backroads trips france

Discover France Differently with Backroads’ Active Travel Experiences

• January 8, 2024

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A New Kind of Travel

Expertly-planned itineraries across France feature multiple daily routes to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace with unrivaled support. On Biking and Multi-Adventures trips, ride top-line custom titanium bikes, with state-of-the-art e-bike options and carbon upgrades available. And on all trips, world-class Backroads Trip Leaders take care of every detail, leaving no stone left unturned in their quest to make your vacation the best one ever. Discover why Backroads leaders are consistently rated 9.8 out of 10 by guests.

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An Experience of Excellence

Backroads also knows that where you stay matters, and throughout the years, it has continued to hone its own strict standards of excellence. When it comes to hotels, it searches far and wide for France’s finest, so that after a day of adventure, you can melt into the best bed, spa, or poolside lounge chair. Backroads has carefully selected hotels like Abbaye de la Bussière in La Bussière-sur-Ouche, La Cheneaudiere in Colroy-la-Roche, Fleur de Loire in Blois, and Les Roches Blanches in Cassis for their trips.

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Sponsored articles do not belong to the editorial team at Frenchly. They are provided or written at the request of the advertiser, who determines the content. 

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Get to Know this Creamy Cheese from the French Countryside

Five days in bordeaux: a journey through wine, history, and gastronomic delights, discover the charentes region differently with explore cognac, a perfect week in nice with french side travel.

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• France Bike Trips
• Backroad cycling tours France
• The wonders of the luberon

Backroad cycling France

THE WONDERS OF THE LUBERON

• More pictures

Discover the charms of the Grand and Petit Luberon on this magnificent Provence bike tour Ref CN22

Beginning in Cavaillon, we embark on a tour of the long limestone spine of the Luberon. To the West, the “Gardens of the Pope” harbour to this day the best orchards in the area. To the North, the many Romanesque abbeys and churches testify to the important religious history of the area. To the South, overlooking the mighty Durance River, the villages still harbour the chateaux of the local nobility, reminiscent of a lavish history prior to the French Revolution. A tour that takes in the most beautiful villages of the Luberon: Sénanque, Gordes, Bonnieux, Buoux, Lourmarin, with the sound of the cicadas and a decor of garrigue, pine forests, fields of lavender, vines and orchards…

Description

• Dates & prices
• Self-guided formula
• Tour reviews (5)

Your profile:

Tour profile:.

• A circuit with a strong "heritage" theme, allowing you to discover the rich history of the area in detail
• But you will also discover the wild facets of the Luberon's stunning natural environement
• The gentle, relaxed lifestyle of Provence: small village squares, beautiful and peaceful countryside…
• Comfortable, quality accommodation in hotels and guest houses

Accommodation:

Luggage transport:.

• This trip exists in 2 versions : V1=1 wheel / V2=2 wheels
• Special offers for private groups. Please ask us for a quote.
• E-bike rental available for this tour. See details in "Useful information" tab.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: cavaillon - lacoste, day 2: lacoste - apt, day 3: apt - céreste, day 4: céreste - mirabeau, day 5: mirabeau - cucuron, day 6:  cucuron - cavaillon.

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 10am at Cavaillon SNCF railway station.

