lyon to marseille road trip

Lyon to Marseille: The Perfect South of France Itinerary

Looking for a trip filled with culture, history, great food and beautiful scenery? This South of France itinerary takes you from Lyon to Marseille.

When you think of the South of France, what images spring to mind? Provençale views of bright yellow sunflowers and the unmistakeable scent of lavender? Undulating hills lined with vineyards? Medieval towns built into the rocks? The glittering turquoise waters of the Cote d’Azur? This part of France is an incredible region to travel around as it offers so much.

I’ve just returned from an 8-day adventure which started in Lyon and finished in Marseille. There were so many highlights along the way, including wine tasting in Beaujolais, kayaking under the Pont du Gard, hiking through the spectacular landscapes of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, visiting an immersive digital art exhibition in a quarry in Les Baux, and enjoying fine French cuisine in Marseille’s old port.

Rather than figure out complex logistics, for transport, hotels and tours, I was invited to travel on board the Avalon Poetry II river cruise. Some river cruise itineraries can be quite regimented, but this Active and Discovery on the Rhône  tour allowed for plenty of optional activities and tours, as well as free time to explore places independently.

You may prefer to follow this South of France itinerary as a road trip or book onto a cruise as I did. With so many gorgeous places within easy reach of one another, you’re guaranteed to have a holiday to remember.

Read more: Tempted to book a river cruise? Read my review of the Avalon Poetry II

When planning a trip from Lyon to Marseille, there are plenty of different routes you could take, but I loved this one as it followed the course of the Rhône.

South of France Itinerary Map

Lyon is often referred to as the culinary capital of France. I think Paris might have a thing or two to say about that, but it’s highly regarded all the same. A big part of that reputation comes from the city’s proximity to countryside. Around a third of all France’s food and drink is produced in this region. That’s everything from vegetables and salamis, to classic cheeses and award-winning wines.

To make the most of your time in Lyon, I’d recommend taking a food tour around the city. I found the guided tour was such a great way to get to know the history of the city as well as get to grips with the cuisine. The tour (an excursion booked as part of my Avalon river cruise) took us to a number of different shops including a traditional salami store, for a slice of the Lyon’s legendary praline pie, and to a gorgeous little viewpoint with a selection of cheeses.

One of my favourite elements of the tour was exploring the city’s many traboules. These are special passageways that were used by the silk trade. There are 500 dotted around the city, and as tourists, there’s no way we would have found them! Inside are beautiful courtyards, hidden towers and all sorts of treats! Just look at this one…

While I chose to eat my way around the city (all in the name of research of course!) there are several other things to do during your stay in Lyon. As mentioned, it’s a city famous for cuisine, and a few of my friends went and cooked up a delicious Lyonnaise lunch with a local chef. They said it was a great experience and they learned a few recipes they’d make at home in the future.

If you’re interested in history and architecture, there are also tours dedicated to the traboules and the city’s architecture.

Alternatively, it’s a beautiful city to explore on foot, so I’d recommend allowing a bit of time to see the banks of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, wander the Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline Croix-Rousse districts and perhaps visit the market Les Halles de Lyon. As ever, get lost and you never know what you might find!

Beaujolais Wine Region

If you’re looking to discover more than Lyon, the Beaujolais wine region is a short drive away. Many vineyards such as the Jean Jacques Paire Wine Estate offer tours with tasting sessions. I’d also recommend taking a drive up to Oingt, a spectacular mediaeval village which overlooks a valley filled with vineyards, and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon

My time spent in these two towns was a highlight of my entire trip through France. They sit either side of the Rhône, connected by the Seguin Footbridge, the oldest suspension bridge still used in France. The views here are simply spectacular! There are steep vineyards on both sides, plus an ancient chateau and a folly up on the hill.

If you’re a wine lover like me, I’d recommend a morning walk through the vineyards. There are public paths, so you can wander freely (just respect the vines!) There are local companies offering wine tours too, so you could do a tasting within the vineyards as I did. Sipping a glass of Crozes-Hermitage next to the vines that created it – what better way to taste it?!

