The Andre Malraux Museum of Modern Art (known as MUMA), in and of itself, is an excellent reason to visit Le Havre.

Housed in a light-filled building overlooking the Seine, MUMA boasts one of the largest collections of French Impressionism in the world. It’s a mini Musee d’Orsay without the Paris crowds. There are works by Boudin, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, Pissarro, Courbet, and Dufy.

For lunch, have some crepes at the Creperie Soizic in the old quarter. For a cocktail, try L’Abri-Cotier on the promenade.

Day 6: Drive To Bayeux

On day 6, drive west from Honfleur to Bayeux. It’s about a one hour drive.

You’ll have the entire day to poke around and explore this delightful medieval town. You may want to book a 2 hour walking tour .

If you didn’t breakfast in Honfleur, head to the patisserie La Reine Mathilde.

Beautiful Bayeux is a town that played an outsized role in French history. It’s the perfect base for historic Normandy — the site of the Norman invasion of France in 1066 and WWII’s D-Day landings of 1944.

Most people go to Bayeux to see the thousand year old, and exceedingly long (230 feet), Bayeux Tapestry.

Housed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum , the tapestry chronicles the events leading up to William the Conqueror’s invasion of France. In 50 scenes, it depicts the battle of Hastings and the showdown between William and King Harold II.

It’s unclear when the the Bayeux Tapestry (actually an embroidery) was created. But historians speculate that it was not long after the events it depicts.

The tapestry is remarkably well-preserved given its age, though it has been restored several times. The tapestry was most likely created by William’s queen, Matilda, and her court.

The Nazis seized the tapestry during WWII. It would up at the Louvre , which the Nazis had commandeered and were using as a clearinghouse for art theft. After the war, the tapestry was returned to Bayeux, its rightful owner.

READ : Underrated Masterpieces of the Louvre

But Bayeux isn’t just a piece of cloth, however impressive. Full of medieval architecture, the town itself is delightful and fairytale-like. Honey colored stone buildings are topped with black slate roofs. Flowing flower boxes spill into the narrow lanes.

While you’re strolling, pop into Bayeux’s Notre-Dame Cathedral. This extremely large Norman-Romanesque church was consecrated in 1077 and has survived countless wars and conflicts.

The cathedral is thought to be the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Fierce gargoyles on the exterior scowl down at you. In the summer, there’s a fantastic nighttime light show.

Where to stay in Bayeux : Villa Lara , Chateau de Bellefontaine , Grand Hotel du Luxembourg , or Novotel Bayeux

Where to eat in Bayeux : La Rapiere, L’Angle Saint Laurent, Le Pommier, La Reine Mathilde (breakfast), Le Volet Qui Penche, P’tit Bistro

Day 7: Day Trip to the D-Day Beaches

On the last day of your one week Normand itinerary, you’ll visit the historic D-Day beaches. Bayeux makes the perfect base for visiting the D-Day beaches. Unchanged and undeveloped, the beaches are like a time capsule.

You may want to book a guided day trip tour. To do it all, you could go on a 9 hour guided tour of the beaches from Bayeux. Or you could take a half day trip lasting 5 hours .

There, the US successfully carried out the largest military operation in history on June 6, 1944. On this day, US troops gained a foothold in France, a pivotal moment in history which led to the crumbling of Nazi Germany.

You can immerse yourself in the history of Operation Overlord, and the daily lives of the German and Allied troops. For background, visit the America Gold Beach Museum , the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy , and the Bayeux War Cemetery.

The D-Day beaches consist of a 54 mile stretch of coast from Sword beach in the east to Utah beach in the west.

This area is dotted with WWII museums, cemeteries, monuments, and battle remains. For a comprehensive guide to the D-Day beaches, click here .

You won’t be able to see everything in a day, even with a tour guide. Plan your day around a theme, whether you want to visit the American, Canadian, or British sites and memorials. Five miles west of Omaha Beach is the area’s best scenic lookout, Pointe du Hoc.

If you rented a car, from Bayeux, it’s a three hour drive back to Paris. Or, if you picked up your car in Rouen, drop it in Bayeux and take the train back to Paris.

Extra Time in Normandy? Visit Mont Saint-Michel

There are plenty more beautiful cities to visit in Normandy . But an absolute must visit l andmark in France is Mont Saint-Michel.

In fact, you could reverse this itinerary and start in Mont Saint-Michel, then travel east through Normandy. But, with no direct connections, Mont Saint can be a pain to get to from Paris.

In any event, from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel, it’s 1:35 drive by car. But the Mont is worth the effort, especially if you start early.

Click here to pre-book a ticket. You can also book a full day guided day trip tour from Bayeux .

Mont Saint-Michel is the crown jewel of Normandy. It’s one of France’s most recognizable silhouettes, a veritable castle in the clouds.

The famous landmark is a pretty-as-a mirage island sanctuary. Its steeply built architecture seems almost impossible. A surreal medieval stage set, the Mont’s sky-high spires, stout ramparts, and rocky outcrops rise dramatically from the sea.

The immense stone pile stands guard over gleaming sands laid bare by a receding (and unpredictable) tide. At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel seems to float in the sea.

The hulking abbey is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Christendom. In medieval times, devotees flocked to venerate the Archangel Michael. The Mont’s star attraction is the ancient abbey crowning its top.

You can overnight at the Mont, on the mainland (pamper yourself at the luxury Chateau de Chantore ), or in nearby Saint-Malo (L’Ascott) in Brittany.

A trip to Mont Saint-Michel takes some time and planning. Click here for my complete guide to visiting Mont Saint-Michel, with tips for visiting.

If you have an extended vacation planned, Brittany is a fantastic place to continue your road trip. Click here for my guide to the 20 most beautiful villages in Brittany .

Tips for Visiting Normandy

The best time to visit Normandy is in late spring and summer. Then, the weather is pleasant, the days are longer, and the flowers are in full bloom. After summer, some villages go into hibernation mode and there’s not as much to see and do in Normandy.

Ideally, you should rent a car to explore Normandy. Normandy’s villages are best explored by car because public transportation is scarce.

Trains from Paris serve Rouen, Caen, Bayeux, and Mont St-Michel. But service interconnecting these Normandy destinations is frustrating or non-existent.

In Normandy, cars drive on the right hand side, so that will be familiar. You don’t even need an International Driver’s License in France. Most of the motorways have tolls, so have cash on hand.

In terms of cuisine, Normandy is known for the “four C’s” — camembert, cider, calvados (apple brandy), and cream. Creperies and galette cafes are omnipresent. There’s no local wine in Normandy. You’ll have to make do with cider or the white Muscadet wines made in neighboring Loire region.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 1 week itinerary for Normandy. You may enjoy these other France travel guides:

• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Art Weekend in Paris
• Hidden Gems in Paris
• 10 Day Itinerary for Southern France
• Secret Towns in France
• Hidden Gems in Provence
• Beautiful Towns in Northern France
• Hilltop Villages of the Luberon Valley
• Historic Landmarks in Southern France
• Beautiful Villages in Occitanie

If you’d like to road trip for one week in Normandy, pin it for later.

8 thoughts on “The Ultimate One Week Road Trip Itinerary For Normandy”

Wooow Amazing travel itinerary! We are planning our visit for this summer and your tips helped a looot! Thank you so much!!!

Have a great time!

Thank you for this incredibly detailed and informative itinerary. Your explanations, recommendations, and options are very helpful for tailoring to our family since we don’t have unlimited time. Your photos are wonderful. I also want to thank you for your travel tips about getting around, information about foods to eat while there, etc. Thank you!

You’re welcome! Enjoy your vacation in Normandy!

Thank you so much for a lovely itinerary! I’m headed there later this summer and I’m now sold that a whole week in Normandy will be well worth it!

Yes! It deserves more than just a couple days. There’s so much to see.

This looks wonderful! Thank you for such a detailed itinerary. We are going next year and will definitely want to do the full week.

Thank you and enjoy the trip!

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Last Updated on August 26, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

Road Trip northern France

• Janine Marsh
• Nord-Pas de Calais

The far north of France, known as Hauts de France comprising the departments Picardy, Pas-de-Calais and Nord is the perfect road trip destination. A land of castles, seaside resorts, forests and lakes. There are ancient towns and cities, gorgeous countryside and picturesque villages and even Champagne vineyards! If you’re after a road trip that takes you to the heart of authentic France.  Where you’ll enjoy delicious food, meet friendly folk and discover a historic land that’s full of surprises. Then hit the road and explore this unexpected and extraordinary region…

Unspoiled, uncrowded, rural tourism at it’s best.

Road Trip Pas de Calais, northern France

Our journey began on P&O Ferries from Dover to Calais on an early morning sailing. Turning left out of the port we headed for the D940 Opal Coast route, which I call the Route 66 of the north of France. It passes through a stream of small fishing towns, seaside resorts and some of the most beautiful scenery in France.

There are miles and miles of unspoiled and endless sandy beaches. There are huge dunes and pine forests; dramatic clifftop walks offer dizzying views across the Channel to the White Cliffs of Dover – clearly visible on a cloudless day. Some parts of the coast remind me of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Massive boulders seem to spill out of the sea and up to the road. Fishermen sit silent and patient along the water’s edge with rods and nets. Out to sea you can see traditional wooden fishing boats bobbing on the calm water.

Secluded Bays and picnic dreams

The sky was blue, the English Channel was the colour of the Mediterranean Sea, a soft sort of turquoise. The air was scented with apples from orchards lining the country roads as we drifted off the main coastal route and into the beautiful countryside to hunt down a patisserie. Nothing says France more than a baguette with a chunk of cheese followed by a jewel like cake and a glass of chilled wine. We sat on a blanket overlooking the English Channel, rabbits hopping around us, birds swooping above. A moment of pure pleasure.

We found secret, secluded bays where seals frolicked. There are monuments and museums, and the remains of the Atlantic Wall built as protection against allied invasion during World War II.

Stop en route to discover secrets and surprises

It doesn’t take more than 45 minutes from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer. But, it’s far better to spend the entire day on this section of the road. Stop to enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a friendly, welcoming café and buy fish fresh from the fishermen who sell direct from their front rooms and garages in villages like Audresselles . Wander on the beach, admire the ancient fort at Ambleteuse (above) and the Belle Epoque villas at Wimereux.

This is a part of France that’s hardly known outside of the region despite being captured on canvas by J M Turner who loved the ”opal” quality of light, and Charles Dickens singing the praises of the area and moving his family there.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer deserves a day of discovery. Head to the old town, so pretty it looks like a film set. Don’t miss the incredible decorated crypt of the Basillica Notre-Dame , the rue du Lille, lined with quirky boutiques and restaurants.

The 13th century Chateau Museum includes an Egyptian collection donated by renowned Egyptologist François Auguste Ferdinand Mariette, born in the town and the founder of the Cairo Museum of Egyptology. Nausicaa , the largest sea aquarium in Europe and heaps more will definitely fill a day right up…

From Boulogne, the D940 runs on through Neufchatel-Hardelot with its neo-Shakespearian Theatre and Castle with a cultural centre dedicated to Entente-Cordiale and glorious Hardelot beach. And on through charming Etaples, once a fishing port, neighbour to the swanky jet set seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, and several lovely seaside towns before crossing the border into Picardy…

Road Trip Picardy, Northern France

Marquenterre nature reserve.

Close to the border at Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont, we followed the signs for Parc Marquenterre . I’m not a twitcher, but I love animals and this nature reserve on the Bay of the Somme has a reputation for being really special.

A dusty track ended in a huge car park where a surprisingly smart and large restaurant and bar tempted us in. Here in what feels like the middle of nowhere, they serve delicious dishes with heirloom vegetables, the freshest local fish and superb desserts, fitting fuel for explorers. 200 hectares of land covered in marshes, peppered with lakes and ponds, dunes and reed beds are an absolute magnet for birds of all types. From a hide, I spied on storks and herons. Birds tweeted above and around us. The air is fresh and unpolluted, you feel as if you have the whole area to yourself. Marquenterre is mesmerising, memorable and magical.

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, steam trains and cobbled streets

From here it’s a short ride to the town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme . This ancient and extremely photogenic little town on the Somme Estuary has absolutely oodles of charm. It’s easy to spend an entire day here.

Stroll the cobbled streets. Wander along the harbour and the long esplanade to ogle the mansion houses. And discover the colourful sailors district. You’ll know exactly what lured the artist Degas and writers Victor Hugo and Jules Verne to holiday here. Long before them, Joan of Arc was held captive here. The dungeon where she is said to have been imprisoned is still there. It’s a tiny stone tower and you can’t help but think how the poor girl must have felt cooped up in her claustrophobic prison.

William the Conqueror was here too, stopping off to collect soldiers before making history and conquering England in 1066. Standing on the ramparts looking out to sea in the medieval town I wondered if he too had stood there. Wondering, dreaming, daring to hope that his ambitious plans to quell his dastardly enemy across the water might come true. All that thinking makes you hungry. Luckily this little town is teeming with cafés, bistros and restaurants.

The stream train is an irresistible lure. It takes you, on authentic wooden seats, round the Bay of the Somme, classified as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. We spotted wild pigs, deer and all manner of birds en route. You can take a boat ride out on the bay where the largest colony of seals in France live. Join a walking or bike tour (you can rent bikes in the town), or simply sit back and enjoy the ambiance. Watching the sun set over the bay, is one of those unforgettably beautiful moments in life…

Gorgeous Gerberoy

Take in the stunning medieval village of Gerberoy. Officially classified as a Plus Beaux Village, it has oodles of charm. Read about Gerberoy here: What to see and do in Gerberoy

Amiens Gothic Cathedral and astonishing floating gardens

The D940 runs all the way to Le Tréport in Normandy where the road then becomes the D925. It then runs around the coast through Dieppe before reverting to its original number to reach Le Havre . But stay in the Hauts de France region and head to the city of Amiens where you’ll discover Les Hortillonnages, one of the best kept secrets of France. These watery arteries give Amiens a unique atmosphere. You really have a feeling that you are in the most beautiful countryside – right in the centre of a busy metropolis.

The hortillonnages are a major heritage site. Marshland gardens, cultivated for centuries, created on man-made islands and on the land which lines the waterways. In fact the gardens are so old that no one knows when they began. But, legend has it that when the city’s Cathedral was built in the 13th century, it was on a field of artichokes managed by the gardeners of the hortillonnages.

All tours are by eco-friendly electric boats which glide silently across the tranquil waters. Steering the boat round islands, stopping off at jetties to look at artworks dotted around, enjoying a picnic on an island – it really brings out your inner happy. The only disturbance was the cooing and calling of birds and the croaking of frogs. You’d hardly even know you’re in a city if it wasn’t for the fact that you can see the spire of the great Gothic cathedral in the distance.

Chateau de Chantilly

At the stunning Chateau de Chantilly treating yourself to some Chantilly cream is de rigeur! Fling the diet plans out of the window and dig straight in. In the gorgeous gardens of this fairy tale castle is a hamlet that was allegedly the inspiration for Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles . Pretty little half-timbered buildings and sweet bridges over a bubbling stream. The restaurant serves great lunches including strawberries and Chantilly cream. It was whipped at our table, right in front of our eyes. I confess, my eyes were not bigger than my belly. I has no trouble getting through a very large dollop of utterly seductive cream.

Read more about Chantilly castle and its amazing stables here .

Chateau Thierry | Champagne Vineyards – in Picardy

Take a detour to the area of Chateau Thierry on the Champagne border. You might be amazed to discover that more than 10% of all the Champagne made, is actually produced from vines in this part of Picardy! I have to tell you, if you’re a fan of the fizz like me, it’ll make you effervescent with happiness to go here. You can enjoy a fabulous tasting at several Champagne Houses.

Thiepval Memorial

Thiepval Memorial is one of the most emotional memorials I’ve been to. Not just because of the 72,000 names etched into the white walls, or the row upon row of crosses.

The guides who work here offer free tours and they share anecdotes and stories of those whose names are forever remembered. As the guide told me about a man whose bravery at trying to save the lives of his comrades ended in his own death, I looked up on the walls. The names are familiar to us all, Davis, Smith, Roberts – and Cedric Dickens, great-grandson of Charles Dickens who’d loved the north of France so much. The absolute tragedy of the sacrifices made, the terrible losses, completely overwhelmed me. I burst into tears and thought how very grateful I am for all that I have.

Road Trip Nord, Northern France

Lille – historic and stunning.

Lille, the capital of Hauts-de-France has the most beautiful old town. Wander it’s cobbled streets under colourful bunting, past boulangeries and cake shops where people wait patiently in queues – a small price to pay for the lushest of dishes. Dine at an authentic estaminet, the Flemish word for an inn. Visit a microbrewery. There are museums and art galleries  galore. You’ll fall under the spell of this vibrant city that’s crammed with museums and cultural highlights and full of friendly folk, so that you can hardly bear to leave. There’s just so much to do: 10 things to do in Lille

And it’s a short journey to the Roubaix district. Here you’ll find the world class La Piscine museum and a whole load more art and culture. And not much further to Lens where you’ll find a branch of the Paris Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. The Lens Louvre is an extraordinary museum and a must-see for all lovers of art.

Saint Omer is about half an hour from Calais which makes it a great last stop on your way home to shop for supplies. But en route from Lens, make a stop at Bethune and discover the pretty town and Chef Marc Meurin’s fabulous hotel and Michelin starred restaurant. The sweet-toothed chef also has a sweet shop that would make Willy Wonka do cartwheels. Chef Meurin also offers cooking lessons . Even I, “Flop Chef”, learned how to create something marvellous! And he has a great, informal restaurant called Le Jardin d’Alice which the locals love.

Back to Saint Omer. It’s a quintessential French market town that has a massive historic footprint. Thomas a Becket AKA Saint Thomas Becket took refuge from Henry II of England there in 1165. Centuries later, three of America’s Founding Fathers, Daniel, Charles and John Carroll, studied at the Jesuit Chapel.

Markets, Shakespeare and Flemish cafes

If you can, be there for the Saturday morning market. A riot of colour and scents and sounds fill the cobbled square in front of the neo-classic town hall. Stalls are piled high with produce, vegetables grown on the local marshes and farms or by green-fingered locals. This is one of the most authentic and friendly markets I’ve ever been to. And when you’re done, pop to the town library. It looks ordinary from outside, however – head to the old part of the building where books go back to the 7th century. A priceless First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays was recently discovered on its heaving shelves! And stop to enjoy a local beer and Flemish dish at any number of cafés and watch the world go by and plan your return to this unforgettable part of France.

Once is never enough.

See my trip by video:

This region is a land of contrast, sea and country, history and culture, arts and crafts and gastronomy. Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, there’s so much to discover that one visit will never satisfy you…

Get my free road trip guide and discover more great things to do in northern France: french-weekendbreaks.co.uk.  There are loads of tips for restaurants and things to do in and around the areas mentioned…

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An epic Northern France road trip Normandy, Brittany, Hauts de France itinerary

Northern France tends to be rather unknown by North American tourists, most will come to France to see Paris or the WWII memorials on the Normandy beaches or perhaps the lavender fields of Provence.

The British and Europeans know many of the secrets of north France but for many non-Europeans, it is not a traditional vacation but once you visit the towns of Northern France you will find it hard not to fall in love with the area. The northern region of France has much to offer from its incredibly rich natural forests and parks to its outstanding historical heritage.

If you are a first-time visitor to France remember to plan your visit carefully you can get carried away trying to visit all the places you have read about. From ancient medieval villages like Dinan and great historic works of art like the Bayeux Tapestry, northern France has a lot to see and do.

Northern France encompasses the regions of Hauts de France, Normandy, and Brittany. Where I’m based these days housesitting is right on the border of Normandy and Brittany in the Mayenne so I get to scope out all the best things to see in this region. With a little help from my travel writer friends, we have picked out some of the best places to visit in Northern France.

Let the road trip of north France begin and here are our picks of the best places in Northern France and my personal northern France highlights.

Planning your road trip to Northern France map

Your ultimate road trip itinerary for northern france, getting to the hauts de france, cap gris nez and cap blanc nez, château de pierrefonds, battle of the somme, getting to normandy, mont st. michel, normandy beaches, getting to brittany,  st. malo, fougères , vitré, côte de granit rose  .

Hauts de France

The Hauts-de-France region is located in the most northern region of France to the north of Paris. This area is also the closest to England and much of it is along the border of Belgium.

There is much to see in the northern area of France from Amiens along the white sand beaches and chalk cliffs similar to Dover all along what is called the Opal Coast of France. The Bay of Somme is a birdwatcher’s paradise, this area (if you remember your history) was the side of some brutal WWI battles and is home to several major monuments and military cemeteries.

This region was of paramount importance during the first world war. Most Canadians learned of Vimy Ridge in their history classes. Its capture was essential to the advances by the British Third Army to the south and of exceptional importance to checking the German attacks in the area in 1918.

Hauts-de-France has six Gothic cathedrals and 23 belfries that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list throughout the region. Don’t forget to make a stop in Lille, Amiens, Beauvais and Dunkirk, Check out the castles at Chantilly, Compiegne and Pierrefonds and the incredible medieval towns and villages along your route.

The Hauts de France region is about a 2-hour drive from Paris but you can get there by train easily from Paris from the Gare du Nord station. Driving is easy either from Paris or if you get to France by Ferry you may arrive in Calais via boat from Dover. There are also ferries from Dover to Dunkirk.

The best places to visit in the Hauts de France

The garden of Monet in Giverny is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Northern France! Claude Monet, the famous French impressionist painter, lived with his family in a beautiful house in the little town of Giverny in Normandy from 1883. Over the years he created a garden around it that will become a real piece of art and an important source of inspiration for his work.

Having seen the beauty of Monet’s paintings, Giverny has always been on my bucket list! I visited it during the summer of 2020 and it didn’t disappoint! I totally understand why it’s the second most popular tourist site in Normandy (after Mont-Saint-Michel). The garden is enchanting and full of flowers: it was even more beautiful than in my imagination!

Monet’s garden is divided into two parts. The first one, in front of the house, is the “Clos Normand”. The Clos Normand is a flower garden of around 1 hectare. The main alley leading to the house is especially picturesque with its metallic arches covered and lined with flowers. The second part is the “Japanese garden”, a water garden located on the other side of the road. Some water lilies are blooming on the pond in summer: a feast for the eyes! This is what inspired the iconic “Nymphéas”.

You can also visit the house of Claude Monet. I was pleasantly surprised by the colours of the place! The house is furnished and full of objects from the time Monet was living here. Once you have visited the house, you can walk around the charming village of Giverny and visit the pretty neighbouring town of Vernon. Le Bistrot des Fleurs is a great traditional French bistro in Vernon. Address: 73 Rue Sadi Carnot. Recommended by Ophelie of Limitlesssecrets.

One of the most beautiful cities in northern France is the picturesque Metz. This lovely city is located in the northeast of the country, close to the border with Germany and Luxembourg. It is well worth a visit, as you will have the opportunity to explore many magnificent sights and places. The charming old town of Metz, the wonderful gardens, the beautiful location on the Moselle and of course the excellent French restaurants and patisseries are just some of the top attractions you will experience on a city trip

The city is beautifully situated directly on the Moselle River, where a bridge connects to the island of Saulcy. Here you will discover beautiful 18th-century buildings and enjoy an authentic French ambience. Especially in the summer months, tourists and locals alike stroll along the riverbank, have a picnic or take a romantic boat trip on the beautiful river.

One of the best things to do in Metz is a visit to the cathedral. It is the main attraction and one of the most beautiful and largest Gothic churches in France. Exploring the cathedral of Metz – Saint-Étienne is also worthwhile from the inside, where you can discover many art treasures. 

For a leisurely break, you should visit Place Saint-Jacques, which is known by locals and tourists for its many nice cafés and restaurants. Here you can enjoy delicious coffee with a grand view of the hustle and bustle. 

All in all, the city of Metz is really something special. It has a lot of historical charm, a long history and is definitely one of the most beautiful cities to visit in France! Recommended by PlacesofJuma

Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez are two magnificent places where you can really enjoy the vastness of the landscape in Northern France. These two viewpoints located close to Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer are one of the only places where you can actually see Great Britain in the distance, only when there’s a clear sky of course.

What I believe makes these locations so unique is not only the view but also the enormous limestone cliffs! At Cap Blanc-Nez there’s even a beach where you can enjoy the sunny weather as well. Although the weather here might be less warm than in the South of France, the region is definitely as beautiful! I’m sure you’ll be blown away by the beauty of these landscapes!

At both Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez you’ll have plenty of parking spots to park your car. The region is also perfect to discover by motorbike as the landscape and little roads are wonderful. Hiking is another beloved activity and the small villages you’ll encounter on your way will for sure charm you. Both viewpoints are carefully maintained and attract many tourists, in particular in summer. If you want to have these places all to yourself, I recommend going off-season, when there’s less of a crowd.

If you have plenty of time, it is also worthwhile to visit the nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer for its wonderful aquarium Nausicaa. After seeing the vastness of the sea from the two viewpoints, it’s a great experience to discover what lives under the sea as well! Contributed by Emma of Emma’s Road Map .

The Château de Pierrefonds is a stunning castle in the Pierrefonds commune of France and carries the historical remnants of a Middle-Age defensive architectural structure. The village itself is nestled on the edge of the Forest of Compiegne, and home to a beautiful lake where you can hire a pedalo boat, a charming town square, and a heartfelt memorial at the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville to remember the nurses who died during WWI.

There is also the impressive Church of Saint-Sulpice, a beautiful 11th-century church that was reconstructed in the 13th century to showcase some gothic elements. Meanwhile, the upper belltower carries traces of Renaissance architecture. Exploring the different parts of the church, I could almost imagine myself exploring through these different time periods.

Of course, the beating heart of Pierrefonds is none other than the Château de Pierrefonds. I truly feel that it’s among the most impressive castles in all of Picardy. With imposing spires and towers, its history is a fascinating one spanning from the 12th century to Napoléon III’s time in the late 1800s.

I really enjoyed exploring the huge salons, donjon, and chapel, as well as walking around the gorgeous parapet, where a view of the lake and village awaits. More interestingly, the castle has been used as a film set for many popular movies and series, including the recent Merlin show.

Pierrefonds is also very close to Paris and an excellent destination to add to your trip to the capital. Hop on the hourly train from Gare du Nord, then catch the bus from Compiègne to Pierrefonds. Or you can simply drive there in less than an hour! Recommended by Cazzy of Dream Big, Travel Far

I’m sure you have heard of Chantilly lace a song by the Big Bopper in the 1950s, well Chantilly lace is a real thing and has decorated many a wedding gown. You can tour the Musée de la Dentelle (Museum of Lace) where you can see demonstrations of this famous lace being created and a history of who wore it when.

Chantilly is also the birthplace of Chantilly Cream which the myth says was created by the chef Vatel for a party for the Duc de Condé, and his cousin Louis XIV at the Chateau de Chantilly.  However, the truth is that the recipe for whipped frothy cream goes back much further, but it became known as Chantilly for being served to the King.

Château de Chantilly is one of the most beautiful castles near Paris built in the 16th century for the House of Montmorency and later owned by the princes of Condé, cousins of the King of France. The château has a beautiful library and an important collection of French artwork. The surrounding gardens were designed by Le Notre, who also created the gardens at Versailles.

The Prince of Condé was horse mad and in the 17th century, he had Les Grandes Ecuries (the Grand Stables) built. Since that time Chantilly has become renowned for being home to the largest horse racing and training facility in France. Les Grandes Écuries hosts the Horse Museum and also a prestigious centre of dressage.

The Castle of Pierrefonds is situated on the southeast edge of the Forest of Compiègne. It was built in the 14th century, by Louis d’Orléans, the brother of Charles VI, but in the 17th century is was destroyed and forgotten until Napoléon I bought it and it was Napoléon III who appointed the Architect Viollet-le-Duc for its restoration.

Sadly, Hauts-de-France also hosts a large number of battlefields, war cemeteries and memorials of WWI and WWI. During the First World War, the Battle of the Somme lasted four and a half months during which more than one million men and women lost their lives.

The Armistice which marked the end of the First World War was signed in the Forest of Compiègne, and you can visit the railway carriage where the armistice was signed. There is a Remembrance Trail, which is a walking route linking Albert and Péronne which takes you through the footsteps of the men of WWI through the battlefields and cemeteries and the memorials that mark their sacrifices on the Western Front.

When I lived in England (yes many years ago) shopping in Calais was the perfect day out and we would come home loaded with French wine, cheese, bread and other items we couldn’t find in London and the journey only took around 2 hours.

Calais has a fabulous beach that many French holidays at as an escape from Paris. Make sure you check out the gorgeous architecture of the Town Hall and its belfry it is a mix of Neo-Renaissance and Flemish styles and was constructed in 1911. The Halls bell tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This is where Charles De Gaulle was married in the building’s wedding hall back in 1921 in a civil ceremony. You will also spot a Rodin statue in front of the Town Hall

The statue commemorates Les Bourgeois de Calais (the Burghers of Calais, six brave men of the city who in 1347 offered themselves as hostages to the English, who were besieging the city, to spare the townspeople from a massacre. In the event, their lives were spared by the English king Edward III after the intervention of his wife Philippa of Hainault.  

Things to do in Northern France – Normandy

Normandy is a charming region just north of Paris. It’s both a rural and seaside area famous for producing excellent cheeses, apple and pear cider, and seafood, such as scallops, mussels, and oysters. The quality of the cuisine of Normandy makes it a must-visit area if you’re a foodie.

Normandy is of course where many tourists come to see the WWII battlefields, the Beaches of Normandy and the memorials. You will also travel through several smaller Northern France towns with many a memorial to Liberation Day in 1945. The North of France bears many scars from WWII and many villages will have central village squares which commemorate the liberation. The small village I am near has named the central square the Place du Mai which commemorates the liberation of Lassay les Chateaux on that date in 1945.