On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

Located on the banks of the Durance, Cavaillon is a pretty Provençal town with a long history as a stage post on the route south towards the Mediterranean. Overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the papal city of Avignon, Cavaillon was nevertheless part of the rich Comtat Venaissin, an independent pontifical state between the 13th and 18th Centuries. It was also a shelter for Jews (under the protection of the Pope), exiled from the Kingdom of France until the Revolution of 1789. Before leaving Cavaillon, we visit two of the most important religious monuments of the town: the Cathédral Saint-Véran, a fine example of Roman architectural style in Provence, and the synagogue, masterpiece of 18th Century Comtat artwork. We then set off on our bikes along the flat cycle path for some 10 kilometres to Robion. Gateway to the Luberon, Robion is a typical village of Provence: a square shaded by plane trees, a fountain, the ruins of a feudal castle, and a chapel perched high on a rocky mount overlooking the village. We now have two options depending on how fit we're feeling. The first offers an easy route to Lacoste, taking in the village of Oppède le Vieux along the way. The second option takes us along minor roads and easy tracks as we head north to join l'Abbaye de Sénanque. Sénanque is the most impressive of the "three Cistercian sisters" of Provence. The abbey is now part of the monastery of Lérins, and is still home to a dozen Cistercian monks. We approach the abbey via a plateau that plunges into the narrow valley of Sénancole, hidden from the outside world and home to the abbey for over 8 centuries. We visit the monastery late morning (1 hour). Four kilometres from Sénanque is Gordes, one of the most famous landmarks of Provence. The village is perched on a rocky outcrop where it basks in the Provençal sunshine, with the Monts de Vaucluse as a backdrop. The village is a fine example of traditional dry stone wall construction, its houses blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Gordes is classified among the "most beautiful villages of France". It's the perfect place for our midday stop, and an opportunity to sample the local culinary specialities. The afternoon's riding leads us to Goult, once the stronghold of the famous Agoult family. The pretty village harbours a seigniorial castle, now restored but private, and the slopes beneath the village are still used for terraced agriculture. Goult is also home to the mystical Monastère de Notre-Dame-de-Lumières, a famous pilgrimage site. Now partly converted into a hotel, we nonetheless stop to visit the monastery. To end the day's ride our route takes us to the village of Lacoste. A protestant stronghold, Lacoste witnessed several episodes of repression against the Vaudois of the Luberon during the 16th Century. But the village is mainly known for its ruined castle, property of the Marquis de Sade during the 18th Century. Evening and overnight stay in Lacoste, opportunity to discover the village on foot.

• Level 1: 25 km / Altitude gain: 400 m
• Level 2: 45 km / Altitude gain: 800 m

A mere five kilometres separate the villages of Lacoste and Bonnieux, but the wars of religion rendered them arch enemies. Previously the property of the lords of Agoult, Bonnieux was also a Templar base, before becoming papal land for four centuries, on the arrival of the popes in Avignon. An enclave surrounded by the land of the Comte de Provence, Bonnieux occupied a special place in the history of the area, and only became French again with the annexation of the Comtat Venaissin in 1793. We visit the village and its many private mansions, remnants of its lavish past. On leaving Bonnieux, we head east, in the direction of Buoux. Once past the Combe de Bonnieux, which separates the Luberon in two, we enter the Grand Luberon, which is wilder and greener, but as steeped in history as the Petit Luberon. The Aiguebrun runs below Buoux, followed north for centuries by the mule convoys bringing salt from Provence. The valley forms a natural gateway that was closely guarded, overlooked by the imposing Buoux Fort. We take the time to visit this extraordinary edifice, steeped in history, and offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. Via castles and chapels, our route takes us to Apt, the colourful, vibrant capital of the Luberon, and candied fruit capital of the world. Here too, the powerful families of Agoult and Simiane left their mark on the history of the town. We make the most of the end of the afternoon to visit the old town, the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne (which, according to legend, houses relics of the mother of the Virgin Mary). We are then welcomed at the visitor centre of the Parc du Luberon for a presentation of the natural heritage of the Luberon area. We can also take a dip at the lake in Riaille (weather permitting), 2 km to the west of Apt. Evening and night in Apt, or nearby.

• Level 1: 30 km / Altitude gain: 400 m
• Level 2: 45 km / Altitude gain: 750 m

The proximity of the Colorado Provençal, and the importance which the extraction of ochre had on the economy of the area, make it well worth a detour. In less than two hours, small roads and tracks lead us gently to Rustrel, a beautiful village with an imposing 17th Century turreted castle, at the foot of the Grand-Montagne which peaks at over 1000 metres above sea level. Rustrel is famous for the nearby semi-natural landscape of the Colorado Provençal, multicolour paradise for hikers and photographers. A magnificent site, well worth seeing at least once in a lifetime! As we head east we pass through the stunning Gorges d'Oppedette, as well as the village of Oppedette. A miniature version of the Verdon canyon, the deep gorge comes as a surprise after crossing the long, flat plateau. The village of Oppedette stands proudly above the entrance to the gorge, with views of the Montagne de Lure in the distance. We then head south to Viens, a spiral shaped medieval fortified village, before heading on to Céreste, at the foot of the Luberon. We enter Céreste through its stone arched gateway, and take the time to explore its picturesque network of streets. At the foot of the Grand Luberon, with the "Nationale 100" road passing through it, Céreste has a bustling town feel to it. However, the medieval village has remained intact. An important stage post on the ancient Voie Domitienne, Céreste has retained its function as a stopover town since the Middle Ages, with several guest houses and restaurants welcoming travellers passing through. Evening and night in Céreste, or nearby.

