Planning a France street journey? Need concepts for the perfect areas or locations to go to? Listed here are 11 of the perfect, simply ready to be explored…
*We work laborious to make this the perfect motorhome journey weblog and street journey web site attainable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so should you purchase by means of hyperlinks on this web site we might earn a commission- at no additional price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
When you discover this publish helpful, you may additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
I really like France. I’ve spent a whole lot of time touring France in our motorhome and exploring as lots of the fairly cities, villages and factors of curiosity as I can.
In spite of everything this time, I’ve obtained fairly good at discovering enjoyable locations to visit- however I understand how overwhelming it may well really feel at first to resolve the place to go. Whether or not you’re visiting France from the UK or overseas, it helps to have a information or an concept on the perfect locations to go to.
So right here’s a fast tour of 11 of the perfect areas and pure points of interest in France. If you need cities, listed below are 10 prime cities to go to in France (apart from Paris) and should you’re in search of slightly historical past and tradition, listed below are 7 unmissable historic locations in France.
However at this time, we’re speaking mountains, gorges, lakes and… lavender?
Planning a visit to France? Seize your FREE street journey planner HERE and begin creating your good journey
Map of France Highway Journey concepts and factors of curiosity
Isn’t it annoying when folks discuss locations and you haven’t any concept the place they’re! To present you a tough information, right here’s a map of a few of the locations talked about on this article, so you may see how far you may need to journey in your street journey.
When you’d like assist planning your route and journey, seize our FREE street journey planner right here– it walks you thru every part you’ll want to know to organise your street journey.
French Alps- our favorite France street journey vacation spot
There’s simply one thing concerning the Alps which retains us returning repeatedly. They communicate to my soul. In equity, I feel it could be all mountains, as I felt like this within the Dolomites and in Norway too, however the Alps are the closest to the UK and due to this fact those I’ve visited most.
I ought to level out that there are French Alps, Swiss Alps (which is the place I made the choice for me to stop my job so I might go travelling long-term) and the Italian Alps. They’re all the identical mountain vary, and you’ll merrily cross from one nation to a different with none actual border. However, for this publish, we’ll deal with France and the French Alps.
Factors of curiosity within the French Alps
A few of our favorite locations within the Alps have included:
- Going to virtually the highest of Mont Blanc and standing in a glass field over a sheer drop into the valley beneath. I’m not even joking- it’s known as ‘The Void’ and you’ll learn all about it right here.
- Lake Annecy. Which is foolish as that’s the place I misplaced our drone and was very very unhappy. Nevertheless it’s such a lovely metropolis that I nonetheless prefer it, regardless of all of the errors I made!
- The Gorge du Fier. An unbelievable place close to Annecy- effectively price a go to.
- Wild Tenting within the Alps with our motorhome. There have been a number of attractive locations I’ve discovered, each in summer season and winter. Vanlife within the mountains is magic.
RELATED POST: New French regulation for winter tyres and snow chains in 2021
There are 1,000,000 extra locations within the Alps I might point out. When you’re driving from the UK to Italy, that is the route I drove by means of the Alps (close to Chamonix, so you may cease at Mont Blanc if you want).
When is the perfect time to move to the Alps?
Effectively, between November and April they’re often lined in snow- so it relies upon what you’re attempting to do. I really like visiting the Alps later within the yr, like October (listed below are some extra concepts for locations to go to in Europe in October) however they’re additionally beautiful in late Spring and even all through the summer season they don’t get too crowded.
Need to rent a car for touring France? Discover out every part you’ll want to learn about learn how to rent a motorhome in France.
Loire Valley- an unbelievable space to go to on a street journey
Suggest by Kat | Worldwide Honeymoon
Situated roughly 2 hours south of Paris, the Loire Valley is likely one of the most original locations on the earth, well-known for its charming surroundings, scrumptious wineries and the huge variety of châteaux. In actual fact, there are over 300 of those fairytale castles within the area!
You might definitely spend many comfortable street journeys in France simply exploring the Loire Valley alone! The Loire Valley castles and wineries are straightforward to entry by street and parking is available, even for motorhomes or campers.
