by Anna Hann
posted on April 7, 2025
Setting off on a UK-to-France road trip can be a real adventure, giving you oodles of history and culture, and beautiful landscapes and glimpses of grand châteaux across this diverse country.
When you’ve got at least a couple of weeks to visit France, you can cover many of the nation’s highlights. From the charming streets of Lille in the north to the sun-drenched vineyards of Avignon in the south and the divine Loire Valley, buckle up and get ready to explore France’s diverse and delightful regions…
A two-week journey through France
There are plenty of French road trip ideas to consider, but for the ultimate trip that covers a multitude of regions and coastlines, you’ll want to allow at least two weeks. The ultimate France road trip travels through Provence, although there’s an alternative route if you’d like to drive through the French Alps to the south of France instead.
Day 1: UK to Lille
Although it’s not your only option, many cross-Channel routes to France from the UK arrive in Calais from Folkestone. Once you’re on the continent, driving to Lille is a relatively short but scenic journey through the northern French countryside, taking around 90 minutes on the A25 motorway.
As you approach Lille, rural farmland gives way to the energy of a vibrant city. With its Flemish-influenced architecture and lively atmosphere, Lille is a fantastic place to explore on foot once you park your car.
Make the Grand Place, the city’s historic central square, your first port of call. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the city from, surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings and atmospheric cafés. Nearby, the Palais des Beaux-Arts houses an impressive collection of fine art.
Where to stay in Lille
Consider Hermitage Gantois for five-star comfort, although Clarance Hotel Lille is all charm thanks to its 18th-century beginnings.
Day 2: Lille to Dijon
On the second day of your France road trip, you’ll drive from Lille to Dijon on a journey that takes around five hours via the A1 and A6 motorways.
You’ll want to make a relatively early start, allowing you to stop along the way on your road trip today. First stop: Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region. Tour of one of the many prestigious champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger. If you’re a fan of fizz, if time allows, the nearby town of Épernay also offers an incredible experience along the Avenue de Champagne, where world-famous producers showcase their finest vintages.
As the drive progresses, you’ll enter the beautiful countryside of Burgundy, a paradise for wine enthusiasts known for its vineyards and historic chateaus. Another good stop along the way is Troyes, a medieval town famous for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and town squares. Plan your day so you can stop here for a leisurely lunch at one of Troyes’ cafés, serving regional favourites like coq au vin or escargots.
From Troyes, the final stretch to Dijon is a smooth drive through more of Burgundy’s renowned wine country.
Where to stay in Dijon
For a luxurious stay in Dijon, Grand Hôtel La Cloche is a five-star hotel with a fancy spa and a gourmet restaurant. If you prefer a more boutique-style stay, Maison Philippe Le Bon is set in a 15th-century building with a peaceful courtyard and an excellent wine bar. Hôtel des Ducs is worth a look for a centrally located yet affordable option, just steps away from the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Day 3: Dijon to Lyon
The drive from Dijon to Lyon is relatively short and scenic – taking no more than three hours – driving through the heart of Burgundy’s wine country.
From Dijon, follow the Route des Grands Crus to Beaune (be sure to take the D974 and not the A31 or A39), a picturesque town renowned for its wine heritage. Peek inside one of the many local wine cellars, and perhaps your passengers will take the opportunity to taste the region’s world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Continuing south, you pass through vineyards and wine-producing villages like Chalon-sur-Saône and Tournus. The final stretch into Lyon is smooth and well-signposted, leading you directly into one of France’s most gastronomically and culturally rich cities.
Where to stay in Lyon
Villa Florentine is a five-star hotel with a hilltop view, while a mid-range and budget-friendly choice like Hotel Silky provides a stylish stay.
Day 4: Lyon to Avignon
Driving from Lyon to Avignon takes around three hours on the A7 motorway, following the Rhône River through the scenic Rhône Valley. If you leave the A7 at Tain-l’Hermitage, it’s a prettier drive, passing through vineyards, rolling hills, charming towns, and into the south of France.
A great place to stop along the way is Valence, around one and a half hours into your journey. Find a place for lunch in the historic city centre. Further south, another excellent stop is Montélimar, famous for its nougat, a sweet, nut-filled confection that makes a perfect road trip snack.
As you continue into the south of France, the scenery transitions into classic Provençal landscapes. Those endless vineyards come into view alongside olive groves and lavender fields. When you arrive in Avignon, you’ll find a lively arts and café scene, making it the perfect place to unwind after the drive.
Where to stay in Avignon
If you’re looking for somewhere central in Avignon, La Mirande is an elegant hotel set in a 14th-century mansion near the Palais des Papes. If you plan to stay for a few days, look at Le Prieuré, a five-star retreat just across the Rhône in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. It has a peaceful garden setting and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 5: Avignon to Nice
Driving from Avignon to Nice in the south of France takes up to three hours on the A8 motorway. As you leave Avignon, the scenery shifts from the vineyards of the Rhône Valley to the rolling hills of Provence, with olive groves and lavender fields lining the roadside.
Driving eastward, the A8 motorway winds through the landscapes of the Var region, with glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea as you approach the Côte d’Azur. Before reaching Nice, stop at Cannes, which is world-famous for its annual film festival and glamorous beachfront.