• Level 1: 20 km / Altitude gain: 350 m
• Level 2: 40 km / Altitude gain: 650 m

A few kilometres from Céreste we discover the hidden site of Carluc, with its ruins of an 11th Century Benedictine monastery. Nestled in a beautiful natural setting, the monastery is partly troglodyte, and a long tunnel dug into the rock shelters numerous medieval tombs. After exploring Carluc, we head south to pick up the old Montfuron byway, which heads east and crosses the hamlet of Montjustin. The village of Montfuron, perched on a spur and open to the wind, has preserved its 19th Century windmills, and offers beautiful panoramic views. From Montfuron we begin making our way around the east side of the Grand Luberon, overlooking the Durance. This is Giono country, and the views of the Durance conjure up images from the pages of his book, "Provence". Our route initially takes us to Pierrevert, village of wine growers, offering the opportunity to sample some good local bottles… before continuing towards Sainte-Tulle, then Corbières, along the Manosque Canal. We then head west in order to join the village of Beaumont de Pertuis, then Mirabeau and its bridge overlookinh the valley of Durance. Evening and night in Mirabeau.

Note: An optional easier route to the south joins Mirabeau via the fortified village of La Bastide des Jourdans and its ruined 13th century chateau. Founded by the Count of Forcalquier, La Bastide des Jourdans owes its name to its first chatelains, the knights Guillaume and Pierre Jourdan, who built the first “bastide” (large country house) in the village.

• Level 1: 40 km / Altitude gain: 450 m
• Level 2: 50 km / Altitude gain: 750 m

The Mirabeau Bridge dominates a natural narrow point of the Durance. The bridge is the meeting point of the four departments: the Var, Alpes de Haute-Provence, Vaucluse and the Bouches-du-Rhône. From here the Durance turns and heads west. We follow it, parallel to the railway line, to the Château de Loubière. Once we've made our way around the mountain, we head north to join the village of La Bastidonne, then on to the small town of La Tour-d'Aigues. We are now on the southern slopes of the Luberon, and the landscapes are dominated by vineyards and olive groves. The small town of La Tour-d'Aigues is built around the imposing ruins of its renaissance castle, classified as a historic monument. Time permitting, we visit the history museum of the Pays d'Aigues, in the cellars of the castle. Making our way through vineyards and farmland, we join the village of Ansouis, with its beautiful old restored houses surrounding an imposing château, once the property of the Counts of Forcalquier, before being owned by the Sabran family from the 17th Century onwards. We take the opportunity to visit the château, which has managed to preserve the majority of its magnificent renaissance furniture. . Our day ends in the nearby village of Cucuron.

• Level 1: 25 km / Altitude gain: 350 m
• Level 2: 45 km / Altitude gain: 600 m

A few early morning pedal strokes take us to Lourmarin and its magnificent Renaissance period chateau. After Lourmarin, we leave the Grand Luberon and head back to the Petit Luberon. There's only one route through, but what a road! The Combe de Lourmarin, snaking its way along the Aiguebrun River, is without a doubt the prettiest road in the area. We follow it for several kilometres before heading west and climbing 400 m in attitude to join the Massif des Cèdres (cedars). The climb is made that little bit easier with the knowledge that this is our last day in the saddle… Once at the top we find ourselves at almost 800 metres above sea level, on the northern slopes of the Petit Luberon. From here it’s all plain sailing: we follow a forest track due west along the ridgeline that takes us all the way to Cavaillon. We arrive in Cavaillon mid-afternoon.

• Level 1 and 2: 50 km / Altitude gain: 500 m. An optional transfer (not included) from Mérindol to Cavaillon is available in order to shorten the day's stage, + €20 per person.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end at Cavaillon SNCF railway station at around 4pm on the last day.

On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

Average tour rating:

Thank you for taking the time to offer feedback on your recent France Bike Trips tour. We're sorry to hear your experience at the hotel in Apt was unsatisfactory. The hotel is a family run business, and we've not had any previous negative feedback regarding this accommodation. However, we will take the time to make a fresh review of the hotel this spring.