If you fancy something a little different, you could book a special class at world-famous chocolatier Valrhona. The brand opened La Cité De Chocolat in 2013 in Tain l’Hermitage. It’s described as a “multi-sensory interactive chocolate experience”. As well as learning more about how the chocolate is made, you could also make some of your own to take home too!

If you’re looking for an active adventure during your visit to Tournon, check out the Vélorail (rail bike) through the beautiful Gorges du Doux. This was the first time I’d heard of this activity. I’ve never seen it anywhere else on my travels!

Essentially, you sit in a small car on the old rail tracks and pedal your way along. There are slopes, hills to climb and incredible landscapes along the way. Plus remember, the more exercise you do, the more wine and chocolate you can enjoy during your trip!

Continuing down the Rhône I found myself in Viviers, another enchanting town filled with ancient monuments. I explored it at night, which seemed fitting as it has a ghostly past! I heard all about this on an after-dinner ghost tour, with live actors playing characters from throughout history.

Viviers was established in the 5th century and was once home to 30,000 people. Today, just 4,000 people live in the old stone houses. The cobblestone streets are narrow and windy – the kind of place you wouldn’t want to drive! Key places to see include the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent (which dates from the 12th century) and the Town Hall which was once the bishops’ palace.

Gorges de l’Ardèche

As Viviers is small, it won’t take long to look around, so I’d recommend a trip out to see the Gorges de l’Ardèche while you’re in the region. This is around 45-minutes by car. If you love epic landscapes, you’re going to fall in love with this place! The most famous view is of the Pont d’Arc, a 50m tall natural bridge over the Ardeche River. Just wait until you see it for yourself, it’s absolutely breathtaking!

There are lots of hiking trails, small beaches and a few cafes, hotels and restaurants close by. It’s also a great area for wildlife, with wild boar, deer, eagles, vultures, peregrine falcons and owls all living in the habitat around the river.

One of the most popular activities here is to kayak along the river, paddling right through the famous arch. However, during my trip, France was recovering from heavy rain and the water was flowing too fast for a leisurely activity! I chose to go for a hike around the area instead, while watching a few brave kayakers from the river’s edge!  

I should also add that this is the location of the famous Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave . These caves were discovered in 1994 and are considered one of the most significant prehistoric art sites in the world. As well as the impressive cave paintings, fossils and human remains were also discovered. Experts have placed these as being from 32,000 years ago… absolutely mind-blowing! The cave is closed to visitors for preservation, but close by is Pont-d’Arc Cavern, where you can see a replica.

This was my third time in Avignon, but the fact I’d visited before didn’t take anything away from the experience. If anything, it made it even more special as I felt like I had already been a tourist, and this time I could wander at my own pace.

If you’re visiting for the first time, there are a few places you must see, for example UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palais des Papes. This historical palace was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century, and is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture. It’s also lovely to wander the perimeter of the city centre, following the 4.3 kilometres city walls.

Plus, you can’t miss the Pont Saint-Bénézet (St. Benezet Bridge). If you’ve ever heard the song ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ (a popular French nursery rhyme) you might be familiar with this bridge already! The bridge you’ll see in Avignon today dates back to the 12th century, although only four arches and the gatehouse have survived, so don’t expect to cross to the other side!

I visited all of these spots during the trip as well as finding plenty of time to wander the skinny streets of the city itself. There’s a real charm to the long rows of terraces with pastel Provence shutters, and small shops and cafes built from the signature yellow stone. One of the most picturesque streets I found was Rue des Teinturiers, which has old cobblestones underfoot, huge sycamore trees along one edge, as well as large waterwheels once used in the textiles industry.  

The other highlight was experiencing the city’s vibrant food market Les Halles d’Avignon . There are some great city tours which include a visit to the market as part of the experience. There are over 40 stalls under one roof, selling everything from fresh meat and fish, to cheese, wine and sumptuous pastries. There are even a few stalls where you can dine in!

Pont du Gard

I chose to explore Avignon in the morning and then book onto a special excursion in the afternoon to kayak under Pont du Gard. This impressive Roman aqueduct is one of the most visited historic sites in France, and wow is it magnificent! Some of my friends went on an e-bike tour across it, but I was keen to see it from the water!