You can get to Normandy via ferry from several ports in the UK or Ireland and there are domestic flight airports. If you are coming from the USA, Canada or further away you are probably going to come to Paris. From Paris, you can take a train, bus or rent a car to see Normandy.

Places you should visit in Normandy

Bayeaux is a must-visit for those captivated by history. A chance to see the great Bayeaux Tapestry which hangs in the Bayeaux Museum is a bucket list stop for me. This incredible 70-metre long work of art tells the story of William the Conqueror , Duke of Normandy and the Battle of 1066 when he became King of England

While it is possible that the Tapestry was designed by men the work would all have been carried out by the superb women embroiders at the time. Only women did this kind of work and the Tapestry was made in England and paints a point of view from the French or rather the winning side in that eponymous battle

Cathédrale Notre Dame is a spectacular Gothic cathedral dating from the 13th century although the crypt there dates back to the 11th century. It has some stunning stained-glass windows that commemorate the sacrifice of the allied forces during the World Wars. You can also visit many of the WWII landing sites, memorials and cemeteries that can be found around Bayeaux.

The Port of Honfleur couldn’t be any prettier. The brightly coloured half-timbered buildings along the quays are full of restaurants, cafes, art galleries and speciality shops Honefleur literally sparkles.

Honfleur is also the port from which Champlain sailed on his voyage to discover Canada and found Quebec. Champlain set up a very lucrative trade for the shipping barons of Honfleur which included cod fishing off the coast of Newfoundland.  

Honfleur is extremely proud of its Impressionist roots – Claude Monet’s mentor Eugène Boudin was born in the town, and Monet and his fellow painters would often set up their easels at the Ferme Saint-Siméon on the hill above Honfleur, to capture the beautiful light of the Seine estuary. 

A visit to Northern France is not complete without seeing Rouen , the largest city in the Normandy region and located on the banks of the Seine river. The city is historic and the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake also has cultural treasures to visit like the historic city centre. You can easily walk around the historic district and find lots of wonderful architectural sites in the city centre.

This includes ornate buildings like the main cathedral, public square and treasures like the Musee de Beaux-Arts, Eglise Saint Maciou, Abbey Saint-Ouen, the Renaissance clock, Palais de Justice, the many pedestrian streets and even the gorgeous gardens around Rouen. If shopping and dining is your thing then it is easy to wander around the historic district with fabulous shopping and dining venues in the city to explore and enjoy the many promenades in town.

You can actually do an easy day trip to Rouen by train from Paris or an overnight stay. If you want to explore more of the city and region and away from the crowds and noise of Paris, then a longer visit to explore the wonderful streets, architecture and other historic treasures and museums make this a worthwhile visit in the Normandy region of France. You can reach Rouen by car in about two hours and slightly longer by train so either a day trip or longer stay to visit other towns and landscapes in Normandy makes it an easy getaway from the Paris bustle and tourist crowds. Contributed by Noel of Oahu Travel Now .

Mont St Michel is one of those iconic places that tourists to Northern France put on their bucket lists. Mont Saint-Michel is not a castle but it certainly arises out of the sea as if it was.

Mont Saint Michel is located on a small island just off the coast of Normandy and is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Mont St Michel is not a castle it is a medieval Abbey and village constructed over 1300 years on a tiny island surrounded by the sea.

Located on the coast of Lower Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel is in the Manche département, Normandy region. Approximately 41 miles (66 km) north of Rennes and 32 miles (52 km) east of Saint-Malo and around 4 hours from Paris. When you first catch sight of the Mont you will spot ramparts that circle the island and a 3 tiered assembly of buildings from the 13th century known as La Merveille (The Wonder) that rise up to the abbey’s pointed spire.

Only 350 or so steps to reach the Abbey and when you get there the entry ticket will cost €10 euros.

Before the world closed down Normandy was one of the most visited places in France during the month of June. Naturally, most tourists divided their time between a visit to Paris and other locations such as Provence but many American tourists specifically come to France to pay their respects to family members who fought and those who died on the Normandy Beaches during WWII.

D-Day and the Battle of Normandy were predominantly fought in the areas of Calvados, Manche and Orne, and it is here that you will find the many memorials, cemeteries and museums that commemorate what happened.

The D-Day Landing Beaches extend over 70km from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont to Ouistreham, via Colleville-sur-Mer and Arromanches-les-Bains. 

A wonderful location that’s a must-see in Normandy is Etretat. This picturesque location is a place I visited with my boyfriend during a Spring road trip and it was the highlight of the whole trip! 

Etretat is famously known for the pretty white cliffs that make up the 130km long Alabaster Coast from Dieppe to Le Harve. These white cliffs can be explored from above along the walking routes, else head down to the pebbled beach to see them from below. If exploring from below, climb through the cave if you dare, allowing you to reach the other side and explore with fewer people.

We did this in time for sunset which we loved being below the cliffs during sunset, which made the location very romantic! Just keep in mind and check the tides of the sea, as it’s possible you can get stuck here during high tide!

The town of Etretat is also lovely, with some delicious restaurants selling local fish dishes as well as popular typical places selling pizzas, chicken and pasta dishes. There are many local boutiques to shop from when not eating, whether you want a souvenir or something cute for yourself. I didn’t buy anything myself, but sure did eat lots of delicious food here! 

Our recommendation for a place to stay is Hotel Dormy House. It’s perfect for those visiting by car and only a 10minute walk from the town centre of Etretat. They have panoramic views with the cliffs and the little Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde church at the top. Contributed by Zoe of Together in Transit.

While it is quite famous amongst the french, Deauville is still relatively off the beaten path for the average tourist in France (but it shouldn’t be). Located on the coast of Normandy, Deauville is a very popular beach town/resort for the rich and famous. If you are looking to spot French celebrities then this is the place to go. Not only is it the place to be seen during a weekend getaway from Paris, but Deauville is also one of the nicest beaches you will find in Northern France. I like to call it Paris’ Riviera.

I somewhat accidentally discovered this beautiful place when I was invited by a friend of a friend to come along and I am so glad I did! Deauville is all about relaxing in style. The main things to do here are to get dressed up and head to a casino, be trackside at a horse race, go shopping at the designer boutiques lining the streets, eat some amazing food and of course, make sure to enjoy the beach itself. If you are feeling a little more active I recommend renting a bike and exploring the whole harbour on two wheels. It’s perfect for a warm summer afternoon!

While you are experiencing the glamorous life of the upper-class Parisians, you have to try some Mussels! A lot of restaurants sell them but you can’t get more authentic than trying some at the Hippodrome Deauville La Touques or simply along the beach. We also ate at Cocotte Cafe which had some delicious options to satisfy my appetite after a long day of relaxing. Recommended by Yulia from Miss Tourist.

Things to do in Northern France – Brittany

La Bretagne (which is Brittany in English) is one of the most visited Northern France regions complete with deep secretive forests, historical cities, rich culture, fabulous food and imbued with Celtic legends. Located in North-Western France Brittany is an immensely popular destination for both British visitors and where many ex-pats move to live in France.

Brittany’s landscape is dotted with picturesque medieval villages , and Disneyesque fairy tale chateaus all set in verdant green landscapes. The views range from stunning craggy coastlines to sweet white sandy beaches and pristine forests.

A land of Celtic myths and legends the area has a fascinating history entwined with Celtic groups from Cornwall , Wales and of course the Breton culture of Canada.

The Brittany region offers endless sightseeing opportunities and authentic local experiences. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and best places to visit in Brittany.

You can get to Brittany by plane and the two major airports are Brest and Rennes. Flights come into these airports from London, Manchester, Dublin, Southampton, Manchester, or Exeter.

From London, visitors from the UK can get to the Gare du Nord in 2 hours 20 minutes by Eurostar. Then, to continue their journey, Brittany has an excellent rail high-speed rail service from Parison the TGV Atlantique train.

Brittany is well connected with the UK and Ireland through the ports of Roscoff and St-Malo. The ferry companies serving these destinations are Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries.

Rennes in Northern France was a must-visit for me as I wanted to wander the ancient streets with all those glorious coloured half-timbered houses. Known as a city of heritage and art its historic centre has preserved its classical and medieval heritage with over 90 protected buildings. 

Place Ste. Anne is the very heart of the old town of Rennes and a favourite spot for photographers and Instagram influencers the medieval centre around the Place Ste-Anne holds around 286 incredible coloured half-timbered buildings. In 1720 there was a fire that burnt down most of the city but this area of cobbled streets and crooked houses was re-built.

Off the Place Sainte-Anne, you will see the rue Saint-Michel which is nicknamed the Road of Thirst because there are dozens of bars all along the street which are frequented by the many students who make their home in Rennes. On the Rue Saint-Michel, you will note there is a bar every 7 metres which is a French record. A small cobbled street that has existed since the Middle ages it is home to 13 bars and the place to hang out in the evening in Rennes. 

In Rennes, you will find everything from fabulous museums, opera and theatre along with gorgeous parks, amazing architecture and medieval history. Oh, and the food of Brittany is served to perfection here in Rennes.

St. Malo dates back to the 1 st  century B.C. under Roman control, taking its name from a 6 th- century abbey, and the inhabitants even considered themselves “Malouines” rather than Bretons. Long sandy beaches sweep east from the old town to the district of Rothéneuf. Here you’ll find the former house of one of St Malo’s most famous sons, Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada and the 15th-century Manoir de Limoëlou house a fascinating museum dedicated to the explorer.

The city’s pirates wreaked havoc on shipping in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town was made an Asylum town in the 12th century, making it the perfect safe haven for pirates and privateers. They lived like gentlemen in the town but ranged the seas and oceans robbing and raiding.

In 1944 the Allies all but bombed the walled city into rubble. The result was that Saint-Malo has been rebuilt in bits and pieces, with some reconstructed timbered structures alongside faux-Neoclassic and modern architecture. You can walk around the walls of the city and definitely visit the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Vincent (whose 15th-century steeple was destroyed in 1944 by Allied bombing and took three decades to restore).

Fougères owes its origin to its imposing castle, installed over a thousand years ago on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the waters of the Nançon river which served as a natural moat.

The town falls into two distinct halves, with the Chateau de Fougeres and the Medieval Quarter being in the lower town and quite high above is the upper town which has been largely rebuilt following a fire in the 18th century.

The medieval old town sprung up to the south of the castle around the River Nançon whose waters were used by the cloth-makers, dyers and tanners; tanning was a by-product of cattle breeding, which was a major industry in the surrounding area. The prettiest and most atmospheric part of the old town is Place du Marchix, which is lined with half-timbered houses.

These days the main part of Fougères is the upper town, which overlooks the castle. On the main shopping street, Rue Nationale, you’ll see a 14th-century belfry, which is the oldest one in Brittany. The Belfry  of Fougères is the first to be built in Brittany, in 1397.

At the far end of this street is St Léonard’s church whose bell tower is open to the public in summer and offers fabulous views over the castle and surrounding area; at other times of the year, the views from the adjacent gardens are almost as good. You can also see the stunning Theatre Victor Hugo whose Belle Epoque architecture looks like a wedding cake.

Vitré has it all 15th and 16th-century half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, medieval gates, stone cottages built into the slopes and a fairytale castle.  Dating from the 13 th century the castle has pointed turrets and these days houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the area and admire a collection of 19th-century curiosities.

Vitré’s most famous resident was Mme de Sévigné, known for her letter-writing, who spent a lot of time at the Château des Rochers-Sévigné on the outskirts of town when not in Paris. The manor now houses a museum, which displays objects from her life, and don’t forget to explore the superb garden designed by Le Nôtre, the man who created the gardens at Versailles.

One of the most beautiful places in Brittany in the North of France is the Côte de Granit Rose or the Pink Granite Coast. It is a remarkable area filled with pink sand and rock formations. 

The Côte de Granit Rose extends for more than 20 kilometers from Plestin-les-Grèves to Louannec. The best way to appreciate these unique pink rock formations is to hike by the coast. 

There are several trails along the coast, but the best place to hike the Côte de Granit Rose and where we opted to hike is in the Côtes-d’Armor in the Perros-Guirec Municipality. 

This is an easy 5km hike passing through beautiful landscapes sculpted by erosion. Along the trail, there are several charming beaches like Plage de la Bastille and La Plage Saint Guirec. Plus a cute lighthouse, Phare de Men Ruz, which was our favourite part of the trail. Along the way, there are several spots to grab a bite or have a picnic.

The area of the Côte de Granit Rose also has great beaches to sunbathe with unique pink sand. We recommend two famous beaches Plage Trestraou and Plage Trestrignel. By Cláudia & Jorge From Travel drafts

Mention Cancale to any foodie and they will immediately think oysters. Famed for its breathtaking views over the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel Cancale produces over 15,000 tons of oysters a year. At La Ferme Marine which is a family-run business, you can visit an exhibition of shellfish and see the oyster farmers at work.

Surrounding Cancale’s port La Houle you can try the king of shellfish literally pulled just from the sea and eat watching the waves. Book a cooking lesson at the Culinary School of Olivier Roellinger a retired 3 Michelin starred Chef.

You will also find some great walks along Brittany’s coast and some fabulous beaches.

Dinan is an incredibly well preserved medieval town set on the River Dance and it managed to escape much of the damage caused by WWII. Many of its buildings date back over 700 years.

A wonderful town for a stroll you can take a long walk around the ramparts and enjoy the narrow streets filled with the wonky half-timbered buildings on the Place des Merciers.

Plenty of outdoor cafes with terraces can be enjoyed for food and drink. The Old Quarter Clock tower provides amazing views if you can take the 158 stairs up. There is a Rail Museum for those who love model trains. If you are in town on a Thursday go and enjoy the outdoor market which has been here for hundreds of years at Place Duguesclin.

Dinard is a seaside resort on the Emerald Coast and is famous for its Belle Époque architecture and over 407 listed villas. A favourite beachside holiday for the British in the 19 th century and today Dinard is famous for its mild climate and beautiful beaches.

There are beautiful walks along the bottom of the cliffs or you can stroll like the Victorians taking the sea air along the Promenade au Clair-de-lune to admire those incredible villas.

Saint Pabu is a small town located in the north of France close to the city of Best. You can reach St Pabu in around 30 minutes from Brest so it’s a great day-trip destination. You can definitely spend a few weeks here if you have time because there’s a lot to see and do in the area.

St Pabu is small and only has around 2000 permanent inhabitants. However, because it’s so quiet you won’t have to worry about tourist crowds. St Pabu is authentic and the perfect place to get to know the real Brittany. Try some authentic dishes from the area such as the Gateau Breton or the delicious cider that is produced in the area. 

St Pabu sits right by the ocean and is known for having one of the best beaches in the area. If you haven’t visited northern France you’ll be surprised how incredible the beaches here look. They almost seem like they should be located in the Maldives so to say that this is an underrated tourist destination is an understatement. However, the water is quite cold so make sure to visit during the summer if you plan to go for a swim. You can also enjoy water sports such as kite or windsurfing and paddleboarding. 

St Pabu hosts a weekly market where you can shop for fresh produce and local products. During the summer, sometimes little town festivals with live music and lots of delicious food to try. Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel.

These 23 beautiful places to visit in Northern France is a mere handful of sites you may want to see. The North of France is incredibly beautiful and you could spend years exploring the entire area of Normandy, Brittany and the Hauts de France areas.

What part of northern France have you been to and where would you love to visit again?

Want to read more about France?

French Cheese – 23 amazing types of French cheese

Exploring the beautiful Mayenne – Pays de la Loire, France

French Food Culture: The Ultimate Guide

Best food markets in Europe

Beautiful villages in Normandy

14 Fabulous French Castles to visit

Amboise France

Northern France

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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A 3-day road trip through Normandy, Northern France

Updated On 19th February, 2024

It was certainly a bold move to head to northern France on a road trip at the end of September, as the weather can be a little unpredictable… but I’m never one to say no to a road trip. Where there’s French wine and boulangeries, it’s a yes from me.

This Normandy road trip itinerary is such a great road trip option from the UK as the itinerary begins the moment you drive off the 1hour ferry from Dover (England) to Calais (France), making it a super accessible and easy weekend adventure. This northern France coastline itinerary includes white-chalk cliffs and WWII beachheads, including Omaha Beach, site of the famous D-Day landing but there is so much beyond these iconic sites too.

In this Normandy travel guide, I’m going to share with you the best things to do in Normandy and recommend our favourite stop-offs, accommodations and landscapes.

P.s. You can read about my ferry experience over to France and see pictures  here . It’s a lot easier than you think and having your car with you is an absolute dream (in my opinion) in comparison to the airport faffs that come with flying.

Here’s my guide to a Northern France road trip…

Including the low-down on what we saw, where we dined and the adventures we went on during our 3-day adventure through normandy….

So the trip was indeed initiated by a job with P&O Ferries whereby they had challenged me to be spontaneous, and in doing so expose what adventure is on offer in northern France. But regardless, the itinerary and choices were left to my preferences and I was left to explore as I naturally would.

We lucked out on three days with the weather and I was so content with the adventure Mumma and I had together.

Top tip:  We paid £120 return for both of us in a car for the ferry!

Of course when it comes to France one usually has the likes of  Chamonix  and  Paris  on their bucket list, but in this blog post I’m here to show you that you don’t need to go as far as that to have an equal amount of fun and adventure.

I think you’ll be surprised.

Top tip: Everything I’m going to mention below is on this Google Map, pinned in its exact location. Open the map on your phone during your trip so that you can navigate while you’re there!

Some basic French phrases to get you going…

Click  here  to check out French phrase books for your trip. 

Top tip:  When driving through France you have to account for the cost of toll roads, they do get you! As a bench mark we spent £50 in total for this trip on toll roads. Each one was between €3-9. You’ll need a debit or credit card for this.

Though we made no set itinerary for our 3-day northern France road trip before arriving in Calais, as always, I had pinned a couple of spots on a Google Map that I thought would be awesome to stop off in during our adventure.

Most of them tended to be clustered a couple of hours south of Calais where the ferry arrived in, and so we decided to get the bulk of the driving out of the way straight up.

About an hour in, we made a pit stop for lunch in the seaside town of Le Touquet, the spot where my eyes first lit up.

Driving to the beach front felt like we’d stepped into Beverly Hills: wide spacious streets and gorgeous homes all with their own driveway, rows of full foliage lining every avenue – super pleasing to the eye.

And then the beach (the sun being out definitely had an impact)…. wow. Fine pale sands that had us whip our shoes off in an instant to feel it trickle between our toes.

Northern France?! This is not what I imagined it to be like.

We took a moment longer to soak it all in with our first glass of French wine and a mozzarella and tomato spread before taking to the road again and heading further towards our destination for the night, Fécamp.

About 40 minutes before we were due to arrive in Fécamp, we stumbled across Veules-les-Roses, a cute farming village on the coast of the English Channel.

Tip : Filling up with petrol here cost us €71 (€1.50 – €1.72/L, unleaded).

When we got to Fécamp we had a meal out at Le Reidroc: moules-frites and red wine on the beach (€38.90). It wasn’t the best food in the world but it was yummy and we chose this restaurant because of the location watching the sunset, which was stunning.

It was only a two-minute walk back to  our AirBnb , too. With a sea view and the sound of the waves crashing on our doorstep, it was perfect for exploring this town in northern France.  Get £25 off your first AirBnb stay  here . 

We woke up and had a lazy morning, and then wandered into Fécamp town to the local shops and boulangeries to get eggs, salmon and fresh croissants to enjoy with our balcony doors open listening to the sound of the ocean.

We left around 11am and drove to Étretat, a small town on the coast famous for its chalk cliffs (which are up to 90 metres high!), including three natural arches and a pointed formation called  L’Aiguille  or the Needle.

After grabbing a coffee, we walked through the small town and along the beach.

A hotel recommendation that looked nice was  Manoir de la Salamandre . Let me know if you go or have been!

You can walk up either side from the beach up to the cliff tops for free for views of the weathered cliff formations. 

In the summer there are lots of options for kayaking and watersports from the beach too!

We then drove down to  Honfleur , which took about 45 minutes. I asked you guys on Instagram which Airbnb to go for in Honfleur between  this one  and  this one .

And you chose…

Top tip: Free parking at the Naturospace Honfleur.

We spent the afternoon meandering around the harbour, the cobbled streets and boutique stores here in Honfleur. It’s such a stunning little town, one I can imagine gets very busy in the heat of the summer. Luckily we were just out of peak season and its quaint quiet streets were that much more enchanting. We headed to La Petite Chine to treat ourselves to tea and cake…

We were going to dine out but decided to stock up at Carrefour on goodies so that we could enjoy the cosiness of the ridiculous Airbnb we had both fallen in love with.

Top tip: Stop at Carrefour before you head home to stock up on French goodies and wine. This is another reason why taking your car across on the ferry is so great!

With a fresh warm croissant from the bakery, we spent Saturday morning exploring Honfleur Market.

We then spent half a day at the War Memorials, and then half a day in the cider region en route back.

We headed to  Arromanches-les-Bains  late morning. This area in Normandy played a big part in the Battle of Normandy and the Normandy landings. It’s particularly famous for its Mulberry Harbour, an artificial port that allowed the Allies to offload cargo to be used in battle.

In the heart of the area is the Arromanches 360 cinema. There was a powerful 19-minute movie with real footage that gives you a great overview of what went on during the Batttle of Normandy (€6 each, €3 car park). The museum was €8 each.

Next stop:  Calvados , the cider region,

The  cider route  runs through the region and takes you through the picturesque orchards, rolling hills and green valleys that Normandy is famous for. It also takes you through many cathedrals, abbeys and historical places (D-Day sites and home of the Bayeux Tapestry, to name a couple). It is well sign-posted and about 40km long. You can drive or cycle (about 3 hours). Obviously you can stop off en route to try some cider (but don’t drink and drive!). We only explored for an afternoon, but there’s enough here to spend a couple of days in the region.

Location recommendation:  Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest) is one of three treehouses at Le Domaine de Canon.

We visited the  DuPont cider farm , which was amazing! I’ll let the pictures do the talking here…

In the evening we headed back to Honfleur, where we went to the cosiest French restaurant, which was recommended to us by our Airbnb host as his favourite place to take his wife in town. We opted for the 3 course menu which was 28€ each. A glass of wine was 4-6€ and seeing as we weren’t driving that night, we had a couple!

When in France!…

We cosied up once more in our Airbnb before reluctantly packing our back and leaving to catch the ferry at 10.45am in Calais back to Dover.

I honestly had no idea northern France has so much beauty to offer. I didn’t imagine there to be half the towns, culture and adventure on offer that there is.

Rumour has it I’m getting a  camper van this month , and come summer, I’ll definitely be back.

Want to see more of my adventures in France? Check out this video from my  French &  Swiss Alps  road trip…

EXPLORE FRANCE ON MY BLOG HERE

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

Have you been on a road trip in northern France?

What were your favourite places? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Northern France Itinerary for a 3-Week Road Trip

France is such a beautiful country, with so many landmarks and famous places. We ticked off a few of them on this Northern France itinerary. Last year we went on a France Spain Portugal road trip , this time we didn’t go as far South and did a Northern France tour. Northern France has so much to offer from Honfleur to Giverny to Parc Astérix. At the end of our North of France road trip we added a little bit of Germany and Luxembourg. We just love going on road trips and France is perfect for it.

Northern France Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Villeneuve-d’Ascq

Day 2: Explore Lille

Day 3: explore villeneuve-d’ascq.

Day 4: Drive from Villeneuve-d’Ascq to Pont-L’Évêque (341 kilometers/212 miles, about 3.5 hours)

Day 5: Explore Pont-L’Évêque and the lake

Day 6: Explore Honfleur

Day 7: Drive from Pont-L’Évêque to Les Barils (122 kilometers/76 miles, about 2 hours)

Day 8 + 9: Explore Domaine Les Bois-Francs Center Parcs

Day 10: Drive from Les Barils to Plailly (193 kilometers/120 miles, about 3 hours)

Day 11: Explore Parc Astérix

Day 12: Drive from Plailly to Noyon (72 kilometers/45 miles, about 1 hour)

Day 13: Explore Noyon

Day 14: Explore Clairière de L’Armistice

Day 15: Drive from Noyon to Bezannes (124 kilometers/77 miles, about 2 hours and 10 minutes)

Day 16 + 17: Explore Reims

Day 18: Drive from Bezannes to Ringsheim (403 kilometers/250 miles, about 4 hours), crossing the border with Germany

Day 19: Explore Europa Park

Day 20: Explore Rulantica

Day 21: Explore Europa Park

Day 22: Drive from Ringsheim to Luxembourg-city (279 kilometers/173 miles, about 3 hours and 10 minutes), crossing the border with France and Luxembourg

Day 23: Going Home

Day to Day Itinerary

This Northern France road trip itinerary gives plenty of time to explore the attractions at each stop or you can take one rest day and one day for exploring.

Day 1: Arriving in France

On the first day you arrive in France either by car (like us) or by plane. If you arrive by plane drive from the airport to Villeneuve-d’Ascq. We started at our home in Utrecht and drove South via Breda and Antwerpen.

Lille is close to Villeneuve-d’Ascq. We opted to take the metro from Villeneuve-d’Ascq to Lille center. We started our day at Marché de Wazemmes. Then we went on to explore the old city of Lille (Vieux Lille). The Église Saint-Maurice has beautiful stained glass windows. There are beautifully decorated old buildings to be admired and you can go shopping. Or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the museum with the second largest art collection (after the Louvre).

We had a rest day, but you can explore Lille a second day or spend your day in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne Lille Métropole, in short the LAM. A museum with modern art.

Day 4: Backroads, Rouen, Étretat or Le Havre

We opted to take the backroads to Pont-L’Évêque, which sadly was a bit of a boring ride. We had better taken the toll roads and either stopped at Rouen, Étretat or Le Havre to explore in the afternoon. Rouen with its cathedral and old town full of history. Étretat with its white cliffs on the coast and Le Havre with beaches and museums.

Day 5: Pont-L’Évêque

We had a rest day, but went shopping for sweets and cheese in Pont-L’Évêque. Our hotel was on the shore of Lac de Pont-L’Évêque. So a whole day on the water is also an option.

Day 6: Honfleur

It’s time to explore the world famous port city of Honfleur . It’s a beautiful old city. Expect lots of tourist crowds. We went on a boat tour on the Seine, with a view on Le Havre and the Pont de Normandie. We wandered around the Port de Honfleur and the old town, stepping inside the Église Sainte-Catherine. This church is the oldest wooden church of France.

Day 7: Pont-L’Évêque + Livarot + Camembert

Today is all about cheese and calvados. First visit the Calvados Père Magloire Experience in Pont-L’Évêque. An interactive exposition on the history and production of calvados. At the end there’s a tasting of the famous Normandic apple cognac. There’s an entrance fee.

After this experience drive over to Livarot and stop at Graindorge E Fromagerie. This is a cheese factory with a cheese shop and exposition on site. They produce 4 different cheeses here, all from this region. You get to see every step of the cheese making process. The cheeses produced here are Camembert, Neufchâtel, Pont-L’Évêque and Livarot. There’s no entrance fee. At the end is a small restaurant and shop. You can sample the cheeses here and buy them to take home with you.

Third drive to the small village of Camembert. Here’s where the famous Camembert cheese was invented. There’s a small museum on the history and production of the Camembert and you can do a tasting of different Camemberts.

Day 8 + 9: Domaine Les Bois-Francs Center Parcs

We went to Aqua Mundo twice on both days, to swim and have fun. We didn’t leave the resort. But there’s plenty to do in this region. Yuri wanted to visit water parks on our trip. This was the first of two, so we spent our time in the water.

Day 10: Giverny

Giverny is as beautiful as you think it will be. I loved it. It’s also as crowded as you think it will be. We visited the house and gardens of Monet and the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny. The museum is small, but has some beautiful works of art on display. The gardens in front of the museum are also worth your time, just not as beautiful as Monet’s gardens. The gardens and house of Monet are truly beautiful and well kept. Loved visiting them both.

We got our tickets at the museum, there was almost no line there, and at the house and gardens was a long waiting line. They have combination tickets for the museum, house and gardens. The gardens and house of Monet have a special entrance for people who already have a ticket. Both the museum and this entrance had no waiting line.

Day 11 + 12: Parc Astérix

We loved Parc Astérix, this theme park is a new favorite of ours. We spent a day and a half here. There are rides for all ages and all in theme with Astérix and Obélix, the comic book characters. In the evening, at the parks closing, there’s a lights, music and fireworks show. The park also offers shows, next to rides. The shows are in French, but we could still follow them and had fun. (Only Paul speaks and understands French from the 3 of us).

Day 13: Noyon

We had a rest day, but Noyon has two small museums you can visit. Musée de Noyonnais and the Musée Jean Calvin.

Day 14: Mémorial de L’Armistice

There’s a small museum and memorials in the forest near Compiègne. This is where the World War One armistice was signed. The train wagon is placed inside a memorial building and there’s a museum behind it. The museum covers the First and Second World War and the history of the  armistice wagon. Hitler also used the same train wagon to sign the surrender of France to Germany in the Second World War. He then had it towed to Berlin. It burned down in Germany. So this wagon is not the original, but from the same series. The train tracks are still there, and two other memorials for World War One are also on site.

Day 15: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon + Abbaye d’Ourscamp + Caverne du Dragon

Our hotel was across from the cathedral. We visited early in the morning, it’s a beautiful large cathedral with no crowds. The Abbaye d’Ourscamp consists of several buildings and is still in use. We visited when the monks had a service at noon. The ruins of one building of the abbey are beautiful, but fenced off, because it’s not stable anymore. The abbey is in the town of Chiry-Ourscamp, South of Noyon.

The Château de Coucy is en route to the Caverne du Dragon. We just admired it from the car, but you can make a stop here if you want.

The Caverne du Dragon is in the town of Oulches-la-Vallée-Foulon on the Chemin des Dames. A quarry where during the First World War German and French soldiers took up residence. On the planes above and in the quarry heavy fighting took place and thousands of soldiers died. There was a guided tour through the quarry. The tour was in French, but we had audioguides in Dutch (other languages were available).