Thank you for your feedback and glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. We're sorry to hear you sometimes had issues with the road book notes. All our routes and road books are compiled after extensive (on bike) research in situ. However we will ask the person in charge of our Luberon tours to check over the road book and update any potential errors.

• Trip Advisor

Burgundy wine tasting ©Alain Doiré

The Center of France on the Back Roads

Exploring by the back roads is the best way to experience France and immerse yourself in the culture. Get a real feel for the authentic France, and enjoy at your own pace.

A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque …

A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque France, Languedoc, Provence, the Alps, Alsace and Champagne. This was a big trip for us and it was everything I’d hoped and dreamed and even more besides. All our accommodation was delightful - all different and all with unique character and a personal touch. All our hosts and guides were fantastic and we so enjoyed our time with them. Everything was so meticulously planned, so well-organised, and presented clearly with a wealth of information and practical tips for suggested activities each day to make to most of our stay in each region. Restaurant recommendations were particularly helpful. The FJFY app is outstanding! We very much hope to travel with FJFY again. Thank you for all your hard work and attention to detail in making such a wonderful trip for us.

Your accommodations

Step by step

Reims & the champagne region.

• This itinerary starts at Paris CDG airport where you will pick up your rental car and drive 1hr30 to the Champagne region, your first stop for 2 nights. 
• You will stay in a family-owned Champagne winery.  From here, you are perfectly located to enjoy Champagne wines and tour the beautiful historic old town of Reims. 
• Enjoy a special visit to the Champagne winery where you are staying, followed of course by a nice Champagne tasting ! After this, champagne will never have the same taste when you have it at home. 
• We will also recommend Champagne wineries you can visit on your own, as well as some local attractions including fossils, belle epoque architecture, a lively food market and many restaurants from simple fare to 3 stars with the Michelin guide. 

Burgundy Wines & Gastronomy

• In  Burgundy , you will reside for 3 nights in a  beautiful B&B house  owned by a wine maker family and located in one of Burgundy's most famous wine towns. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, near  Beaune,  this is the perfect place to learn about the local wines. Explore all the major vineyards of the region and have a chance to taste red and white wines among the best in the world, directly at the winery!
• Sébastien, a real passionate, will take you for half a day on a 4-wheel drive to tour around Burgundy vineyards, following itineraries that no other tour can do. You will taste wines from smaller producers and ride over dirt roads in Nuits Saint Georges and Vosne Romanée. Sebastien is very friendly and you will feel like a relative he wants to show his favorite places.
• Apart from the vineyards, we will show you how to exit the beaten track and discover the authentic and  charming Burgundy . Winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
• Discover Beaune , a beautiful medieval town that has been completely preserved from modern constructions, and you should definitly be there on market day, the local products are truly delicious. Taste some local cheese , the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or uncover the mysteries of the Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon . Burgundy has a lot to experience.

The Loire Valley

Then, enjoy the "sweet life" in Touraine , stopping over in little villages to savor goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens, or to enjoy the traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.

• You r next stop will be in the heart of the medieval city of Loches . Spend 2 nights in a very comfortable house - built against the old walls - that used to be a coach inn. From here, explore Montrésor , one of the "most beautiful villages of France" and the must see castles of Chenonceaux or Chambord.
• As a second stop in the Loire Valley, you will stay for the following 3 nights in a restored 18th century stonehouse nestled in a lovely hamlet . Your charming host knows this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an out-of-time experience!
• Located on the south banks of the Vienne River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chinon and Saumur , beautiful historic cities. 
• One day,  let the owner of a 12th century abbey guide you  in this amazing and totally off the beaten tracks historical site. A great experience. 

The Mont Saint Michel area

• On your way to the Normandy landing beaches, stop over for 2 nights near the  Mont Saint Michel , the   ancient beautiful abbey sitting on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A true wonder!
• Stay in a former presbytery from the 18th century,   located half-way between the famous village of Mont Saint Michel and the lovely port of Saint Malo.
• Discover the famous  Mont Saint Michel with a local guide during a barefoot walk in the bay , around the site . . . great  and unique way to get a special feel for this very touristy site. 

Normandy from Bayeux : heritage & history

• For 3 nights, taste the Norman quietness in a manor from the 11th century.  Jump into the Middle-Ages  all while enjoying the modern amenities . . . and amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
• Jump into the local history: from William the Conqueror in the 11th century whose adventures are illustrated in the Bayeux tapestry, to the Battle of Normandy in 1944. 
• From here, you will discover the WWII landing sites as well as the Norman hinterland, its cheeses and half timbered villages. 

