9 best places to visit on your road trip in France

Jumping into your motor from the UK and driving to France sounds like a dream. Is the open road calling and you’ve decided to answer? Great! Put together an epic playlist, grab your friends, family, pet, or significant other and hit the road.

To make putting together your plan a bit smoother, take a look at our guide to the 9 best places to visit on your road trip in France.

Here’s a little tip – on the road, Wise’s international card and account are a convenient and low-cost way to spend money in the local currency. With 150+ countries and 40+ currencies supported (including France and euros), it makes for one great travel buddy!

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Is France good for a road trip?

Being a big, diverse country with so much to explore – the history! the views! the food! – and endless opportunities for exciting detours, France is a fantastic place to discover at your own pace.

If you’ve got questions about driving in France, we’ve also covered the basics and linked to our detailed driving guide further down.

PS. If you’ve already fallen in love with the country, check out our guides to buying a property in France and moving to France.

When to visit France for a road trip?

May will offer you the beauty of the blooming springtime with less crowds and most attractions will be opening again. Still, make sure to check specific locations ahead of time, if you’re planning to visit.

June is the quietest of the summer months, as schools aren’t on spring break yet. July and August will be the warmest months with the most tourists.

Autumn, especially in the south of France, is an amazing time for a road trip. With a bit of luck, you can enjoy an Indian summer with the changing fall colours in the countryside and the grape harvest season.

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9 best places to visit on your road trip in France

Now, let’s jump right in with our list of the must-see places to visit during your road trip in France.

1. Lille

Lille is a real hidden gem and a great choice if you want to take your own car and are looking for a shorter trip. If you take the Eurotunnel or ferry to Calais, the 17th century city of Lille is just a few hours away. This warm and friendly city is rich in history, culture and beautiful architecture.

The incredible La Vieille Bourse is a must. Made up of 24 little houses, it was once a stock exchange. Now transformed into a lively cultural and social hub, it is the beating heart of the vibrant city.

Palais des Beaux-Arts is the second largest general-interest museum in France after Louvre, one of the most famous places in the world, and is much less crowded!

Other historical locations to visit are the Sebastopol Theater located in the city centre, the Saint Sauveur Station cultural venue and Citadel of Lille on the edge of La Deûle.

The beautiful Deûle Canal itself offers a lovely backdrop for leisurely activities and for exploring the waterside area.

2. Provence

Located in southeastern France, Provence is one of the more popular road trip destinations in France. With lavender fields, lovely chateaus, colourful towns, and charming markets, who wouldn’t want to journey through this picturesque region?

Plan your road trip during the lavender season (typically June to August) for the most breathtaking views. Go on an obligatory picnic and don’t forget to stop at the local vineyards. Rosé fans are in luck, since Provence is renowned for it.

Visit charming Luberon villages (perfect for a day trip!) and historic locations. Stop at Gordes for the Notre-Dame de Sénanque abbey and in Roussillon for the Ochre Trail.

In Avignon visit the Palais des Papes, a mediaeval fortress and palace that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. And make sure to stop and marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard.

Other destinations not to miss are Cassis, Cannes, Nice and Aix-en-Provence.

To truly enjoy all that Provence has to offer, plan at least a week for your road trip.

3. French Riviera

For a shorter road trip with a focus on beaches, the French Riviera is perfect. The locations we’ve highlighted are also great choices for a day trip.

Nice is a great option for a day trip. Explore this historic city and afterwards drive in the direction of Monaco, Cannes or Cassis.

Cassis is a smaller city, but has plenty to offer. Visit the Calanques National Park, Plage du Bestouan or Plage du Corton beaches. In the town you’ll find a beautiful port and an old town.

In Cannes you’ll find a lot of luxury shopping and incredible beaches. Walk along the Croisette Promenade and visit the beaches of Cote d’Azur.

Monaco is a very short drive from Nice, but worth a visit, as it offers a unique experience, being an independent state. Make sure to see Le Rocher, the Monte Carlo neighbourhood, the iconic Casino of Monte Carlo and the Palace of Monaco.

4. French Alps

Connecting the Cote d’Azur with Lake Geneva, the Route des Grandes Alpes crosses the French Alps over truly epic mountain passes. You’ll also find some of the best driving roads in France here, though it's a bit of a challenging drive, with some narrow places.

The route is open from June to October, is 447 miles long and takes you from Lake Genèva (also known as Lac Léman) to the French Riviera.

The main route has 17 Alpine passes, but there’s up to 23 mountain passes you can take, depending on which detours you want to take!

Besides enjoying the stunning views, take the opportunity to visit charming towns like Mention, famous for its Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel and Sospel, where you can see the beautiful 12th century Cathedral of Saint Michael and Mount Agaisen Fortress.

You might also enjoy the picturesque villages like St Martin-Vésubie, St Étienne-de-Tinée and Barcelonnette.

5. Normandy

While best known for D-Day Beaches, Normandy has so much more to offer.

Famous for its apple orchards and delicious cider, Normandy has a Cider Route (or Route du Cidre in French) that’s perfect for a day trip. This drive is located in Pays d’Auge and will go by several quaint farms and orchards. Taste and buy some cider and Calvados to go.

Also try famous local cheeses like Neufchatel and Camembert.