I kayaked 9km downstream, with a few small yet exhilarating rapids along the route. The water was crystal clear with a turquoise hue. Seeing the top of Pont du Gard come into view was a very special moment. It’s a magical structure to see, and it seems so vast when you’re floating in a tiny kayak underneath it! This was another highlight from my week in France, and something I’d definitely recommend adding to your South of France itinerary.

Arles is a pretty Provençale city with history at its core. There’s a huge Roman amphitheatre in the centre, with narrow streets with colourful shutters fanning out from the middle.

But wait, there’s a new landmark in this city too. The Luma Arles arts tower was designed by modern architectural genius Frank Gehry and its silver structure is visible from miles away. I didn’t have the chance to go inside, but I hear the interiors are equally as boundary-pushing, with walls made from salt from The Camargue, slides through the atrium and mirrors on the ceiling!

As well as Luma, there is plenty more on offer for art lovers in Arles. Towards the end of his life, Vincent Van Gogh moved from Paris to Arles, seeking the south’s warmer temperatures. He fell in love with the beautiful countryside, light and colours of Provence. If you’re interested in learning more about the artist, visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles . Also, be sure to take a wander around the Place du Forum and you’ll see the inspiration for his painting Café Terrace at Night.

Les Baux-de-Provence

One of the reasons I think this is the perfect South of France itinerary is the huge variety of things to do. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something you’ll enjoy!

I decided to go on one of the Avalon day trips from Arles to Les Baux-de-Provence which is located in the Alpilles (the mini Alps!) The village itself is built into the rock and includes a chateau, church and lots of beautifully preserved monuments. I went on a hike up through the rocky terrain to reach a viewpoint where I could look back at the village. What a view!

Next, I went to one of the most engaging art exhibitions I’ve been to in a long time. Inside the quarry here is Carrieres de Lumieres , an immersive digital art exhibition which is projected onto the cavernous interiors. Set to a soundtrack of classical and modern music, the artworks have been digitised and animated, creating a unique and captivating experience. During my visit, the visuals were based on the works of Cezanne and Kandinsky, but they change throughout the year, so check the website before your go.

The Camargue

I finished my Avalon cruise in Port-Saint-Louis, which is close to Marseille, at the mouth of the Rhône. There isn’t a huge amount to do in this town, but it is close to the France’s wild, marshy area known as The Camargue. Have you heard of Le Mistral? It’s the name of the wind which blasts through the South of France. Sounds scary, but it has its benefits too! It helps with the salt production, blows away air pollution and keeps Provence’s vineyards dry. The only thing is, there are about 220 days of wind down in The Camargue, so that’s something to bear in mind.

I never knew France had a place with salt flats, rice paddies and lakes, where white horses gallop across the countryside, black bulls are heralded as heroes and flocks of pink flamingos stand tall in the water. This is an area rich with nature and popular with birdwatchers. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn for the migration of the birds. With so much water around, it’s also home to a number of varieties of mosquito, so cover up!

If you’re looking for things to do in The Camargue, you could visit an oyster farm, go on a cycle tour though the unusual scenery, or enjoy a nature tour to learn more about the creatures who call the region home.

This vibrant port city is the final stop on this amazing South of France itinerary. There are plenty of sights to see here including the striking Notre-Dame de la Garde (known as la Bonne-mère) and Cathédrale La Major. It’s a great city for museum lovers too, with Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille and Mucem (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) both highly regarded. In fact, I’d say Mucem is worth visiting for its architecture alone!

If you have a little more time, you could go on one of the most popular day trips from Marseille to visit Calanques National Park. Don’t forget your camera, as this is a beautiful place filled with dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters and secret coves.

On my final day in Marseille I chose to wander around the Vieux-Port (old port), enjoying the views of the yachts, the glittering turquoise of the water and the hustle and bustle of the fish sellers. After a long stroll, I stopped for lunch at a cute bistro ( Le Bouchon Provencal ) and tucked into a delicious salmon tartare and a glass of rose. What a perfect end to my wonderful South of France itinerary!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my South of France itinerary and it helps you plan an amazing trip from Lyon to Marseille. I travelled on Avalon’s Active and Discovery on the Rhône with Avalon Waterways. You can read more about my experience in my river cruise review , as well as finding out 17 useful things to know before your first European river cruise . You could also follow my itinerary by hiring a rental car and going on a really fun France road trip!  