Day 16 + 17: Reims

We had a rest day on day 16 and visited Reims on day 17. There are enough attractions to easily spend two days in Reims. Don’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, the entrance was free, since there was a religious day on the day we visited. An imposing cathedral, with beautiful glass stained windows. In this cathedral lots of kings and emperors were crowned and Jeanne d’Arc is remembered. The cathedral is still being restored from damages done during both World Wars. The Palais du Tau was closed when we visited, but was definitely on our list. There are a lot of Champagne houses in the city that provide tours.

Day 18: Driving Day

Drive from Bezannes to Ringsheim, it will take up half the day to more, depending on how busy the traffic is. You enter Germany.

Day 19 till 21: Europa Park + Rulantica

Europa park is the largest theme park in Europe and holds the second place in visitor numbers. Rulantica is their second park, and this is a water park. We spent one day at both parks and had one rest day. You can however easily spend two days at Europa park. We didn’t have enough time to do all the rides and shows in one day. Rulantica is a beautiful water park, which is good for a full day of water fun.

Day 22 + 23: Luxembourg-city

You can explore Luxembourg-city in the evening on day 22 and on the morning of day 23 before going home.

Where to Eat

France is known for its delicious pastries and cheeses and we tried out many of them. I’ll list them per place we visited.

Lille + Villeneuve-d’Ascq

In Lille visit the Marché du Wazemmes, it’s a roofed cast iron hall with stalls selling local cheeses, sausages and so on. We bought several things to go and had a small breakfast for lunch in the market hall.

They have delicious cakes at Elizabeth’s in Vieux Lille. We sat down here. Maison Georges Larnicol had really delicious macarons in the center of Lille.

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq we had dinner at Buffalo Grill and at Restaurant Délices d’Asie. The first is a chain in France with American cuisine, we love eating there. The second had an Asian all-you-can-eat buffet. They had sushi, fish, fried rice and more. You could also pile (raw) food on a plate, which they prepared for you with a sauce to your liking in a wok.

Pont-L’Évêque + Honfleur

At our hotel we enjoyed the breakfast buffet on our last morning, it was a buffet with lots of choice. We also enjoyed a 3-course menu for lunch and had drinks a few times at the Eden Park Hotel Restaurant. The 3-course menu was super delicious and of good quality. The restaurant had a perfect view on the lake. They had chairs placed outside on the grass with a view on the lake. I can recommend the Coupe Madame cocktail.

Chocolaterie Mérimée Emmanuel has delicious macarons and chocolate. La Fromagerie d’Annabelle has lots of choice in cheeses. L’Epi d’Or is a boulanger and pâtissier and has delicious cakes and bread. These are all in the town of Pont-L’Évêque.

In Honfleur we had lunch at Restaurant Le Crystal. Good food with fish and other French cuisine.

Livarot + Camembert + Les Barils + Giverny

In Livarot Le Bar a Fromages at Graindorge E Fromagerie has several cheese plates you can sample. Such delicious regional cheeses! There’s also a shop where you can buy the cheeses and more.

At La Maison du Camembert in Camembert you can buy different Camembert cheeses and other regional products.

In Giverny we had hotdogs and fries with sausages for lunch on a bench. We got them from the take out window at Les Nymhéas restaurant. The service was really slow, but the hotdogs were large.

At Center Parcs we got dinner one evening from Quick. A French fast food chain.

Parc Astérix

We had the breakfast buffet each morning at our hotel Les Trois Hiboux.

In the park we had crépes au Nutella and a gaufre au sucre as a lunch twice. For dinner we had sandwiches with chips at La Guinguette. We had loaded fries at Fritapopoulos for lunch.

Noyon + Bezannes + Reims

In Noyon we got take out pizza at Pizza King. They tasted good. We had lunch and dinner at Le Palais D’Asie, all delicious. Misto Burger had some good burgers. At Boulangerie Roland we got pastries, bread, quiches, sandwiches several times and they were all delicious.

In Bezannes we had dinner at La Boucherie restaurant. An American style restaurant with French dishes. My burger and Paul’s steak were both delicious. We had lunch at Quick on a Sunday, since almost everything else was closed. We had a cocktail at the hotel bar, which were good.

Across our hotel were 4 restaurants, 3 of them were closed due to vacation, but Chevallier was open on weekdays. This is a pastry shop and they had such delicious cakes, sandwiches, quiches and cookies, The staff was super friendly.

In Reims we sat down at Bubble Coffee and had milkshakes and waffles here. Both were delicious. We had lunch at Paul. Paul is a pastry chain with stores throughout France. (My husband Paul always loves eating here, since the store has his name). At Le Grand Café we had a mixed board with cheese, meat and fish. I had a glass of champagne, after all we were in the Champagne region.

Ringsheim + Europa Park + Rulantica

We had dinner twice at Kebab House, which was close to our hotel. They had good kebab. We got cake from Eugen Bosch Bäckerei und Lebensmittel for Paul’s birthday. Good cakes, but it isn’t that hard to get those in Germany at a bakery. All days we had the breakfast buffet at our hotel, which had enough choice.

At Europa park we had lunch with hotdogs from Moby Dick Hot Dogs. Paul had a Chili Hot Dog and Yuri and I had a regular hotdog. We had dinner at Foodloop. Which is a super fun and somewhat spectacular restaurant. Your food and drinks arrive at your table on rollercoaster rails. The food was good and it was fun to watch. We had delicious Carte D’or ice cream at a Gelateria.

At Rulantica we had our lunch with burgers at Snekkjas. We had twice non-alcoholic cocktails at Skogbar. Where you ordered your drinks at a bar in the water, and could also drink in the water. The cocktails were good. We had dinner with pasta and pizza at Lumålunda. All food tasted good.

Luxembourg-City

We had dinner with burgers at Jakob’s House. It was expensive, but had a good vibe. We also had sangria here. The restaurant was at the Rives de Clausen, a street full of restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay

We booked all our stays with wifi and an electrical hook-up. We have a fully electrical car, so we need the last one.

Villeneuve-d’Ascq + Pont-L’Évêque

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq we stayed 3 nights at Tulip Inn Lille Grand Stade Residence. We had a studio with three single beds. It was a simple room, but with a small kitchen. There was paid parking in a parking garage under the building. Sadly the electrical hook-up in the parking garage did not work. Lots of restaurants and a grocery store nearby. We had the room including the breakfast buffet. This hotel is also perfect as a stopover hotel on the way South .

Eden Park Hotel Restaurant in Pont-L’Évêque was perfect. The hotel is situated on Lac de Pont-L’Évêque, the restaurant and part of the rooms had a view on the lake. Next to the shore of the lake was grass and the hotel had placed beach chairs there. It was so relaxing to sit on them. We had tea and coffee facilities in our room. There was an electrical hook-up on the hotel’s parking lot. The restaurant at the hotel was super good. It was a bit further away from the town of Pont-L’Évêque. We had 3 good nights here with airconditioning.

Les Barils + Plailly

At Domaine les Bois-Francs Center Parcs we stayed a weekend (3 nights) in a renewed comfort cottage. It’s a holiday rental with a kitchen and terrace. It has a waterpark, Aqua Mundo, which is guaranteed to give hours of fun. There’s also an arcade hall, bowling alley, indoor play area, a spa and more fun things. There were no electrical hook-ups, but you could charge your car at a regular socket, free of charge.

In Plailly we stayed at Les Trois Hiboux Hotel. One of 3 hotels of Parc Astérix. We had 2 nights here and entrance to the park. You entered Parc Astérix at the back. We had 30 minutes early entrance as hotel guests. The room was basic, but good and the breakfast buffet was included. There were electrical hook-ups at the parking place and it was free of charge to use.

Noyon + Bezannes

In Noyon we had 3 nights at Cit’Hotel – Hotel le Cèdre. It’s across from the cathedral of Noyon. We had a room with a view on it. Our room was a comfort 3 persons room. It was in the city center of Noyon so lots of restaurants, cafés and stores around the corner. The hotel had it’s own parking lot with electrical hook-ups. We had a small fridge and coffee and tea facilities in our room.

In Bezannes we stayed 3 nights at Golden Tulip Reims. They had a lot of electrical hook-ups and they’re own fenced parking lot. Our room had airconditioning, a small fridge and a coffee maker. There was a small (cold) swimming pool with hot tub (with cold water). The hotel had a bar with seats inside and out.

Ringsheim + Luxembourg-City

In Ringsheim we stayed at Hotel la Toscana, just 5.2 kilometers/3.2 miles away from Europa park. We had a family room with airconditioning a small terrace. We had coffee and tea facilities. The room was including the breakfast buffet. The hotel had their own parking lot with electrical hook-ups. We spent 4 nights at this hotel.

In Luxembourg-city we stayed one night at Novotel Suites Luxembourg. The parking on their terrain costs €17.00 per day. They have electrical hook-ups. They didn’t work properly when we stayed, but they were fixing it. Our room with Queensize bed and a single bed had airconditioning, a microwave, a small fridge and coffee and tea facilities.

When to Visit

We did this road trip last July and August and it was hot. We had warm weather the whole 3 weeks. Almost the whole of Europe experienced hot, dry weather this Summer.

Typically the coast in Northern France has a sea climate. The rest has a transitional climate.

Honfleur, and that part of Normandy near the coast, has a climate that is normally cool and wet year round, with rain and wind. Especially during Fall and Winter. Summer is the least rainy season. Lille has a cool and humid climate.

The area of Normandy with Les Barils and Giverny and the area around Paris (Plailly + Noyon) has a temperate climate. So on average the temperatures are quite cool, however there can be hot days in Summer and cold spells in Winter. There’s less rainfall compared to the coast, but just as much sun days.

The Northeast (Reims + Ringsburg + Luxembourg-city) has a moderately continental climate. Which means a relatively warm Summer and a cold Winter.

You can drive this route all year long. However Rulantica closes in the Winter months.

Hiring a Car and Airports

We drove the route with our own car. For this road trip we didn’t rent a car, but we have excellent experiences with Hertz and Alamo.

When arriving by plane before embarking on this road trip: Lille has an international airport, Lille Lesquin Airport, which is 11 kilometers/7 miles away from Villeneuve-d’Ascq and 308 kilometers/191 miles away from Luxembourg-city. Luxembourg Airport is located 8 kilometers/5 miles away from Luxembourg-city and 316 kilometers/196 miles away from Villeneuve-d’Ascq.

• When visiting at the end of July and in August, keep in mind that there will be restaurants and stores closed due to vacation. We experienced this especially in Noyon and Bezannes. Half to more were closed for 3 to 4 weeks.
• France, Germany and Luxembourg use the Euro.
• In the smaller cities and towns restaurants and shops close at 1.30pm or 2pm. Dinner is after 7pm.
• France has toll roads. You can pay at the toll booths (cash or card) or have a special box for it in your car.
• A list of cities in France, where you have to have a special emission sticker on your car, you can order that sticker here . Germany has this also, here is more information about where. 

Alternative Itineraries

Skip Europa park and Luxembourg, make it a just France trip.

Day 18: Going Home

Instead of Europa park and Luxembourg more of France.

Day 18: Drive from Bezannes to Nancy (247 kilometers/  miles, about 3 hours)

Day 19: Explore Nancy

Day 20: Drive from Nancy to Colmar (149 kilometers/  miles, about 2 hours)

Day 21: Explore Colmar

Day 22: Explore Mulhouse

That Concludes Our Northern France Itinerary

Hope you enjoy this road trip through beautiful Northern France as much as we’ve done!

Like it? Pin it!

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13 comments.

The pics look sooo cool!One of my friends is planning a trip to France this summer, I will definitely share this blog with him. He can probably follow your itinerary as is !Thanks for sharing !😊

ANUKRATI DOSI

Wow! What an adventurous road trip.

What a great 3 weeks – I’d love to visit Monet’s Garden and I could eat Cambembert on crackers until the cows come home!

What an awesome roadtrip! I had planned a much shorter one through northern France pre-covid, but it got canceled. I’d love to reschedule it one day and this definitely encourages me to do so!

Wow! 😯 I’m definitely saving this for later! Lots of great options.

Great post! Looks like nice slow travel and great food! I love it, and will bookmark it, because it is not far from home!

Alan Josephs

The Calvados Experience looks amazing.

Wow, what a comprehensive itinerary for an extended stay in France! Thank you for taking the time to put this together and make it easier for future travelers 🙂

I love your itinerary because it includes many non-touristy places such as Noyon. While reading, I remembered the times I went to some of the places like Center Parks, Parc Asterix, Lille, etc. I have a good memory of Parc Asterix.

I embarrassingly have never considered doing a road trip in France before. After reading your experience it sounds like in need to re-consider it as you were able to get so much done!

This is a great itinerary! I’ve only explored a little bit of Northern France, mostly Southern, but it’s been on my list to explore the north more. It looks beautiful! Super helpful post!

I love how France offers so much to see, especially the north being quite different from the south. Thank you for putting this together!

I’d definitely love to see more of France. I’ve only been to Paris thus far, but eating sweets and cheeses in Pont-L’Évêque and exploring Honfleur to see the harbor sounds like an amazing time.

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• Feb 2, 2023

An Insider’s Guide to Planning an Epic Road Trip Around Northern France

Updated: May 19

If you're looking for a road trip that's a little different from the classic American road trip, then look no further than Northern France. This region is full of beautiful scenery, quaint villages, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. And, of course, there's the food. From fresh seafood to traditional French cuisine, you'll definitely want to stop and sample some of the regional specialties. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Here are the top things to see and do on a Northern France road trip.

READ > The Perfect Road Trip Through Alsace, France | Charming Villages and Storybook Scenery

5 Essential Tips for Planning a Road Trip Through Northern France

Research the Route: Before you hit the road, make sure to research your route thoroughly. It's important to know where you're going and what attractions you'll be passing along the way. Be sure to check out maps and information on traffic patterns so that you can plan accordingly. Additionally, it's a good idea to bookmark any points of interest that you might want to stop and check out along the way.

Choose Accommodations Wisely: When it comes to planning a road trip, your accommodations can make or break the experience. In Northern France, there are plenty of amazing hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to choose from so take some time to do your research. Read up on reviews and look for recommendations from fellow travelers to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Allow Yourself Time to Explore: This is a road trip, not a race! Don't be afraid to pull over when something catches your eye or take some time out of your schedule to explore a particular area. You never know what interesting and unique sights you might stumble upon.

Try the Local Cuisine: Northern France is full of amazing culinary experiences. Take some time to try out the local restaurants, cafés, and markets for a taste of authentic French cuisine. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try cooking some of the regional dishes at home?

Don't Forget to Bring Cash: Although many places in Northern France accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to bring some extra cash with you just in case. In more rural areas, cash might be your only option for payment. So make sure to plan ahead and bring enough money.

READ > 19 Ultimate things to do in Colmar France on your road trip

Mouthwatering Cuisine to Try During Your Road Trip Through Northern France

One of the most mouthwatering dishes that you can try during a road trip through Northern France is the classic Moules-frites. This dish consists of mussels cooked in a flavorful broth and served with French fries. The mussels are typically cooked in white wine, garlic, parsley, butter, and cream for a rich and delicious flavor. Traditionally, it's served with bread to soak up all that savory goodness.

Another essential dish you have to try on your road trip through Northern France is the crepes Suzette. These thin pancakes are usually made with buckwheat flour and filled with a delicious combination of honey, lemon juice, orange liqueur, butter, sugar, and orange zest. The crepes are then flambéed tableside with Grand Marnier or other citrus liqueur for an unforgettable presentation. Afterward they’re sprinkled with sugar and served hot. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors!

READ > What to see between Reims and Dijon?

The Best Time of Year to Take a Road Trip Through Northern France

The best time of year to take a road trip through Northern France is from late spring to early autumn. During these months, the weather is mild and sunny with daytime temperatures ranging between 15-25 degrees Celsius (60-77 Fahrenheit). The days are long and you can enjoy plenty of sunshine while exploring this beautiful region. Plus, many attractions are open during this period so you won’t miss out on any of the sights. Additionally, since it's not peak tourist season yet, prices for accommodation tend to be lower at this time. So if you're looking for an unforgettable journey through Northern France, plan your visit between April and October!

Start your trip in Dieppe and explore all the famous sights

Dieppe , the gateway to a great road trip and a holiday well-spent! Get ready to pack your bags and make Dieppe the starting point of your fantastic journey. With Dieppe at the helm of your holiday, dive into the exquisite French culture and cuisine as you make your way through the renowned sights. From ancient churches to traditional farmers markets, there's so much to explore in Dieppe that it'll be hard to pick where you'd like to start first! Indulge in Dieppe's vibrant energy today and tomorrow you can take a quick nap before setting off on your next adventure.

READ > Road Trip Around Paris: Explore the Cities and Villages Around France's Capital

Drive south to the beautiful city of Rouen and stroll around its charming old town

Road tripping to Rouen in northern France could be your most charming adventure yet! Quaint cobbled streets, imposing cathedral spires and grand timber-framed houses await the curious visitor. Spend a day taking in the city's beautiful old town and don't forget to sample some of its famous cuisine while you're there. For those who like a bit of history, try exploring its ancient monuments such as its 12th century abbey or 15th century hospital. So pack up the car and road trip it down south - whether you're visiting family nearby or just looking for an enjoyable getaway, Rouen is the perfect destination!

Head west to the coastline and enjoy a refreshing seafood meal and enjoy the harbour of Honfleur

If you're looking for an adventure that's out of the ordinary, then head west to the picturesque coastline of Honfleur! Embark on a sight seeing extravaganza and be prepared to be amazed with all the natural beauty northern France has to offer. Once you reach Honfleur, enjoy some of the freshest marvellous seafood around as you explore its quaint harbour. Plus who wouldn't want to taste a dish that comes with a view this amazing! Why don't you take a break from your everyday routine and visit Honfleur today!

Keep driving west along to coast to Bayeux

Setting out on the open highway to visit Bayeux is an exciting road trip. Keep driving west along the coast, and you’ll soon come across this charming French town renowned for its beautiful museums, stunning beaches, and quaint eateries. Bring your camera along to capture every moment and get ready for an unforgettable visit to Bayeux!

Home to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral with its stunning Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Bayeux is an abundant source of history located in proximity to the renowned D-Day Landings beaches. Moreover, this medieval city houses a UNESCO Memory of the World register item – The Tapestry – that showcases the richness of Normandy's dukedom! Bayeux was the first town to be liberated in June 1944 and is an ideal starting point for exploring the beaches, museums, cemeteries, and other locations related to D-Day. As you stroll through its charming cobblestone alleyways amongst elegant 17th century mansions and 18th century townhouses, let yourself get lost in this quaint historic center of Normandy.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience all of Bayeux's offerings, such as: The Bayeaux Medieval Festival in July; the captivating evening show "Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale" during summertime; the renowned Prix Bayeux-Calvados-Normandie for War Correspondents in October, and a winter spectacle known as "William's Cathedral" each December.

Check out the world famous Mont Saint-Michel

A magnetizing isle crowned by a gravity-defying abbey, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay are among France's most captivating sights. Long considered one of Europe’s premier pilgrimage sites, this divine island has since been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the dazzling bay.

Resting in a captivating bay between Normandy and Brittany, the Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe's most enchanting sights. From miles away its grandiose presence will steal your gaze!

This striking and breathtaking place has been enchanting visitors for centuries. How did it become a renowned Christian pilgrimage destination? Well, to find out the answer we have to travel back in time - all the way to early 8th century when Bishop Aubert of Avranches asserted that Archangel Michael had urged him personally to construct a church accordingly on top of this island off shore.

Commencing in 966, the Dukes of Normandy and then subsequent French monarchs devotedly fostered the expansion of an iconic Benedictine abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel. Through the span of centuries during the Middle Ages, beauteous monastic edifices were erected; one precipitous wing was even nicknamed 'the Marvel'. Boasting some of the brightest minds and manuscript illuminators from across Europe, the picturesque Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel quickly gained notoriety. Despite the centuries' worth of cross-Channel conflict, pilgrims flocked to visit this sacred place in droves. The island was even fortified with ramparts at its base for protection against English forces! Nowadays, many visitors come to explore what remains of these once grand buildings that have been converted into museums, eateries, hotels and shops - a perfect destination for today's tourists!

Related > The Ultimate Road Trip on the Italian Adriatic Coast: Tips, Places and Great Cuisine

Visit Saint-Malo

Like a stone vessel on the mouth of the Rance, the ramparts of Saint-Malo stand proudly above its beaches and its port. The façades and towers rising up from the fortifications give the town its unique silhouette. The parapet walk offers breath-taking views!

Over two thousand years ago, the illustrious city of Saint-Malo was born in Alet. When Jacques Cartier set out to discover Canada in the 16th century, fishing fleets soon followed and arrived at Newfoundland. As ship owners explored countless sea routes, they ensured a bright future for Saint Malo behind its sturdy ramparts which were later bolstered by followers of Vauban during the 18th century. Privateers Duguay-Trouinand Surcouf further reinforced this success as their prestige elevated that of Saint Malo - whose banner proudly flew above even that of France's own flag!

The Prettiest town in Brittany, Dinan

Dinan stands tall as the most beautiful town in Brittany, its quaint cobblestone roads having stayed virtually unchanged since the Middle Age. Let yourself be transported back to an era long gone when you wander through Dinan's streets - there is something so special about these captivating medieval towns that will take your breath away! As if this wasn't enough, a trip downriver on the gorgeous Rance river awaits those looking to explore more of what this region has to offer.

For those with a short stay in Dinan, just two hours cruising the Rance River is recommended. However, if you have an extra day or are passionate about nature, it's worth hiring a boat for four hours so that you can explore all of its beauty and venture up to the Châtelier Sluice!

Related > Road Trip Around Paris: Explore the Cities and Villages Around France's Capital

End your journey in Pontrieux, the little "Venice" of Trégor

If you’re looking for the perfect sight-seeing spot to complete your holiday in Trégor, look no further than the little “Venice” of Pontrieux. Take a stroll along the waterfront, admire the old buildings with their half-timbered and slate designs, or take a boat tour of the canal. Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of this quaint retreat and luxuriate in its charm. After all that sightseeing you’ll be glad to know that Pontrieux offers delicious restaurants, cozy cafés, and plenty of shopping opportunities — so don’t forget to pack an empty suitcase while you’re here!

Come explore the charming "Little Town of Character" in Pontrieux, where a marina beckons you to embark on an adventure to Bréhat, Jersey or Guernsey. Wander around this quaint little town during day and night with its inviting viaducts and bridges that are illuminated by a magical trail of light. Uncover hidden gems such as authentic wash houses, half-timbered homes and stone abodes dating back centuries. Don't miss out on seeing the spectacular 18th century fountain and 16th century house dubbed 'The Eiffel Tower'!

The Perfect 3 week Northern France Road Trip

And there you have it, the perfect 3 week road trip through Northern France! A road trip through Normandy that is sure to please everyone in the family. And, as an added bonus, you might just learn a thing or two about French history and culture along the way. What are you waiting for? Start planning your dream vacation today!

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The Ultimate Itinerary for a North of France Road Trip

In France, there are many things to see. Follow this itinerary and go on a road trip to discover them!

For those who love adventure and long roads, a road trip to northern France is perfect. There is so much to see and do in these beautiful regions, from breathtaking landscapes to bustling cities. Here's an itinerary we've put together for you, which you can follow to make the most of your trip. 

Preparing for your road trip 

Preparing for a road trip is not as simple as putting your foot on the gas and driving. There are things to consider, such as trip length, budget, itinerary, stops and more. We have already prepared a recommended itinerary for your road trip in the north of France. Now all that's left to do is to prepare your things for your trip, choose your budget and your vehicle.

Preparing your belongings

The north of France and the west coast offer a lot of space to put your car by the sea. So don't forget to pack a swimming costume, sun cream, wetsuit and surfboard. It is often said that in the north of France there are more rainy days than sunny ones, so if you are lucky you will be able to enjoy the beach during your road trip. Calculate the time of your stay and your budget so that you can plan accordingly. 

Choosing your vehicle 

There are a number of options when it comes to transport for your road trip . Do you want to drive yourself, or do you prefer to take the train so you can relax on the road and enjoy the scenery? If you prefer to hop on a train, it's a good idea to check the quality of the connections in northern France for your road trip itinerary. If you have a motorhome, caravan or van yourself, it may be easy to take your own transport, but if you don't have one, you can rent one! For example, you can find vehicles on great sharing platforms such as Goboony if you're looking for a camper van, or MyWheels or Hiyacar if you feel more comfortable in a car. 

Choosing your accommodation 

Before you hit the road, it's a good idea to think about the type of accommodation you want to choose. If you're travelling with a camper van or a van, you're probably looking for places to camp. Whichever way you travel, you can find somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city, which can make your road trip more relaxing as you'll be surrounded by greenery after a long day of adventure. If you're travelling by car or train, you can either bring a tent and pitch it in a nice spot, or stay in comfortable accommodation that's already waiting for you in a camping area. 

The itinerary

You can of course decide to start in the Pays-de-la-Loire and end up in the East of France, but we present you the itinerary starting in the East and ending in the West of the country.

1. Start at the Belgian border

Discover the hills in northern France at the Belgian border by spending your first night at Pieter in Any-Martin-Rieux in Hauts-de-France ! Pieter shares the peace of his garden with his guests. This region offers a variety of landscapes, from green forests to cultivated fields to rolling hills. The winding roads and picturesque villages invite you to relax and contemplate. 

2. Fishing and napping an hour away from Amiens

Take a trip around the Somme with this campsite in Liencourt . Enjoy a hot shower and barbecue at this campsite where you can pitch your van and tent. Take a diversion on your road trip to the city centre of Amiens to see the famous gothic cathedral, one of the most famous in France along with the one in Reims. Take a walk in the Quartier-Saint-Leu to enjoy the cafés and bars and visit the "hortillonnages"! 

3. Discovering Normandy

First stop of the itinerary in Normandy at Annouville-Vilmesnil at Marie's campspace . On the way, don't hesitate to stop in the big cities of Normandy like Rouen or Le Havre, to discover a different Normandy than the one you see in the pictures: you'll see that there are not only cows and cheese there!

Marie welcomes you to her quiet and peaceful equestrian farm, 15km from Fécamp and 20km from Etretat. Take the opportunity to see the famous cliffs of Etretat which offer a magnificent natural spectacle 20 minutes from your camp. 

4. View on the Mont-Saint-Michel 

Between Annouville-Vilmesnil and Avranches, you have about 2h30 to drive. We recommend you to stop in towns like Honfleur or Deauville-Trouville-sur-Mer which are hidden treasures of Normandy, flowery towns, close to the sea and very touristic. Then stop off in the city centre of Caen before ending your Normandy itinerary. Finally, set up your van or tent in Avranches, at Zoë's place and enjoy the view of Mont-Saint-Michel from your bed. 

If you want to discover more about Normandy, add these areas to your itinerary: 

• Discover the Pays-de-Bray by staying at Valérie's . 
• Take a diversion to the heart of the Cotentin at Anne's in Amfreville to enjoy her natural garden near the beach at Ouistreham.

5. Head for Brittany! 

Continue your road trip to Brittany. On your way, stop in the old town of Saint-Malo to walk on the ramparts and taste some cider (in moderation) before going to the small village of Pommeret, to put your bags (or your van) for the first time in Brittany. Pommeret is a village in Northern Brittany, where Karine offers us her large garden next to a wood to spend a night or two. Take the time to rest in all simplicity, and enjoy a hiking trail nearby. You can also make a stopover in Saint-Brieuc, a pretty village nearby. 

6. A breath of fresh air by the sea 

Slather on the sun cream, put on your swimming costume, and get ready to find sand in every corner of your van after this stop at this camping located in "la pointe de Primel" in Plougasnou. This space is called the municipal camping de la mer, and its name is not stolen. In a few steps, you find yourself on the beach. A campsite that wants to be sustainable, and that shows a will to preserve nature by refusing mobile homes and superfluous services.

7. From the sea to the river

Drive along the westernmost part of the country, past sandy and pebble beaches and end your journey by the river. Reconnect with the greenery and nature around the Aulne at Jonathan's campspace . This very quiet town, abandoned by tourists for lack of beaches, will allow you to recharge your batteries before continuing your road trip. 

Before the next stage of your road trip, we recommend you to make a diversion to Plouguernével, à la Ferme Mellon to enjoy a 5 hectare space with gardening and animals included!

8. Visit the Gulf of Morbihan 

Stéphane's space is located in the Gulf of Morbihan, just outside Vannes. It offers you a space in the middle of a natural area, where the fauna and flora thrive from season to season. This quiet area is nevertheless very close to the road and to the town.  It is therefore easy to find, and perfect for escaping the stress of the city. You have everything nearby if you need it. But this is not necessarily necessary as Stéphane offers a large number of services such as showers, toilets, electricity and a barbecue at your disposal. 

9. A pond 30 minutes from Rennes

Take the road towards Laillé, a village 30 minutes from Rennes, which is home to "L'île Ô d'Ange" by Angélique . Park your car between the two landscaped and bucolic ponds. You will be welcomed by the host and the animals that live there: horses, goats, dogs...

10. Welcome to the Pays de la Loire

You will discover a third region of France with this road trip: the Pays de la Loire. The region owes its name to the river that runs through it: the Loire. The region is known for its majestic castles. Take the time to approach one of them, you won't be disappointed. After this visit you can go and relax in the middle of the countryside at Julie's .

11. This is the end 

Speaking of castles! Here's a great end to your road trip in Northern France: put your van or motorhome down in an exceptional landscaped park at the foot of the château du Martreil . Perfect to end your road trip in style! And if you've taken this road trip with your partner, what could be more romantic than a night in a castle? 

Want to continue your adventure? Take a look at our suggested itinerary for a road trip in the South of France. If you want to go even further, read our article on a road trip in Europe . You will always find what you are looking for on Campspace . 