The final stretch of the drive offers fabulous views of the French Riviera, with its incredible beaches, turquoise waters, and palm-lined roads.
Where to stay in Nice
Hotel Negresco is an iconic five-star hotel in the south of France, with pretty pink domes, opulent décor, Michelin-star dining, and sea views. Château Ezain Èze has lovely views of the Mediterranean coast from a medieval hilltop village for a quieter escape in the wider French Riviera region.
Day 6: Nice to the Verdon Gorge
Getting to the Verdon Gorge from Nice is a fabulous journey through Provence. Leaving the French Riviera behind, the road quickly ascends into the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, offering gorgeous views of rolling hills, forests, and deep valleys.
One of the best places to stop along the way is Grasse, the world’s perfume capital. On the narrow streets of this charming village, you’ll find historic perfumeries like Molinard, where you can take a guided tour and create your own fragrance.
As you approach the Verdon Gorge, the roads become more winding, hugging the cliffs and offering panoramas of one of Europe’s most beautiful natural wonders. A worthwhile stopping point before reaching the heart of the gorge is Castellane, a small town nestled at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs. Stretch your legs, visit the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel above the village, or grab a bite at a local café.
The final stretch provides awe-inspiring glimpses of the turquoise waters of the Verdon River. Whether you plan to hike, kayak, go wild swimming, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, arriving at the Verdon Gorge feels like stepping into a different world, far removed from the glamour of the French Riviera. It’s a haven for nature lovers and an epic place for outdoor adventures – plan to linger longer to take full advantage.
Where to stay in Verdon Gorge
La Bastide de Moustiers, a boutique hotel owned by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, provides a tranquil Provençal setting with gourmet dining in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. For a more adventurous experience, the Camping Huttopia Gorges du Verdon has well-equipped tents and cabins near the river.
Day 7: Verdon Gorge to Aix-en-Provence
Today, you’ll travel for two hours, leaving behind the gorge’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters and driving back through rolling hills, lavender fields, and Provençal villages on a Provence road trip. The road winds south through the Plateau de Valensole, one of France’s most famous lavender-growing regions.
As you approach Aix-en-Provence, you’ll see the iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a limestone mountain ridge, looming in the distance. If time allows, a detour to Château La Coste, a vineyard and contemporary art estate, is an excellent place to enjoy wine tasting and a stroll through its sculpture garden.
In Aix-en-Provence, you’ll be surrounded by elegant architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and vibrant squares. Head for the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main avenue, to relax after the drive.
Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence
Villa Saint-Ange is a luxury hotel with beautifully designed rooms, a tranquil garden, and an outdoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. If you prefer to stay centrally, Hôtel Cézanne is a stylish boutique hotel just a short walk from Cours Mirabeau.
Day 8: Aix-en-Provence to Toulouse
Driving from Aix-en-Provence to Toulouse is one of the longer drives of your road trip. It takes around four or five hours as you slowly make your way towards the west coast of France.
As you leave Aix-en-Provence, the road passes through the sun-drenched Provence countryside, with vineyards, colourful towns, and olive groves. You might want to take a detour to Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct. Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Continuing west, the scenery gradually transitions into the Languedoc wine region. Another excellent stop is Carcassonne, famous for its medieval fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fairytale turrets and cobbled streets. You can also see the famous Canal du Midi in Carcassonne, although you’ll have another opportunity when you get to Toulouse, too.
The final stretch into Toulouse in southwest France takes you into the heart of the Occitanie region, where La Ville Rose, the Pink City of Toulouse awaits.
Where to stay in Toulouse
For all-out opulence, consider staying at Grand Hôtel de l’Opéra, where lavish furnishings reflect its 17th-century origins. At the other end of the design spectrum, Mama Shelter Toulouse is a contemporary hotel transformed from a former movie theatre.
Day 9: Toulouse to Bordeaux
Allow around three hours for your road trip today. The route takes you through southwest France, with scenic views of the Garonne River and the rolling landscapes of Gascony and the Gironde region, just north of France’s largest pine forest.
Before entering Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, you could take a detour to the Bassin d’Arcachon on France’s west coast. This area is known for its oyster farms, sandy beaches, and the towering Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe.
Once in Bordeaux, you’ll be greeted by its grand architecture, the elegant Place de la Bourse, and the iconic Garonne River, which flows through the city. See if you can arrive in Bordeaux in enough time to visit the excellent Cité du Vin museum.
Where to stay in Bordeaux
The Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes is a 97-room hotel designed by Philippe Starck. It occupies a 19th-century landmark with acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto at the helm of its Japanese restaurant.
Day 10: Bordeaux to Tours
You’ve got a four-hour drive today on a route that takes you through the scenic landscapes of southwestern France and into the Loire Valley. As you leave Bordeaux, the road takes you through expansive vineyards, especially as you pass through the Entre-Deux-Mers region.
A great stop along the way is Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wine and picturesque streets.
As you continue northward on your Loire Valley road trip, the drive gradually becomes more rural, with fields and forests replacing the vineyards, before arriving in Tours.