Looking for other places to visit in southern France? Check out my top 10 things to do in Cannes and my Cote d’Azur travel guide for lots of stunning spots on the French Riviera. For a really fun read, don’t miss my adventures in Nice and Monte-Carlo – a trip where I turned up at the airport and had no idea where I was going!

A big thanks to  Avalon Waterways  and  iambassador  for inviting me to be part of the #AvalonAD campaign. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

Chock full of storybook-worthy villages, beautiful castles, and incredibly epic and diverse nature–from the Alps to the beaches of the Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence and the cliffs of Etretat and beyond–it’s not hard to understand why taking a France road trip tops so many bucket lists around the world.

Throw in excellent roads, a great travel infrastructure, and enough exciting places to see that you could spend a lifetime traversing it without turning over every stone, there’s no doubt that a road trip through France is an amazing way to see the country.

We’ve rounded up the best France road trip itinerary ideas here, covering all corners of the country–plus included important France driving tips you’ll need to know before setting off!

Table of Contents

Logistical Tips for Driving in France

Other france road trip tips, 15 of the best road trips in france.

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Rent the smallest car you can.

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find French roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs, and stress while driving in France by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Book your rental car for your France road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in France.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your France road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Always carry cash… just in case. 

While you can generally pay tolls (and they are pricey–budget accordingly!) with a Visa or Mastercard in France, you never know when you’re going to need cash for gas or small restaurants.

When taking a driving in France, it’s best to always have some Euros with you–and don’t forget to carry small coins for bathroom fees!

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

For example, our trip to Cassis would have been much easier if we had researched the parking situation beforehand and paid to reserve a spot in one of the parking garages in town.

For hotels, we use Booking.com and ideally look for places using the “free parking onsite” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in France, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 20 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Strongly consider purchasing extra insurance.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country is always going to be an exercise in risk-taking.

While driving in France is typically perfectly safe, if you’re not used to driving in congested urban environments or driving abroad, we’d recommend that you strongly consider purchasing additional CDW (collision damage) insurance for your vehicle–though going through the rental agency is often the most expensive place you can buy this coverage.

Check first to see if your credit card covers it (and in France specifically–not just in your home country), and if they don’t, some insurance policies do.

Get a quote to insure your France road trip today!

Not all gas stations are self-service.

We’ve come across both self-service and attendant-provided gas stations in France–when you pull up to get gas, take a quick look around to see what the other drivers are doing before jumping out of your car!

An International Driver’s Permit isn’t required. 

Unlike in Italy, an International Driver’s Permit isn’t required to rent a car or drive in France (though you do, of course, need to be licensed to drive–for example, driver’s licenses from our home country of the USA are valid for driving in France as a tourist).

However, if your license is written in something other than English or French, or you just want to make any potential communication easier, you may want to consider getting one anyway.

Your life will be easier if you buy a French SIM card.  

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in France will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore France by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase a France SIM card at home in advance.

Pack toilet paper.

Rest stops along highways in France will generally have toilets, but toilet paper is far from guaranteed–best to bring your own just in case.

I usually carry a pack of these with me in my purse when I travel, and they’ve come in handy more than once when driving in France.

Brush up on your French.

Ubiquitous advice for traveling in France, I know, and not exclusive to a road trip in France, but I promise that at least being able to ask for (and follow) simple driving directions in French–not to mention reading basic road signs–will make your France road trip much better!

The first rule of road trips in France: leave room for spontaneity!

One of the best things about taking a road trip in France is that no matter how carefully you plan, no matter how much research you do, you’re still bound to show up in the country and be blown away by something you had never heard of before.

So, just roll with it… and leave room for new discoveries.

I’m a big planner myself, so I get the urge to organize every. last. detail. 