History, culture, gastronomy, "the sweet life": this is France!

Activities included

Champagne Visit & Tasting

Enjoy a special visit of the Champagne house where you will stay and of course...a nice Champagne tasting !

Burgundy Wine Tasting

Spend a half-day with Seb who will drive you in his 4WD in the back tracks and the dirt roads of Burgundy vineyards. He will take you like a friend would do to several wineries in some of the most famous vineyards in the world. 

Guided Tour of a 12th c. Abbey

Get totally off the beaten track and explore each nook and cranny of this 12th century jewel. The owner, who will guide you, is passionate about local history and is totally dedicated to the conservation of this site.

A Guided Walk in Mont St Michel Bay

Let a local guide take you on a walk barefoot around Mount Saint Michel Bay to understand better the nature around this unique site. This is an opportunity to discover the bay as very few can see it.

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• Share your wishes with us
• We will interact with you to finalize the itinerary
• Get a detailed Travel Plan & Quote
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• Enjoy the real France!

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We are glad to customize this itinerary to include additionnal night stays, extra activities or any specific request you have.

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100% customized to your itinerary, it is the perfect tool before, during & after your trip.

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Our travelers’ reviews.

I was going to plan a trip for my daughter and I and quickly got overwhelmed. We didn't want to go on those tours that have you going for morning until night. We wanted to be able to take our time and enjoy our trip. That's when I found Emiliee. We wanted to stay for 3weeks and really experience France, and Emiliee did just that. Her guide books …

I was going to plan a trip for my daughter and I and quickly got overwhelmed. We didn't want to go on those tours that have you going for morning until night. We wanted to be able to take our time and enjoy our trip. That's when I found Emiliee. We wanted to stay for 3weeks and really experience France, and Emiliee did just that. Her guide books were more than I ever dreamed they would be. Every B&B we stayed at was beautiful. The hosts were wonderful and welcoming. We had the most wonderful trip and Emiliee took care of every detail. I would highly recommend them.

We had a wonderful experience with Laura and Emilie- they were very responsive to all of our questions and needs and helped us plan a fabulous trip! While we were there, they were also very helpful when we needed assistance with reservations or had questions about processes during COVID.

There's a legitmate reason everyone is giving 5 star reviews. Truly personalized service. The guidebook and app were tailored to our requests, and the small details included, gave us great insight into the nuances of travelling in France. When an unavoidable problem came up, Emilie and Clelia were on it literally within minutes, getting it resolved …

There's a legitmate reason everyone is giving 5 star reviews. Truly personalized service. The guidebook and app were tailored to our requests, and the small details included, gave us great insight into the nuances of travelling in France. When an unavoidable problem came up, Emilie and Clelia were on it literally within minutes, getting it resolved. If you enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own, yet not having to worry about the details, then FJFY is an indispensable resource. I recommend them without hesitation. And I say this as someone who travels frequently, yet rarely submits reviews. Thank you to the ladies of FJFY. Where to next, Emilie?

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2025 SCENIC BACKROADS TOURING

Small groups with up to 18 passengers, giving you the local experience of travelling through france at a leisurely pace, staying in boutique accommodation - offering culinary discoveries.

Our 2024 Small Group tours through the backroads of France offer an authentic French experience – stunning sites of historical significance, culinary experiences to titillate the taste buds and wine tasting by the cask-full as you roam the scenic roads and byways of this illustrious country. The small group sizes on our France tours (never bigger than 18) allow each individual to get the most out of their holiday experience.

If a driving holiday is not your thing, these small-group guided tours through the backroads of France are for you. 

Maximum group size 18    ***    culinary discoveries    ***     boutique accommodation authentic local experience    ***     scenic back roads    ***    leisurely paced itinerary..

Note from the tour operator

If you wish to visit a specific site you wish to visit or have a relative who died during the war and is buried or commemorated on the battlefields, please provide their details: full name, service number, battalion, the relationship between relative and person/s travelling on this tour. Whilst on your tour, we want you to have the smoothest journey possible, which requires some mobility conditions: You must be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle regularly and to walk around towns and villages or to attractions. You must be able to walk up and down stairs and use a shower over the bath. Please note that, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users as we frequently stay in traditional-style hotels, and the majority do not have lifts or ground-floor rooms.

