5 Amazing Road Trips to Experience the Best of France

Anna Richards has journeyed across France for Dinogo Planet's latest guidebook, sharing her favorite road trips to inspire your next adventure.

The allure of the open road in France is especially inviting for British travelers who can easily bring their own car via ferry or Eurotunnel. With the Michelin Guide being the original motorist’s handbook, it’s only natural to explore France on four wheels.

All the routes listed below allow you to bypass tolls (for more details on toll roads, check the tips at the end), guiding you through smaller, more scenic paths into the heart of the French countryside.

Here are five exceptional road trips to discover France.

1. Mont St-Michel to Étretat

Ideal for a coastal road trip

Mont-St-Michel to Étretat: 286 km (460 miles), recommend a three-day journey.

The 9th-century tidal abbey of Mont-St-Michel is among the most iconic landmarks in France, still home to 33 monks and nuns. Twice daily, as the tide rushes in over the enigmatic mud flats and quicksand, the causeway becomes the sole link between Mont-St-Michel and the mainland. After visiting, take a half-hour drive to Avranches and ascend to the château for panoramic views that stretch to Mont-St-Michel. Continuing along the A84 and D572 for 90 km (55 miles) leads you to Bayeux, the renowned tapestry's home, which depicts the French conquest of England in 1066 across 68 meters of intricately woven fabric. Bypass Caen to arrive at Deauville (1½ hours), where the boardwalk features metal stars honoring the 200 silver screen legends who have graced the American Film Festival held here each summer. A couple more hours of driving will bring you to Étretat, where eroded cliffs create an oceanic sculpture garden of sea arches and needles, frequently captured by Monet during his solitary painting excursions.

Local tip: Parking at Mont-St-Michel and Étretat can be challenging and pricey. Consider parking further away and walking to your destination instead.

2. The Loing Valley

Ideal road trip for history enthusiasts

Fontainebleau to Montargis: 50 km (31 miles), set aside a full day

The château of Fontainebleau, originally a hunting lodge, became the French royal residence under Louis IX in the 13th century and spans 130 hectares of grounds. Interestingly, despite France's many mountain ranges, one of the country's first marked hiking trails was established here by Claude-François Denecourt, a Napoleonic veteran, in 1842. The initial leg of your journey heads south towards Nemours for about 20 minutes (D607), traversing the picturesque Gâtinais-Français Regional Park, interlaced with waterways and charming villages.

Continue along the D607 south to reach Souppes-sur-Loing, a quaint riverside town featuring remnants of a 12th-century monastery. A scenic ten-minute detour through the étangs (lagoons) leads you to Fontenay-sur-Loing, a sleepy little spot with little to entice you to stay, so press on to the idyllic town of Montargis (13 km; 8 miles), where charming half-timbered houses gracefully arch over the canals.

Planning tip: The château of Fontainebleau welcomes visitors daily except on Tuesdays, with summer being the prime time to explore, as it offers additional activities like boat cruises on the lake and hot-air balloon rides.

3. A scenic loop through Hérault

Ideal road trip for breathtaking coastal views away from the crowds

Round trip from Sète: 208 km (129 miles), set aside three days

The quaint city of Sète is perched on a narrow stretch of land flanked by the expansive 7,500-hectare saltwater Étang de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. While it boasts modern elements, the city holds onto its rich traditions, notably the famous five-day water jousting festival every August. A 47 km (29 miles) drive from Sète along the D2 and D28 will bring you to Béziers, a historic city founded by the Romans and a key point on their first constructed road in France, the Via Domitia.

From Béziers, journey to Haut-Languedoc Regional Park, where lush vegetation grows densely, and charming villages seem to cling to the hillsides. Among the most beautiful are Roquebrun and Vieussan. Continuing east for another 50 km (31 miles) on the D908, you’ll discover the striking Lac du Salagou, an artificial lake with rusty soil caused by iron oxide in the sandstone. Afterward, drive 30 km (18 miles) to Pézenas, the former home of renowned playwright Molière. On your way back, stop at Bouzigues and, if conditions are right, don a snorkel—you might spot seahorses. It’s only a 15-minute drive back to Sète from there.

Travel tip: Plan your visit to Pézenas for a Saturday to enjoy the vibrant weekly market.

4. Loop through Alpine Lakes and Valleys

Ideal road trip for nature enthusiasts

Round trip from Grenoble: 324 km (201 miles), plan for five days

Departing from Grenoble, take the D1091 to the picturesque Serre Chevalier valley. It's highly recommended to spend at least a day, if not more, exploring this stunning area. In winter, the 250 km (155 miles) of ski slopes cater to both casual skiers and seasoned enthusiasts. The historic fortified town of Briançon serves not only as a hub for hikers and skiers but also boasts a variety of art galleries to discover.

From Briançon, head south via the N94 to the scenic Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Consider renting a paddleboard to reach the island chapel of Saint-Michel, the only structure that withstood the valley's flooding to create the reservoir, due to its higher elevation. Two hours northwest lies Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, where the water shimmers between the dramatic landscapes of Écrins National Park on one side and the gentler yet stunning cliffs of Vercors Regional Park on the other. You can cross swaying Himalayan hanging bridges that span the lake, offering a thrilling experience as you traverse the treetops. Finally, a 50 km (31 miles) drive will bring you back to Grenoble.

Tip for planning: It's best to take this route during summer. If you're traveling in winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or carry snow chains.

5. The Massif Central

Ideal road trip for cheese lovers and hikers

Clermont-Ferrand to Aurillac; 196 km (122 miles), recommended three to four days

The city of Clermont-Ferrand presents a stark facade, with its gothic volcanic stone structures. It's a 28 km (17 miles; D942) drive to Orcival, home to an impressive 12th-century basilica. Continuing another 18 km (11 miles) south, you’ll find Mont-Dore, a ski resort with charmingly vibrant architecture reminiscent of a Victorian seaside town. In summer, visitors flock to hike Puy de Sancy, the tallest of the extinct volcanoes. Afterward, head south for 85 km (52 miles) to Murat, a picturesque town often seen in medieval films. Lace up your hiking boots again for the 22 km (13 miles) drive to Puy Mary, where you can trek along the volcano ridge. Your journey concludes in the quaint town of Aurillac, brimming with cheese shops.

Travel tip: This route largely follows the Auvergne Cheese Route, featuring numerous farms where you can sample Salers, Saint Nectaire, Cantal, Auvergne Blue, and Fourme d’Ambert. If you wish to visit the farms, it's advisable to call ahead, as many do not speak English.

Essential tips for road-tripping across France

Be cautious of toll roads (péages). While they can speed up your journey (with a limit of 130 km per hour), toll fees can often equal or exceed fuel costs. Plus, the quickest routes are not always the most picturesque. Additionally, fuel prices at highway service stations tend to be significantly higher than those elsewhere.

A great way to save money is by carpooling with passengers. The ride-sharing service blablacar.fr is popular throughout France. To estimate your travel expenses, including tolls and fuel, use viamichelin.fr.