Well-known Chateaux and factors of curiosity within the Loire Valley
Château de Chambord
Among the best château to go to is Château de Chambord. This was a former searching lodge and constructed by King Francois I. It’s possible you’ll acknowledge this citadel because the inspiration for the citadel in Disney’s Magnificence and the Beast! Additionally it is the most important château within the area. The hours for Château de Chambord are 9 am-6 pm throughout peak season (March 28-October 25) and 9 am-5 pm outdoors of peak season.
Chateau de Nitray
One other well-known château is Chateau de Nitray, good for lunch because it has many splendid picnic spots in addition to a vineyard at which you’ll be able to loosen up and style some scrumptious French wine!
For Chateau de Nitray, you may solely go to individually from June 1-September 30 from 9 am-12 pm and 2-6 pm, besides on Sunday mornings. The rest of the yr is just open for group visits.
Château de Chenonceau
The final château I extremely suggest is Château de Chenonceau or “The Girl Fort.” This citadel was gifted to Diane de Poitiers who commissioned the bridge over the River Cher after which was taken over by Catherine de Medici, who created the sprawling gardens. It’s stunning to behold, and should you choose to strive extra Loire Valley wine, it is a nice citadel to go to as extra wine samples can be found for buy, right here.
Chateau de Chenonceau’s hours fluctuate all year long, however opening instances vary from 9-9:30 am and shutting instances vary from 5-6:30 pm.
There are many locations to remain within the Loire Valley in your France street trip- campsites, lodges and plenty of aires for motorhomes. I like to recommend visiting within the Spring or Autumn, when the vacationers have principally left however the climate remains to be stunning. The great factor concerning the Loire is that it’s not too removed from the English Channel, so you may go to for a protracted weekend or keep for 3 weeks. The selection is yours! (Listed here are some extra concepts for locations to go to in Autumn in Europe.)
Provence ( and the Lavender Fields)
Really useful by Stefania | Each Steph
What number of footage of the lavender fields in Provence have all of us seen on Instagram? Tons, however but…. there’s a cause why they’re so common. They’re so unbelievably stunning and ideal for a France street journey vacation spot.
The place is the perfect place to see the lavender fields in Provence?
I counsel two locations specifically: the lavender fields in Valensole and the fields on the Senanque Abbey. The primary ones are the most well-liked, which additionally means they are going to be actually crowded until you go tremendous early within the morning. The Senanque Abbey fields are distinctive as they’re proper subsequent to a lovely monastery.
You’ll haven’t any downside inserting each stops in your South of France itinerary, and there’s loads of parking obtainable. You’ll most likely spend round one hour on the fields simply strolling round and taking approach too many Instagram footage. While you’re finished, you may additionally go to a lavender producer to see how the oil is manufactured.
When is the perfect time to go to the lavender fields in France?
You’ll should time your journey proper if you wish to expertise these fields at their finest. You’ll be able to go to any time between the tip of June and mid-August. Nevertheless, yearly could be slightly completely different. The fields can bloom earlier or later, so I’d suggest you go to round mid-July to ensure that you could shoot these iconic lavender fields photographs.
Verdon Gorge
Really useful by Darek | DarekandGosia
In case you are in search of probably the most stunning locations to go to in France , you must go to the Verdon Canyon/ Gorge. Verdon Gorge is a French pure marvel – a spectacular 21-kilometre-long river strip that Mom Nature carved in rocky limestone.
It is likely one of the deepest canyons in Europe, and its deepest place is 700 metres. The narrowest level of the Verdon Gorge is 6 metres, and the widest 100 metres. All which means this place has been attracting climbers, photographers, hikers and canoeists for years. You’ll be able to’t miss it whereas visiting France!
France street journey ideas- learn how to get to Verdon Gorge
The canyon is finest explored by automobile or motorhome- good for a French street journey! Anyway, you may’t attain it in another approach. There aren’t any trains or direct buses, and the canyon itself extends over a really massive space.