PARIS TO NICE

Through Champagne, Burgundy, the Alps and Provence

Glasses glinting with bubbles and rich red wines; windows that open out on soaring mountains ranges; charming villages and fragrant fields of flowers. Join us on a voyage through quintessential France – and discover the history, cuisine and landscapes that make this beautiful country unique.

• 9 Day / 8 Night Tour
• 18 passengers maximum
• Cost per person from A$4,970 Twin-share

LA BELLE FRANCE

Through Normandy, Brittany and Loire Valley

Step into a land of renowned artists and royal crusaders, hilltop monasteries and valley castles. This tour takes us from France’s dramatic northern shores to château-sprinkled countryside, breaking off to see WWII sites, explore centuries-old villages and sample home-grown delicacies.

• 9 Day / 8 Night tour
• Cost per person from A$4,999 Twin-share

JEWELS OF THE SOUTH WEST

With Lourdes, Biarritz, Albi, Carcassonne and Sarlat

Earthy truffles. Exquisite wines. Take time to savour the finer things in life in South West France. As we seek out Bordeaux’s gastronomic gems and treasured vineyards, we’ll travel over soaring mountains and along the Atlantic coast, and into enchanting castles and otherworldly caves.

• 10 Day / 9 Night tour
• Cost per person from A$4,890 Twin-share

WW1 BATTLEFIELDS

Remembering the Soldiers

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5 top road trips to see the best of France

May 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Alpine roads to Roman-straight routes through 2,000-year-old vines, France’s road trips are as varied as they are scenic © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

Anna Richards has travelled France researching Lonely Planet's latest guidebook . Here she shared her favourite road trips to get you inspired.

The freedom of the open road in France is even more accessible for British travellers who can arrive with their own car, via the ferry or Eurotunnel. And as the home of the original motorist’s guide, the Michelin Guide, it seems only fitting to explore it on four wheels. 

All of the below routes avoid paying tolls (for more information on toll roads, see the tips at the end) – taking you along smaller, more picturesque, routes into the heart of the French countryside.

Here are the five best road trips for exploring France.

1. Mont St-Michel to Étretat

Best for road trip for coast crawling

Mont-St-Michel to Étretat: 286 km (460 miles), allow three days.

The 9th century tidal abbey of Mont-St-Michel is one of the most famous sights in the country, and still the residence of some 33 monks and nuns. Twice a day, when the tide swirls in over the mysterious mud flats and quicksand, the causeway is the only thing which links Mont-St-Michel to the mainland. From Mont-St-Michel, drive for half an hour to Avranches and climb up to the top of the château, for a view which extends all the way to Mont-St-Michel. A further 90 km (55 miles) on the A84 and D572 takes you to Bayeux, home of the famous tapestry woven after 1066, showing the French conquest of England over 68 metres of intricately woven fabric. Skirt around Caen to reach Deauville (1½ hours), where the boardwalk hugging the beach has metal stars set into the floor in homage to 200 stars of the silver screen who have attended the American Film Festival, which Deauville hosts at the end of each summer. A final couple of hours driving takes you to Étretat, where the rocks have eroded to form an ocean sculpture garden of sea arches and needles. They were immortalised many times by Monet, who would row out to paint in solitude. 

Local tip: Parking at Mont-St-Michel and Étretat is difficult and expensive. Consider parking further out and walking to reach your destination.

2. The Loing Valley

Best road trip for history buffs

Fontainebleau to Montargis: 50 km (31 miles), allow for a day 

The chateau of Fontainebleau , formerly a hunting lodge, became the country home of the French royals under Louis IX in the 13th century, and has 130 hectares of grounds. Curiously enough for a country with so many mountain ranges, one of the first marked hiking trails in the country was in Fontainebleau, planned by a Napoleonic army veteran, Claude-François Denecourt, in 1842. The first part of the journey, south towards Nemours for 20 minutes (D607), goes through Gâtinais-Français Regional Park, criss-crossed with waterways and pint-sized villages.

Keep following the D607 south to reach Souppes-sur-Loing, a riverside town with the remnants of a 12th century monastery. Ten minutes along the étangs (lagoons) to reach Fontenay-sur-Loing is exceptionally scenic. Fontenay-sur-Loing itself is a sleepy little place with little to make it worth lingering, so continue to the picture-perfect town of Montargis (13km; 8 miles) to finish your trip, where half-timber houses overhang the canals.

