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…
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I like France. I’ve spent a whole lot of time touring France in our motorhome and exploring as most of the fairly cities, villages and factors of curiosity as I can.
In any case this time, I’ve acquired fairly good at discovering enjoyable locations to visit- however I understand how overwhelming it may possibly 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 thought on the perfect locations to go to.
So right here’s a fast tour of 11 of the perfect areas and pure sights in France. In order for you cities, listed here are 10 high cities to go to in France (apart from Paris) and in case you’re on the lookout for just a little historical past and tradition, listed here 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 Street Journey concepts and factors of curiosity
Isn’t it annoying when individuals discuss locations and you don’t have any thought the place they’re! To provide you a tough information, right here’s a map of a few of the locations talked about on this article, so you’ll be able to 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 little thing you should know to organise your street journey.
French Alps- our favorite France street journey vacation spot
There may be simply one thing concerning the Alps which retains us returning many times. They converse 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 subsequently 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 give up my job so I may go travelling long-term) and the Italian Alps. They’re all the identical mountain vary, and you may merrily cross from one nation to a different with none actual border. However, for this publish, we’ll give attention to 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 referred to as ‘The Void’ and you may 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. However it’s such an exquisite metropolis that I nonetheless prefer it, regardless of all of the errors I made!
- The Gorge du Fier. An unimaginable place close to Annecy- nicely 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 time and winter. Vanlife within the mountains is magic.
RELATED POST: New French regulation for winter tyres and snow chains in 2021
There are one million extra locations within the Alps I may point out. When you’re driving from the UK to Italy, that is the route I drove by the Alps (close to Chamonix, so you’ll be able to cease at Mont Blanc if you want).
When is the perfect time to go to the Alps?
Nicely, between November and April they’re normally coated in snow- so it relies upon what you’re attempting to do. I like visiting the Alps later within the 12 months, like October (listed here 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 time they don’t get too crowded.
Wish to rent a car for touring France? Discover out every little thing you should learn about easy methods to rent a motorhome in France.
Loire Valley- an unimaginable space to go to on a street journey
Advocate by Kat | Worldwide Honeymoon
Positioned roughly 2 hours south of Paris, the Loire Valley is among the most original locations on this planet, well-known for its charming surroundings, scrumptious wineries and the huge variety of châteaux. Actually, there are over 300 of those fairytale castles within the area!
You would actually spend many joyful street journeys in France simply exploring the Loire Valley alone! The Loire Valley castles and wineries are simple 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 looking lodge and constructed by King Francois I. You could acknowledge this fortress because the inspiration for the fortress in Disney’s Magnificence and the Beast! It is usually the biggest 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 chill out and style some scrumptious French wine!
For Chateau de Nitray, you’ll be able to 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 12 months is just open for group visits.
Château de Chenonceau
The final château I extremely suggest is Château de Chenonceau or “The Woman Fort.” This fortress 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 lovely to behold, and in case you want to attempt extra Loire Valley wine, this can be a nice fortress to go to as extra wine samples can be found for buy, right here.
Chateau de Chenonceau’s hours range 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 to your France street trip- campsites, motels and lots of aires for motorhomes. I like to recommend visiting within the Spring or Autumn, when the vacationers have principally left however the climate continues to be lovely. The good factor concerning the Loire is that it isn’t too removed from the English Channel, so you can go to for an extended 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 helpful by Stefania | Each Steph
What number of photos of the lavender fields in Provence have all of us seen on Instagram? Tons, however but…. there’s a motive why they’re so common. They’re so unbelievably lovely and ideal for a France street journey vacation spot.
The place is the perfect place to see the lavender fields in Provence?
I recommend two locations particularly: 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 except you go tremendous early within the morning. The Senanque Abbey fields are distinctive as they’re proper subsequent to an exquisite monastery.