The quickest strategy to get there’s driving from Good on the A8 in direction of Marseille (if you wish to do it actually quick, drive a Ferrari from Good!). Then, exit at Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez after Frejus and driving north alongside routes D1555, D54 and D955 to Comps-sur-Artuba.
Why ought to I add Verdon Gorge to my French street journey itinerary?
Gorges du Verdon is primarily a mecca for rock climbers and a vacation spot for expeditions of amateurs of fairly strenuous trekking, but in addition for all those that are in search of uncommon, distinctive views with out sporting ambitions. The panorama from the route across the canyon is basically distinctive and value seeing not less than as soon as in your life.
I like to recommend not less than a day within the space to discover the gorge correctly. Going early within the morning means much less tourists- effectively price it for stunning photographs free from folks! That’s additionally the perfect time to drive the Gorges du Verdon with a motorhome– earlier than the visitors begins!
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE street journey planner HERE and begin creating your good France street journey
Dordogne- an unbelievable France street journey concept
Really useful by Hannah | Nouvelle-Aquitaine Journey
The Dordogne is a division within the south-west of France. Inland from Bordeaux, it’s identified for its river valleys, medieval cities and historic cathedrals. The Dordogne can most simply be loved by the use of a street journey, or by native trains. Bordeaux is the most important worldwide airport (2.5hrs drive); though Bergerac additionally has an airport too.
How lengthy to spend visiting the Dordogne
You’ll be able to see the highlights of the Dordogne in a few days; nonetheless, I like to recommend spending not less than every week within the space should you can.
Factors of Curiosity within the Dordogne
Town of Périgueux, with its 5-domed cathedral primarily based on St Mark’s in Venice, is price a go to. The cathedral was began within the 10th century and renovated significantly within the 1800s. Whereas solely the bell tower and crypts stay of the unique construction, it’s a magnificent piece of French historical past. It’s on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
Probably the most picturesque spots within the Dordogne is the city of Brantôme. Sitting on a hairpin flip within the Dronne River, Brantôme is legendary for its Troglodyte Caves and Abbey. One other web site that was on previous pilgrimage routes, Brantôme’s Abbey was based by Charlemagne in 769. Brantôme has a lot of riverside eating choices, weirs to canoe on, and many historical past to absorb.
In the direction of the japanese fringe of the Dordogne is the fantastically preserved medieval city of Sarlat-la-Canéda. This market city prevented a lot of the modernisation of latest centuries, so has a extremely genuine really feel. Situated within the Périgord Noir space, Sarlat is legendary for its walnut groves, wild cèpe mushrooms, and truffles. Evidently, it’s a very fashionable culinary vacation spot.
Castlenaud-la-Chapelle (pictured) can also be extremely stunning and effectively price a go to
Pyrenees- top-of-the-line locations to go to in France
Really useful by Clare | EpicRoadRides
The French Pyrenees is a lovely space in France. This jagged mountain vary runs alongside the French-Spanish border and is filled with snowy peaks (even in summer season), and a few of Europe’s rarest wildlife together with vultures and even brown bears.
Why do you have to embrace the Pyrenees in your France street journey itinerary?
In contrast with their extra well-known sister, the French Alps, they’re much much less identified and have a wild, brooding really feel. This a part of the world is ideal for outside fanatics together with skiers, climbers, hikers and cyclists.
Argelès-Gazost is an effective base. It’s a small city however well-known for its thermal spa – and in addition (slightly incongruously) its on line casino. Close to Argelès-Gazost, there’s a treetop path course, river rafting and an animal park that’s common with youngsters. There’s additionally a cycle path alongside the valley backside which is a beautiful trip should you choose your biking flat.
Entry to Argelès-Gazost is straightforward by street. From Toulouse, you are taking the A64 motorway to Tarbes, then Lourdes. From there take the principle street to Argelès-Gazost.
Factors of curiosity and issues to do within the Pyrenees
The closest mountain peak is Hautacam, which is situated only a few minutes away from the city. Right here you’ll discover many mountain-based actions together with a mountain luge, segway and climbing trails. When you’re into street biking, Hautacam can also be some of the well-known climbs of the Tour de France.