Planning tip: The château of Fontainebleau is open daily except Tuesdays, but summer is the best time to visit, when additional activities like boat cruises on the lake and hot-air balloon rides are added onto the agenda.

3. A loop through Hérault

Best road trip for coastal views without the crowds

Round trip from Sète: 208km (129 miles), allow for three days

The little city of Sète sits on a tightrope-thin stretch of land between the 7,500 hectare saltwater Étang de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. Thriving and in parts extremely modern in appearance, traditions still hold strong here. Among the most famous is Sète’s five-day water jousting festival each August. From Sète, a drive of 47km (29 miles) along the D2 and D28 takes you to Béziers , a city first established by the Romans and an important stop on the first road the Romans built through France, the Via Domitia.

From Béziers, head to Haut-Languedoc Regional Park, where the foliage is dense, like tight curls, and historic little villages look glued to the hillside. Two of the prettiest are Roquebrun and Vieussan. A further 50km (31 miles) east of the latter on the D908 is an otherworldly, red rock lake. Lac du Salagou, an artificial reservoir, owes the rusty colour of its soil to iron oxide in the sandstone. From here, drive 30km (18 miles) to Pézenas, former home of France’s most famous playwright, Molière. Stop at Bouzigues on the way back and don a snorkel if conditions are favourable, you may see seahorses. It’s just 15 minutes from here back to Sète. 

Planning tip: Aim to arrive in Pézenas on a Saturday to coincide with their weekly market.

4. Alpine lakes and valleys loop

Best road trip for off-the-scale nature

Round trip from Grenoble, 324 km (201 miles), five days recommended

Leave Grenoble and take the D1091 to reach the Serre Chevalier valley. It’s worth spending at least a day, possibly more, to explore Serre Chevalier. During the winter, 250km (155 miles) of ski slopes delight amateurs and die-hard ski fans alike. The historic fortified city of Briançon isn’t just a base for hikers and skiers; there’s a plethora of art galleries here too. 

From Briançon, head south on the N94 to reach the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Hire a paddleboard and paddle out to the island chapel of Saint-Michel, the only building to have survived the flooding of the valley to create the reservoir, thanks to its elevated position. Two hours northwest is Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, where the water positively glows, sandwiched between the Écrins National Park on one side and the softer, but no less spectacular, cliffs of Vercors Regional Park to the other. Himalayan hanging bridges are suspended across the lake, which sway like wind through the trees as you cross them. From here, a final 50km (31 miles) takes you back to Grenoble. 

Planning tip: Tackle this route in summer. If travelling in winter, make sure that you have snow tyres or carry snow chains.

5. The Massif Central

Best road trip for cheese and hiking

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

Clermont-Ferrand is an austere-looking city, the black, volcanic stone buildings making it appear extra gothic. It’s 28km (17 miles; D942) to Orcival, and its impressive 12th century basilica. A further 18km (11 miles) south is Mont-Dore, a ski station whose curiously colourful architecture looks like a Victorian seaside resort. In summer, people come to hike Puy de Sancy, the highest of the extinct volcanoes. From Puy de Sancy, drive south for 85km (52 miles) to Murat, a town which looks like a medieval film set, and has been used as such many times. Strap your hiking boots on again and drive the 22km (13 miles) to Puy Mary, to hike the volcano ridge trail. Your trip finishes in sleepy little Aurillac, full of cheese shops.

Planning trip: Much of this route follows the Auvergne Cheese Route, and there are many farms to stock up on Salers, Saint Nectaire, Cantal, Auvergne Blue and Fourme d’Ambert. If you’d like to visit the farms it’s best to call in advance. Be aware that many do not speak English.

Top tips for road-tripping around France

Be wary of toll roads (péages). They’ll get you to where you want to go faster (the speed limit is 130 km per hour), but tolls often cost as much (or more) than fuel – and it goes without seeing that the fast road is not the most scenic. Fuel from service stations along the highway is also considerably more expensive than elsewhere. 

One way to reduce costs is by taking carpooling passengers to reduce the cost. The lift-sharing platform blablacar.fr is widely used in France. Use viamichelin.fr to calculate the cost of your trip with tolls and fuel.

This article was first published Sep 9, 2020 and updated May 18, 2024.

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