The 10 Best Road Trips to Take in France
Discover our selection of the 10 best road trips in France: wine routes, French Riviera, Normandy, Corsica and more. Itineraries, tips and maps.
France is packed with stunning roads that wind through breathtaking landscapes. Whether you love mountains, coastlines or vineyards, here's our selection of the 10 best road trips to take in France.
1. The Alsace Wine Route
Stretching 170 km from Strasbourg to Mulhouse, the Alsace Wine Route is one of France's most iconic itineraries. Drive through medieval villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg while tasting the country's finest Rieslings and Gewurztraminers.
Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days
Best time: September-October, during the harvest
2. The French Riviera: Nice to Saint-Tropez
The coastal road between Nice and Saint-Tropez offers exceptional Mediterranean panoramas. Pass through Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and the Estérel coves. The turquoise sea contrasts beautifully with the red Estérel rocks.
Ideal duration: 2 to 4 days
Best time: May-June or September
3. The Corsica Circuit
Corsica is a miniature continent. Its 1,000 km coastline offers an exceptional road trip between paradise beaches, rugged mountains and hilltop villages. From Bastia to Bonifacio via Calvi and Porto, every turn reveals a new landscape.
Ideal duration: 7 to 10 days
Best time: May-June or September-October
4. The Verdon Gorge
Nicknamed the "French Grand Canyon", the Verdon Gorge offers one of Europe's most impressive natural spectacles. The Crêtes road and the Corniche Sublime provide dizzying viewpoints over the turquoise waters.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
Best time: April to October
5. The Napoleon Route
From Golfe-Juan to Grenoble (325 km), the Napoleon Route follows the path taken by the Emperor on his return from Elba in 1815. Cross Provence, the Southern Alps and the Dauphiné for a history-rich road trip.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
Best time: May to September
6. The Loire Valley Castles
From Tours to Angers, drive through the Valley of Kings and its majestic castles: Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau... A cultural road trip through French Renaissance history.
Ideal duration: 4 to 6 days
Best time: April to October
7. The Route des Grandes Alpes
From Thonon-les-Bains to Menton (720 km), this legendary route crosses 16 Alpine passes including the Galibier, the Iseran and the Col de la Bonette. The ultimate road trip for mountain lovers.
Ideal duration: 5 to 7 days
Best time: June to September (passes open)
8. The D-Day Beaches in Normandy
From Utah Beach to Sword Beach, drive along the 80 km of Norman coastline that changed the course of history. Visit the American Cemetery at Colleville, Pointe du Hoc and the Arromanches museum.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
Best time: May-June (D-Day anniversary)
9. The Basque Country: Biarritz to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
The French Basque Country packs ocean and mountain landscapes into a compact area. From surfing Biarritz to spicy Espelette, through the charming villages of Ainhoa and Sare — a road trip full of flavor and character.
Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days
Best time: May to October
10. Brittany: Saint-Malo to the Gulf of Morbihan
The Breton coast is a permanent delight. From the corsair city of Saint-Malo to the Pink Granite Coast, through Cap Fréhel, Quimper and Carnac, every stop is a living postcard.
Ideal duration: 7 to 10 days
Best time: June to September
Immortalize your road trip with Paperoad
Have you done one of these road trips? Create a custom poster that traces your itinerary on an elegant map. Add your stops, choose your colors and receive your print on premium paper. The perfect souvenir of your adventure on the roads of France.