When you’re within the space, don’t miss a go to to the Cirque de Gavarnie– some of the stunning locations in France and residential to the second-highest waterfall in Europe!
When is the perfect time to go to the Pyrenees on a street journey?
Winters aren’t overly lengthy within the Pyrenees, however they’re just about reserved for winter sports activities (like downhill and nordic snowboarding) between November and the tip of April. Come throughout late spring and summer season to get the perfect of the Pyrenees when it’s not lined in snow! In case you are planning a winter motorhome journey, learn this to be sure to’re ready.
Relying on how a lot you like the outside and what actions you need to pattern, you may spend something from a weekend to a two week vacation exploring the Pyrenees and all it has to supply.
Cassis, France- an ideal France street journey cease
Really useful by Lora | ExplorewithLora
Cassis is a small fishing village in southern France, a few 45-minute drive from Marseille. With its vibrant streets, stunning port, and close by climbing alternatives, Cassis makes a beautiful place to go to on a street journey in France.
Factors of Curiosity in Cassis
The city of Cassis is beautiful to walk round; it’s stuffed with vibrant streets and Provencal appeal. There’s a stunning seashore proper subsequent to the principle pier, which is ideal for sunbathing. Close by is the Calanques de Cassis, which is a good place to go climbing.
You can even benefit from the Calanques on a ship tour that leaves from the Cassis harbour. There are some glorious French eating places to dine at in Cassis, providing contemporary seafood choices.
How straightforward is it to go to Cassis on a street journey?
Cassis is open year-round and is straightforward entry from Marseille. The drive alongside the coast is gorgeous, with superb views of the Calanques as you strategy Cassis. Parking is offered on the town however could also be tough to seek out throughout the busy summer season season- particularly for a motorhome.
There are a number of parking heaps in Cassis which you’ll be able to reserve prematurely (however usually not for giant automobiles). When you don’t have a automobile, there’s a prepare which often runs between Marseille and Cassis.
How lengthy to spend at Cassis
Someday provides you with sufficient time to stroll across the city, benefit from the seashore, and dine at one of many eating places. When you’d additionally prefer to hike across the space, then it’s higher to remain in a single day for an evening or two. There’s sufficient to within the space to maintain you busy for a weekend.
Calanques Nationwide Park
Really useful by Nadine | Le Lengthy Weekend The Calanques Nationwide Park, close to Marseille in Southern France, is likely one of the nation’s most treasured jewels. Teeming with pure points of interest, it’s an amazing place to hike, swim, and revel in nature in its purest kind. The panorama is certainly one of incomparable magnificence – limestone cliffs jutting out into the azure blue sea and garrigue-laden hills serenading you with their scent. Beloved by the locals, you’ll discover them strolling the numerous tracks all through the park at any time of yr.
What’s the easiest way to discover the Calanques?
Accessible by way of both Marseille or Cassis, there are various completely different routes you may select, relying in your health degree and talent. However even should you’re lower than climbing, you’ll be happy to know nearly all of the nationwide park is definitely the marine space that surrounds the craggy shoreline! Bounce on a ship tour from Cassis and also you’ll have the ability to discover the Calanques from beneath, or rent a kayak and revel in them at your personal tempo.
Factors of curiosity within the Calanques
There are lower than a handful of providers inside the park, however you’ll discover sustenance obtainable at two of probably the most accessible Calanques – Morgiou and Sormiou. Within the low season, it’s attainable to drive proper down and park at both of those Calanques.
For the others, it’s preferable to put aside a day and hike to a hidden seashore for serene swimming.
TOP TIP: Remember that the park usually closes within the top of summer season as a result of threat of wildfires. In July & August, it’s preferable to get pleasure from it by way of the ocean as a substitute.
Brittany
Really useful by Alice | Take your Bag
The area of Brittany is likely one of the finest locations to see in France. This French area has the perfect of every part: stunning cities, beautiful medieval cities the place you may return in time and be immersed in historical past, stunning nature, and beautiful secluded seashores with spectacular coastlines.