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A Blog About Life & Travel in France

The Perfect 5-Day Northern France Itinerary (2024)

• By Jen Ciesielski
• 23 March 2024

Northern France is a charming, picturesque part of an already diverse country. It’s often overshadowed by destinations in the south, but, let me assure you, there’s a lot to see here.

I moved to France over six years ago, but my first visit was in 2012. Since then, I’ve traveled all around the country, including the north of France.

From the World War II memorial in Dunkirk to the Grand Place in Lille, there isn’t a place I haven’t been to.

In this post, I’ve put together the ultimate five-day northern France itinerary. It covers the best places to visit, as well as tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Northern France Itinerary Overview

Northern France is made up of several regions, including Normandy, Brittany, and Hauts-de-France.

Of these three, Hauts-de-France is considered the true north and it’s what this itinerary will focus on.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

• Day 1: Paris
• Day 2: Amiens
• Day 3: Lille
• Day 4: Dunkirk
• Day 5: Paris

Helpful Tip : This itinerary can be done by car or train. I’ve detailed how to do both below.

North France Itinerary – Day 1

Discover paris.

The first day of your trip starts in the historic district of the City of Light. I lived in Paris for three years and spent hours exploring this area.

There’s a ton to see and do, but I’ve listed my top recommendations below.

✓ Explore Île de la Cité

It’s home to well-known landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. But my favorite thing to do here was tour the Conciergerie.

This former palace and prison once served as a Revolutionary court and famously held Marie-Antoinette as a prisoner. Today, it’s a museum full of interesting exhibits.

✓ Tour Île Saint-Louis

Here, you’ll find quaint cafés, boutique shops, and, of course, the Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île.

I’ve visited this island and church several times and it was always less crowded than Île de la Cité.

✓ Visit the Louvre

There’s no denying the Louvre is a popular museum. But you can’t come to Paris and not stop by.

When I’ve gone, I’ve always picked out a few must-see pieces, and then spent the rest of my time wandering around.

✓ Relax in Jardin du Luxembourg

These gardens were created for Queen Marie de’ Medici in the early 17th century.

Today, you can stroll through the manicured lawns and flower beds, enjoy a picnic, or visit the infamous Medici Fountain.

I, personally, loved visiting in summer when the gardens were in full bloom.

North France Itinerary – Day 2

Travel from paris to amiens.

On the morning of day two, you’ll travel from Paris to Amiens.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Paris’ Gare du Nord station to Amiens and take about 80 minutes.

By Car: Driving time is about two hours, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A16. (Distance: 163 kilometers or 101 miles)

Explore Amiens

The second day of your trip will be spent exploring one of my favorite cities in the Haut-de-France region, Amiens.

I’ve spent a lot of time in this little town and it’s truly a hidden gem. There’s a lot to do here so I’ve narrowed down the absolute must-visit activities below.

✓ Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens

This Gothic cathedral is the largest in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s easily one of the most spectacular churches I’ve seen. I’d say it rivals Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral.

✓ Discover Les Hortillonnages

Outside the center, you’ll find Les Hortillonnages – a series of floating gardens.

Take a boat tour to explore this unique area and learn about its fascinating history.

I booked the earliest departure and I saw tons of wildlife.

Helpful Tip : Boat tours are only available from April to October, otherwise you can follow one of the two walking paths that circle the gardens.

✓ Explore Saint-Leu

This charming district is full of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and quayside restaurants.

I found the houses along Rue des Granges to be the prettiest while Quai Bélu gave the most unique view of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens.

✓ Tour the Musée de Picardie

This museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts that date to ancient civilizations.

Not only that but I found the building itself to be beautiful, particularly the Rotonde Sol LeWitt.

✓ Discover Jules Verne’s House

If you’re like me and are a fan of Jules Verne’s literary works , then visiting his house is a must.

This museum offers an insight into the life and work of this famous writer and features replica rooms from his home.

North France Itinerary – Day 3

Travel from amiens to lille.

On the morning of day three, you’ll travel from Amiens to Lille.

By Train: Trains run regularly from Gare d’Amiens to Lille-Flandres or Lille-Europe and take about 75 minutes.

By Car : Driving time is about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A1. (Distance: 140 kilometers or 86 miles)

Discover Lille

Lille is one of the most underrated places I’ve been to in France . It’s a charming city with a unique blend of Flemish and French architecture. It’s also known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere.

Usually, I recommend spending two days in Lille , but you can still see a lot in a day.

Below are some activities worth checking out.

✓ Explore Vieux-Lille

This historic district is where you’ll find the most beautiful architecture in town.

One of my favorite buildings in this part of Lille is La Vieille Bourse.

It was built in the 17th century and hosts a second-hand book market every afternoon.

✓ Discover the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

This former hospital was founded in 1236 by the Countess of Flanders.

It’s now a museum showcasing a vast collection of artworks, furniture, and tapestries.

I learned so much about the history of Lille here and saw what life was like before the French Revolution.

✓ Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts

This museum is the second-largest fine arts museum in France, with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

It’s also home to works by famous artists like Monet. But my favorite was Donatello’s Feast of Herod.

✓ Climb the Beffroi de Lille

One of the coolest things I did in Lille was climb to the top of the Beffroi de Lille .

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an incredible panorama of the city and its surroundings.

After the first 100 steps, there was an option to take an elevator to the top, which I did because my vertigo was kicking in.

✓ Try Local Cuisine

Lille is famous for its food. And there are lots of things to try. My favorite restaurant was Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille .

I ordered the Assiette Régionale so I could try the most famous local dishes like potjevleesch and carbonnade flamande.

✓ Tour La Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle

This is the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, one of France’s most influential political figures.

Now a museum, the house offers a unique insight into de Gaulle’s life and legacy.

I loved how the rooms were kept in their original state and seeing his personal belongings helped me connect with the history.

✓ Check Out Jardin des Géants

This is one of the most unique gardens I’ve been to in France.

It’s home to tons of giant statues that are carved from plants.

There’s also a small café where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.

North France Itinerary – Day 4

Travel from lille to dunkirk.

On the morning of day four, you’ll travel from Lille to Dunkirk.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Lille-Europe and Lille-Flandres to Dunkirk’s main train station. Times range from 30 to 75 minutes.

By Car : Driving time is about 60 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A25. (Distance: 75 kilometers or 46 miles)

Visit Dunkirk

While I knew about Dunkirk’s role in World War II, I hadn’t realized how much more there was to see in this coastal city. I loved it so much that I extended my stay during my first visit.

There’s a lot to do here, but, for this itinerary, you’ll want to focus on the attractions below.

✓ Tour the Musée Maritime et Portuaire

This museum showcases the city’s complete history, including its important role as a port.

There are model ships, paintings, and interactive exhibits.

I especially loved touring the Duchesse Anne and the Risban Lighthouse.

✓ Climb the Beffroi de Saint-Éloi

Of the belfries I visited in northern France, the views from the Beffroi de Saint-Éloi were the most spectacular.

From the top, I had a 360-degree panorama and an incredible bird’s eye view of the Saint-Éloi Church.

✓ Relax on the Beach

The beaches in Dunkirk are some of the most pristine I’ve seen in France.

They stretch for kilometers (miles), and I’ve always found a spot with very few people.

It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Plus, there’s also plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

✓ Visit the Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo

This museum is dedicated to the events of Operation Dynamo when thousands of Allied soldiers were rescued from Dunkirk’s beaches during World War II.

I loved the life-like displays and introductory video that gave an overview of the rescue operation.

It was a moving tribute to the bravery and resilience of those involved.

✓ Discover Le FRAC Grand Large

This contemporary art museum is known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and stunning modern architecture.

While the permanent collection was impressive, I loved the temporary exhibits.

They change every few months and always showcase thought-provoking artwork. When I went, Chaleur Humaine was on display.

✓ Rent a Bike

While there are a lot of things to see in Dunkirk , there are a few sites nearby that are also worth visiting.

I rented a bike from Location Vélo Dunkerque and cycled to Bray-Dunes, Fort des Dunes, and Batterie de Leffrinckoucke.

It took me a few hours, so I recommend doing this activity either on the morning of day four or moving it to day five.

North France Itinerary – Day 5

Travel from dunkirk to paris.

On the morning of day five, you’ll travel from Dunkirk to Paris.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Dunkirk’s main train station to Paris’ Gare du Nord and take about two hours.

By Car : Driving time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A25 and A1. (Distance: 314 kilometers or 195 miles)

Visit Paris

Depending on your schedule and how you’re traveling (either by train or car), you can finish the list of activities above or the attractions I recommend below.

✓ Ascend the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower .

Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator, the views from the top are breathtaking.

The times I’ve gone I’ve booked the earliest or latest ticket. It’s the best way to avoid the crowds.

✓ Explore Montmartre

This charming area is known for its bohemian atmosphere and stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

I loved strolling down the cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture.

I’ve been hundreds of times and it’s always busy, but well worth it.

✓ Discover the Champs-Élysées

Over the years, I’ve spent hours on the here, people-watching and window-shopping.

It’s also the best place to marvel at the Arc de Triomphe.

My favorite spot is at the corner of Avenue d’Iéna and Place Charles de Gaulle.

Get In and Around

This itinerary for northern France starts and ends in Paris.

The capital of France has two well-served international airports, Orly and Charles de Gaulle.

From there, the two best ways to travel are by train and car.

Traveling by train is the easiest and most popular way to get around France. You’ll find plenty of departure times for each journey listed above.

Helpful Tip : I recommend buying your train tickets as early as possible.

If you prefer more freedom and flexibility, renting a car is another option. All major car rental companies have offices at both airports.

When to Visit Northern France

While northern France is a year-round destination, you’ll find some months of the year are better than others for crowds, prices, and weather.

Summer (June to August) – These months are peak tourist season, which means crowds and higher prices. But you’ll also get the best weather, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxing on the beach.

Fall (September to November) – As summer ends and temperatures cool, you’ll find fewer tourists and cheaper prices in Dunkirk. The only downside is the number of rainy days per month increases in October and November.

Winter (December to February) – While it may be cold, winter is the best time to visit for bargain hunters. Prices are at their lowest, and the Christmas markets are a magical experience. Make sure to pack lots of layers.

Spring (March to May) – This is the shoulder season, which means you’ll still get decent weather without the high prices and crowds of summer.

Conclusion: North of France Itinerary

There is so much to explore and discover in the north of France. From historic sites to beautiful landscapes to bustling cities, this region has it all.

Some of my favorite sites are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, Vieux-Lille, and the Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo.

They each offer a unique perspective on the history and culture of northern France.

Now that you have your itinerary planned why not consider adding another city to your trip? I recommend Lyon. It’s an easy day trip from Paris .

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might interesting.

• Is Lille Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide for 2024
• The Perfect Paris to Amiens Day Trip Itinerary
• The Perfect Paris to Lille Day Trip (Local’s Guide)

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

North Coast of France: The Ultimate Road Trip From Dieppe to Calais

 Tripsavvy / Christine Wehrmeier

The north coast of France is often ignored, but passing up this seaside paradise means missing a real treat. It’s a fabulous area with a long sweeping coastline, charming villages, and gorgeous landscapes. This neglected treasure of coast is ripe for a road trip.

There are two ways to do this driving tour. If you’re starting in Paris , this tour makes an excellent few days outside the capital . All of the destinations are within a three-hour drive from Paris, so you can easily do the entire route or simply pick the parts that most stand out to you. If you’re coming from the U.K. via ferry, it’s a perfect short break that delivers the best of France in a nutshell.

This route starts in the town of Dieppe in Normandy, which is about two and a half hours from Paris by car or four hours from Newhaven, U.K., by ferry service from DFDS . The destination city of Calais is only two hours away if you were to drive straight there, but this guide highlights all of the charming towns and attractions to stop in along the way.

Day 1: Dieppe

If you're coming from the UK, take the DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, leaving at 9.30 a.m. and arriving in France at 2 p.m. local time. 

If you're coming from Paris, the 195-km (121-mile) drive will take around 2 hours 30 minutes. 

Walk along the small streets parallel to the English Channel starting at the Estran-Cité de la Mer, the local museum of the sea. Seventeenth-century houses made of white brick line the Grande Rue; continue onto rue de la Barre where number 4 housed a pharmacy in 1683. Voltaire lodged here with his friend the apothecary when he came back from exile in England in 1728 then went to live with his lover Emilie du Châtelet in Champagne. Other houses date from the 18th century.

The old section ends at the Château, originally a huge circular tower that was part of the 14th-century fortifications of this once vital seaport. Today the massive stone structure with its rounded defensive walls and small windows high up above the surrounding countryside houses a good museum. Ship models, maps, and instruments along with Dutch paintings and furniture catch and keep your imagination. But don’t miss the superb collection of Dieppe ivories, made from the ivory imported from Africa and the Orient. The 17th century saw 350 ivory carvers in Dieppe, but today you’ll only see a small workshop in the museum.

Beyond the Château, you come to the Memorial to August 19, 1942. It commemorates the date when a force of 7,000 soldiers—mostly Canadians—was launched from the U.K. against the Germans in northern France. It was a disaster, as 5,000 men were killed or taken prisoner. But lessons were learned and during the later Normandy D-Day Landings , artificial ports were towed over, while heavily defended harbors like Dieppe, were avoided.

Eat in Dieppe, where the tang of the ocean means fish or shellfish. Oysters or a huge plateau de fruits de mer at the Comptoir à Huîtres will hit the spot in this simple restaurant.

The Café des Tribunaux is a large brasserie-style café that started as an inn at the end of the 17th century. It was the favorite place for the Impressionists and was painted by Sickert, who spent his summers in Dieppe in the 1890s, moving there permanently from 1896 to 1905. It’s a great place for people watching while sitting on the terrace with a cold beer or glass of wine.

If you want to stay in Dieppe and like sea views, try the Inter-Hotel de la Plage . It looks just like a pleasant seaside hotel and has rooms for every budget, although the sea view options are more expensive. There’s no restaurant, but with plenty of choice in Dieppe, this is no hardship.

Outside Dieppe, the Auberge du Clos Normand is everything you want from a former coaching inn. Today it’s a delightful old building with wooden balconies, rooms overlooking a farm, a restaurant with an old tiled floor, and brick walls.

Day 2: Houses, History, and an Estuary in the Somme

Franz-Marc Frei/Getty Images

Dieppe is on what is known as the "Alabaster coast" ( Côte d'Albâtre ), an 80-mile-long stretch of white cliffs and wonderful beaches along the seashore. Just southwest of Dieppe on the D75 highway, the road takes you to the charming little resort of Varengeville-sur-Mer, where half-timbered houses stand shyly behind thick hedges.

The gardens of the Le Bois des Moutiers estate were an extension of the house, designed by the architect's collaborator, Gertrude Jekyll. It’s a little piece of English architectural and cultural history, open to the curious from mid-March to mid-November. 

A piece of French history awaits at the Manoir d’Ango , built as a summer palace for the naval advisor to Francois I and privateer, Jehan Ango, between 1535 and 1545. Walk through the forbidding and huge wooden gate and you step into an Italian Renaissance jewel, built around a large internal courtyard with a pigeonnier in the middle. It’s open from April 1 to November 1.

Eat in Varengeville on the terrace at the charming Auberge du Relais .

Drive back through Dieppe and along the coast road, the D925. Go through the small seaside resort of Le Tréport and on to the golden beaches of Mers-les-Bains, a typical resort of Victorian villas that don’t seem to have changed since the 19th century. The coast road continues up through Picardy to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a charming seaside town where William, Duke of Normandy , embarked on his journey to conquer England in 1066.

Saint-Valery still has its medieval citadel in the upper town, while the lower town has quays running along the estuary lined with brightly colored houses, restaurants, and hotels.

You can imagine the past life at the Écomusée Picarvie  with its collection of tools, photographs, and artifacts. Or just spend the afternoon doing all those things people do in seaside resorts: dig for shellfish, take a boat trip, cycle through the surrounding countryside with a guide. But be careful; the Somme estuary has strong tides that ebb and flow, creating dangerous currents.

Opposite, Le Crotoy is a pretty former fishing hamlet that faces south, giving you wonderful views and a landscape that inspired the likes of Jules Verne, who wrote "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" here; French author Colette; and the Impressionist painters, Sisley and Seurat.

Take the road north along the coast, through now silted-up fishing hamlets that seem left in a time warp. You’ll arrive at the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre , a magical place of sand dunes and pine forests where you can hire binoculars and walk through the paths stopping at the observation posts and looking at the remarkable collection of nesting birds here through powerful telescopes.

In Saint Valery, book at La Table des Corderies , where the chef Sebastien Porquet champions the freshest local products.

Or, drive to Le Crotoy for dinner overlooking the glorious bay and dining on more excellent local, seasonal dishes at Bellevue .

The Hotel Picardia is a chintz-filled gem of a place that's set in a 19th-century building. With only 18 rooms (seven are family rooms) and close to the waterfront, this is a traveler favorite, so book well in advance.

Day 3: Glorious Gardens, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Montreuil-sur-Mer

From St-Valery, head northeast into the countryside. Make for Crécy-en-Pontheiu which you’ll get to by driving on the D111 through the Crécy Forest. All that is left from the famous battle of 1346 is the Moulin Édouard III northeast of Crécy on the D111 towards Wadicourt. This was where Edward III watched the battle.

The gardens of the delightful Abbaye de Valloires  are your destination this morning. From Wadicourt, continue on the D111 to Dompierre-sur-Authie. You’ll enjoy the drive through the beautiful Authie valley before you reach this peaceful spot. The gardens stretch out from the ancient abbey, its warm stone walls forming the perfect backdrop for a series of five themed gardens. Have a typical and local lunch in the abbey restaurant.

If you’re a garden fan, cross over the river and take the D119 that runs along the opposite bank of the river Authie to Auxi-le-Chateau. From here take the D941 to Frévent, then the D82 to Séricourt. This is a wonderful, slightly eccentric private garden. The garden's 29 themes take you on a walk through war and peace, down a shaded alley of white cedars and under roses and clematis trained on a pergola. Séricourt is one of the top gardens in all of France .

From Séricourt, take the D340 to Hesdin and Montreuil-sur-Mer for tonight’s stop in the delightful small town abandoned by the sea.

If you're staying at the Château de Montreuil , eat at the Michelin-starred restaurant for a memorable meal or choose from various other options in the area . 

The Château de Montreuil sits behind a front gate in its own gardens. It’s a gracious, 3-story white-washed building looking more like an Edwardian stately home than a top château hotel . Inside the rooms are a mix of periods and styles; choose the Tudor age in the room with a four-poster bed, or choose to stay in this century with a more contemporary design. 

Day 4: Montreuil-sur-Mer to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Montreuil itself is a sizable town. Once one of the major medieval ports of France, it lost all purpose when the river Canche silted up in the 15th century, leaving the town to remain in a time warp, ignored by the rest of the country. Today it's a quiet, pretty place with historic ramparts, a citadel that played a part in World War I, good shops and restaurants, and a fabulous view over the river.

Spend the morning here then drive the short distance to Étaples, a working fishing port with an intriguing attraction about the local fishing industry, the Maréis La Corderie .

Aux Pêcheurs d’Étaples is the place for excellent fish and seafood. You’ll find it above the fish market on the quayside.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has always been a magnet for both Brits and vacationing Parisians. It’s a gracious, relaxed seaside town with a whole range of sporting activities from water sports to horse-riding. It is also a top golfing destination. Le Touquet has always been one of the top seaside resorts in France, once attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward.

There are plenty of dining choices in Le Touquet for all budgets. If you stay at Le Westminster, you must eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Pavillon . Otherwise, try Le Café des Arts  where the French classics are first-rate, served in a casual, relaxed restaurant. 

Le Westminster is the top hotel in the area, a glorious embodiment of the elegant Edwardian age. It's kept its popularity; signed photos of all the stars and celebrities who stay here line the walls of the public corridors. 

If you want to be outside the main town in a delightful forest and next to a top golf course, choose Le Manoir with its very English-club-like feel. 

Day 5: Le Touquet to Wimereux

Drive along the Opal Coast ( Côte d'Opale ) then take the turn to Hardelot-Plage. Stop at the unusual attraction of Hardelot Château . Built on 13th-century foundations, it was the brainchild of Sir John Hare who used Windsor Castle as his inspiration to rebuild it in the 1830s. With its mix of French and English influences, it celebrates the  entente cordiale agreements between France and the U.K. Today, Hardelot Château has a delightful, domestic Edwardian interior that comes as a contrast to the very castle-like stone exterior. 

In 2016, a new 338-seater Elizabethan Theatre was opened on the grounds. The theatre is open all year round and is immensely adaptable for theatre and music. The main attraction is the Theatre Festival which runs from mid-June to mid-July each year.

The Brasserie L’Ocean  looks over the sea from the large picture windows of the restaurant and from the outside terrace.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a very short drive along the coast. The seaside town is lively with a top attraction, the Nausicaá aquarium . This is a great place for families with tank after tank of hammerhead sharks, jellyfish, turbot, and rays. Don’t miss feeding time for the sea lions who always put on a great show and the delightful penguins.

Take time to walk away from the harbor and the seaside up to a surprisingly interesting medieval upper town. You can walk around the old medieval walls with their paths, rose beds, and garden benches to take time to look at the view.

If you're staying at La Matelote , you won't want to eat anywhere else. The restaurant is well known locally and is always full of locals as well as hotel guests. 

In Boulogne itself , there are two good possibilities. In the upper town of Boulogne, book at L’Enclos d eL’Evêché . This charming bed and breakfast has just three rooms which are chic and decorated with great flair. There’s an excellent breakfast as well.

The town’s best hotel is the long-established and very comfortable La Matelote . Opposite Nausicaá, it’s been beautifully renovated and now has a pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, and sauna. If you can, book a room with its own balcony onto the sea.

Outside Boulogne at Wimereux, book at one of the most popular and well-known hotels along this stretch of coast. The Hotel Atlantic has a lovely seaside feel, with rooms overlooking the ocean. It has a spa and the 1-Michelin star restaurant, La Liegoise. 

Day 6: Wimereux to Calais

After a good breakfast, drive up the coast past windy sand dunes to the headland: Cap Gris-Nez. All along this part until Cap Blanc Nez, numerous turn-offs from the road take you to walking paths with stunning views towards England. At Wissant, you get to the long sandy beaches where Julius Caesar launched his assault on England in 55 BC.

Your final drive takes you up to Calais , the port which most people just use as a starting point for their journey through France. But Calais is a surprising place with lots of history, and the town has worked hard to restore its historic buildings to their former charm.

Stop off at Le Côte d’Argent on the seafront for top seafood in a modern, spacious restaurant.

Calais has some delightful surprises. The major don’t-miss attraction is the Lace Museum , officially the Cité Internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais . Calais was once a great lace-making center and this museum takes you through the story. There’s something for everyone: fashion from the past and the present, demonstrations of lace making on a huge industrial machine bought in England, and videos that fascinate with their detail on making the patterns.​

The Calais Town Hall and Belfry is a gloriously extravagant building and looks much older than it is. In the garden, one of Rodin’s Burghers of Calais statues is the pride of the place. It commemorates the incident in 1347 when Edward III of England captured Calais and threatened a mass execution of the citizens. He changed his mind, instead deciding that six of the main leaders should be executed. This was too much for Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault, who successfully pleaded for their lives. 

There’s a lot more to see in Calais: the huge Notre-Dame church where a young Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux in 1921 and the statue of the couple outside; the excellent Fine Arts Museum ; and the old-fashioned but evocative Musée de Mémoire , telling the story of occupied Calais during World War II.

And that’s all to do before you go shopping , which Calais is famous for.

The rue Royale in the medieval fortified part of town is full of restaurants and bars. Book at the Histoire Ancienne , a family-owned and run bistro-style restaurant that serves classic dishes in a friendly relaxed venue.

The old-fashioned but well renovated Hotel Meurice is near the beach and just a few minutes' walk into the center of town. A grand staircase at the entrance sets the scene, and the hotel is particularly popular with British visitors. It has a good bar that buzzes into the late evening.

We end here but if you want to go further, head up to Dunkirk  near the Belgian border where the remains of Operation Dynamo in World War II still lie along the beaches.

The Top 10 Most Underrated Destinations in France

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The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region: North France

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A Tour of West France

Top French Seaside Resorts from the north to the Riviera

Guide to Montreuil-sur-Mer

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Calais: The Perfect Itinerary

Top 20 Most Popular French Cities for International Visitors

Best Beaches to Visit in Normandy

Brittany Region of France

10 Top Things to Do on the French Riviera

Guide to Dunkirk

Guide to the Normandy Region of France

Honeymoon in the South of France

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

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Your Complete French Road Trip Planner

Ahhh, France. A country so eclectic and beguiling, it is the most visited nation on the planet . A French road trip is the best way to explore the wonderful diversity and beautiful landscapes of this country.

A road trip in France showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, abundant UNESCO sites and some of the most picture-perfect villages in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through France, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like chateaux hunting, hiking in some of Europe’s highest peaks, kayaking and wild swimming in crystal clear rivers, and sampling the wonderful gastronomy across the country.

In this France travel guide you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in France by region, with France travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable French road trip itineraries.

Getting to France

Flying in and opting for car rental in France is a great choice, especially as France has so many easily accessible international airports, the perfect starting point for many of our road trip itineraries.

You can fly in to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other French cities to start your trip. We recommend booking your flights through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Driving to France from UK

If you’re planning to drive to from the UK to France , then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our driving to France from UK guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in France? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Best Time to Take a French Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months can be very cold throughout France, even in the south of the country and rain is quite common at this time of year.  But, the roads and cities will be quiet and less crowded, although not all attractions will be open.

March to May

Spring is a wonderful time to visit France, with temperatures warming up across the country. Markets increase in size, restaurants start preparing different dishes and the countryside is glorious. You’ll still find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

June and July are busier months to roadtrip France , with perfect temperatures for camping and outdoor activities. June is probably the best month, as schools have yet to break up across Europe and the family rush to the coasts has not yet started.

August brings the French annual holiday when many businesses close for the duration. If you’re planning on road tripping in tourist areas, then this won’t affect you too much, and you’ll have perfect holiday weather.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for French road trips , especially in the south of France. The coast will be quieter but if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy an Indian summer amongst the grape harvest and changing fall colors of the countryside.

Is this your first time visiting France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Road Trip France Planner by Region

France is such a diverse country, it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip, especially if you want to see the less traveled in France for a more authentic experience.

Whether you like coasts, mountains or rolling countryside, historic cities, elegant palaces, or wild landscapes, you’ll find your perfect road trip here, and there’s no dount that you’ll be ticking plenty off your France bucket list !

A road trip to France is an easy win for most Europeans and Brits, who are on the same continent, or just a hop across the English Channel.

For everyone else, Paris makes a great place to start any France road trip itinerary. Book with Skyscanner and fly in, pick up a rental car, or even a campervan, and you can be anywhere in the country within a day – that’s the beauty of a  voyage en voitre , or road trip in French!

France Road Trip Map by Region

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A huge region, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stretches from the volcanoes and plateau of the Massif Central in the west to the highest point of the French Alps in eastern France, offering some of the best roads in France, with spectacular scenery, rugged landscapes, and historic cities.

Divided by the mighty Rhone river, and with the center of the region being the vibrant foodie city of Lyon, there is great diversity here and four distinct climates. The further south you head, the more you will notice the flora, fauna, and climate taking on a Mediterranean feel.

A UNESCO Road Trip

Lyon – clermont-ferrand – le-puy-en-valey – saint-etienne.

• Distance 370km
• Duration 7 days
• Drive Time 5 hours

Start in the fabulous city of Lyon, the capital of the Rhone region. The historic heart, Vieux-Lyon, stretches across the base of Fourviere Hill and its grand basilica.

There are lots of things to do in Lyon , eating is one of the best! As you stroll the medieval streets and iconic traboules (or hidden passageways), stop in Lyon’s traditional restaurants, known as bouchons , and get up close to Renaissance facades and buildings that boast over a thousand years of history.

Next on your Auvergne road trip is one of France’s oldest cities, Clermont-Ferrand, known for its string of volcanoes called the Chaine des Puys. The dormant volcano Puy de Dome is one of the highest and has been a tectonic hotspot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2018.

In the city itself, don’t miss the jewel of Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica and the highly distinctive black lava stone Gothic Cathedral.

In Le-Puy-en-Valey, visit the imposing cathedral, the silhouette of which stands proud on the slopes of Mount Anis. The building, celebrated for housing the enigmatic Black Madonna, and one of the most beautiful cloisters in Europe, is a key monument of Romanesque art.

Finally, around Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO Design City, the site at Firminy hosts Le Corbusier’s largest European work. Visit the four buildings featured on the architectural walk, including the famous Maison de la Culture, where you can trace the legacy left by modern architecture.

Not far from Lyon, pay a visit to the Tourette Convent, the last great building by Le Corbusier in France, which will be a fitting end to your UNESCO road trip.

Road trip here if you like…

• Mountains – if outdoor activities are your thing, start  hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc  from Chamonix at the foot of the country’s easternmost mountains, explore the medium-high extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central, or take a road trip on the Route des Grandes Alpes .
• Gastronomic delights – There’s  so much to do in Lyon , not only one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is the food city of this gastronomic country. Regional dishes are influenced by the mountains and tend to be hearty and wholesome. 
• Water sports – with Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, and Lac de Bourget in the region, summer sailing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are on the doorstep.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

This beautiful region of France is famous for its rich history and viniculture. Sometimes abbreviated to BFC, this area is around a five to six hour drive from Calais on the A26, and just a few hours from Paris, making it a great option if you’re short on time. 

Part of this area is the old historic region of Burgundy, once the heartland of France and known for its wines, such as Beaujolais and Chablis.

BFC is sparsely populated and sees relatively little tourist footfall, making this cross-country road trip a joy for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. The route takes you through a mix of low agricultural lands to the fabulous mountains and lakes of the Jura.