… But during our own trips exploring France by car, I’m also so glad that we randomly decided to spend extra time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, that we gave Port Miou a chance when we saw photos of how lovely it was, that we delayed our departure from Annecy because its market was coming to town, and that we ended up cutting Roussillon from our Luberon Valley trip because we simply weren’t ready to say goodbye to Goult.

In other words: sketch an outline of your days and nights, yes, but be open to changes. Those stops may just end up being some of your favorite stops during your France road trip!

Pay attention to market days (and show up early).

Visiting local markets in all of France’s adorable villages is one of my favorite parts of taking a road trip in France: with a car, there’s no need to worry about managing train times or having to skip the tiniest villages.

If at all possible, aim to visit towns on their market days. Depending on the town, this is generally one, two, or three times a week. Many villages have a small daily market, with larger markets on certain days–those are the ones to aim for.

Also: show up early! Early in the morning is the absolute best time to visit markets on your France road trip. You’ll get to experience both the smallest crowds and also have your pick of the best products before they potentially sell out for the day.

Pack a picnic on travel days.

All those markets full of delicious bread, cheese, meat, and produce that you pass each day? Those are your future lunch!

Double up on practical purchases and fun experiences in France by using market days to stock up on picnic materials to use during your days spent driving in France.

Rest stops in France are plentiful along the highways (look for the signs for “aires”), and are generally very clean and well-stocked, with some even including restaurants.

Don’t change locations every day.

Packing your bags, checking in and out of a hotel, loading the car, unloading the car… all of these things may not seem like much, but by the fifth or sixth day in a row, you’ll be incredibly tired of doing it.

These kinds of transitions eat up way more of each day of your France road trip than the estimated driving time between whatever two towns you’re visiting–so do yourself a favor and limit the number of times you swap lodging.

Instead, set up a series of bases for at least a few days each, and use your rental car to take day trips from there.

For example, we used Avignon as a base to visit the Luberon Valley and Alpilles, and Aix-en-Provence as a base to visit Cassis!

Focus primarily on smaller towns & natural attractions.

Don’t get me wrong–we adore France’s cities, but places like Paris, Lyon, and Nice don’t require a car to visit–quite the opposite. A car is a hindrance there!

One of our France driving tips is to focus on the smaller towns, beautiful countryside, dramatic castles, and endless natural highlights (beaches, lakes, mountains–you choose!) that make up this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

If you hope to include any of France’s major cities as part of your itinerary, we recommend visiting them at the beginning or end of your trip and only renting your car when you’re ready to leave and head to smaller towns.

The slow pace is part of the fun.

Often, the best memories from a trip are the ones where you let go of the long wish list of towns and villages you hope to see, the markets you want to visit, and the tourist sights you can’t miss and just. breathe.

I learn this again virtually every time I go to France: some of my best memories in the country are of the day we did literally nothing but walk around Colmar and admire how beautiful it was, the day we lounged in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens all afternoon, the days we’ve sat at outdoor cafes for hours because the sunshine and people-watching felt too good to leave behind, and the long, leisurely lunch we ate in Goult .

Each and every one of those memories is something we exchanged for missing out on a piece of sightseeing or photo-taking or research we had planned to do–something that seemed important at the time.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

Write down where you go.

Sure, no one is going to forget visiting Nice or Aix-en-Provence… but that tiny town with the cute fruit stand you passed through that one afternoon? Yeah, that name will fade almost immediately.

You’ll want to remember the names of all the small villages you visited, pretty beaches you swam at, cozy restaurants you ate at, and hiking trails you conquered long after your France road trip is finished, so write them down as you go!

Jeremy loves to star the places we visit on Google maps, and I keep my own record in my One Line a Day journal that I’ve been keeping daily for years (and highly recommend!).

Alsace Wine Route

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

A  fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as the Alsace Wine Route .

Especially in the summer months (or early fall), it is a beautiful drive with scenic window views and many beautiful towns, villages, and cities along the way.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous road trips in France and besides being a beautiful place, it has a lot about…well, you guessed it, wine. 

Start your trip in Strasbourg (which is not officially part of the Alsace wine route), the beautiful main city in the region, and explore what it has to offer, including lots of half-timbered houses and many medieval buildings, and then plan in time for stops like Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

These are all beautiful little villages, though Riquewihr is probably the prettiest of all. 