It’s rugged, genuine, stuffed with alternatives for journey and water sports activities and the persons are a few of the friendliest within the nation!
When is the perfect time to go to Brittany?
Brittany has a nasty fame due to its local weather; reality is I’ve seen only a few wet days on the numerous summers I’ve spent in Southern Brittany. It’s principally been stunning climate and obligatory sunscreen – even when the nights generally is a bit chilly. Nonetheless, count on comparable climate to the UK and put together for rain at any time of the yr… simply in case!
Factors of Curiosity in Brittany
Brittany is a big area, with completely different landscapes and atmospheres whether or not you’re within the Northern half (St-Malo, the Pink Granite Coast, Brest…) or the Southern half (Lorient, Vannes,…) so you may simply select to spend a weekend or a month exploring and also you wouldn’t see every part there’s to see!
Don’t overlook to strive the standard treats, together with cider and crêpes! And should you’re into historical past and folklore, angle your journey across the Legend of King Arthur and Celtic myths, nonetheless very vividly alive on this a part of France. (Sure, the identical King Arthur from Tintagel Fort and Merlin’s Cave in Cornwall!)
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE street journey planner HERE and begin creating your good France street journey
Normandy
Really useful by Ashley | My Wanderlustylife
Given their extremely vital historical past, the World Battle II websites of Normandy are a few of the finest locations to go to in France. Normandy is a lovely and worthwhile vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper, however visiting the World Battle II websites is to view the area from a completely new perspective.
Factors of Curiosity in Normandy for WWII
D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is likely one of the most well-known battles of World Battle II and to see and expertise these areas in particular person is life-changing.
Amongst these websites are Omaha Seashore (and the 4 others that had been a part of the amphibious D-Day invasions often known as Operation Overlord), Pointe du Hoc, the great Caen Memorial Museum, the substitute harbours at Arromanches-les-Bains, and Normandy American Cemetery, to call only a few. There are additionally numerous battlefields, deserted batteries just like the one at Longues-ser-Mer, museums, and different cemeteries.
When is the perfect time to go to the WWII websites in Normandy?
These websites (and extra) are open all yr lengthy however, should you can, go to as near D-Day (June 6th) as attainable to expertise them at their finest. Costumed re-enactors, fanatics, and World Battle II veterans at and across the websites drastically add to the general expertise.
There are quite a few WWII websites to go to in Normandy—you may spend every week there visiting all of them on a street journey, or see the important thing highlights in a single day if time is restricted. They’re fairly straightforward to get to in case you have a automobile or motorhome (and all websites have sufficient, devoted parking).
When you get time, I extremely suggest a detour in your street journey and go to Ypres in Belgium- the Final Publish Ceremony on the Menin Gate for the fallen troopers is likely one of the most shifting issues I’ve ever skilled.
French Riviera- not the perfect France street journey vacation spot!
I’ve combined views on the French Riviera, however I needed to indicate you the nice and dangerous facets of the area, particularly with reference to a street journey.
Oh, it’s a lovely spot for positive and the seashores and boats are to die for! BUT… it’s not significantly street journey friendly- particularly for these of us with massive automobiles. Aires are few and much between and are sometimes full. Wild tenting is sort of unattainable and campsites are… effectively, they fluctuate in quality- let’s put it that approach.
Factors of Curiosity within the French Riviera
I stayed for a few nights in March so I might go to the Menton Lemon Pageant. I additionally visited Monaco and Good however the space was too crowded for us, even in March- most likely as a result of it’s one of many finest locations to go to in Europe in February and March! I can’t think about it in excessive summer season or in Might round Cannes- the amount of individuals is scary.
However, don’t let our opinion put you off. Simply… perhaps e-book a campsite prematurely. When you get pleasure from cities, nightlife and folks watching, that is positively top-of-the-line areas in France to go to.
So, there are 11 areas in France you may go to in your street trip- with factors of curiosity. I hope you’ve discovered this data helpful and revel in your France journey!
That will help you plan an amazing roadtrip, here’s a checklist of issues you must NOT do in your roadtrip.
Need to save this publish for later? Pin it to your France Journey board