RELATED POST: Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

The Jura Route des Lacs

Dijon – marigny – thoirette.

• Distance 350km
• Duration 3-5 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

Start in the beautiful historic city of Dijon, surrounded by the Cote d’Or vineyards where over 3,000 winemakers produce their world-famous wines in the heart of ancient Burgundy.

The UNESCO old center of Dijon is packed with half-timbered medieval houses and elegant Renaissance buildings. Make sure to try the wines from the region, and Dijon’s other claim to fame, Dijon mustard.

Head south to off-the-beaten-track Marigny for the deep navy and turquoise lakes of the Jura Massif, where you can explore museums, regional crafts, and local gastronomy, as well as remote places, natural sites, and plenty of waterfalls.

You might want to get in the water too, there are twenty lakes to choose from!

• Great gastronomy  – the home of the unique Vin Jaune, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Comte cheese, and Dijon mustard is a powerhouse of French cooking, particularly where the use of wine is required!
• Atmospheric historic cities – Beaune and Dijon are just two gorgeous cities in this region, packed with history, Gothic and medieval architecture with a typical French ambiance.
• Breathtaking castles – there are well over thirty well-preserved chateaux in the northern half of this region, you’ll see them literally on every bend in the road!

The rugged peninsula of western France, Bretagne, is an ideal place for a one or two week northern France road trip itinerary.

With Rennes, the capital of the region, being just an hour’s drive from St Malo, it is literally a hop over the channel and the perfect place for a road trip from the UK to France .

With a wild and dramatic coastline and an undiscovered feel beyond the well-known tourist spots, this western France road trip offers a shared Celtic culture, ancient mysticism, and every type of beach imaginable!

Brittany Coast to Coast

Saint-malo – brest – quimper – vannes – rennes.

• Distance 540km
• Duration 10 days
• Drive Time 6 hour

The peninsula of Brittany lends itself to a jaunt around its coast, enjoying the superb seafood and friendly nature of the locals.

Start in historic St Malo before taking in the endless sightseeing opportunities of the peninsula’s varied 1600km long coastline. 

There’s a beach here for your taste, from secluded coves and surfing hotspots to long white stretches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky outcrops.

Around Perros-Guirec is the Cote de Granit Rose with its pink beaches, one of the most interesting coastlines in France, and across to the west is the Finistere coast with its huge beaches and quaint fishing villages.

If you want to dip into every cove, explore every interesting finger of land that protrudes into the sea, and visit all the charming towns and villages en route, then allow at least two weeks for this magical road trip.

• Beautiful gardens – also known as the Garden Coast, Brittany has some of the best gardens in France. From English-style cottage gardens to exotics, there’s something here for every green-fingered visitor.
• Delicious cider – Brittany is the cider country of France. With more than 600 apple varieties grown in the region, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Customs and tradition – the pan-Celtic tradition is very evident here; the Breton language is spoken with pride and widespread cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Chateaux of the Loire

Orleans – blois – tours – angers – nantes.

The enchanting chateaux and picturesque towns of the Loire Valley make this historic region the perfect place to take a 10 day road trip in France.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Delicious white wines – Touraine, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, and Valencay are just some of the well-known whites produced in this region. Take a vineyard tour and make sure to enjoy a wine tasting afterward!
• Historic cities – from gracious Orleans to Gothic Blois and Tours with its beautiful old town, the cities of this region are must-sees.
• Bird watching – La Brenne Natural Park is the hidden gem of Centre-Val de Loire. To the south of the region, this huge park containing over a thousand lakes is a wetland paradise for birders. 

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

Grand Est borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and a small part of Switzerland so it’s not surprising that this region has multicultural influences.

Grand Est is one of the most accessible regions if you’re taking a France road trip from Calais, a four hour drive will take you to the heart of the rolling Aube, and in six hours you can be in  Strasbourg , the capital of the region and home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

Previously known as Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, the region is home to typical French countryside with an eclectic mix of vineyards, the low-lying Vosges mountains, and some of the prettiest small towns in France, found along the Alsace wine route.

In some less-visited and remote wooded parts of the Vosges, lynx, boar, and wolves can still be found in the wild, making the rich nature and biodiversity of the area of particular interest.

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Route Touristique du Champagne

Reims – trigny – epernay – cumieres – essoyes.

• Distance 285km
• Drive Time 5 hour

The whole of the Champagne Route stretches for around 700km across the departments of Marne, Aube, and Aisne, with eight marked trails to authentic villages, ancient monasteries, imposing châteaux and churches, and of course, vineyards!

This bit of the route takes you from Reims and its world-renowned champagne houses to the massif of Saint-Thierry where you can enjoy beautiful views from Trigny, a flower-filled village with medieval ramparts.

Visit the Verzenay lighthouse, which watches over a rolling swathe of vineyards and now houses the Musée de la Vigne, where you can learn about the history of champagne before driving on to Epernay, and its famous champagne houses of Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger.

From Cumieres, embark on the Champagne Vallee boat to discover the vineyards along the water in the Marne valley. 

Further south on the Côte des Blancs road, admire the panoramic view of the vineyards from Mont Aimé and enjoy the charms of the pretty village of Oger. 

In Aube around Bar-sur-Seine, with its half-timbered houses, make a stop at Essoyes where Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir lived for a few years, and visit one of the 28 champagne cellars in the area.

• Champagne – of course! This champagne road trip is perfect for lovers of bubbles!
• Medieval   cathedrals – Grand Est is home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• War history – the Verdun & Argonne battlefields and war graves cemeteries of WWI can be found in the region, along with the WWII Maginot Line forts. The Surrender Room in Reims is where German forces capitulated to Eisenhower in May 1945, bringing an end to the long war.
• Accessible hiking  – easier on the heart and lungs, the hiking routes of the Vosges are a pleasure. With stunning rolling scenery and trails to take you through historic villages and make the most of the views, hiking in the Vosges is a real highlight. 

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Hauts-de-France

This is is the most northerly region of France and home to the port city of Calais, meaning it’s on the doorstep of the UK and a perfect French road trip destination for those wishing to nip across the Channel for a weekend from the UK, or for anyone looking for a few beach days on a longer trip in Paris. 

Not a major tourist region, the area is known for the battlefields of World War I, most notably the Somme, a four month battle in which over a million people lost their lives, and many people come here for the memorials and war sites.

But there is more to see in this part of France, including the incredible beaches, elegant resort towns, and pretty fishing villages dotted along the unspoiled and beautiful Cote d’Opale, or Opal Coast.  

Explore the Opal Coast

Calais – boulogne-sur-mer – le touquet – etaples – montreuil – abbeville.

• Distance 144km
• Duration 3 days
• Drive Time 2 hour

From Calais, head south and visit Cap Blanc-Nez (cape white nose), opposite the white cliffs of Dover, and Cap Griz-Nez, (cape grey nose), the closest point in France to England. Both headlands offer fine views across the channel and coast and some great walking opportunities.

Boulogne is the largest fishing port in France and is home to all things sea! Visit the excellent Nausicca Aquarium, full of fascinating displays, interactive exhibits, and sea life, before visiting the historic old town and port, where you can join an organized tour. 

Le Touquet is the jewel of the coast, known as Paris-Plage because this is traditionally where Parisians came for their long August break. Nowadays, it’s a lively resort known for its fantastic beach, water sports, and nightlife, including clubs and casinos.

Don’t miss the lighthouse, La Phare de la Canche, which rewards you with breathtaking views if you’re happy to climb the 274 steps to get to the viewing platform at the top!

Stop at the peaceful nature park of Baie de Canche, situated east of Étaples-Sur-Mer, a protected area of 45 hectares teeming with wildlife, before heading to Abbeville.

The capital of maritime Picardy and your final stop, Abbeville is a beautiful city and boasts rich historical monuments including the flamboyant Gothic style Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with its magnificent carved facade.

• Mining history – much of the infrastructure in the northern parts of the region has been shaped by mining, a now redundant industry in this part of France. Visit the UNESCO listed Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin for a fascinating insight into the industry and a miner’s life in the pits.
• Beautiful belfries –  tall and often ornate clock towers attached to civic buildings, belfries are common in the region and were built to symbolize the power of the local alderman and councillors. The Belfries of Belgium and France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.
• Battlefield tours  – the battles of Flanders, the Somme, Vimy, and Ypres were all fought on the soil of the Hauts-de France by French, British, Canadian, Australian, and African troops. The memorials and cemeteries marking these battles make for moving visits.

France Road Trip Essentials

Lonely Planet France

France driving essentials

France SIM card

UPF 50 travel sun hat

France beaux villages guide

universal adaptor + USB

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is the small region surrounding the beautiful city of Paris. Surrounded by cities and forests that prospered from the patronage of the Kings of France, the area is rich in royal history, elegant palaces, and medieval towns. 

A four hour drive from Calais and on the doorstep for those flying in, it is perhaps not the first destination road trippers think of, but it is the ideal opportunity to combine a five day trip to Paris with a road trip to see the best bits of this compact region.

A Road Trip Around Paris

Chantilly – provins – fontainebleau – versailles – saint-denis.

• Distance 275km
• Duration 5 days
• Drive Time 4 hour

Start in Chantilly, a town obsessed with horses, and join the Parisians at the elegant Chantilly racetrack, home of the French Derby (or Prix du Jockey Club).  

Head along the pretty country roads to Fontainebleau forest for a spot of activity. Once the hunting grounds of French kings, and home to a beautiful palace, the area is dotted with massive boulders that attract anyone wanting to try bouldering. 

If hiking is more your thing, there are more than 500km of marked trails in the forest, with the 25 Bosses Trail being the most well-known. This challenging day hike will reward you with incredible views of the surrounding area. 

If you prefer to see it from the air, then hitch a ride on a hot air balloon, a popular way to see the forest.

From here, drive to the UNESCO site of historic Provins, a fortified city full of medieval half-timbered houses and cobbled streets inside the well-preserved ramparts. Built to accommodate an annual fair linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean, most of the buildings here are still in their original form.

Versailles is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you must book online in advance as it can take five hours to queue in the summer if you don’t have a ticket. This shining, golden Baroque palace was once home to the Kings of France and spreads over 800 acres.

The inside is full of gold leaf, pink marble, and other finishes so opulent it almost hurts the eye. The formal gardens are beautifully symmetrical and soothing, with thousands of trees and water features – the perfect place for a picnic.

From Versailles, head north-east to the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most important religious buildings in Ile-de-France. The first Gothic cathedral was built at the exact spot where Saint-Denis, the patron saint of Paris and France was buried.

• Iconic cities – although driving in and around Paris is to be avoided at all costs, you can stay outside Paris and get the train in, just follow this perfect  Paris one day trip itinerary  to see top sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in one of the most cultured cities in Europe .
• Theme parks –  meet all your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris , just three and a half hours from Calais and an hour from Paris.
• Modern architecture – there are four Le Corbusier villas in Ile-de-France. Villa Savoye is in Poissy and Villa La Roche, Villa Jeanneret, and Immeuble Molitor are wonderful hidden gems in Paris.

Normandy borders the English Channel and is easily accessible from all the channel ports, the furthest being St Malo around a three to four hour drive. Le Havre is in the region itself and a perfect arrival port popular with UK road trippers, as well as being close to pretty Honfleur.

The whole region was a significant medieval empire and controlled much of England and Wales, leaving a rich history for visitors to explore on a Normandy road trip.

The three huge attractions of Rouen cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry, and Mont Saint-Michel are the must-sees of the region. Along with the pretty fishing port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches, this region has much to recommend and is one of the best road trip destinations in France.

The World War II Sites of Normandy

Benouville – ouistreham – arromanches – colleville-sur-mer – bayeaux.

• Distance 180km
• Drive Time 3 hour

You could visit the key places on this tour in a day, but to the sites justice and spend time at the memorials, you need three to five days.  

Start at Benouville, just north of Caen, for Pegasus Bridge and its museum, the site of a daring landing by gliders of the British 6th Airborne Division in shortly before the sea invasion.

From here, it’s a short hop to Ouistreham to visit Le Grand Bunker, part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses, and the German Battery to the north. 

Heading west, you’ll find the landing beaches of Sword (British and French), Juno (Canadian), Gold (British), and Omaha and Utah (American). Each has a number of visitor sites to be explored.

At Arromanches, watch an educational film at the 360-degree cinema on top of the cliff before you descend into the town itself and visit the Landing Museum built near the site of the Mulberry Harbours, which were constructed to aid the Allies in getting supplies ashore. 

As you continue west, don’t miss the German Gun Battery at Longues, before arriving at the atmospheric American Cemetery at Colville, where you can hear the Last Post daily at 5pm.

From Utah beach, skirt back to Bayeaux, home of the British and Commonwealth Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum (and of course, that famous tapestry).

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

• Medieval heritage – Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is chock full of medieval architecture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 is on glorious display in the town of the same name.
• Gorgeous gardens – if you are a gardener or painter, then there is no better garden in the whole of France than Giverny, Claude Monet’s country home and garden. Gloriously and unashamedly colorful, this beautiful place has provided inspiration to generations of gardeners and painters alike.
• Impressionist art – known as the birthplace of impressionism after Monet took inspiration in Le Havre and painted ‘ Impression, soleil levant ‘ (‘Impression, sunrise’) in 1872. Normandy houses two major collections and has no fewer than fifteen museums dedicated to impressionist art and history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of our personal favorites for a France road trip holiday, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region of France. From the ports of Caen or Cherbourg, the capital Bordeaux is a good seven to eight hour drive, making the region an ideal destination for a two or three weeks holiday. 

This region in the southwest of France is incredibly varied, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the gently meandering Dordogne valley, to the almost continuous beach of the long Landes coastline. There’s also great French wine heritage here, along with classic gastronomy which uses the abundance of high-quality ingredients grown and produced in the region.

Pine forests, vineyards, elegant resorts and rustic villages shape this space, along with great regional food and wine which give life and color to a seriously enjoyable region of France.

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Best of the Dordogne

Bordeaux – bergerac – la roque-gageac – sarlat-la-caneda – rocamadour – perigueux.

• Distance 380km
• Duration 5-7 days

Staring in the magnificent city of Bordeaux , known as the wine capital of the world, follow the Dordogne to beautiful Bergerac, a historic city, whose narrow streets are lined with fine houses and filled with blooms and quirky art installations.

Of course, you’ll also find a statue of Bergerac’s most famous son, Cyrano de Bergerac. A French soldier remembered chiefly for fighting many duels often over the size of his nose! 

From here, head for the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac, the gateway to the Valley of the Five Chateaux, home to five impressive castles, including Chateau Beynac and Chateau Castelnaud. You’ll also find the stunning Gardens of Marqueyssac hanging on the cliffs above the village.

Head east for the gorgeous town of Sarlat, deep in the wooded hills of the Dordogne. With cobbled streets and Gothic mansions galore, Sarlat makes a great base to explore locally and enjoy some of the fantastic gastronomy of the region.  

Cross into Occitanie for Rocamadour, home to the cheese of the same name, and the Gouffre de Padirac, two of the must-see attractions in the area which can be visited in a day if you’re pushed for time.

Allow a full day to explore the final stop of  Perigueux, making sure to visit the Saint-Front Cathedral, the quays, and the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

• Mountains  – the eastern Pyrenees are to the south of the region and beyond the towns and cities provide amazing cycling and hiking opportunities, including this seven day Pyrenees hiking tour . 
• Beaches – there are hundreds of miles of soft golden beaches along the coast. Stretching from the glamorous resort of Biarritz in the south to La Rochelle in the north, only interrupted by the river Garonne and the Arcachon Basin. If you like sand, head for the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat, with an incredible view of the blue, turquoise and green crystal clear waters of the Arcachon basin. 
• Surfing –  people come here to surf the huge Atlantic rollers coming in from the Bay of Biscay and there is an annual world surf competition held in Lacanau-Ocean. If you can’t stand up, get a body board, or just spend hours deciding whether to float over the next wave or power under it.   

Occitanie (previously known as Languedoc) makes up almost one-half of the south of France and is a region of huge contrast. A solid ten to eleven hour drive from Caen, Occitanie makes a good destination if you have a couple of weeks to travel or, as part of a longer trip.

We think it’s worth the drive time for the atmosphere, history, and beauty you will find in this region. 

From the sun-drenched Herault of the deep south and the Mediterranean coast to the wild and raw beauty of the Cevennes and the majesty of the Pyrenees, the landscape and climate differ greatly.

This is a busy part of France, home to Carcassonne, Lourdes, and the Pont du Gard. These three top the busiest tourist destinations in Europe list and are best visited outside of July and August.

RELATED POST: The Best Wild Swimming in France

Beaches & Mountains of the Languedoc

Montpellier – sete – agde – beziers – carcassonne – gorge d’heric – pezenas – saint-guilhem-le-désert.

Start in the growing city of Monpellier and head south along the coast to the pretty fishing port and the seaside resort of Sete, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Etang de Thau salt lake on the other.

The main canal running through the Sete city center is lined with bars and restaurants offering fish and seafood delicacies. Make sure to try a tielle, a local specialty comprising of octopus cooked in olive oil, tomato, and red wine and baked in pastry.

The salt lake Etang de Thau is sandwiched between vineyards and natural scrubland and is the ideal place to learn more about what the area is famous for – shellfish, and in particular oysters. There are a number of oyster farms open for visits where you can learn about the farming process.  

Agde, just along the coast, is famous for its black volcanic sand beaches which are unique to the region. La Grande Conque is one such beach, a small bay carved into the coast and a great place to while away the day sunbathing and swimming.

Your next stop is the beautiful town of Beziers, home to the Fonserannes Locks, the famous staircase of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, which allow boats to be raised 21.5m over a distance of 300m. You can hire a bike here and cycle along the canal towpath, for a peaceful afternoon ride.

Head west and inland for the iconic city of Carcassonne. The beautifully renovated citadel, La Cite, is a must-see in this area of France. Vast and imposing, it towers above the Aude and ‘new’ Carcassonne and feels a little Dinsneyesque inside, with lots of touristy (and expensive) bars and restaurants.

From here, if you have more time, you can head into the Pyrenees if you want to hike, kayak, and see the religious castles the area is famous for. 

Otherwise, the magnificent Gorge d’Heric is next up, with hiking and wild swimming opportunities in abundance. This dramatic gorge, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc nature reserve, is home to the river Heric as it rushes down from the Massif de Caroux.

You can walk up the Gorge for around 5km, or hike and rock climb the Caroux if you want something a bit more challenging. All the way up the gorge are massive boulders and private natural swimming pools, filled with clear turquoise waters and wonderful for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day.

From here, pretty Pezenas calls, with its Friday wine festivals through summer, local craft shops, and weekly farmers market. A perfect place to stop for a few days and catch your breath, before taking in the Pont du Diable, perfect for a spot of cliff-jumping and paddle boarding.

A few miles away from the Devil’s Bridge is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, nestled in the heart of the Herault Gorges and a major stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The centerpiece of the village is the Gellone Abbey, a 1200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked in the corner of the main square.

RELATED POST: South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

• Wild swimming – the gorges of the region have some of the best  wild swimming  and canyoning in France. Tucked into the Montagne Noire or the midi-Pyrenees, the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
• Outdoor adventures – head for the Gard and Lozere departments where you’ll find nature at its finest. Winding rivers like the Tarn are superb for kayaking and often have small river beaches and swimming holes, with perfectly placed rocky ledges to jump from. The Cevennes National Park offers great hiking in a wild and natural environment.
• Religious history – The Aude and Ariege have a strong Cathar history and you can see remnants everywhere. Follow the Route of the Cathars through fortified hilltops, castles, villages, and towns for a fascinating insight into a religion that shaped this part of France for centuries.

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is a region of north-western France that adjoins the region of Centre-Val de Loire. Both regions share many characteristics including the Loire Valley and large numbers of famous chateaux.

One difference is the long Atlantic coastline of the Pays de la Loire known as the Vendee, a very popular UK tourist destination due to its proximity to the eastern channel ports, and enjoyed for its gentle waves, sandy beaches, and quintessential sea-side resorts.  

An easy three to four hours from Caen to Nantes places you in the heart of this region, with the Loire Valley to the east and the beaches of the Vendee to the west.  

RELATED POST: The Best Campervan Destinations in France

The Coast of the Vendee

Nantes – saint-gilles-croix-de-vie – les sables-d’olonne – la tranche-sur-mer – la rochelle.

Starting in increasingly popular Nantes, home to the Les Machines de L’ile, this west coast road trip is more about the relaxed coastal resorts than cities.

Make for Saint Gilles-Croix-de Vie, stopping at Sallertaine on the route, to explore the peaceful canals of the Marais Breton in an open canoe.

Once in Saint-Gilles, enjoy the chic and lively ambiance, as well as superb sardines, caught locally and on your plate within a few hours.

On the Côte de Lumière or Coast of Light, the coastal resorts here enjoy 2400 hours of sun every year, making this a perfect place to relax on a sun lounger for a few days.

Continue south to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the point of departure for the Vendee Globe round-the-world sailing race. A popular seaside resort, it has a superb sandy beach and a pretty seafront promenade plus a casino and golf course to keep you busy.

Next up is La Tranche-sur-Mer, known as ‘little California’ because of its exceptional sunshine hours and 13km of sandy beaches.

With an authentic vibe and lively family atmosphere, this is a great stop for teenagers, with lots of water sports on offer, as well as free concerts and street entertainment in the evenings in summer.

Your final stop is the historic sea town of La Rochelle, a laid-back resort town with a well-deserved reputation for great seafood, and the best old port on the French Atlantic.

Spend a day meandering around the charming town before exploring the maritime museum and aquarium.

• Bucket and spade holidays – perfect for family holidays, the Vendee is lined with some of the best French holiday parks offering fantastic facilities. Kids love the beaches for perfect sand-castle building and gentle waves.
• Theme parks – the Puy du Fou historic theme park has  over 1,5 million visitors a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of France, and perfect for a day out if you are traveling with kids.
• Beautiful chateaux – one of the main attractions of the region, the chateaux of the Loire Valley are world famous.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

A favorite of many, this region, often abbreviated to PACA, covers a large and diverse area. From the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps, and from the river Rhone to the Italian border, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the furthest of France’s regions from the UK.

It takes a whopping eight hours of driving from Paris and twelve to thirteen hours from Calais, making the journey a road trip to the south of France in its own right.

For the glamorous and fashionable resorts of the French Riviera, the lavender fields and whitewashed towns of Provence, and the off-the-beaten-path wilderness of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, those driving hours are so worth it.

The sun-baked landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and villages, abundant local produce, and delicious wines just add to the attraction. 

The Route Napoleon

Grenoble – laffrey – la mure – corps – col bayard – gap – sisteron – digne – castellane – saint-vallier-de-thiey – grasse – antibes.

• Distance 314km
• Drive Time 8 hour

The most picturesque south of France road trip, the historic Route Napoleon begins in the Auvergne-Rhone- Alpes region.

The road trip starts (or ends, as the route starts at the coast, but can be road tripped either way) in Grenoble, the route follows the footsteps of the famous General on his return from exile in Elba, as he headed north for Waterloo.

Inaugurated in 1932, you will see statues of the Imperial French Eagle marking the way, along what is now (mainly) the N85.

The road is really spectacular, with switchbacks, sweeping bends, and challenging mountain stretches making it one of the best road trips in France.

Peaking at 1246m at Col Bayard before passing into Provence and the towns of historic Sisteron, beautiful Digne, and fragrant Grasse, you’ll also pass the stunning Gorge du Verdon and the beautiful lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

From Castellane to Grasse, the views to the coast from the road are spectacular, across lush green slopes dotted with magnificent villas, to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean, just one of the reasons to start in Grenoble and head south. 

This route smells heavenly too – the scent of hot pine sap and the essential oils of regional herbs being warmed by the sun is the fragrance of southern France.

RELATED POST: Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

• Glitz and glamour – St Tropez is one of the most famous Cote d’Azur holiday resorts. People on Riviera road trips flock to the vieux port where the rich and famous berth their mega-yachts, and enjoy the honeyed stone buildings and pretty squares of a slightly more relaxed and authentic St Tropez. If you want more, head to Monaco, Nice or Cannes, or one of the ridiculously opulent villas which open their doors to the public. 
• Iconic Lavender – field upon field and row upon row of beautiful and fragrant lavender carpets  Provence  in June and July. Go early in the day for the best photo opportunities.
• Local produce – experience a marchés hebdomadaires ( farmers market). Most towns have a weekly market where you will find fresh bread, wonderful fruit and vegetables, pungent cheeses, meaty saucisson sausage, fat olives, and pretty much any other fresh food stuff you might want to buy. 

France Country Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in France.

• Search for affordable flights to France with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in France with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in France with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries from UK to France Direct Ferries
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in France

Road trips in France are usually pleasurable, thanks to their extensive and well-maintained autoroute network, and generally good local roads. French drivers can be impatient and are dreadful tailgaters and really, really dislike being overtaken, but, c’est la vie, this is France!

Whether your road tripping France in a campervan , car, or motorbike, follow these tips for driving safely and legally;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from France.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and must put it on before you get out in an emergency or breakdown situation. You must also carry a warning triangle.
• You may require a Crit’Air sticker which is placed in the windscreen of your vehicle to provide a visible way to identify the level of emissions produced. If you’re renting a vehicle, the Crit’Air sticker should already be on display in the windscreen. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.
• On 1 November 2021 the Loi Montage II or ‘mountain law II’ came into force in 48 French mountainous departments within the Alpes, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrénées, and Vosges regions. Anyone traveling in a car or motorhome or through one of these areas between 1 November and 31 March will be obliged to fit four approved winter tires or carry at least two snow chains or socks in the vehicle.
• French motorways are privately managed and you’re not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if you break down. If you do break down use the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along French motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area or dial the emergency services on 112. You will be towed to a safe designated area where you can make onward arrangements for your own breakdown insurer to assist you if you have it. Otherwise, the towing company will be able to provide support or signpost you. 
• You do not need to carry a breathalyzer, the law requiring that you do has been repealed.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your French road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

Chock full of storybook-worthy villages, beautiful castles, and incredibly epic and diverse nature–from the Alps to the beaches of the Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence and the cliffs of Etretat and beyond–it’s not hard to understand why taking a France road trip tops so many bucket lists around the world.

Throw in excellent roads, a great travel infrastructure, and enough exciting places to see that you could spend a lifetime traversing it without turning over every stone, there’s no doubt that a road trip through France is an amazing way to see the country.

We’ve rounded up the best France road trip itinerary ideas here, covering all corners of the country–plus included important France driving tips you’ll need to know before setting off!

Table of Contents

Logistical Tips for Driving in France

Other france road trip tips, 15 of the best road trips in france.

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Rent the smallest car you can.

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find French roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs, and stress while driving in France by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Book your rental car for your France road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in France.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your France road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Always carry cash… just in case. 

While you can generally pay tolls (and they are pricey–budget accordingly!) with a Visa or Mastercard in France, you never know when you’re going to need cash for gas or small restaurants.

When taking a driving in France, it’s best to always have some Euros with you–and don’t forget to carry small coins for bathroom fees!

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

For example, our trip to Cassis would have been much easier if we had researched the parking situation beforehand and paid to reserve a spot in one of the parking garages in town.

For hotels, we use Booking.com and ideally look for places using the “free parking onsite” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in France, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 20 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Strongly consider purchasing extra insurance.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country is always going to be an exercise in risk-taking.

While driving in France is typically perfectly safe, if you’re not used to driving in congested urban environments or driving abroad, we’d recommend that you strongly consider purchasing additional CDW (collision damage) insurance for your vehicle–though going through the rental agency is often the most expensive place you can buy this coverage.

Check first to see if your credit card covers it (and in France specifically–not just in your home country), and if they don’t, some insurance policies do.

Get a quote to insure your France road trip today!

Not all gas stations are self-service.

We’ve come across both self-service and attendant-provided gas stations in France–when you pull up to get gas, take a quick look around to see what the other drivers are doing before jumping out of your car!

An International Driver’s Permit isn’t required. 

Unlike in Italy, an International Driver’s Permit isn’t required to rent a car or drive in France (though you do, of course, need to be licensed to drive–for example, driver’s licenses from our home country of the USA are valid for driving in France as a tourist).

However, if your license is written in something other than English or French, or you just want to make any potential communication easier, you may want to consider getting one anyway.

Your life will be easier if you buy a French SIM card.  

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in France will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore France by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase a France SIM card at home in advance.

Pack toilet paper.

Rest stops along highways in France will generally have toilets, but toilet paper is far from guaranteed–best to bring your own just in case.

I usually carry a pack of these with me in my purse when I travel, and they’ve come in handy more than once when driving in France.

Brush up on your French.

Ubiquitous advice for traveling in France, I know, and not exclusive to a road trip in France, but I promise that at least being able to ask for (and follow) simple driving directions in French–not to mention reading basic road signs–will make your France road trip much better!

The first rule of road trips in France: leave room for spontaneity!

One of the best things about taking a road trip in France is that no matter how carefully you plan, no matter how much research you do, you’re still bound to show up in the country and be blown away by something you had never heard of before.

So, just roll with it… and leave room for new discoveries.

I’m a big planner myself, so I get the urge to organize every. last. detail. 

… But during our own trips exploring France by car, I’m also so glad that we randomly decided to spend extra time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, that we gave Port Miou a chance when we saw photos of how lovely it was, that we delayed our departure from Annecy because its market was coming to town, and that we ended up cutting Roussillon from our Luberon Valley trip because we simply weren’t ready to say goodbye to Goult.

In other words: sketch an outline of your days and nights, yes, but be open to changes. Those stops may just end up being some of your favorite stops during your France road trip!

Pay attention to market days (and show up early).

Visiting local markets in all of France’s adorable villages is one of my favorite parts of taking a road trip in France: with a car, there’s no need to worry about managing train times or having to skip the tiniest villages.

