France road trip
France Road Trip itinerary
A France road trip is one of Europe's most rewarding drives, linking world-class cities, château-dotted river valleys, lavender fields and the Mediterranean coast. This grand-tour itinerary loops from Paris and back, taking in the country's most loved regions over two unhurried weeks.
- Duration
- 12–14 days
- Distance
- 1,500 miles
- Start and finish
- Paris circular route
- Best time
- May, June and September give warm weather and lighter crowds. July and August are hot and busy, especially on the Riviera, while spring and autumn are best for the wine regions.
Why drive the France Road Trip?
A grand-tour France road trip itinerary and map — a Paris loop through the Loire Valley, Dordogne, Provence, the French Riviera and Burgundy.
- Châteaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley
- Medieval villages and caves of the Dordogne
- Lavender fields and hilltop towns of Provence
- Glamour and beaches of the French Riviera
12–14 days France Road Trip itinerary
Days 1–2
Paris to the Loire Valley
Leave Paris for the Loire Valley, base around Amboise or Tours and tour châteaux such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Villandry.
Days 3–4
Loire to the Dordogne
Drive south to the Dordogne for honey-stone villages, the prehistoric caves near Les Eyzies and clifftop towns like Rocamadour and Sarlat.
Days 5–7
Dordogne to Provence
Continue south-east to Provence for the lavender plateau, the Pont du Gard, Avignon and hilltop villages of the Luberon.
Days 8–9
Provence to the French Riviera
Reach the Mediterranean at Nice, then explore the Côte d'Azur — Antibes, Cannes and the coastal corniche roads toward Monaco.
Days 10–11
The Riviera to the Alps and Lyon
Head north through the foothills of the Alps to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, for a couple of nights of markets and bouchons.
Days 12–14
Burgundy back to Paris
Finish through Burgundy's vineyards around Beaune, then drive north to return the car in Paris.
Planning tips
Budget for tolls and city parking
France's autoroutes are quick but tolled, and city centres are best parked on the edge. Mix paid motorways for distance with free routes nationales for scenery.
Watch the August closures
Many smaller restaurants and shops close for the August holidays, and the Riviera is at its busiest. Book accommodation and popular châteaux ahead.
Know the driving rules
Drive on the right, carry the documents required for driving in France and check low-emission (Crit'Air) sticker rules for cities like Paris and Lyon.
France Road Trip FAQ
How many days do you need for a France road trip?
Two weeks lets you loop from Paris through the Loire, Dordogne, Provence, the Riviera and Burgundy at a comfortable pace. With a week, focus on one or two regions such as the Loire and Dordogne.
What is the best France road trip route?
A popular grand-tour route loops from Paris to the Loire Valley, the Dordogne, Provence and the French Riviera, returning through Lyon and Burgundy.
When is the best time for a road trip in France?
May, June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. Avoid peak August on the Riviera if you can, and visit the wine regions in early autumn.
Do you need to drive on the right in France?
Yes. France drives on the right. Carry the legally required documents and equipment, and check Crit'Air low-emission sticker rules before driving into major cities.