You’ll haven’t any downside inserting each stops in your South of France itinerary, and there’s loads of parking out there. You’ll in all probability spend round one hour on the fields simply strolling round and taking manner too many Instagram photos. Once you’re completed, you can 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 need to time your journey proper if you wish to expertise these fields at their greatest. You’ll be able to go to any time between the tip of June and mid-August. Nonetheless, yearly could be just a little completely different. The fields can bloom earlier or later, so I’d suggest you go to round mid-July to ensure which you can shoot these iconic lavender fields pictures.
Verdon Gorge
Really helpful by Darek | DarekandGosia
In case you are on the lookout for essentially the most lovely locations to go to in France , you need to 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 among 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- easy methods to get to Verdon Gorge
The canyon is greatest explored by automotive or motorhome- good for a French street journey! Anyway, you’ll be able to’t attain it in every other manner. There aren’t any trains or direct buses, and the canyon itself extends over a really giant space.
The quickest approach to get there may be 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 additionally for all those that are on the lookout for uncommon, distinctive views with out sporting ambitions. The panorama from the route across the canyon is admittedly distinctive and price seeing a minimum of as soon as in your life.
I like to recommend a minimum of a day within the space to discover the gorge correctly. Going early within the morning means much less tourists- nicely price it for lovely pictures free from individuals! That’s additionally the perfect time to drive the Gorges du Verdon with a motorhome– earlier than the visitors begins!
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE street journey planner HERE and begin creating your good France street journey
Dordogne- an unimaginable France street journey thought
Really helpful by Hannah | Nouvelle-Aquitaine Journey
The Dordogne is a division within the south-west of France. Inland from Bordeaux, it’s recognized for its river valleys, medieval cities and historic cathedrals. The Dordogne can most simply be loved by means of a street journey, or by native trains. Bordeaux is the biggest 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 a minimum of per week within the space in case you can.
Factors of Curiosity within the Dordogne
Town of Périgueux, with its 5-domed cathedral based mostly 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 known for its Troglodyte Caves and Abbey. One other website that was on outdated pilgrimage routes, Brantôme’s Abbey was based by Charlemagne in 769. Brantôme has plenty of riverside eating choices, weirs to canoe on, and plenty of historical past to take in.
In 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 very genuine really feel. Positioned within the Périgord Noir space, Sarlat is known for its walnut groves, wild cèpe mushrooms, and truffles. For sure, it’s a very fashionable culinary vacation spot.
Castlenaud-la-Chapelle (pictured) can also be extremely lovely and nicely price a go to
Pyrenees- probably the greatest locations to go to in France
Really helpful by Clare | EpicRoadRides
The French Pyrenees is an exquisite space in France. This jagged mountain vary runs alongside the French-Spanish border and is stuffed with snowy peaks (even in summer time), 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 recognized and have a wild, brooding really feel. This a part of the world is ideal for open air fanatics together with skiers, climbers, hikers and cyclists.
Argelès-Gazost is an efficient base. It’s a small city however well-known for its thermal spa – and likewise (just a little 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 children. There’s additionally a cycle path alongside the valley backside which is a stunning trip in case you want 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 positioned only a few minutes away from the city. Right here you’ll discover many mountain-based actions together with a mountain luge, segway and mountain 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 lovely 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 time to get the perfect of the Pyrenees when it’s not coated in snow! In case you are planning a winter motorhome journey, learn this to ensure you’re ready.
Relying on how a lot you’re keen on the outside and what actions you need to pattern, you can 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 helpful by Lora | ExplorewithLora
Cassis is a small fishing village in southern France, a few 45-minute drive from Marseille. With its vibrant streets, lovely port, and close by mountain 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 attraction. There’s a lovely seaside 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 mountain climbing.
You may also 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 simple 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 obtainable on the town however could also be tough to seek out through the busy summer time season- particularly for a motorhome.
There are a number of parking heaps in Cassis which you’ll reserve upfront (however usually not for giant automobiles). When you don’t have a automotive, there’s a practice which frequently runs between Marseille and Cassis.