If at all possible, aim to visit towns on their market days. Depending on the town, this is generally one, two, or three times a week. Many villages have a small daily market, with larger markets on certain days–those are the ones to aim for.

Also: show up early! Early in the morning is the absolute best time to visit markets on your France road trip. You’ll get to experience both the smallest crowds and also have your pick of the best products before they potentially sell out for the day.

Pack a picnic on travel days.

All those markets full of delicious bread, cheese, meat, and produce that you pass each day? Those are your future lunch!

Double up on practical purchases and fun experiences in France by using market days to stock up on picnic materials to use during your days spent driving in France.

Rest stops in France are plentiful along the highways (look for the signs for “aires”), and are generally very clean and well-stocked, with some even including restaurants.

Don’t change locations every day.

Packing your bags, checking in and out of a hotel, loading the car, unloading the car… all of these things may not seem like much, but by the fifth or sixth day in a row, you’ll be incredibly tired of doing it.

These kinds of transitions eat up way more of each day of your France road trip than the estimated driving time between whatever two towns you’re visiting–so do yourself a favor and limit the number of times you swap lodging.

Instead, set up a series of bases for at least a few days each, and use your rental car to take day trips from there.

For example, we used Avignon as a base to visit the Luberon Valley and Alpilles, and Aix-en-Provence as a base to visit Cassis!

Focus primarily on smaller towns & natural attractions.

Don’t get me wrong–we adore France’s cities, but places like Paris, Lyon, and Nice don’t require a car to visit–quite the opposite. A car is a hindrance there!

One of our France driving tips is to focus on the smaller towns, beautiful countryside, dramatic castles, and endless natural highlights (beaches, lakes, mountains–you choose!) that make up this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

If you hope to include any of France’s major cities as part of your itinerary, we recommend visiting them at the beginning or end of your trip and only renting your car when you’re ready to leave and head to smaller towns.

The slow pace is part of the fun.

Often, the best memories from a trip are the ones where you let go of the long wish list of towns and villages you hope to see, the markets you want to visit, and the tourist sights you can’t miss and just. breathe.

I learn this again virtually every time I go to France: some of my best memories in the country are of the day we did literally nothing but walk around Colmar and admire how beautiful it was, the day we lounged in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens all afternoon, the days we’ve sat at outdoor cafes for hours because the sunshine and people-watching felt too good to leave behind, and the long, leisurely lunch we ate in Goult .

Each and every one of those memories is something we exchanged for missing out on a piece of sightseeing or photo-taking or research we had planned to do–something that seemed important at the time.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

Write down where you go.

Sure, no one is going to forget visiting Nice or Aix-en-Provence… but that tiny town with the cute fruit stand you passed through that one afternoon? Yeah, that name will fade almost immediately.

You’ll want to remember the names of all the small villages you visited, pretty beaches you swam at, cozy restaurants you ate at, and hiking trails you conquered long after your France road trip is finished, so write them down as you go!

Jeremy loves to star the places we visit on Google maps, and I keep my own record in my One Line a Day journal that I’ve been keeping daily for years (and highly recommend!).

Alsace Wine Route

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

A  fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as the Alsace Wine Route .

Especially in the summer months (or early fall), it is a beautiful drive with scenic window views and many beautiful towns, villages, and cities along the way.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous road trips in France and besides being a beautiful place, it has a lot about…well, you guessed it, wine. 

Start your trip in Strasbourg (which is not officially part of the Alsace wine route), the beautiful main city in the region, and explore what it has to offer, including lots of half-timbered houses and many medieval buildings, and then plan in time for stops like Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

These are all beautiful little villages, though Riquewihr is probably the prettiest of all. 

Then it is time to end your tour in Colmar where you can end your road trip and explore one of the cutest towns in the country.

If you are a wine drinker, you can visit the vineyards along the way and try out some of the local wines in the wineries or restaurants. They are supposed to be some of the best wines in the country!

Driving Distance

170km or 105 miles.

Recommended Road Trip Length

3 days is the absolute minimum for this road trip. 4 or 5 days are the better options if you do not want to rush and like to do some wine tasting.

Marseilles to Nice

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

After exploring Marseilles , why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to Nice? The drive is best done at a leisurely pace over a few days so you can savor the delights of Provence and the Cȏte d’Azur. 

The coastal road has many spectacular views and the first is as you leave Marseilles. Les Calanques are dramatic, sheer-sided coastal inlets that have been carved through the limestone and they can be found between Marseilles, Cassis , and La Ciotat. 

A little further on you will be tempted by the seven beautiful sandy beaches of La Croix Valmer.

The first main stop is St Tropez, a favorite with the international jet-set in the sixties. It is still popular for its beaches and nightlife. Those ‘in the know’ explore Port Grimaud- the Crêpes au Chocolat (chocolate pancakes) and cider are worth sampling. 

Cannes is another famous city, loved by the super-rich and known for its international film festival. Antibes lies close to Nice and is a delightful old town with ramparts and once Picasso’s home. 

There will be many other detours inland to make to Domaines (wineries) to sample the area’s superb rosé and villages like Maximin-Le-Sainte- Baume with its famous basilica and Grasse (north of Cannes) is world-famous for its perfume industry. 

St Paul de Vence is loved by painters and writers. When you arrive in Nice, you will be able to park the car and leave it, as there is a large traffic-free zone in the center.

235 km or 146 miles.

Suggested Road Trip Length

It takes around 3 hours to drive between Marseille and Nice but if you really want to enjoy the area explore Marseille, Nice and a few towns between I suggest you spend around 4 to 5 days on this South of France road trip.

The Champagne Route

From Jane and Duncan from To Travel Too

Without a doubt, France’s Champagne Route is one of the most popular driving tours in the country.

When driving the  Champagne Route of France there are several routes to consider, including Massif Saint Thiery Route the northern route starting from Reims, Marne Valley Route from Epernay, and the Cote des Blancs Route from the south of Epernay. There are also others, or you can mix and match to create your own France road trip route!

If you only want to visit some of the major towns you can start from Troyes and head to Epernay, then onto Reims.

There are many small towns and villages around the Champagne region to visit.  The routes will take you past beautiful chateaux, quaint villages, churches, and many champagne houses.

The major champagne houses such as Mercier and Moet Chandon can be found in Epernay and in Reims you can visit Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Taittinger and many smaller boutique champagnes houses as well.

The best months to visit are between May and October.

The Champagne region is easy to travel to from Paris.  The journey from Paris to Reims is only 45 minutes and from Paris to Epernay 1 hour 10 minutes.

The distance from Troyes to Epernay is 112 km or 70 miles, and Epernay to Reims is 29 km or 16 miles.

You can visit either town on a day trip and visit some of the Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  The ideal time to enjoy all that the Champagne region has to offer is between 5 – 7 days.

The Opal Coast

From Nichola of Globalmouse Travels

Paris to Normandy Road Trip

The following Paris to Normandy road trip is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few days to a natural and verdant environment.

From Paris, go north to Mont Saint Michel (4-hour drive), where you should stay for at least 1 night. Consider taking the toll-free road which adds 30 minutes to your driving time, but gives you the chance to drive through Normandy’s charming villages and countryside. 

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, walk, bike, or take public transportation to the island that is Mont Saint Michel. When visiting Mont Saint Michel during low tide, go onto the island, grab a spot along the high stone wall and witness the rising of the tide as the sea surrounds the island, isolating it from the mainland.

The next day, drive east to Étretat. Consider spending half a day to a full day here.

While Giverny may have been home to impressionist painters, Étretat was their inspiration. Étretat sits on the Normandy coast and is home to where grayish-white limestone cliffs meet the untamed blue sea. The cliff tops are paved with dirt paths and staircases making them accessible for walking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

On your way back to Paris from Étretat, stop in Honfleur to aimlessly walk through the port and old town. The various architectures are beautiful in their own right: the medieval old town and the port with its tightly packed, vertical, colorful buildings. When you’ve finished exploring Honfleur, it’s an estimated 2.5-hours drive to Paris.

This road trip from Paris through Normandy and back can be comfortably done in 3 days. 

The French Alps from Chamonix

From Whitney of Designs for Travel

One of the most incredible road trips in France is through the Frech Alps.  With the beautiful green mountains (or white in the snowy season), aqua blue lakes, and quaint chalets, the Frech Alps is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. 

This Frech Alps road trip is a loop that starts and ends in the popular adventure town of Chamonix.  The closest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland.

Start in Chamonix, a beautiful resort town at the base of Mont Blanc.  It’s one of the best places to ski in the winter, but I recommend taking this trip in the summer, where you can take a gondola to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views and do some hiking. 

The next stop on this road trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes west, to the gorgeous alpine town of Annecy .  The pristine lake, river, cobbled old town, pastel cottages, and medieval chateau make Annecy a must-see town in the Alps. 

From here, head east to Le Grand Bornand, another beautiful alpine resort town.  Drive back to Chamonix for a raclette dinner, which is sure to be a favorite meal.

After visiting France, if you have more time, you can drive south to Italy to continue your road trip.

130 miles, 210 kilometers.

This road trip itinerary can easily be done in 3 days and if you have more time, a week is even better!

Gorges du Verdon + Valensole Plateau Road Trip

From Elisa of France Bucket List

This 2-day road trip in Southern France covers the Verdon National Park and some of the best  lavender fields in Provence . This French road trip starts in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and it takes two days. Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provencal city with many interesting things to see and do. Ideally, take one day or two to visit Aix-en-Provence before hitting the road.

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Valensole, a pretty small town world-known for its lavender fields. Enjoy these never-ending seas of ‘blue gold’- it is not only beautiful to see, but it also smells very good!

Back to the road, drive to the Verdon National Park and stop at Esparron de Verdon and Lac Quinson de Verdon, two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. At Lac de Quinson, you can rent a kayak or an electric road and explore the Gorges du Verdon from the water.

Spend the night at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a picturesque hilltop village with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Day two visits Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. This is the main lake in the area, and the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a picnic with a view. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Aiguines, which is less touristy than Moustiers and with a more local atmosphere.  Have an alfresco dinner in one of the two restaurants on the main square before driving back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the last night of this road trip.

270 km, 168 miles.  

This road trip lasts two days. Add one or two more days if you want to visit Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux + France’s West Coast

From Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches, cities, and dramatic scenery, head for the west coast of France. 

You can begin your trip almost anywhere along the coast, but let’s start in the major hub of Bordeaux. Here you can hire a car or camper van and set off on your adventure, but take a day or two first to explore this beautiful city.

If you only have one day, focus your time on the Cathedral and the mirror pool (you’ll need to wake up very early to nab photos here without the crowds).

Once you leave the city, you have some choices to make. Do you want wine, sea, or one of the most incredible natural wonders you’ve ever seen?

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards and they are all worth visiting. If you’re  touring France in a motorhome , you can even stay overnight at many of the vineyards (no worrying about drinking and driving!)

If you want to be wowed, head to Arcachon and the jaw-dropping Dune du Pilat. This natural wonder is the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at around 106m high and runs for nearly 3km. Walking up it is not for the faint-hearted!

Lastly, if you want to see more of the beautiful Atlantic coastline, head up to Île de Ré. This stunning island has some beautiful beaches and is a great place to witness the incredible sunsets you find on the French coast. 

From Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré (past Bordeaux), this driving trip in France is 276 km or 172 miles.

You can drive from Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré in under 3 hours if traffic is clear.

However, we recommend at least a day in Bordeaux, a day near the dune and Arcachon, and a day on Ile de Re, so allow at least 3/ 4 days for your trip. 

Calais to the Pyrenees Loop

From Jenny of TraveLynn Family

For those located in the UK, Calais is an obvious starting point for a France road trip as it’s a short crossing from Kent, either on the ferry or Eurotunnel. This Calais to the Pyrenees road trip  itinerary does a big loop down to the Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d’Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.

Between each stop is about 4 to 5 hours of driving, although do note that this is along tolled roads (which can add up, but they are very efficient).

Staying at campsites, this summer itinerary steers away from main tourist sites and explores the French countryside, rather than the cities. It is advisable to take a bike to explore each stop further using the many cycle lanes and marked tracks. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit , as there are lots of opportunities for a dip to cool off after a day of exploring.

From the peaceful wooded valleys of the Auvergne to the Catalan charm of the Western Mediterranean; the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the fashionable beaches of the Basque country; and the idyllic fishing villages of Ile d’Oléron to the chateaux of the Loire Valley steeped in history; each stop is notably distinct from the other, providing a true cross-section of cultures and landscapes across the French countryside.

2005 miles 0r 3225 kilometers (using toll roads).

The French Alps From Grenoble

From Sasha of The Alternative Travel Guide

149  km / 92 miles.

Recommended Trip Length

Gorges du Tarn

Gorges du Tarn  offers one of the most scenic landscapes in Southern France, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. This loop road trip will take you along the rivers Tarn and La Jonte in the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip starts and ends in Millau, a sleepy Medieval town, famous for the tallest bridge in the world – the Millau Viaduct. After visiting the bridge, head to the hamlet of Peyre, which is literally glued to the rocks – a fine example of the so-called ‘ troglodyte ’ villages. The area abounds in this type of dwellings, where the backside is carved into the rocks and only the façade is at street level.

After Peyre, head upstream the Tarn all the way to Florac. The dramatic gorge, cut by the Tarn, is dotted with a string of cute little villages and hamlets: Les Vignes, La Malène, Hauterives, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Sainte-Enimie, Prades, Castelbouc, Ispagnac.

At Les Vignes make a detour (11 km/ 7 miles) to Point Sublime for the most breathtaking views of the gorge. At La Malène, you can take a boat tour on the Tarn with the famous flat-bottom boats of Les Bateliers.

Another village that deserves more attention is Sainte-Enimie. Together with Peyre, it’s included on the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

From Florac, take D16 across Causse Méjean and visit the incredible cave, Aven Armand. Afterward, take D986 to Meyrueis and continue downstream La Jonte, following D996 and Gorges de la Jonte. The last stop on this road trip, before you return to Millau, are the twin towns of Le Rozier and Peyreleau.

215 km or 135 miles.

Although you can cover the whole distance in one day, I highly recommend that you do this in at least 3 or 4 days. The best time to do the trip is in the summer – between June and September, as in the low season as most places will be closed.

Cannes to Saint-Tropez

From Elena of Passion for Hospitality

The Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera , is one of the most breathtaking coastlines, lined with picturesque cosmopolitan coastal towns and villages, golden beaches, rich nature scenes, the southeast corner of France has been blessed by natural beauty.

Driving from Cannes to St. Tropez is definitely a good way for those seeking to discover the gems of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed hustle-free little trip. 

To get the most out of the road-trip make sure to start early in the morning from Cannes. The first stop is Theoule-sur-Mer, a small medieval town located on the Golfe de La Napoule. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay La Pointe de l’Aiguille or grab a delicious coffee and croissant before departing for the next destination, the resort town of St. Raphael.

We recommend enjoying lunch by the harbor’s restaurants and later, losing yourself around the narrow streets of the colorful old town. The last stop before reaching St. Tropez, where an overnight stop is recommended, is Saint Maxime, a quiet small village which landscape has inspired and continues to do so for many artists and writers.

Depending on your budget there are many different accommodations options, from simple cozy apartments by the beach, to luxurious resorts. 

Alongside the coastal road, there are many little spots scattered, where drivers could take a quick stop to admire the dazzling views, take a few photographs or stretch their legs. 

85 kilometers / 53 Miles 

It is an hour and a half car trip from one city to the other. With the short and one overnight stop, we recommend 2 days enough for this trip.

Toulouse to Andorra Loop

From Ucman of BrownBoyTravels

The tiny sovereign state of Andorra is a mere 190km from Toulouse and makes a perfect road trip back and forth which can be easily done over a weekend. 

Leaving Toulouse in the early morning, you will head in the southwestern direction to the highway. If you want a more scenic route head to Lacroix-Falgarde. The small rural roads will eventually lead you towards the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees appear shortly and the midi- Pyrenees towns and villages take over.

They are perfect for a coffee break or if you are going slowly, for a lunch break. These quaint little villages and towns offer a great insight into the southern french style of life. The streets are neatly trimmed and the everblooming shadow of Pyrenees mountain range dominates everything ever so lovingly.

The drive here is quite easy and simple but that changes significantly when you reach the mountain range. The roads become narrow and the sharp turns take over. The elevation also increases quite dramatically, make sure to take a break to pop your ears. 

The drive is really beautiful here especially in winter with the snow but also quite dangerous, black snow is a real threat here so drive with caution. 

If you drive fast you can cover this entire distance from Toulouse to Andorra La Vella in 3-4 hours but I’d recommend taking a day and going slow to enjoy the scenery. (Make sure to bring your passport although most of the time there are no border checks).

It is quite easy to drive around in Andorra from the ski slopes of Encamp to the quaint little town of Ordino or if you just want a relaxed weekend the beautiful spas of Andorra la Vella. If you like shopping, Andorra offers duty-free shopping , there something for everyone here.

The road trip to Andorra from Toulouse is a memorable and easy France driving trip.

120 miles or 190 kilometers.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy this France road trip itinerary.

Brittany Road Trip in France

From Victoria of Guide Your Travel

This driving route will be between 800 and 100 kilometres, 500 – 620 miles.

Montpellier to Toulouse Loop

Finally, you should head 100 km to Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed “la Ville Rose” – the pink city – because so many of the buildings are made from pinkish bricks. Important sites to visit are Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest romanesque church in Europe. It also has more relics in the crypt than any other church in France, many of which are from Charlemagne (9th century).

You should also spend time at Place du Capitole and the square in front of it. Some parts of the building date back to the 12th century. It has beautiful frescos and offers tours.

Montpellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse is 245 km or 150 miles.

It would take about 3 hours to drive this France road trip route straight through without stopping. However, to truly enjoy each location, I would give yourself a minimum of 5 days.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

hello 🙂 just finished reading your ” escape clause” and i found some great tips so just like to thank you for that first of all. I’m planning on travelling to France by car from west Yorkshire in the UK for a 10 day holiday in total, we would start of by a 5 hour drive to dover then get the ferry crossing to Calais and carry on from there. we will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old too with us so we want to see plenty of beaches and coastal scenery. i wondered if you could maybe point us in the right direction on places to visit/stay ( ideally 2 different locations on family friendly campsites with lodges or tents) and go off on day trips from there if that makes sense 🙂 look forward to hearing back from you guys iain

Hi Iain! Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to spend much time in northwestern France (we were supposed to this year, but alas, 2020 had other plans). I can tell you our personal wish list in that general corner of France, though, includes all the major hits: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Lille, Rouen, and if you get that far south, of course, Mont Saint-Michel. Etretat is ideal for the coastal scenery you mentioned!

Wish we had more detail to offer, but there are some stunning places up that way!

Staggering beauty here Kate. Wow. France surprises me with its range. Definitely a worthy spot for a serious road trip. Fabulous images guys!

thank you for this! we are planning visit in aug/sept 2022 x 21d staring our in paris and heading toward bordeaux, the sw coast, basque, french pyrenees, and andorra. Wasn’t sure how to finish up the loop back to paris but I would love to incorporate provence. I also love your focus on gorges! I just started following you on IG and will look out for more inspiration!

Thanks so much, Leigh! Sounds like an incredible trip.

We’re toying with a trip to Basque Country and/or Bordeaux ourselves this spring–it never stops being difficult to narrow down our options!

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Very good coverage of driving tours in France. One suggestion for drivers I don’t recall was mentioned. After you pick up your car rental stop somewhere and invest in materials to clean your windshield. We have driven thousands of miles on many car trips and estimate that most of the time gas stations don’t have squeegees, sponges, paper towels, or even water available. Well worth the small cost. France is a large agricultural country and bugs abound.

Thanks so much. Very useful

Happy to help!

Hello Kate. I am planning my trip to France. It is our first trip to France. We will fly from New York to Paris and we want to explore France as much as we can within 9 days. We want to rent car and use train if we need. My plan is to start from Paris and go to other nice places including small towns/villages and end up in south and fly back to US from other south city. We need your advice please. Thank you in advance.

With 9 days, the first thing I’d do is narrow down what general region of France you want to visit, as you can access a wide variety of beautiful small towns in that time!

Normandy and Provence are both popular regions for first-time visitors to France, though it sounds like you’re most likely wanting Provence. For Normandy, you might drive right from Paris, and for Provence, you’d likely want to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then pick up a car. This itinerary covers Provence: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/south-of-france-itinerary/

If you want to stick very close to Paris, consider the Loire Valley.

Other options could include the Bordeaux area (we love St. Emilion: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saint-emilion-france/ ) or Burgundy ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-dijon-france/ ).

You obviously can’t cover all of that, but narrowing down where you want to go will be the first step. France has lifetimes worth of villages to explore. 🙂

If you’re wanting to fly home from the south of France, you’ll want to look at flights from Bordeaux (in the west) or Nice, Marseille, Lyon, or Toulouse (in the east).

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Scenic route

Driving around in Northern France

Fancy soaking up the sights and scenery of France without having to drive all the way south to the French Riviera? No problem.

Here are three routes in Northern France to take in your stride, allowing you a few days to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Calais – Arras – Reims – Beaune - Paris – Amiens

Day 1: Many people venturing on a road trip in France often begin in Calais, partly thanks to the Eurotunnel and ferry options from Dover making it so accessible. If possible, aim to arrive here around lunchtime – Calais has some of the freshest seafood around, providing you with some delicious fuel before you start.

A little over an hour on the A26 will take you to Arras, a fabulous town known for its culture, heritage and pavement café lifestyle – so an ideal base for your first night in France.

Day 2: If serenity is your main aim travel on the A26 towards Reims where you’ll be in the heart of France’s Champagne region. And if Champagne is your tipple, be sure to head to the place where it all started - Hautvillers.

Day 3: As you continue south, it’s worth visiting Troyes, a market town with good access to picturesque Chablis, and Dijon - Burgundy’s Renaissance style capital. However, you might want to spend your third night at the medieval town of Beaune; having passed numerous scenic vineyards to get there, it’s an ideal place to finally sample some of the wine; but remember, drinking and driving is never a good idea, no matter what country you’re in.

Day 4 & 5: Next, head north on the A6 to Paris. If you’re not that keen on staying right in the centre, you’ll find some decent campsite options on the city outskirts. We suggest you spend a couple of nights here so you can have at least one full day exploring the iconic city.

Day 6: A couple of hours on the A16 will see you arriving at Amiens; nicknamed ‘Little Venice of the North’ thanks to its network of canals and home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 7: Allow yourself a leisurely two hours back to Calais, or longer if you fancy a few detours as you drive through the National Park en-route.

2. Normandy

Caen – bayeux – mont saint-michel - saumur – rouen - deauville.

Day 1: Driving around Normandy is an appealing option if you’re interested in France’s history. Whether you arrive in Caen (from Portsmouth) or Cherbourg (from Poole), head straight to Bayeux - it’s one of the few old towns in Normandy to have escaped damage during the Second World War.

If this slice of history interests you, visit the Museum of the Battle of Normandy for a better understanding on the invasion in 1944. And you should also head to Omaha Beach for the D-Day Monument, paying tribute to the countless soldiers who lost their lives more than 70 years ago.

Day 2: Follow the A84 to find more of France’s history in Le Mont Saint-Michel. Make sure you have plenty of battery and memory on your cameras - this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site will have you snapping away.

Day 3: Next up, drive three hours southeast to reach the medieval town of Saumur. Sitting elegantly on the banks of France’s longest river, the Loire, you should take advantage of the free parking at the chateau. It not only provides an interesting glimpse at its complicated history, but one of the best scenic spots in town.

Day 4 & 5: Take it easy the following morning with a quick 20-minute drive to the impressive Abbey of Fontevraud, considered one of the greatest monastic cities in Europe that dates back to the early 12th century.

It’s then three hours northeast to Rouen. This is where Joan of Arc was martyred and it’s home to many masterpieces of religious architecture. It’s also full of great restaurants – so is an ideal place for a night or two.

Day 6 & 7: As you slowly head back to Caen, consider spending your final night in Deauville. This elegant seaside town has a fantastic promenade, stylish shops and a superb beach – adding a touch of glamour to your trip before it’s home time.

3. Brittany

St malo – dinan - paimpont – la baule - beg meil – brest – perros guirec.

Day 1: Take a ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo and you’ll arrive in a port that instantly offers a flavour of France; quiet cobblestone streets, the aroma of crepes cooking and shop windows presenting the latest in French fashion.

If you’re looking for a good place to eat, drive south for about 22 miles to Dinan, one of the most attractive and best-preserved towns in Brittany. It’s a great place for your first night; the port is lined with old stone houses, many of which are now waterside restaurants serving fresh oysters.

Day 2: The following day, head 35 miles south for Paimpont. Its lakeside setting and forest surroundings make it a decent place for another overnight stop.

Day 3 & 4: If by now you’re craving some beach action, head west for a couple of hours on the N24 and E60 towards Beg Meil – perhaps breaking up the journey with a short detour to the ancient stones at Carnac.

The wonderful sandy beaches at Beg Meil make it ideal for a family holiday, so you may find yourselves staying here for a couple of days.

Day 5: If you can bear to leave, continue on the E60 for around 60 miles north until you reach Brest. And if you’re looking for more family activities, take them on a trip to the Oceanopolis aquarium.

Day 6 & 7: As you start to make your way back east, consider stopping at Perros-Guirec for your final night of the trip. With its chilled out marina and immaculate beaches, it’s your final chance to soak up France’s laid-back lifestyle before heading back to St Malo, to cross The Channel.

Ready for the road?

Before setting off on whichever route you decide on, make sure you’ve covered the three R’s of the road: rules, regulations and recovery.

Our Driving in France checklist is a good place to start when it comes to brushing up on French driving laws, road etiquette and breakdown advice. It’s also wise to have the appropriate European breakdown cover .

And although a sat nav is an essential item on any road trip these days, it’s a good idea to purchase a decent road atlas for France, as well as a map for the area of your chosen destinations.

Bon voyage!

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12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern France

By Helene Sula

When most of us think of France, we think of Paris. Or perhaps the gleaming southern cities on the French Riviera like Nice. But I urge you to look north to find some of the best places in all of Europe: culture, cuisine, and history galore. I've got 12 beautiful places to visit in Northern France that will win you over.

Going to Northern France was an incredible experience. Despite being on a different continent, seeing the war history made me proud to be an American. We planned a trip centered around Normandy and some areas in Brittany, ending in Verdun. There are so many wonderful cities in Northern France to visit but we picked 12 that really stood out.

I thought the trip would be introspective and educational. But I was floored to find beautiful, Beauty-and-the-Beast-type stone cities that quickly won my heart. Add in the divine food, and you've got a recipe for a truly captivating trip.

France is a large country and places like Paris and Nice are drastically different from places like Bordeaux or Saint Malo. Because there's so much to see and do, it can be hard to choose where to start. I've created a Northern France itinerary that is easy to follow. Along the route I've picked some of the most picturesque towns, historic cities, and hidden gems that will steal your heart.

Know Before You Go Northern France

One of the best parts about this area of France is that it's very accessible. We drove our car over from Heidelberg, Germany. You can also take the ferry from England to quickly and easily reach Northern France. You can also make the short trip from Paris to this region as well.

Immediately, you'll notice this area is all about their “C's”. You won't be drinking wine, Normandy and Brittany are known for their delicious ciders. You'll also find a plethora of cheese, but Camembert is king. The other c's center on: crepes, caramel, creme, and, for a different path, cemeteries. Since D-Day took place on these beaches, there are many memorials, museums, and some of the largest cemeteries dedicated to those that fought in World War II.

Getting around this area is very easy, but I suggest that you take a car to make sure you see it all. Parking is very easy to find and often cheap or free. We drove our car, and recommend renting with Sixt if you need to rent.

Northern France Route

Because we were coming from Germany, we first stopped off at a more eastern city, then made our way west. You can easily make this itinerary your own. I just want to illustrate some of the best cities to see in Northern France.

We spent seven days in the region and really covered a lot of ground:

• We started the trip spending one night in Rouen and explored the town.
• Day two we stayed in the small town of Pontorson and visited the cities of Arromanches and the next day in Mont Saint Michel.
• We then headed to Saint Malo and Dinan.
• Days four and five were spent focusing on the D-Day beaches and the towns nearby. We stayed in Caen for three nights while touring this area and toured Bayeux.
• Our last few days we headed back west, towards Germany, and visited Honfleur and spent the night in Reims. O
• ur last day was spent in the Champagne region in Epernay and Hautevillers.
• On our way back to Germany we also headed to Verdun for some WWI history.

We did all of this easily in seven days. I thought this was the perfect mix of beautiful castles, powerful history, and some of the best food I've ever had.

Things to Know About Normandy

Normandy is well known as the beginning of the end of World War II. The beaches stand out because so many Americans, British, and Canadians flock here to pay their homage in remembrance. But there is more history here than just a war-torn past.

The Impressionist movement was born in Normandy in the second half of the 19th century when people like Monet, Sisley, and Renoir painted the Seine river. These painters and more got out of the studio and painted outside. There's even a festival held each year to celebrate art n Normandy.

Best Places to Visit in Northern France

There are so many things to do in Northern France that taking a few days to a week is best to ensure you see it all. We focused our efforts in Normandy since this area is famous for William the Conqueror and his caste in Caen, the incredible 1,000-year-old tapestry in Bayeux, and the events that happened on the D-Day beaches that shaped our future.

Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post:

I might be biased, but Rouen immediately put this trip on the right path. It could have been the perfect weather, the Summer Solstice festival, or the delicious meal, but it left a wonderful impression on me. This is the capital of Normandy and is set on the River Seine. You'll find an incredibly gorgeous Gothic church that stands imposingly over the city square.

Rouen is the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. So you'll find a church in her honor as well as an extremely good museum. Historical Jeanne d'Arc museum is where you can visually see her trial that led to her death as well as her path to leading the French army in battle.