Where to stay in Tours
Try Les Hautes Roches. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Loire River, this former monastery features 12 unique troglodyte rooms carved into the tufa rock.
Day 11: Tours to St Malo
Driving from Tours to Saint-Malo is a scenic journey through the heart of western France. The most direct route, taking around three hours, follows the A11 and A81 highways. If you want a more leisurely drive, opt for smaller roads, stopping in charming towns like Laval or Fougères, home to one of Europe’s largest medieval castles.
If you’re getting the car ferry back to Portsmouth, St Malo might be the last stop on your road trip.
Where to stay in St Malo
Check out Le Grand Bé within the historic city walls or the four-star Hôtel Oceania Saint-Malo in a prime location near the beach.
Day 12: St Malo to Calais
Driving from St. Malo to Calais takes you along the scenic northern coast of France. Along the way, you pass through historic Normandy, known for its connection to D-Day and World War II.
If you choose a more scenic coastal route for a Normandy road trip, you can visit iconic sites like Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Juno Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, which are all located along the coastline near Bayeux and Caen. Known as the D-Day Beaches route, driving this option will add significant time to your journey, so be prepared to adjust your timings and how to tackle this part of your road trip.
Where to stay in Calais
For the last night of your road trip, Holiday Inn Calais could be all you need for a simple, easy stay. For something swisher, you could stay further outside of Calais — try Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster.
Day 13: Calais to UK
Unless you plan to take the last ferry or Le Shuttle train back to Folkestone on day 12, today sees your return journey to the UK and the end of your France road trip. If you’ve got time before departure, see if you can squeeze in some retail therapy – UK citizens can shop tax-free!
French Alps alternative
This road trip takes you through Lyon, but on days 3, 4, and 5, you can take a different route if you’d rather drive through the French Alps.
For a road trip in France that follows the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, drive from Dijon to Evian-les-Bains on the French shore of Lake Geneva, then continue to Morzine for an overnight stop.
Drive over the Col de Joux Plane from Morzine for Mont Blanc views and continue to Bourg-Saint-Maurice to stay overnight. Finally, depart early to cross the Col de L’Iseran (the highest paved road in the Alps) before descending into the Maurienee Valley. Then, drive through the dramatic Gorges du Cian before arriving in Nice.
When’s the best time to take a road trip to France?
There’s no bad time for road trips in France — it’s a great destination, whatever the weather. That said, you’ll want to make sure the places you want to visit are open.
Winter
December to February is good for festive markets and ski trips in the Alps, but some typically summery destinations close for the season.
Spring
March to May offers mild weather and blooming landscapes. May an abundance of springtime blooms and milder temperatures, with fewer crowds in France. June is the quietest summer month in France, as schools aren’t on break yet.
Summer
July and August are the warmest months in France, and they have the most tourists as most attractions and hotels are open. Lavender season in Provence typically runs from June to August. June to August have warm temperatures that are ideal for coastal trips.
Autumn
Autumn in southern France can feature an Indian summer with changing fall colours. It is great for scenic drives through fall foliage.
Planning a road trip to France
Driving to France and road trips in France are easy from the UK, but some practical tips can help make your journey go without a hitch – especially if you’re planning on taking a longer trip.
Getting there
Driving to France from the UK can be done through two main routes: the ferry and the Eurotunnel. The Eurotunnel, the Le Shuttle car train, is an efficient way to get to France, with a speedy crossing time of just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais.
Taking the ferry from Dover to Calais typically takes about 90 minutes. While this option takes longer, it can also be more cost-effective, especially if you’re flexible with your travel times.
What to take
There are a few things to know about driving in France with a UK license, although on the whole, it can be a straightforward experience, thanks to online maps and its extensive toll road system known as autoroutes. While using these French motorways might add to your travel expenses, they’re a quick and smooth way to get around the country. The cost of tolls varies based on how far you travel, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Be sure to check you’re not missing a more scenic route, too.
When driving in France, it is essential to carry specific documentation and equipment to ensure compliance with local regulations. You must have a valid driving licence, passport, V5 certificate (vehicle registration document), and proof of car insurance. Additionally, it is mandatory to keep a warning triangle, reflective jackets, and spare light bulbs in your vehicle, and make sure your car has a UK sticker.
France has implemented clean air windscreen stickers, called Crit’Air stickers, which are required for entering certain urban areas based on your vehicle’s emissions. It’s important to check if your vehicle qualifies for access to low-emission zones in various French cities.
In certain mountainous regions of France during winter, you may also be required to fit winter tyres or carry snow chains to ensure safe driving conditions. To comply with local driving laws, headlight beam deflectors are needed to adjust your car’s headlights for driving on the right side of the road.
If you’re planning on taking a pet with you, they’ll need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate (AHC). If you’re booking a car on Turo, you’ll need to check your host is happy to have your pet in their car.
What to drive
This is a long road trip, so you’ll want something comfortable for the journey. Consider an SUV or large estate, and if you’re planning on tackling the mountainous route, you might want to consider a car with all-wheel drive for ski and snow adventures.
If you’re booking a car on Turo, you’ll need to get permission from your host and Turo to take your car to France.
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