The French countryside is full of beautiful villages, lush green vineyards, and beautiful rocky coastline. There is no better way to get to know it than by road trip. This guide will explain everything you need to know about planning your self-guided French countryside cycling tour, from how to get there to what to see and do along the way.
Why drive through the French Countryside?
Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to explore quaint villages, stunning landmarks, and hidden gems at your own pace without the restrictions of an organized tour.
Diverse Landscapes: After Paris, visit the lavender fields of Provence, the wine yards of Bordeaux and the cliffs of Normandy.
Cultural Immersion: Shop at farmers markets, eat French food, and sleep in the countryside in a charming inn or château.
Planning Your French Countryside Road Trip: Key Routes and Regions
1. The Romantic Route: “Loire Valley”
Highlights: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Amboise, Vineyards of Vouvray wine.
Route Overview: The Loire River, start the tour from Orleans, pass through Blois. Visit the middle age cities and spend nights in the castle.-
Must-Visit Stops:
- Château de Chambord: A large renaissance castle with surrounding forests
- Amboise: Visit the Château d’Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci’s residence, Clos Lucé.
- Vineyards of Vouvray: Enjoy wine tastings with local winemakers.
Travel Tip: Book guided tours and wine tastings in advance, especially for popular châteaux.
2. The Wine Lovers’ Route: Bordeaux to Dordogne
Highlights: Vineyards, Saint-Émilion, Dordogne River, medieval castles.
Route Overview: Begin in Bordeaux, explore the wine regions of Médoc and Saint-Émilion, and head east to the Dordogne Valley.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Saint-Émilion: Stroll cobblestone streets, visit the underground church, and savour world-renowned wines.
- Bergerac: Enjoy the half-timbered houses and take a riverboat ride on the Dordogne.
- Sarlat-la-Canéda: Explore this medieval town and its famous food markets.
Travel Tip: Roads around the Dordogne River are narrow and winding. Drive carefully and take plenty of photos.
3. The Lavender Route: Provence
Highlights: Lavender fields, hilltop villages, Gorges du Verdon, Aix-en-Provence.
Route Overview: Start in Avignon, travel to Luberon for hilltop villages and lavender fields, then head to Gorges du Verdon.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Gordes: Admire the stone buildings and stunning views of Luberon Valley.
- Valensole Plateau: Visit from late June to July for lavender in full bloom.
- Gorges du Verdon: Travel through the canyon and engage in actions including kayaking.
Travel Tip: To get the best out of your visit, plan your trip in July when the lavender is in full bloom.
4. The Scenic Route: Normandy and Brittany
Highlights: Mont Saint-Michel, Honfleur, Étretat, Saint-Malo, Pink Granite Coast.
Route Overview: Starting in Rouen, drive to the coast, to the cliffs of Étretat and from there to Honfleur. Further to the region of Brittany, visit Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Honfleur: Enjoy the beautiful galleries and some of the most picturesque waterfronts.
- Mont Saint-Michel: See this famous island community and medieval abbey.
- Saint-Malo: Stroll the city walls and have fresh seafood near the seaside.
Travel Tip: The coastal roads are often curved; you should be careful when driving and even more cautious during holidays.
5. The Mountain Route: The French Alps
Highlights: Annecy, Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva.
Route Overview: Beginning the tour in Annecy, a town known for its lakes and canals, the last stop should be Chamonix to gaze at the Mont Blanc.
Must-Visit Stops:
- Annecy: You can cycle around the lakeside or go up into the mountains.
- Chamonix: Take a cable car ride at Aiguille du Midi to get excellent view of Mont Blanc.
Travel Tip: Some of these roads may be very steep and the lanes are also narrow. Check your car for reliability on high-altitude terrains, particularly in winter.
Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack and Plan
- Rental Car: A small car with GPS should be used to drive on village roads and for easy parking of the vehicle.
- Accommodation: Choose quaint bed and breakfast accommodation, country gîtes (self-catering cottages) or châteaux for the real thing.
Packing List
- You should wear something that you can move freely in and good shoes for walking.
- Waterbottles and other food stuffs for the trip.
- Phone charger, power bank, and travel adapters.
Driving Tips
- SpeedLimits: 130 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on secondary roads, and 50 km/h in towns.
- Tolls: Highways (autoroutes) have tolls, so keep cash or a credit card handy.
- Local Markets: Buy fresh produce, bread, cheese, and wine from local markets for an authentic French picnic experience.
What to Eat: Regional Specialties on Your Road Trip
Normandy: Savor seafood, Camembert cheese, and apple cider.
Provence: Enjoy ratatouille, bouillabaisse seafood stew, and rosé wines.
Burgundy: Try Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew) and Escargots de Bourgogne (snails).
Loire Valley: Relish rillettes (cooked meat preparations) and Tarte Tatin.
Capture the Memories
- Bring a camera for photos of beautiful landscapes and quaint villages.
- Anatravel journal to jot down daily highlights, views, and delicious food experiences.
Ready to Explore the French Countryside?
Having read this article, you should be ready to start planning your French countryside road trip and explore the off-the-beaten-path locations in France. To get more travel tips and itineraries, please follow our newsletter on FrenchDiaries.
Bon voyage! Here is your chance to kick start the trip through the beautiful streets and picturesque roads of France.
