The Most Scenic Road Trips Through France You Need to Experience

Introduction

Bonjour, fellow road trip enthusiasts! France, with its diverse landscapes, charming villages, and mouthwatering cuisine, offers some of the most scenic and unforgettable road trip adventures. In this blog post, I’ll take you on three mesmerizing road trips through France, each highlighting the country’s unique beauty and cultural richness. So, pack your bags, rev up your engines, and let’s hit the road for an unforgettable French adventure!

Road Trip 1: The Loire Valley Châteaux Route (5 Days)

Day 1: Château de Chambord

Getting there: From Paris, drive for approximately 2 hours to reach the Château de Chambord.

Start your Loire Valley road trip with a visit to the grand Château de Chambord (Domaine national de Chambord, 41250 Chambord), a stunning Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by lush forests and gardens. Marvel at its intricate architecture and explore the extensive estate.

For dinner, savor traditional Loire Valley cuisine at a local restaurant, featuring dishes like rillettes (pork pâté) and goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes.

Day 2: Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise

Getting there: From Chambord, drive for 1 hour to reach the Château de Chenonceau, followed by a 30-minute drive to Château d’Amboise.

Explore the elegant Château de Chenonceau (37150 Chenonceaux), spanning the River Cher with its beautiful gardens and breathtaking interiors. Then, continue to the Château d’Amboise (Montée de l’Emir Abd El Kader, 37400 Amboise), which offers stunning views of the Loire River and a glimpse into the lives of French royalty.

Sample local delicacies like tarte Tatin (caramelized apple tart) and andouillette (chitterling sausage) at a nearby bistro.

Day 3: Château de Villandry and Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Getting there: From Amboise, drive for 1 hour to reach Château de Villandry, followed by a 30-minute drive to Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.

Visit the Château de Villandry (3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry) with its world-famous gardens, showcasing geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Next, head to the enchanting Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau), a romantic, moat-encircled gem.

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, indulging in dishes like sandre au beurre blanc (pikeperch in butter sauce) and fouaces (stuffed bread rolls).

Day 4: Château de Saumur and Château d’Angers

Getting there: From Azay-le-Rideau, drive for 1.5 hours to reach Château de Saumur, followed by a 1-hour drive to Château d’Angers.

Discover the impressive Château de Saumur (Rue des Moulins, 49400 Saumur), overlooking the Loire River, and learn about its fascinating history. Then, continue to the medieval fortress of Château d’Angers (2 Promenade du Bout du Monde, 49100 Angers), home to the incredible Apocalypse Tapestry.

Sample the region’s cuisine at a local eatery, trying dishes like ragoût d’Angers (a savory pâté) and quernons d’ardoise (blue chocolate-covered nougat).

Day 5: Nantes

Getting there: From Angers, drive for 1.5 hours to reach Nantes.

End your Loire Valley road trip in the vibrant city of Nantes, where you can visit the Jules Verne Museum (3 Rue de l’Hermitage, 44100 Nantes) and the Machines de l’Île (Parc des Chantiers, Boulevard Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes), a unique artistic project featuring mechanical creatures.

Celebrate the end of your journey with a feast at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes like beurre blanc fish and galettes (savoury buckwheat pancakes).

Road Trip 2: The Lavender Route of Provence (4 Days)

Day 1: Avignon

Getting there: From Paris, take a train to Avignon (2h40min) and rent a car to start your Provence road trip.

Begin your lavender route adventure in Avignon, where you can visit the historic Palais des Papes (Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon) and the picturesque Pont d’Avignon (Boulevard de la Ligne, 84000 Avignon).

Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy Provencal specialties like ratatouille and bouillabaisse (fish stew).

Day 2: Sault and Gordes

Getting there: From Avignon, drive for 1.5 hours to reach Sault, followed by a 1-hour drive to Gordes.

Visit the lavender fields of Sault, a charming village surrounded by a sea of purple blooms (best seen from late June to early August). Continue to Gordes, a stunning hilltop village with cobblestone streets and panoramic views of the Luberon Valley.

Savor local dishes like tapenade (olive spread) and truffle omelette at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Valensole Plateau and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Getting there: From Gordes, drive for 1.5 hours to reach the Valensole Plateau, followed by a 1-hour drive to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Explore the Valensole Plateau, where endless lavender fields create a breathtaking landscape. Then, head to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie), nestled between dramatic cliffs and known for its exquisite pottery.

