Imagine cruising along picturesque roads, past vineyards, charming villages, and historic castles. Planning a self-drive tour through France is the best way to see the country. This guide is just what you need if you want freedom, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.
5 Tips to Plan Your Self-Drive Journey Through France
1. Understand French Road Signs
French road signs can be a bit tricky. “Cédez le passage” means yield, “Ralentir” means slow down, and “Stop” is, well, stop. Pay attention to speed limits, too. In towns, it’s usually 50 km/h, while on highways, it’s 130 km/h (or 110 km/h in rain). On smaller roads, the limit is often 80 km/h.
2. Choose the Right Car
Pick the right car for your ride. Already have a vehicle? Great! But note that France is a unique country that may require a different glam up as you go.
For example, you’d probably like to choose a small car for narrower roads (those swirling serpentines can be tackling at times). You can also consider a mid-size vehicle if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family.
But if you’re heading to fancy Nice or Cannes, well, you’ll need a speedy (and pompous) luxury car for the setting. No matter your destination, you can find the best car rental options on billionrent.com — they have the best selection for European road trips plus friendly prices.
3. Plan Your Route
France has so many places to see, from the lavender fields in Provence to the rugged coast of Brittany (we’ll discuss some of the best destinations a bit later). So, always plan your route beforehand so as not to miss a thing.
However, stay flexible. You might discover a beautiful village or a stunning view you hadn’t expected. Then, stop for a while and enjoy it! But remember to use GPS or download offline maps to avoid getting lost.
4. Budget for Tolls and Fuel
Highways in France often have tolls. On average, you should expect the price of 10 cents per kilometer, but it can rise to 21 cents for expensive roads. These costs can add up, so budget accordingly.
Fuel is another cost to consider. Diesel cars are more common and usually cheaper to refuel — the price is usually fixed at around €1.7. But if you drive a gasoline car, expect to pay around €1.8 per liter. Look for supermarkets with fuel stations, as they often have lower prices.
5. Pack Essentials
Don’t forget to pack essentials. Below are the things worth taking:
- A good map (either printer or just a mobile app),
- Water supply,
- Snacks,
- A first aid kit,
- Power adapter,
- French insurance,
- e-Sim,
- Phrasebook.
Having a printed copy of your car insurance and rental agreement is also smart. Some areas might not have cell service, so be prepared.
Best Itineraries to Travel Through France
Whether it’s your first trip or you are an experienced globetrotter, you probably guess (or know) that France is among the most abundant, versatile, and astonishing countries in the world. Thus, you probably don’t want to miss a thing while traversing it. Below are some of the best routes, which contain a part of everything that France has to offer.
Paris to the Loire Valley
Start in Paris and take a few days in the city’s magic. Then, move south to the Loire Valley. Visit chateaux like Chambord and Chenonceau. The former was meant to reflect the mighty of King Francois I. It boasts stunning 440 rooms, numerous staircases, and a memorable rooftop you cannot miss. Chenonceau is equally grandeur! It’s one of the most beautiful, elegant, and enchanting castles in the whole country. Enjoy local wines and stay in a charming bed and breakfast as you go.
Nice to the French Riviera
Begin in Nice, which has beautiful beaches and vibrant markets. Nice is fashionable, so be sure to correspond! No matter what you like about the city, you cannot drive away without strolling a sunny Promenade des Anglais and swimming in the warm French sea. Once ready, drive along the coast, stopping in Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Head inland to explore the perfumeries of Grasse and the hilltop village of Èze.
Bordeaux to Burgundy
Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Start in Bordeaux, famous for its reds. Indeed, you wouldn’t want to leave the region without buying a bottle (or two) of the renowned Chateau Latour or Chateau Lafite Rothschild. But note that this whole route is a vast vineyard itself — taste as you go. Then, head east to Burgundy, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir. Visit Dijon for its mustard and Beaune for its wine cellars.
Normandy and Brittany
Start in Rouen, known for its stunning cathedral. Don’t miss the central Rouen cathedral — a prominent example of French Gothic art). Just imagine, it was built in the 12th century and still stands!
Then, drive to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune with a magical feel. But these are just words. What you see is a floating castle island completely surrounded by water. Yes, it sounds and looks like a fairytale! Finally, finish in Brittany, enjoying the seafood and rugged coastline.
Provence and the Alps
Start in Avignon, with its historic Palais des Papes. Drive through lavender fields to the Luberon. Afterward, head north to the Alps for breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures. If you’re up for some skiing, the best resorts are Tignes, Alpe d’Huez, and Val-d’Isère. Finally, end your trip in Lyon, famous for its cuisine (yes, it’s the gastronomic capital of France!). Enjoy la quenelle, saucisson de Lyon Brioché, and salade Lyonnaise — but remember, these are just a few names.
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So you now have this guide that will hopefully help you plan the most comfortable and memorable trip ever. France is a rare country that caters to everyone — literally. So, why wait? Start planning your next trip to the land of wine, fairytale castles, and sun right away!