Visit Rouen, Normandy’s vibrant cultural capital, Etretat cliffs, picturesque port town Honfleur and the chic city of Deauville.

History buffs must of course visit the famous D-Day landing beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

Fairytale-like Mont Saint-Michel island and abbey (on the photo above), a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts mediaeval architecture, narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding bay.

Take at least a week to explore Normandy to the fullest or opt for a day trip to the most appetising destination.

6. Burgundy

Burgundy is nestled in the heart of France – a paradise for wine enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. With its vineyards, historic chateaus, and Michelin-starred cuisine, Burgundy is hard to resist.

Discover the region's winemaking history in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Visit Hospices de Beaune, a mediaeval hospital turned museum and local bistros to sample local delights. Head to Côte de Beaune wine region to visit famous vineyards like Pommard and Meursault to try some of the world's best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Drive down to Dijon, known for its mustard, Creme de Cassis and gingerbread. Here you can explore the historic city centre and local markets.

If you have time, definitely visit the Château de la Rochepot, a gorgeous castle surrounded by lush nature.

You’ll find a great scenic drive at Route des Grands Crus – a route through the prestigious vineyards of Côte de Nuits.

7. Loire Valley

Loire Valley is known as the "Garden of France" and is famous for its stunning chateaus and surrounding grounds. Once a region of immense strategic importance, it was home to the ruling class, which is why it’s home to some of the most opulent aristocratic estates in France.

It’s worth purchasing a Chateau Pass for discounted entry to multiple castles. Compare different providers and offers to find the best deal for you. Take the time to explore the stunning gardens that surround many of the castles, as it’s these incredible outdoor spaces that have earned the Loire Valley its nickname.

Drive along the Loire River to enjoy the beautiful views and to appreciate the beauty of the valley.

Visit the lovely town of Amboise, once home to the French royal court and Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Other towns to visit are Nantes, Angers, Saumur and Tours.

Take at least 3 days to visit Loire Valley, though you can easily pass a week here.

8. Alsace

While most of the road trips we’ve selected are great during the typical travel times, this is one for the holidays, because Alsace has some of the most magical Christmas markets around! All of the locations we mention, including the small towns, have their own Christmas markets.

The mediaeval city of Strasbourg is a great starting point. You can easily spend up to a few days exploring the city and visiting Strasbourg Cathedral, Palais Rohan and the magical historic quarter, Grande Île.

Obernai is a great day trip destination, with an amazing Christmas market. It’s also a good base for exploring the surrounding vineyards.

If you’re in the mood to visit small quaint towns, you can drive down to Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.

9. Corsica

Perfect for a road trip, Corsica is an incredibly diverse island located in the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for nature lovers and for hiking.

If you’re short on time and can visit just one town, make sure it’s Bonifacio. This southernmost town on the island has a lot to offer and it’s also the perfect starting point for a longer trip. Visit the old town and hike to Phare de Pertusatu for the best views of the area.

The Balagne region is a beautiful area to explore. Hike up to Monte Cintu for incredible views, visit the small surrounding villages like Montemaggiore, Sant'Antonio and Lughignano. The beautiful beaches here are guaranteed to make an impression.

Corte is the area to head to if you love mountains. But if beaches are your thing, Cap Corse is another great destination.

You can easily spend up to a couple of weeks in Corsica, if you have the time.

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How to get to France from the UK?

You have two choices if you want to drive your own vehicle to France. You can either go with the less expensive route and take a ferry. Or, you can take the LeShuttle car train to France via the Eurotunnel.

Whichever way you go, compare the prices in advance and book your tickets ahead of time to get the best deal.

You can also go to France by bus, rail, aeroplane, or underground if you're hiring a car on the spot. Again, choose the best option considering your budget and exact destination.

Can you travel around France with your UK car?

Yes, you can absolutely drive around France in your car, provided you meet some conditions.

In addition to a valid driving licence, you’ll also need to carry your passport, V5 certificate and proof of car insurance.

You’ll also need one or two stickers on your car. In addition to a UK sticker¹ on the back of your car, you might also need the Crit’Air sticker,² which is a sticker based on your vehicle’s emissions. This is required to enter some areas of big French cities.

And, to avoid the risk of getting fined, you’ll need to have headlight beam deflectors and spare bulbs for your lights. You’ll also need to keep a warning triangle and reflective jackets inside the car cabin.³

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Spend like a local in France with Wise

Want to spend like a local in 150+ countries, including France? The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, might be just the thing you’re looking for.

Open a Wise account online and you can order your own contactless Wise card or get it as a virtual card. You can use the card to pay for any bookings in advance and use it on the spot just like a local to pay by card or to withdraw cash from the ATM.

Whenever you spend in a different currency, the card automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate – with no margin added on top and no foreign transaction fees. There’s only a small, transparent currency conversion fee, or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

The Wise account also lets you make international payments for low fees and mid-market exchange rates, making it easy and convenient to pay for accommodation or car rental in advance. It’s not a bank account but offers many similar features.

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Sources used for this article:

1. The Independent – What do you need to drive in France? Rules for travelling from the UK
2. Explore France – The Crit'Air anti-pollution vehicle sticker
3. RAC Drive – Driving in France: top tips, advice and guidance

Sources last checked on date: 4-Feb-2024