We headed to the tourist office and purchased a walking tour which comes with an audio guide and map- such a great option! I try to always do a walking tour in a new city because it helps me understand the history and see more of the beauty of a town. We started off at the incredible Notre-Dame Cathedral which is directly in front of the tourist's office. This is the epitome of Gothic art with a huge structure and very yellow “buttresses” and is the only cathedral in France that has an adjoining archiepiscopal palace still occupied by an archbishop today.

It's a treat to walk around Rouen- especially when you have an ice cream macaroon. If you do anything, buy one of these and be charmed as you stroll the streets. The Gros-Horloge is a stunning 14th-century astronomical clock and arch. Make sure you take a look under the arch as you pass.

Stop for dinner at funky Le Kitsch . I had one of the best meals of pulled duck baked in a dish with potatoes. Divine!

We stayed at Saint Sever Hotel which was convenient and a quick walk to the city center.

We drove further west to head to the town of Pontorson. This is a tiny town not far from the main attraction in the area, Mont Saint-Michel. Truthfully, there isn't much to see and do in the town, but it's a good place to sleep and be in close proximity to other beautiful places like Dinan and Saint Malo. Of course, you can stay within Mont Saint Michel, but the prices are pretty expensive. We crashed here for the night to explore more of Northern France.

There was also a great little restaurant called La Casa De Quentin where we had excellent cider- which is the drink of choice in this region, and delicious crepes. A very traditional meal.

Here are some great hotels in Pontoroson . If you're wanting to see how I book great hotel deals in Europe, check out this post .

Mont Saint-Michel

One of the most unforgettable sights is the steep monastery village, the sanctuary of Mont Saint-Michel. It rises out of the sand, sometimes surrounded by water, to shine like a beacon into the sea. Twice dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts an interesting history.

It's called the “Impregnable Fortress” since, during the Hundred Years War, the monks defended the abbey against English invaders. About seven or eight times a year, the tide rises, sometimes so high you can't drive a car. Now there's a bridge that solves this problem but back then this would be very hard for intruders to combat.

The Monastery was built early in the 8th century after Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, dreamed that the Archangel Michael pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea. Mont Saint-Michel has also been used as a prison from 1793 o 1863. Now tourists flock here to see it's beauty. There's also a pilgrimage route where visitors can walk the Camino de Santiago which was a route since the 9th century.

This is one the most visited sites in France so it's a good idea to plan your visit in advance. Getting there is very easy, with shuttles running almost constantly. You can't drive directly into the Mont, but easily accessible parking costs €11.70 for 24 hours and a free shuttle or walk on a footbridge brings you directly to the site. There's even a dog kennel here since dogs are not allowed in the city.

I recommend getting there early and taking a guided tour of the abbey. The tour is about an hour long and shares the history of Mont-Saint Michel and details of the cloister.

Walk around the town and through the Bavole Gate on the tiny streets stuffed with shops and restaurants.

The omelets are famous on the island since they are made in a unique way and are very fluffy. However they were around €30 a person, so we passed. Instead, we drove over to Saint Malo for some delicious and fresh seafood.

Pro tip: for a great view of Mont Saint-Michel take the farmer's roads on either side to get away from the crowds and snap some pictures.

This beautiful walled in port city has gorgeous views of the coast and beaches. There is ample underground parking and it's very easy to see this city in a half day. The tall, granite walls surround the town and are thick and sturdy enough that you can walk around the ramparts.

I was utterly floored by the beauty of the beaches here. The crystal clear blue water with the ramparts in the background made for an impressive sight.

Check out the Saint-Malo Cathedral in the center of town, you can tour Fort National , a 17th-century granite fortress, and check out the local seafood.

We had a delicious lunch here, but an even more delicious dessert. We stopped for decadent chocolate cake at Timothy . If you'd like to save a few bucks make sure you order it to-go .

I wish we had more time in this charming little stone town. Unfortunately, I fell and turned my foot on a cobblestone, so I only got a peek at its beauty. I suggest walking around the town, stopping for lunch, and touring the castle.

Dinan is in the Brittany region of France and it's known for the medieval ramparts, cobblestone streets, and charming half-timbered houses. The Chateau de Dinan is an interesting look back at the 14th century in France.

D Day Beaches

One of the most moving places I've ever been to before was walking the D-Day beaches in Normandy, the same beaches my grandfather fought on and where so many lives were lost. It's hard for me to put into words just how important it is to remember our past, and I believe the D-Day beaches in Normandy are a necessary part of learning and understanding our history.

We visited Utah beach , Omaha beach and memorial, and Pointe Du Hoc . We went to the museums which were incredibly well done and interesting. We also had a guided tour (it's free) at the Normandy American Cemetery . You can walk through German bunkers and even see some debris still left in the water at Gold Beach .

I wrote about how much theses beaches impacted me right here and this post showcases just how much these places meant to me.

I recommend about 2-3 days here in order to really experience the museums, take a guided tour of the cemetery, and walk around the beaches.

This small, pretty port city is a great place to stay in order to go to the beaches and also go to other lovely towns nearby. This is a bit of a bigger city, so you also have ample opportunities for good restaurants.

This was the first big city freed by the Allies in WWII, so there's lots of history surrounding this place. There are the US armed forces memorial and museum , a medieval chateau ( Chateau de Caen ) and two abbeys ( Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbey aux Dames ).

We ate at a delightful restaurant called Villa Eugene . Well-priced, trendy but traditional cuisine with a great atmosphere. Highly recommend.

I found the hotels here extremely convenient and well priced. Check out where to book a room right here .

The town of Bayeux has an exceptional heritage. What stands out the most is the incredible cathedral and the famous “ Bayeux Tapestry .”

The 900-year-old tapestry was in Bayeux Cathedral , it's now housed in a museum, tells the story of William the Conqueror and battle of Hastings. William was promised the throne, but Harald took it, and William battled him at Hastings and took the throne.

Don't forget to check out the cathedral, pictured above. The town is charming and a short drive from Caen.

Driving into Honfleur I noticed the tree-lined boulevards speckled with roses. This artistic and historic town has picturesque streets reminiscent of Copenhagen ‘s Nyhavn. There are colorful buildings lining the port which make for a beautiful backdrop for photos.

I recommend heading to the tourist information center to pick up a town map and taking the shot route that guides you through the city. After visiting Vieux Bassin , head over to St. Catherine Church .

For thousands of years sailors came here and they built a church that looks similar to a boat. Along the way you'll find narrow cobblestone streets and traditional craft shops. St. Catherine Church is the largest wooden Church in France and richly decorated. Also, go to St. Léonard Church which dates back to the 16th century.

There's also lots of art in this city since they say this is the birthplace of impressionism. You'll find lots of art shops. But my focus was on the delicious crepes and refreshing cider.

We picked up some sinfully yummy liquid caramel sauce that we pour on pancakes or ice cream for special occasions. Our favorite thing for souvenirs is always local food!

This city sparkles with beautiful architecture and champagne. The impressive Reims Cathedral towers over the city and makes a grand statement. It's in Gothic style and also was the coronation site for 25 king and queens.

The 900-year-old history here includes some very major events. Joan of Arc came here with Charles to crusade for his right as king. The cathedral was badly bombed in WWII and went under extensively reconstruction. Also, Chagall designed a stained glass window here in 1964. But originally, Reims cathedral was a Roman bath. It first became a church in 407 and it's also where Saint Demi baptized Clovis. This cathedral has some of the most beautiful stained glass I've ever seen.

After checking out the cathedral, we did a walking tour of our own around the town. There are so many interesting spots along the way.

Make sure you check out the beauty of Palace of Tau , which is where the treasury of the town is kept. Not far away is the Saint Remi Cathedral which is equally as impressive.

Here we did a champagne tour of champagne house Taittinger . We learned all about how champagne is made, toured the cellars, and had a tasting. This was so much fun and made me really appreciate champagne! Walking through the UNESCO chalky cellars transport you back in time.

That night we ate pizza at L'Antica which was scrumptious and a nice change from our fancy French dinners.

Hautevillers

This tiny town is where Dom Perignon discovered champagne and we couldn't resist stopping here. His remains are still in the cathedral and it's worth it to walk around for a stroll.

As a monk, Dom Perignon proclaimed, “Come quickly, I’m drinking stars!” after double fermenting his grapes.

You can also pop into designated houses for a free (or very inexpensive) champagne tasting.

You'll find the town on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and a picturesque outlook.

After our fill our fill of champagne, we popped into the town of Epernay for a couple hours. There is, surprise, another stunning cathedral , an entire avenue dedicated to champagne , or see Perrier's Chateau .

If you'd like to stay and learn more about champagne, and, let's get real, keep drinking, you could extend your stay here. You can even stay in a former mansion of Monsieur Auban-Moët in Hôtel de Ville.

Our last stop on our way back to Germany was Verdun. Since we came to learn so much about WWII history, we wanted to see some WWI history as well.

The Battle of Verdun was the largest and longest battle of World War One. The museum here, called the Verdun Memorial , was an interesting look into understanding more about war. We also went to the Douaumont Ossuary which is a monument to those that died in WWI along with the cemetery. It contains the remains of 130,000 unidentified soldiers from WWI.

Best Places to Stay in Northern France

I found hotels to be priced very reasonably and since you have a car, you don't necessarily need to be in the heart of the city. I booked all of my hotels (albeit very last minute) right here and didn't spend more than 70 euros a night. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice, clean, and convenient all places were- not to mention, pet friendly!

I went to Northern France without many expectations but I left with a renewed love of this region. This area of France left a deep impression on me, and I know I'll come back again and again to eat, learn, and remember our past. To me, this is one of the most important places an American can travel to.

Explore more:

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8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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Best French Road Trips – 12 Amazing France Road Trip Ideas

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

France by Car

If you have wheels, wanderlust, and some free time, there’s nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate the diversity of the country at a more relaxed pace. A road trip in France ticks all the boxes of epic drives, amazing food, friendly people, beautiful culture, and some of Europe’s most gorgeous sights. Plus, French road trips are fun!

From the Alps to the French Riviera, from the Atlantic Ocean to cute medieval villages inland, France by car means unforgettable routes that will plunge you straight into the country’s heart and soul.

We’ve taken many road trips through France, and you can find more France road trip ideas here . For this post, however, we asked other experienced travelers and friends to help us complete the list of the very best road trips in France, so if you are looking to plan a France road trip, where’s what and where we recommend.

Plan your Trip to France

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation.

Transportation:   Omio  is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. We use Omio or Trainline to book our train tickets; both sites are good, with lots of information in English.

Accommodation:   Booking.com  offers savings on hotels, furnished apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Car Rental: Discover Cars is a great site because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and makes the comparison of prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

Travel Insurance:  We never travel abroad without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust  Safety Wing , which we’ve used since its launch. Safety Wing is marketed as insurance for nomads, but you can use it also for short trips. Since April 2019, Safety Wing covers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantines for new policies too!

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30 Ideas for an Unforgettable Road Trip in France

If you are looking for an epic road trip, France has it all to make you happy. Here’s an ultimate guide to the best road trips in France, suitable for all types of travelers. These phenomenal France road trip itineraries can be easily combined, shortened, or extended.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Duration: 6 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse – Colmar – Strasbourg
• Region covered: Grand Est
• Best for: sightseeing, small towns, nature, landscapes, French wine

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest and most famous wine routes in France. This France road trip itinerary from Mulhouse to Strasbourg takes 6 days, and it is the perfect road trip for those who love pretty small towns, picturesque landscapes, and wine – Click here to rent a car in Mulhouse

This French road trip starts in Mulhouse , where you will book a hotel for one night. Hotel Bristol is super central and comfortable, and it has secure parking at a small extra cost.

Stroll around Mulhouse’s Old Town with beautiful architecture. Mulhouse has two great museums, La Cité de l’Automobile and La Cité du Train . Depending on your interests and the time available in Mulhouse, visit one museum or both.

From Mulhouse, drive to Colmar and book a hotel for three nights. The James Boutique Hotel is central and with beautiful and cozy rooms and common spaces.

Take the time to explore Colmar’s pretty streets and historical sights; Colmar is the most beautiful town in Alsace! In Colmar, the Museum of Alsatian Wines is an excellent introduction to the wines of Alsace .

Use Colmar as a base to explore the beautiful town of Kaysersberg on day 3 and the towns of Riquewihr plus Eguisheim on day 4, combining sightseeing with wine tastings. Riquewihr and Eguisheim are very small, so if you start early in the morning, you can also squeeze in a short hike through the surrounding vineyards.

On day 5, drive from Colmar to Strasbourg , where you will spend your last two nights of this road trip France. For this last stop, we recommend the Hotel Cathédrale , with incredible views over the Strasbourg Cathedral and public parking available nearby.

Before arriving in Strasbourg , stop at the impressive Château de Haut-Koenisgsbourg , one of the best castles in France . Then in Strasbourg , use this Strasbourg itinerary for two days which covers the city’s main sights.

OTHER FRENCH ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Best of Alsace Road Trip

2. Paris to Nice Road Trip

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Suggested route: Paris – Lyon – Valence – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Region covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: sightseeing, food, and wine

This road trip from Paris to South of France is one of the best road trips France has to offer to admire its diversity of landscapes and cities. It takes ten days, and it is an ideal road trip for those who love history, architecture, food, and good wine – Click here to rent a car in Paris

Arrive in Paris and book a hotel for three nights. The Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  is super comfortable and is situated close to the main sights. Spend four days in Paris , dedicating one of these days to visiting Versailles .

From Paris, drive to Beaune , where you will spend one night. On the way, you can visit Auxerre , which is a beautiful Burgundian village with some wonderful historic sights. For a night in Beaune, book at the Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa located in a beautiful historical building in the center of Beaune.

Continue south to Lyon , where you are going to sleep for one night. Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charms. In Lyon , take the time to visit the Old Town and its famous Traboules and climb up to Fourvière Hill for some fresh air and great views.

From Lyon, drive to Avignon in Provence. Spend one day in Avignon visiting the Palace of the Popes and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine. Hotel Central is a great option for your night in Avignon.

From Avignon, continue south to Marseille , where we recommend spending at least two days. For your time in Marseille, have a look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary   and pick the sights and activities you like most. The hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port has the perfect location for your visit to Marseille.

The last stop of this road trip through France is Nice , where you can use this list of the best things to do in Nice  to visit the city. Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges is a great option and comes with the best view of Nice, over the Baie des Anges.

3. Normandy Road Trip

• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur – Cabourg
• Region covered: Normandy
• Best for: history, small towns, seaside resorts

This 5-day Normandy road trip is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. This France roadtrip through Normandy starts from Paris and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Normandy region – Click here to rent a car in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris is  Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden. Then, in the afternoon, head to Les Andelys to explore this picturesque town and the Château Gaillard , one of the best castles in Normandy . This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century under the rule of King Richard the Lionheart, is located on the top of a high cliff, and it dominates one of the meanders of the Seine Valley.

After exploring Les Andelys, drive to  Rouen , where you will spend the next two nights. For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , a central hotel inspired by the French poet born and raised in this city.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Rouen , which boasts the best Medieval center in all of France and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

On the third day, drive from Rouen to Étretat through the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine. On the way, stop at Jumièges Abbey to visit the ruins of this magnificent building. In the afternoon, visit Étretat , a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast and world-famous for its impressive chalky cliffs. For a unique stay in Étretat,  Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon  is an excellent option, located 500m from the beach.

Day 4 of this Normandy road trip explores Honfleur . This pretty coastal town on the Seine’s estuary is one of Normandy’s top places to visit . For your night in Honfleur, book at  Villa du Cèdre , a property full of charm with a garden and swimming pool.

The last day of this French road trip explores two of the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie: Deauville  and  Cabourg . Both towns are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas.

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Normandy WW2 Sites
• Brittany Road Trip
• Road Trip in Northern France from Paris
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

4. Champagne Road Trip

• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Reims – Epernay – Troyes – Provins
• Regions covered: Grand-Est, Ile-de-France
• Best for: history, small towns, champagne wine

This Champagne road trip is another beautiful roadtrip France has to offer. It explores the historical region of Champagne , well known for its rolling hills, historical sites, and sparkling wine with the same name. This France road trip itinerary is a good combination of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and (of course) champagne – Click here to rent a car in Paris

On day one, drive from Paris to Reims. On the way, do a short stop at  La Ferté sous Jouarre . This small town, and more precisely, its abbey, hosts two wonderful Merovingian crypts from the 7th century listed as Historical Monuments.

Dedicate the rest of the day to exploring Reims , the capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit. The city is well known for its Gothic cathedral, the coronation place for most of the Kings of France. For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , a mythical property in the city nestled in seven hectares of park, 300m from Pommery Champagne House. Once the car is well parked, you can explore the best champagne houses in Reims .

Day two of this road trip through the Champagne region explores Epernay and its surroundings. Epernay is best known as the main “warehouse” for champagne wines – here are the best champagne houses in Epernay . Not far from Epernay, there’s the Abbey of Hautvillers , where Dom Perignon is buried. Dom Perignon (1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk credited with the revolutionary champagne method, which transforms a still wine (without bubbles) into sparkling wine.

Leave Epernay direction to Troyes and stop at  Château d’Etoges for the night. This lovely château-hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne has individually decorated rooms with period furniture and magnificent grounds.

On the third day of this Champagne road trip visit Troyes . This city was one of France’s most important fair towns during medieval times, a center for hosiery and cloth making. Stroll around the Old Town and admire its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.

After exploring Troyes, drive west to Provins, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Provins, book at  Demeure des Vieux Bains ,  a stunning historical property with comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

During the last day of this French road trip, explore  Provins , another medieval fair town. Provins is well-known for its Medieval festival (yearly, in June) and its underground city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century that connected all the houses.

5. Cathar Country Road Trip

• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassonne – Cucugnan – Narbonne – Carcassonne
• Regions covered: Occitanie
• Best for: history, medieval châteaux, small towns

This Cathar Country road trip from Carcassone in Southern France takes five to six days and is the best road trip in France for those who love history, Medieval castles, and small towns. For the history of the Cathar and a complete description of the Cathar sites, check out the road trip’s detailed itinerary – Click here to rent a car in Carcassone

Arrive at Carcassone and book a hotel for two nights. Mercure Carcassonne La Cité  is super comfortable and has a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also boasts amazing views of the walled citadel from the garden and some rooms.

Take a day to explore the medieval Cité de Carcassonne , one of the most important Cathar sites and one of the main targets during the first Cathar Crusade in 1209.

Day 2 of this road trip France visits the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix , and Château de Monségur , where the last Cathars who did not surrender were burnt alive. Spend the night at the  Logis Auberge du Vigneron , in Cucugnan , with fabulous views of the surrounding valley.

On day 3, visit Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus , two fabulous hilltop fortresses and Cathar sites. Then drive to Fontjoncouse , a gorgeous oh-so typical French village in the heart of the Aude department conveniently located close to the next Cathar sites. Book a room (or a full cottage) for one night at   Le Petit Clos , a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, terrace, and garden.

The next day of this roadtrip France visits Fontfroide Abbey and the Medieval village of Lagrasse with the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu . Both abbeys had an important role in the Cathar crusades, and they are interesting to visit.

On the last day of this Cathar road trip, drive to Minerve, a pretty medieval village where you can see a replica of one of the catapults used by the Crusaders. Then, visit Châteaux de Lastours , one of the best castles in Southern France , before driving back to Carcassonne. Châteaux de Lastours is an ensemble of four Cathar castles with a spectacular setting at the top of a rocky spur.

6. Route des Grands Crus, Bourgogne

• Suggested route: Beaune – Vougeot – Dijon
• Regions covered: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

The Route des Grands Crus is one of the best road trips in France for wine lovers. This Burgundy road trip from Beaune to Dijon takes four days and is an ideal road trip for those who enjoy small towns and beautiful landscapes – Click here to rent a car in Beaune

Arrive at Beaune the day before and book a hotel for 2 nights. Château de Challanges , a gorgeous 19th-century country house set in 7 hectares, is perfect for a relaxing stay.

Take a day to explore Medieval Beaune, the capital of wines of Burgundy. Be sure to cover Les Hospices de Beaune , a jewel of Burgundian architecture, and La Maison des Climats to learn more about the (wine) climats of Burgundy.

From Beaune, drive to Vougeot , where you will spend one night. For something special, book at  Château de Gilly , a 14th-16th century château with moats, French-style gardens, and a dining room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

On the way to Vougeot, stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges , a lively small town with a long history of wine-making. Visit the town, and perhaps a domain or two for some wine tastings.

In the afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cîteaux , the founder of the Cistercian order in France. It was its abbot who spotted the best kind of soils and selected certain grape varieties, improving the quality of the wines.

On day 3, visit the Château Clos de Vougeot , a must of any Burgundy wine route. In the 14th century, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux built the first walls separating vineyards, known as  clos , contributing like this to the promotion of the wines of the region. Clos de Vougeot was the first clos built by the monks, and the visit reveals the winemaking genius of the monks in the Middle Ages.

In the afternoon, drive to Gevrey-Chambertin , a small village home to nine Burgundy Grands Crus, perfect for a stroll and some wine tastings. Then, drive to Dijon, where you will spend one night. The  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions.

On the last day of this French road trip, visit Dijon , the historical capital of Burgundy. Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. Follow the owl trail, which takes you to Dijon’s main sights, like the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne , built in the 14th-15th centuries.

OTHER ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

7. Road Trip through the Jura, Eastern France

• Suggested route: Paris – Baume-les-Messieurs – Château-Chalon – Dole
• Best for: landscapes, small towns, hiking

This road trip through the Jura takes four days, and it is the ideal road trip for those who love nature and good food & wine. This Jura road trip covers the region of the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura (a department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in Eastern France), and is one of the best road trips from Paris for nature lovers – Click here to rent a car in Paris

From Paris, drive to Baume-Les-Messieurs , a picturesque village in the heart of a blind valley. Take a stroll to explore the village and its main sights, and then head to the Cascade des Tufs , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura.

For the first night, book a hotel in one of the villages nearby. La Maison du Lac Chalain , in Doucier, is a good option, and it has an excellent restaurant perfect for tasting the regional cuisine.

The second day is dedicated to exploring some of the best lakes and waterfalls of the Jura. The hike to the Belvédère des 4 lacs and Pic de l’Aigle (12 Km) is one of the area’s main highlights. If you start the day early, you can also hike to the Cascades du Hérisson , a beautiful 4 km trail that links many waterfalls.

Then drive to Château-Chalon , another pretty village in the Jura, where you are going to spend the night. Les Relais des Abbesses is a beautiful, historical property in the heart of the village, and it has a terrasse with magnificent views over the Jurassic plateau.

Spend the morning of the third day visiting Château-Chalon , one of the villages with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France.’ In the afternoon, head to Dole, which was the capital of the County of Burgundy until its annexation to the Kingdom of France.

Dole is a picturesque city bordered by the Doubs River, a city of canals and interesting architecture from the 16th century. Dole’s Old Town is a confusion of alleyways edged by Renaissance homes with turrets and courtyards. Book a night at Hotel de la Cloche , a charming property with an excellent location for exploring the city on the last day of this road trip.

• French Alps Road Trip from Annecy to Chamonix

8. Loire Valley Road Trip from Nantes

• Suggested route: Nantes – Saumur – Amboise – Angers
• Regions covered: Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire
• Best for: Renaissance châteaux, small towns, French wine

This Loire Valley road trip from Nantes Airport takes five days and visits some of the best Loire Valley Castles . This itinerary through the Loire Valley is one of the best French road trips for history and architecture lovers – Click here to rent a car at Nantes Airport

Arrive at Nantes Airport and drive about 90 minutes to Saumur , where you will book a hotel for two nights. Hotel St. Pierre is super comfortable, has a great historical feel, and is situated right on the main square. Dine at Michelin-starred Le Gambetta to treat yourself to an amazing French meal.

From Saumur, drive to Château d’Usse (the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty) with a stop at Château Miniere for a walk among the vines and some wine tasting on the way. The sumptuous and artistic gardens at Château Villandry are also a must-see and easily accessible from Saumur.

Continue east along the Loire Valley to Amboise for two nights. Hotel Le Manoir St. Thomas is a great choice of hotel and even features a suit of armor to guard the lobby. Amboise is home to the Royal Château d’Amboise and the Clos Luce , where Da Vinci spent the final years of his life.

From Amboise, drive to the Loire Valley’s most iconic chateaux: Château Chenonceau and Château Chambord . Enjoy dinner in Blois , followed by the exciting light show after dark at Château Royal de Blois .

On the return to Nantes Airport, break up the more than 3-hour drive with a stop in Angers to see the Apocalypse Tapestries at Château d’Angers . Château d’Angers resembles a menacing fortress rather than an elegant château and is an excellent counterpoint to the other places visited during this Loire Valley Itinerary.

By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) | Sidewalk Safari

• Road Trip Castles of the Loire Valley

9. West Coast of France Road Trip

• Duration: 10 days
• Suggested route: Etretat – Ile de Ré – Bordeaux – Biarritz
• Regions covered: Normandy and Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Best for: architecture, sightseeing, nature, and landscapes

Stunning landscapes, old cities, and historically important places are all part of a road trip along the west coast of France. Whether you camp or stay in hotels, this France roadtrip will be epic.

Start this road trip through France’s western coast in Étretat , known for its huge chalk cliffs. Enjoy a breathtaking walk on the cliffs and finish off with a delicious seafood dish in one of the seafront restaurants of this pleasant village.

The next stop is the WW2 beaches of D-day , such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. Visiting this place will leave an everlasting impression. The last stop in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel , the Medieval abbey that speaks to anyone’s imagination. It is built on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by a bridge during high tide. For a magical experience, book a night in one of the hotels inside Mont Saint-Michel .

This road trip through the west coast skips the region of Brittany. The next stop of this itinerary is the island of Ile-de-Ré in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Ile-de-Ré is a fantastic small Island, right off the coast, reachable by a toll bridge. The island is known for oysters, the local drink Pinot, salt production, and the lighthouse watching over its rugged coastline. Rent a bike, as this is the main way of transport on the island.

After 1 or 2 days visiting Bordeaux , continue your journey to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat . This dune is the highest and biggest sand dune in Europe! Walking across it will give you the feeling of being in a desert. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dune while watching over the Bassin of Arcachon. A moment you’ll never forget.

End this west coast of France road trip with a visit to Biarritz , close to the Spanish border, and go surf in the Atlantic waters.

By Hellen | the Global Wizards

BEST ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Basque Country Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Road Trip Dordogne

10. Gorges du Verdon Road Trip

• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested route: Aix-en-Provence – Valensole – Verdon Natural Regional Park
• Regions covered: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: nature and landscapes

If you are looking for South of France road trips, you will love this itinerary from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Natural Regional Park , which is considered one of the most scenic drives in France – Click here to rent a car in Aix-en-Provence

Did you know that there was a Grand Canyon in France? Yep. Well, it’s not as big as the one in the US, but when you get there, you’ll have the same feeling. It’s called the Gorges du Verdon , and it’s a stunning rocky landscape with towering cliffs, where a turquoise-green river meanders at the bottom.

To start this Gorges du Verdon road trip , you can drive from Aix-en-Provence or any nearby major cities: Marseille, Nice, or even Cannes. The trip takes three days to complete, with one day in Valensole and the lavender fields, one day driving around the different lakes, and one day driving the epic road on top of the Gorges du Verdon. Here are the major stops on this trip:

– Valensole is famous for its lavender fields , which bloom from the end of June to the end of July. Valensole is a cute little village where you can spend the night after exploring the fields around.

– Esparron de Verdon , and Lac Quinson de Verdon , are two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main lake in the area and the perfect place to stop for a while and relax on the beach.

– Gorges du Verdon is the main attraction around here, France’s Grand Canyon. Drive on top of the gorges on an epic scenic route ( Route des Crêtes ), and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in France.

– Sillans la Cascade . Before you leave, check out this secret waterfall, it is absolutely worth the trip!

One of the best places to establish your home base while exploring the area is the village of Valensole, for the ultimate traditional French experience. The bed & breakfast Les Terrasses de Valensole is exceptional.

By Kevin |  Kevmrc

• Lavender Fields in Provence Road Trip
• Route Napoleon Road Trip
• Luberon Road Trip
• The Ultimate Provence Road Trip

11. Gorges du Tarn Road Trip

• Suggested route: Millau – La Malène – Florac
• Regions covered: Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Best for:  nature, landscapes, and small towns

Les Gorges du Tarn is another beautiful south of France road trip. This 4-day itinerary will take you through The Causses, and The Cévennes , a region that offers the ultimate scenery for an amazing French road trip, from deep gorges with hairpin bends to wide-open pastoral landscapes. Because of its uniqueness, the region has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

This road trip in France starts and ends in Millau . On the first day, visit the world’s tallest bridge – Millau Viaduct –, and the tiny village of Payre . Stay the first night in Millau and use the evening to explore this beautiful Medieval city. Hotel des Causses in Millau is comfortable, central, and has an on-site restaurant.

The next day head to the heart of the Gorges du Tarn . The road (D809, D907, and D907bis) follows the bends of the River Tarn, which has cut deeply into the cliffs forming this stunning canyon. You’ll be passing through lots of lovely villages along the Tarn.

At Les Vignes, take the D46 road to Point Sublime , from where you will have the most breathtaking view over the canyon. Go back to Les Vignes and follow the road towards La Malène . On the way, stop at Pas de Soucy for some more amazing views.

You can stay the second night at La Malène. The Hotel Le Manoir de Montesquiou is a beautiful and historical building with a great location in the middle of the Gorge area.

On day 3, head to Sainte-Enimie – a postcard beautiful village. On the way, you can stop at Saint-Chélly-du-Tarn . After Sainte-Enimie, continue to Florac , where you can spend the third night. Grand Hotel du Parc has a perfect and relaxing setting in the Cévennes National Park.

The next day take D16 and D63 to the famous cave Aven Armand. You’ll be crossing Causse Méjean , a plateau with a totally different landscape from the canyons. After the cave, stop at the nearby Medieval Farm to learn more about the local traditions in this area ( Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois ).