How lengthy to spend at Cassis
At some point provides you with sufficient time to stroll across the city, benefit from the seaside, 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 helpful by Nadine | Le Lengthy Weekend The Calanques Nationwide Park, close to Marseille in Southern France, is among the nation’s most treasured jewels. Teeming with pure sights, it’s an awesome place to hike, swim, and revel in nature in its purest type. The panorama is one among 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 various tracks all through the park at any time of 12 months.
What’s one of the best ways to discover the Calanques?
Accessible through both Marseille or Cassis, there are various completely different routes you’ll be able to select, relying in your health degree and talent. However even in case you’re lower than mountain climbing, you’ll be happy to know the vast majority of the nationwide park is definitely the marine space that surrounds the craggy shoreline! Leap 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 out there at two of essentially 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 seaside for serene swimming.
TOP TIP: Remember that the park usually closes within the top of summer time as a result of danger of wildfires. In July & August, it’s preferable to take pleasure in it through the ocean as a substitute.
Brittany
Really helpful by Alice | Take your Bag
The area of Brittany is among the greatest locations to see in France. This French area has the perfect of every little thing: lovely cities, beautiful medieval cities the place you’ll be able to return in time and be immersed in historical past, lovely nature, and lovely 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 foul popularity due to its local weather; reality is I’ve seen only a few wet days on the various summers I’ve spent in Southern Brittany. It’s principally been lovely climate and obligatory sunscreen – even when the nights could be a bit chilly. Nonetheless, anticipate comparable climate to the UK and put together for rain at any time of the 12 months… 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 can simply select to spend a weekend or a month exploring and also you wouldn’t see every little thing there may be to see!
Don’t neglect to attempt the standard treats, together with cider and crêpes! And in case 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 neglect to seize your FREE street journey planner HERE and begin creating your good France street journey
Normandy
Really helpful by Ashley | My Wanderlustylife
Given their extremely important historical past, the World Struggle II websites of Normandy are a few of the greatest locations to go to in France. Normandy is an exquisite and worthwhile vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper, however visiting the World Struggle 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 among the most well-known battles of World Struggle II and to see and expertise these places in individual is life-changing.
Amongst these websites are Omaha Seaside (and the 4 others that had been a part of the amphibious D-Day invasions generally known as Operation Overlord), Pointe du Hoc, the excellent Caen Memorial Museum, the synthetic 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 12 months lengthy however, in case you can, go to as near D-Day (June 6th) as attainable to expertise them at their greatest. Costumed re-enactors, fanatics, and World Struggle II veterans at and across the websites enormously add to the general expertise.
There are quite a few WWII websites to go to in Normandy—you can spend per 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 simple to get to if in case you have a automotive 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 Submit Ceremony on the Menin Gate for the fallen troopers is among the most transferring issues I’ve ever skilled.
French Riviera- not the perfect France street journey vacation spot!
I’ve blended views on the French Riviera, however I wished to indicate you the nice and dangerous facets of the area, particularly with reference to a street journey.
Oh, it’s an exquisite 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 large automobiles. Aires are few and much between and are sometimes full. Wild tenting is nearly inconceivable and campsites are… nicely, they range in quality- let’s put it that manner.
Factors of Curiosity within the French Riviera
I stayed for a few nights in March so I may go to the Menton Lemon Pageant. I additionally visited Monaco and Good however the space was too crowded for us, even in March- in all probability as a result of it’s one of many greatest locations to go to in Europe in February and March! I can’t think about it in excessive summer time or in Could round Cannes- the amount of individuals is horrifying.
However, don’t let our opinion put you off. Simply… possibly e book a campsite upfront. When you take pleasure in cities, nightlife and folks watching, that is undoubtedly probably the greatest areas in France to go to.
So, there are 11 areas in France you’ll be able to 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 awesome roadtrip, here’s a checklist of issues it is best to NOT do in your roadtrip.
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