Treat yourself to a meal at a local restaurant, trying dishes like daube Provençale (a slow-cooked beef stew) and tian (vegetable gratin).

Day 4: Verdon Gorge

Getting there: From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, drive for 30 minutes to reach the Verdon Gorge.

Finish your road trip with a visit to the spectacular Verdon Gorge, Europe’s deepest canyon, where you can hike, kayak, or simply marvel at the turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Indulge in a farewell meal at a local bistro, enjoying dishes like stuffed vegetables and lavender-infused desserts.

Road Trip 3: The Normandy and Brittany Coastline (5 Days)

Day 1: Étretat

Getting there: From Paris, drive for approximately 2.5 hours to reach Étretat.

Start your coastal road trip in Étretat, famous for its striking white cliffs and natural arches. Wander the picturesque village and take in the breathtaking views from the cliff-top paths.

Enjoy a meal at a local seafood restaurant, savoring dishes like mussels in cream sauce and fresh oysters.

Day 2: Honfleur and Deauville

Getting there: From Étretat, drive for 1 hour to reach Honfleur, followed by a 30-minute drive to Deauville.

Explore the charming port town of Honfleur, with its colorful half-timbered houses and bustling harbor. Then, continue to the chic seaside resort of Deauville, known for its elegant architecture and sandy beach.

Sample regional specialties like tarte Normande (apple tart) and camembert cheese at a cozy bistro.

Day 3: Mont Saint-Michel

Getting there: From Deauville, drive for approximately 2.5 hours to reach Mont Saint-Michel.

Visit the iconic Mont Saint-Michel (50170 Mont Saint-Michel), a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island surrounded by dramatic tidal waters. Explore the winding streets, and admire the stunning architecture and views.

Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy dishes like galettes (savoury buckwheat pancakes) and kouign-amann (a buttery pastry).

Day 4: Saint-Malo and Dinan

Getting there: From Mont Saint-Michel, drive for 1 hour to reach Saint-Malo, followed by a 30-minute drive to Dinan.

Discover the walled city of Saint-Malo, with its fortress and historic streets, before heading to the enchanting medieval town of Dinan, known for its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

Indulge in regional cuisine at a local eatery, trying dishes like Breton seafood stew and far breton (a custard and prune dessert).

Day 5: Cap Fréhel and Pink Granite Coast

Getting there: From Dinan, drive for 1 hour to reach Cap Fréhel, followed by a 2-hour drive to the Pink Granite Coast.

Visit the stunning Cap Fréhel, where dramatic cliffs overlook the emerald sea. Then, explore the remarkable Pink Granite Coast, with its unique rose-tinted rock formations and beautiful beaches.

Celebrate the end of your journey with a meal at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like cotriade (a fisherman’s stew) and crêpes (sweet pancakes).

Conclusion

These three unforgettable road trips showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of France, from the majestic Loire Valley châteaux and the fragrant lavender fields of Provence to the rugged coastline of Normandy and Brittany. Each journey offers a unique experience, with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and mouthwatering regional cuisine. I hope this blog post has inspired you to embark on your own French road trip adventure. Bon voyage, and happy travels!

Setting off on a mesmerizing expedition to the alluring country of France? Our eSim for Travel is the ideal connectivity partner for tourists like you. Featuring unbeatable ease of use, affordability, and seamless experience, our eSim is tailored to meet the exclusive needs of intrepid adventurers. Wave goodbye to costly roaming fees and intricate SIM card installations – with our eSim, you’ll relish uninterrupted, first-rate communication throughout your entire French escapade, all without straining your budget.

The distinguishing characteristic of our eSim for Travel is its trouble-free activation method. Forget about intricate registration steps and handing over your passport information. A simple email address is all that’s necessary, and you’re instantly prepared to maintain contact with friends and family, sharing your unforgettable moments in France. This degree of effortlessness and discretion is unparalleled in the industry, allowing you to wholly engage with France’s stunning vistas, rich heritage, and irresistible culinary delights.

Refuse to let inadequate connectivity and superfluous complications tarnish your picture-perfect getaway. Opt for our eSim for Travel to make certain your French adventure stays an enduring, cherished experience. Now is the time to act – arm yourself with the leading eSim alternative available and transform your travel experience like never before. Navigate to our website and secure your eSim for Travel right away, and get set to welcome a relaxed, well-connected, and memorable odyssey in the bewitching land of France.