Afterward, continue to Meyrueis on D986. When you arrive at Meyrueis, take D996 to Le Rozier. Follow the road along the canyon on La Jonte River – Gorges de la Jonte . Stop at Le Rozier and Peyrelau – two lovely places where the La Jonte River flows into the Tarn River. Afterward, continue to Millau, the end of this road trip.

By Daniela | Ipanema Travels

12. French Riviera Road Trip

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Suggested route: Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Monaco
• Best for: landscapes, and sightseeing

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes follows one of the best drive routes through France, with the French Riviera coastline being dotted with picturesque towns and pristine coves along the way – Click here to rent a car in Cannes

One of the best starting points for this France road trip along the Côte d’Azur is Cannes , a city filled with glitz and glamour that will make you feel as though you’ve arrived in the French Riviera in style! Book one night or two in the Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes soaking up the atmosphere and visiting Cannes’ top sights before moving on towards Nice.

On your way to Nice, you might want to stop off in Antibes . This is a lovely place to unwind after the buzz of Cannes, and you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend your afternoon at the Picasso Museum . If you want to hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend an extra day on the beach, consider staying a night in Antibes itself.

Next, you’ll drive to Nice , where you can explore the city’s narrow streets, bustling markets, and ochre-colored architecture. For your stay in Nice, book at Hotel Locarno , which has an excellent location 200 m from the beach and offers the best breakfast ever.

After spending 2 days in Nice and around, you can drive on to Monaco , stopping off at the medieval village of Eze and perhaps Villefranche-sur-Mer . You can then choose whether you want to stay in Monaco for a chic casino break or move on to Menton , a small foodie town on the French /Italian border.

The distances between the destinations are relatively short, so you can easily tick off two places in one day. We would suggest spending at least seven days on this French Riviera road trip, but of course, you can spend much longer delving into this stunning French region.

By Chrisoula | Historic European Castles

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIPS NEARBY

• Road Trip Southern France
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa

And there you have it, our favorite road trips in France to inspire your next trip. Check out our Road Trips category for the detailed itineraries and more French road trip ideas.

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The Ultimate Road Trip in France

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. From Pink Flamingos of the wet and wild Camargue to the purple lavender of picturesque Provence. The luxury lifestyle and yachts of Monaco of Saint Tropez . I could really keep going with these contrasts, for a long time, but instead I will move on with some simple road trip basics to help start the ultimate France Road Trip Itinerary.

Road Trip Basics

• Driving is on the right side of the road, which is ridiculously easy by just following the flow of traffic, and it takes around an hour or so to feel comfortable.
• Petrol prices will vary throughout France, although the lower prices are almost always found at larger supermarkets, like E.Leclerc, Carrefour and Hyper U.
• Diesel is called Gasoline (Black Pump) while unleaded is SP or Sans Plomb (Green Pump).
• Cheap hotels (£30-£50) and campsites (£10+) are found almost everywhere in France. But hotels will always be more comfortable for sleep on a road trip in France.
• For accommodation we booked cheap hotels in advance, with free cancellation ( booking.com ), so we could easily change the route along the way.
• Toll Roads are fast but expensive, and the local roads are ten times more scenic.

The Boat to Normandy

We travelled from Northern Ireland in our own car, crossing by boat from Rosslare in Ireland, to arrive at Cherbourg in Normandy to begin our France Road Trip Itinerary (Oscar Wilde Irish Ferries). We arrived in the pier just after 11:00AM with little more planned than to drive south as soon as possible, away from the rather miserable weather given we are still not so far from the U.K. in this region.

But we do make one important stop at Mont Saint Michel a medieval monastery which seemingly floats on the horizon of the shoreline, on the road towards Saint-Malo .

But the weather is otherwise miserable, as expected, so we don’t stay long. However, had we arrived later in the day, then we would have considered Saint-Malo as our first overnight destination, but for now we were just wanting to push south as soon as possible.

I have also covered much of this region many times before, including Mont Saint Michel, following the coast to Saint-Malo, through Nantes, and over the Saint-Nazaire Bridge etc. It is a nice enough region, but we just have further plans south in the French Vendee. ( Here for hotels in Saint-Malo ).

The Vendee and La Rochelle

Our first-day itinerary was originally to visit Mont Saint Michel, then to spend the night in Saint Jean de Mont, following my own nostalgia from so many summers of my yesteryears. As each summers, we would escape Northern Ireland to spend our holidays in the various campsites dotted throughout this sandy coastal region (France has some of the best campsites in Europe ). It’s a family-friendly part of France in the Vendee.

But, for this visit, we continue further to La Rochelle (5 hours) aka “the Jewel in the Bay of Biscay”, where we spent our first sunset at the Old Harbour (Vieux Port) which is the central focus of this seaport city. It really is a beautiful harbour.

So it isn’t until the next morning when we finally find the beaches at Châtelaillon-Plage (15km south), which has a beautiful beachfront promenade, and pristine sands. However, it isn’t until a shortstop for a breakfast of bread and croissants in the town market when we felt like we were truly in France. As we were sat next to the church tower, beneath the ringing bells, and the chirping birds, and surroundings of rose gardens, baguettes and bicycles. And there is just that somewhat cliché bustle expected of French village life. We find people also like to whistle here, and I don’t blame them, as the scenes are almost idyllic. ( Here for hotels in La Rochelle ).

The Midi-Pyrenees

After a relaxed and peaceful morning, we would soon be on the road again to travel inland and away from the beaches towards the Midi Pyrenees. This would be our next base for travel, near Rocamadour, which is found a good 4-hour drive on toll roads, or 5 hours via the scenic rural routes.

We will forever go with the scenic rural roads on almost every route for this France Road Trip Itinerary. As the French countryside is just so ridiculously beautiful at this time of the year, with the wheat fields and vineyards, the rustic brick houses, with their wavy terracotta roofing. There are lots of roses and houses are decorated with plant pots. The beauty seems almost effortless at times. Then along the way we pass through the wine regions of Cognac (Cognac) and Pineau des Charentes (an aperitif), as well as the “Route au Foie Gras”. Not to forget all the quaint and picturesque towns and villages along the way (e.g. Mairie and Martel and Souillac). We also pass through the somewhat central city commune of Limoges. And it is at this point that we realise just how much scenery (and food) we will be passing, in the peripheral, on this rather extensive France Road Trip Itinerary.

Dordogne River Valley

Before reaching Beynac-et-Cazenac, where we would ultimately spend our second night, we first detour slightly to Rocamadour, which is just the most magnificent medieval village found towering over the Dore River below. It’s just a spectacular scene to peer down on from above (pic above). The drive as well is rather adventurous through winding roads and tight tunnels to reach the car parks beneath the village before walking up to tour its cobbled streets. It’s sincerely beautiful, albeit slightly touristy these days, as it features in “Les plus beaux villages de France” (the most beautiful villages in France) which is most definitely a list to be considered before any road trip in France. Although I don’t know how Beynac-et-Cazenac doesn’t make it, as it too is just stunning, set on a clifftop over a Dordogne River tributary and gorge. Anyway, I’d love to spend a week or two eating and drinking through these unassuming regions of France, but the next morning we are on the road again early, when we would travel south to Biarritz (5 hours). ( Here for hotels in the Dordogne Valley ).

To be honest I don’t remember much of the drive after the Dordogne Valley, as it just wasn’t overly exciting (although the Toll Road is only an hour faster). But I do remember pulling off to the small town of Villeréal, one of the many signposted Village Etapes  in France, which make the perfect snack and rest stop off of the lesser motorways. So it is around midday when we arrive to Biarritz and La Cote des Basques, which is a bit like the Côte Dazur only the rich people have been replaced with surfers, bikers and maniacs. And this would be our first camping experience, where we would blow up the air mattress, and set up the pop-up tent, in what really was the wrong decision. And while the evening was relatively enjoyable, with barbecues and beers under the shade of towering trees. Come night time the motorbikes are out rumbling non-stop, and it was a bit unnerving to see one of the bikers opposite run in circles while wielding a chainsaw. So camping did ruin Biarritz for us. Although we were still up for sunrise, and into Biarritz, where we parked at a small seafront fishing village, to catch the early morning scenes around Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin’s Rock). Biarritz really is a stunning seafront town. ( Here for hotels in Biarritz ).

The Spanish Pyrenees

We are already crossing the borders after leaving Biarritz, as we continue south through the Spanish Pyrenees towards our stay for the night in Alquezar in Huesca province (5 hours). And this follows a rollercoaster of scenery that we really hadn’t expected, where the roads start out, up and down, through lush and green mountains. But after the city of Pamplona (famous for the Running of the Bulls), the roads become almost entirely empty, and I could drive a good 10 minutes and see no other vehicle on my side. The green mountains become dry and arid rock structures, which tower over surreal bright blue lakes, and we are surrounded by the loud drone of crickets, lizards and cicadas. Not to forget the passing donkeys and dead snakes, and I feel like I’m more likely in Mexico. Yet we can still see snowy peaks of mountains in the backdrop. As the contrasts really are fascinating and unexpected. So we stop at a random abandoned village called Esco  along the way, and climb a cascading waterfall, before winding through olive groves, as we twist and turn to the cobbled streets of Alquezar. And this is where we made the most of cheap Spanish prices, with a fancy hotel over terracotta tiled roofs, and a slap up meal at the best restaurant in town. It really was an unforgettable experience and which I shared here . ( Here for hotels in Spanish Pyrenees ).

Andorra and Catalonia

Our time in Spain is otherwise short-lived (although it is now firmly on our to-do list) as we travelled back across the borders en route to Carcassonne (6 hours). This would be one of the longest journeys that we would cover on any road trip, but we also cover an entire country along the way, as we travel up through Catalonia and through the tiny landlocked nation of Andorra. Again the scenery is relatively similar to before, only not quite near as beautiful to be honest, and there’s more traffic, and lesser opportunities to stop (I already miss the drive from the day before). And we are now in Catalonian country, the Basque District, where nationalist flags fly from houses and hilltops until we cross the border into Andorra. Which is the only country in the world to speak Catalan as its primary language. But Andorra is very different to Spain, or France, and it is definitely distinct in its houses and architecture, where rustic terracotta tiled fincas have been replaced with slate-roofed chalets. Now Fanfan is relieved to escape the heat, as it’s fairly nippy up in the mountains of Andorra, although the heavy snowfalls are still months away, meaning the ski resorts are a bit like ghost towns, with empty parking lots, abandoned ski lifts, and lingering mountain mists. It’s a bit eerie up there. ( Here for hotels in Andorra ).

Carcassonne

I actually ended my previous France Road Trip Itinerary in the Pyrenees, 10 years ago, when the engine of my car exploded because I forgot to put oil in the engine (to be fair there was oil in the car – just not in the engine yet). My car at the time was then towed to a mechanic in the small village of Il-Sur-Tet, where I had to pay £150 to have it towed again to be scrapped in the city of Perpignan (I’d really have been better off doing a runner). So, descending the French Pyrenees, we find ourselves back to vineyards and tree arches, but the weather is still a bit lousy following our toasty climates over the border in Spain. So it is hard to get excited. But the rain at least washes the dead bugs from the windscreen. Otherwise our next destination is Carcassonne, where we spend the night before exploring the next morning. And this is probably the most touristic destination so far, at least when it comes to touring the old citadel, which is pretty much pedestrian only within the old city walls. But we are fortunately in early before the big bus tours had arrived, only we are also too early for the restaurants to open, and I missed out on eating Cassoulet Maison, a famous regional dish found on near every menu. With tasty Toulouse Sausages. ( Here for hotels in Carcassonne ).

Landoque-Herault

From Carcassonne we then drive up towards Parc national des Cévennes, and, to be honest, this route was probably the least memorable of the road trip for me, as we were still coming down from the summer high of Spain, and really it offered little more than what we had covered in France so far. It reminded me a bit of the Midi-Pyrenees, only more hilly and cavernous in parts, and without the same excitement as before. But the weather is still cloudy and dull, and I do find the weather really reflects my enthusiasm for destinations. Otherwise there were some fascinating and rustic old towns, the most memorable being the fortified medieval village of Minerve. Then there was the Arles River which appears to be popular with kayaking and adventurous stuff. At least the roads are relatively empty, and it’s easy to pull in at points along the route for photos and whatnot. But otherwise this was a detour, a loop up and down again, where after reaching Clermont-Herault we turn back down towards the Côte d’Azur and the southern coast. As our final stop was in the Camargue region. But due to slight misdirection on the GPS (I took a wrong turn), we ended up stuck in traffic when accidentally travelling through Montpellier. But soon we were out the southern end of the city, and again onto unobstructed and empty roads, to explore the seemingly untouched and wild landscapes of the Camargue National Park. ( Here for hotels in Herault ).

The Camargue

This would be our second night camping, and ultimately our last night camping, as it doesn’t get much better than before. Because campsites are generally noisy, with music, and mingling and occasional parties, while tents are just crap at noise reduction. And this went on until the early hours, which isn’t ideal when travelling on such tight itineraries. It is important to sleep well. And we also waste a lot of time setting up, and then taking down, the tents each time. So we never managed to break even on the cost of camping equipment, which was all kind of cheap anyway. Anyway, the Camargue National Park is a rather fascinating and wild region with white horses and Camargue bulls dotted across the landscapes. But the main attraction would undoubtedly be the pink Flamingos, which can be found throughout the nearby wetlands, but are pretty much concentrated to the ‘Pont de Gau’ Ornithological Park and UNESCO reserve. Sometimes in their thousands (normally between April – September) along with a whole load of other birds and wildlife, such as egrets, herons, and what I am guessing was a beaver ( full write up on the Camargue here ). ( Here for hotels in the Camargue ).

The Ardeche

From the southern borders we would then travel north again, this time to the Ardeche region, named after the river which runs through it. But we start this journey with a pass-through Arles, which is a bigger city than I had expected, with tight, but beautiful, stone cobbled backstreets surrounding the central Amphitheatre. Next up is Les-Baux-De-Provence, which I kind of expected to be a far-flung medieval town with quaint local charm, but it is now a well-established tourist attraction, where you pay 5 euros parking out front, to explore the cobbled streets, maybe see the museum, or just stop for a bite and to browse the souvenirs . Then leave again. It is similar to Carcassone and, I’m guessing, many of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. They are more tourist stops, but they no doubt are beautiful tourist stops. But the highlight of this region is undoubtedly the cliff scenes over the Gorges de Ardeche, and riverside villages along the way, like Labeaume and Balazuc. Also the Pont d’Arc bridge. We then spent the night in a random petit village called Uzer, with local wines and beers over balcony views of the surrounding Ardeche. Hotels may be twice the price of tents in a campsite, but they’re infinitely more comfortable. ( Here for hotels in the Ardeche ).

Normally we avoid cities on road trips completely, leaving them instead for fly-in city breaks, but if one city was worth battling city centre traffic for, it would have to be Avignon. And this is where we stop for a short break, and to join family who had rented a city centre “Gite” (holiday home), which they were using a base for travel to see Northern Ireland play in the Euro 2016 Football matches (it took near 2 years to come back to this post). So Avignon was like a half-way point for us, a respite from travel, when I could finally park the car and leave it for a while. Although I did drive to pick up family from Lyon airport, and then there was the occasional excursion in surrounding Provence. Otherwise this time revolved around barbecues, beers, football and laziness, as well as evenings eating reasonably-priced Entrecôtes (steaks) with wine at the Place de l’Horloge (Avignon’s central square). There is a lot to cover in Avignon, although it is still relatively small when compared with other major cities in France. But the historical significance is worth following up on ( Palais des Papes ), as well as the major Roman influences in this part of France (which include Nimes, the Pont du Gard, and the Amphitheatre we visited in Arles). ( Here for hotels in Avignon ).

Provence is really quite huge, and already we have covered lesser-known locations in the region such as the Camargue, Arles, Avignon, and Les Baux-de-Provence. So this is more of a continuation through the region, starting with one of the day-trips from Avignon to Roussillon, a picturesque and out-of-place red coloured village. It is set over “ Sentier des Ocres ” (Ochre Path) which twists and turns through old quarries beneath (image below). Then leaving Avignon we were back onto a more hurried itinerary, and we soon find the iconic lavender fields travelling north in Provence, and include a stop at Sénanque Abbey, where the bloom hadn’t yet arrived. It is then around Valensome when it’s all tours and perfumeries. But probably our favourite stretch since the Spanish Pyrenees was Provence’s Gorges Verdan, which is quite similar to Gorges Ardeche, only with fewer walls and barriers through roads that wind and teeter with magnificent views over the cliff sides. It’s a little bit terrifying which just adds to the fun. We then turned down to our next stop on the southern Cote d’Azur. ( Here for hotels in Provence ).

The French Riviera / Cote d’Azur

We pass through the Maritime Alps to reach the Cote D’Azur, and the terrain is really quite windy and mountainous right down to the sea. We then stayed the night in Saint Tropez before taking on the French Riviera / Cote d’Azur (the terms are pretty much interchangeable). Although we originally planned to continue to Monaco which would really be a bit insane (we changed as bad weather was battering the destinations ahead). So I instantly loathe driving in the Riviera (for my third time), because it’s busy, and congested, and it’s continually starting and stopping alongside the pedestrian promenades and boulevards. But the scenes are admittedly intriguing, with green hills on one side and coastline marinas the opposite. Soft sand beaches, pristine aquamarine sea, but it’s all just too busy, as we pass somewhat kitsch and cliché promenade scenes, with joggers, roller-skaters, topless bodybuilders, and endless stretches of palm trees and the stinking rich yachts off the coastline. But of course there are many iconic destinations along this road trip route, such as Cannes, and Nice, and of course the city-state of Monaco (Circuit de Monaco) ticking another country from the to-do list. Otherwise it is only at Nice when we decide to stop, finding an underground car park near the shortline, before calling up at the Port of Nice (Port Lympia). Before continuing on to the Italian borders. ( Here for hotels on the Cote d’Azur ).

Northern Italy

Our original plan was to travel north towards Switzerland, but the weather was grim in the Alps, and we decided instead to kill some time in Northern Italy. And this will all be covered in a separate post. But to sum up the route, we started in the Italian Riviera, where, from the border, it takes around 3 hours to reach the best bits starting at Genoa, and including Cinque Terre. The scenery and colours are really unforgettable, it’s probably one of the most beautiful routes on earth, however extremely hard to enjoy. Because parking is almost impossible to find on the coastline, the roads are ridiculously thin and winding, and Italians really are just not known for their patience in driving or hospitality. Then add in the motorbikes. We then continued to spend the night in Pisa, called to see the leaning tower the next morning, before travelling east through the hilly terrain of Tuscany to spending the night in San Marino (another country ticked off). Then it was north again, towards the Alps, where we spent a night near Lake Garde, before passing Lake Como, as we crossed the borders at Lugano into Switzerland. ( Here for hotels in the Italian Riviera ).

The Swiss Alps

As expected, the snow-capped Swiss Alps are just so ridiculously scenic, but again this will have to be shared in a separate post (although I have covered our 3 days in Jungfrau already). But the country is also notoriously expensive, and the most majestic peaks and scenery will always be better covered by mountain train and cable cars. And these will shatter the lower budgets (I think we spent around £500+ on train/cablecar passes. Otherwise we find some really nice drives in Switzerland, before reaching Lake Geneva and the borders of France. More or less Lake Geneva sits on both sides of the France and Switzerland border, and you could probably circle the lake in a couple of hours, although we failed to do so after a cyclist smashed into the back of our car near the Giant Fork of Vevey. And, slightly shook up, we instead made a dash for the borders into France, where we stayed in an Alpine chalet in the ski resort village of Chatel. Although the ski and snow are long-gone during summer months, and the slopes are instead taken over by trials and mountain bikes. ( Here for hotels in Lake Geneva ).

Without a doubt, the main attraction in the French Alps would be Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, at least west of Russia’s Caucasus peaks. It really is iconic in the region. And to make the most of it, we decided to climb to the top of it, by cable car, which sets out from the famous French ski resort of Chamonix (leaving the from Aiguille du Midi). From here it is more or less a straight cable car to the top of the mountains, where we arrive just below the peak of Mont Blanc, where it sits pretty much opposite the arrival station (ticket prices here). Note, breathing is harder and can be somewhat uncomfortable at these heights (Fanfan struggled this time, although I had it worse at Jungfrau), and sunglasses do help against the blinding glare of the summer sun reflecting off the snow. Also, at the station, there’s a great photo-op with a glass booth (for complimentary photos) with the peak of Mont Blanc framed in the background behind. And we also paid the extra attraction for The Panoramic Mont Blanc Cable Car, the highest cable car in the world, which connects France to Italy at Point Helbronner. It is definitely worth paying the extra (we paid 86 Euros per person, all in). ( Here for hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ).

Lake Annecy

The past five days in the Swiss and French Alps were by far the most expensive of our travels to date, by a very long way. These parts of Europe are notoriously expensive, but they are no doubt worth it, as they really just once in a lifetime opportunities. However, we were now just very happy to return to the lower lands of France, where we would not have to worry about expensive travel, mountain itineraries, and of course the stress of driving in Italy. It has been a hectic week. And Annecy is the perfect place to escape it, a truly beautiful Alpine town, with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured houses (although the town’s famous Palais de l’Isle was under renovation on our visit). But the relief to just potter around the canals, and eat free tastes of cheese and cold cut along the central markets, reminded me of everything I love about France. And of this road trip, Annecy is definitely the destination I’d love to go back to. Otherwise we had no time planned, and after circling Lake Annecy by road, which takes a leisurely hour or so, we are travelling north, to our next hotel stay in Burgundy. ( Here for hotels in Annecy ).

Unfortunately we are in a rush now to the finish line, and to the boat crossing from Roscoff to Rosslare which leaves in two days-time. So we pretty much have the cross the entire length of France, from east to west. But to make the most of the return journey we stop in Beaune, found in the famous winemaking region of Burgundy, just south of Champagne, and west of Sancerre. There’s a lot of wine in this part of France, and therefore, after our first time on the toll roads in France, we arrive to back-to-back vineyards. And in Beaune are sure to share at least one celebratory bottle, alongside beef bourguignon, a local which literally means ‘Beef Burgundy’. It’s from here. But otherwise we have no plans north of Paris, simply because we prefer the sunny southern destinations of the country (and I have already personally covered the north anyway. From Burgundy we then cross “Centre”, which is the actual name of this region of France (and like its name isn’t the most exciting) breaking up the journey in the famous car racing city of Le Mans. From there it is direct to the boat crossing, with a short stop at the supermarkets to pack the car full with boxes of cheap wine. ( Here for hotels in Burgundy ).

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10 road trips that will show you the best of Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Hitting the road in Japan lets you take in spectacular landscapes, like those around volcanic Mt Aso in Kyūshū © grandspy_photos / Shutterstock

Want to see the best of Japan ? We suggest hitting the road.

Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshū , or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel.

And as an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan knows how to deliver epic scenic drives.

Buckle up: here’s the list of our 10 favorite road trips in Japan.

1. The Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaidō

Best road trip for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridges   Onomichi – Imabari; 70km (43 miles), allow one day

A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Shimanami Kaidō traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages lost in time.

Drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolor views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many humpbacked islands that dot its expanse. 

Detour: For a detour you won’t forget, check out Kōsan-ji , a singularly kitschy temple on the island of Ikuchi-jima. This garish religious monument fuses a litany of architectural styles, from Italian marble foundations to ancient Chinese iconography. 

2. Coast-to-coast Hokkaidō

Best road trip for gorgeous northern countryside Rausu – Hakodate; 700km (435 miles), 3–4 days

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō  is a driver’s dream: vast, untamed, sparsely populated and veined with quality roads (though they’re best avoided during winter’s copious snows).

The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles (644km) of open road, from the UNESCO-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. 

Given the wealth of natural scenery and worthwhile diversions, this is a worth savoring slowly savored,: the 17-mile (27km) pencil-straight “Road to Heaven” highway  (天に続く道); the calderas and primeval forests of Akan-Mashū National Park; the “Roller Coaster Rd,” which zigzags almost vertically through the pastoral farmlands of Biei; and Sapporo , a lively entertainment hub and the largest metropolis north of Tokyo . 

3. Shikoku’s 88 temples pilgrimage 

Best road trip for meditative magic, secret surf spots and solitude Naruto – Sanuki; 1200km (745 miles), two weeks

It may seem antithetical to embark upon a pilgrimage on four wheels. Yet with 88 individual temples to discover along 1200 kilometers of terrain on the Shikoku henro (pilgrimage) – dedicated to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi – you’re going to want all the help you can get. 

We recommend entering from Kōbe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge (its main span is 2km /1.25 miles): you’ll have jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas.

The temple route traverses all four of Shikoku’s prefectures, passes through its most bustling port cities, and encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks, onsen soaks and short temple sojourns.

Local tip: If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for pilgrims in white clothes and carrying bamboo walk sticks along the roadsides.

4. Izu Peninsula to Hakone

Best road trip for variety, from sea level to Mt Fuji highs Minamiizu – Hakone; 115km (71 miles), 1–2 days

The epic route from the Izu Peninsula to Hakone is a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

From the Izu Peninsula ’s southern tip, the coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town, and Higashiizu, whose “Moon Road” – so called for dreamy view of waxing moons that trace a beam of light across the Pacific – supposedly imbues any witness with a divine energy.

Further north, the road hugs the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone , from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. 

Finish this road trip in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty  tōge (mountain road) that served as an inspiration for the Hollywood movie  The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (though the actual mountain drift-race scenes in the film were shot in LA).

Local tip: The driftway is one of 30-plus “Melody Roads” in Japan – the name derives from the tactile grooves that produce a range of notes as they send vibrations up through your car.

5. Kyūshū: Mt Aso to Cape Sata 

Best road trip for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibes Mt. Aso – Cape Sata; 322km (200 miles), 2–3 days

Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt Aso. The Aso Panorama Line offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim and perpetually casting its gaze toward the belching volcano in the middle. 

From Aso, head south along the spine of Kyūshū  toward the most southern tip of Japan’s four main islands, Cape Sata.

Planning tip: Before you arrive at the observatory pinned to the Pacific coast, consider a night at one of the many onsen towns en route, or an overnight stay in the laid-back subtropical city of Kagoshima  to enjoy some black pork, sweet-potato shōchū (distilled liquor) and views of volcano Sakurajima seemingly floating on the bay.

6. The Noto Peninsula drive

Best road trip for dramatic coastal seascapes Takaoka – Kanazawa; 236km (147 miles), 1–2 days

From the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture, this road trip will take you past some of Japan’s finest coastal scenery.

The route centers around Noto, a dark, rugged peninsula that’s home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes. In west Noto, you’ll also find the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces tumbling down toward the sea, and the port city of Wajima, with its 1000-year-old morning market.

Finish the journey in Kanazawa , a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Planning tip: The city is home to a number of enlightening museums, including the impressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art .

7. Coastal Wakayama

Best road trip for  onsen , sacred trails and a castle Wakayama City – Shingu; 180km (112 miles), allow one day

Wakayama Prefecture sits on the bulbous Kii Peninsula south of the Osaka–Kyoto conurbation and is the gateway to the misty forests of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail. 

The 100-mile (160km) coastal road skirts Wakayama’s 16th-century feudal castle and the onsen (hot spring) resort town of Shirahama, where evening suns set behind the moon-shaped hole of Engetsu-tō Island.

The toothy rock features and soaring cliffs of Kushimoto in the south will both vie for your attention. The route culminates in Shingu on the Mie Prefecture border, where Kamikura-jinja shrine marks the spot upon which Japan’s Shinto gods are said to have first descended to the earth. 

8. Central Western Japan: Shimane to Kyōtango

Best road trip for cool geology, chill coastline and an ancient shrine Iino-Ura – Ine; 355km (22o miles), 2–3 days

The scenic drive from Iino-Ura (Shimane) to Ine (Kyōtango) snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated coastline.

Along the way, you’ll hit Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines ( Izumo Taisha ), the sparkling bay of Lake Shinji in Matsue City, and Japan’s only large dune system at Tottori’s San’in Kaigan Geopark. 

In the Kyōtango region, rolling hills and crystal-blue waters set the scene for your final destination: Ine, a picture-book village famed for its funaya (fishing boat houses) built on stilts above the waterline.

Best road trip for exploring rural backroads Fukushima City – Aomori City; 335km (208 miles), 2–3 days

Tōhoku , a region whose name means “northeast,” is webbed with immaculate roads that carve through its national parks, virgin forests, and towns and cities still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. 

The journey from Fukushima to Aomori swerves past the green-coated islets of Matsushima Bay – whose beauty is said to have put the 17th-century father of Japan’s haiku poetry, Matsuo Bashō, at a loss for words – and the foamy seascapes and knobbly sea stacks of the 1000km-long (621km) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Detour: Top detours include the winding road to the large volcanic crater lake at Mt Zaō in Miyagi Prefecture, and the road circumnavigating Aomori’s pristine Lake Towada, whose serene waters you can paddle by kayak.

10. Tsushima

Best road trip for remote historic sites and isolated beauty Cape Tsutsu – Kankoku Observatory; 70km (43 miles), 1–2 days

Limited access to public transport and an abundance of lush coastal scenery make Tsushima perfect for exploring on a road trip.

This small island – off Japan’s west coast, in the middle of the Korea Strait – provided the backdrop for the critically acclaimed 2020 PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima . 

Though only 43 miles (70km) north-to-south, Tsushima brims with natural and manmade wonders: the Kaneda Fortress ruins, the lonely Watatsumi Shrine, islet-littered Asō Bay and the Korean-style Kankoku Observatory on the island’s northern tip.

(On a clear day, you can see  Busan in South Korea  in the distance.) Day hikers can summit one of Tsushima’s forested peaks, while its rivers and beaches offer plenty of inviting spots to relax along your island drive.

This article was first published Apr 19, 2021 and updated Mar 28, 2024.

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