Then it is time to end your tour in Colmar where you can end your road trip and explore one of the cutest towns in the country.

If you are a wine drinker, you can visit the vineyards along the way and try out some of the local wines in the wineries or restaurants. They are supposed to be some of the best wines in the country!

Driving Distance

170km or 105 miles.

Recommended Road Trip Length

3 days is the absolute minimum for this road trip. 4 or 5 days are the better options if you do not want to rush and like to do some wine tasting.

Marseilles to Nice

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

After exploring Marseilles , why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to Nice? The drive is best done at a leisurely pace over a few days so you can savor the delights of Provence and the Cȏte d’Azur. 

The coastal road has many spectacular views and the first is as you leave Marseilles. Les Calanques are dramatic, sheer-sided coastal inlets that have been carved through the limestone and they can be found between Marseilles, Cassis , and La Ciotat. 

A little further on you will be tempted by the seven beautiful sandy beaches of La Croix Valmer.

The first main stop is St Tropez, a favorite with the international jet-set in the sixties. It is still popular for its beaches and nightlife. Those ‘in the know’ explore Port Grimaud- the Crêpes au Chocolat (chocolate pancakes) and cider are worth sampling. 

Cannes is another famous city, loved by the super-rich and known for its international film festival. Antibes lies close to Nice and is a delightful old town with ramparts and once Picasso’s home. 

There will be many other detours inland to make to Domaines (wineries) to sample the area’s superb rosé and villages like Maximin-Le-Sainte- Baume with its famous basilica and Grasse (north of Cannes) is world-famous for its perfume industry. 

St Paul de Vence is loved by painters and writers. When you arrive in Nice, you will be able to park the car and leave it, as there is a large traffic-free zone in the center.

235 km or 146 miles.

Suggested Road Trip Length

It takes around 3 hours to drive between Marseille and Nice but if you really want to enjoy the area explore Marseille, Nice and a few towns between I suggest you spend around 4 to 5 days on this South of France road trip.

The Champagne Route

From Jane and Duncan from To Travel Too

Without a doubt, France’s Champagne Route is one of the most popular driving tours in the country.

When driving the  Champagne Route of France there are several routes to consider, including Massif Saint Thiery Route the northern route starting from Reims, Marne Valley Route from Epernay, and the Cote des Blancs Route from the south of Epernay. There are also others, or you can mix and match to create your own France road trip route!

If you only want to visit some of the major towns you can start from Troyes and head to Epernay, then onto Reims.

There are many small towns and villages around the Champagne region to visit.  The routes will take you past beautiful chateaux, quaint villages, churches, and many champagne houses.

The major champagne houses such as Mercier and Moet Chandon can be found in Epernay and in Reims you can visit Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Taittinger and many smaller boutique champagnes houses as well.

The best months to visit are between May and October.

The Champagne region is easy to travel to from Paris.  The journey from Paris to Reims is only 45 minutes and from Paris to Epernay 1 hour 10 minutes.

The distance from Troyes to Epernay is 112 km or 70 miles, and Epernay to Reims is 29 km or 16 miles.

You can visit either town on a day trip and visit some of the Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  The ideal time to enjoy all that the Champagne region has to offer is between 5 – 7 days.

The Opal Coast

From Nichola of Globalmouse Travels

Paris to Normandy Road Trip

The following Paris to Normandy road trip is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few days to a natural and verdant environment.

From Paris, go north to Mont Saint Michel (4-hour drive), where you should stay for at least 1 night. Consider taking the toll-free road which adds 30 minutes to your driving time, but gives you the chance to drive through Normandy’s charming villages and countryside. 

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, walk, bike, or take public transportation to the island that is Mont Saint Michel. When visiting Mont Saint Michel during low tide, go onto the island, grab a spot along the high stone wall and witness the rising of the tide as the sea surrounds the island, isolating it from the mainland.

The next day, drive east to Étretat. Consider spending half a day to a full day here.

While Giverny may have been home to impressionist painters, Étretat was their inspiration. Étretat sits on the Normandy coast and is home to where grayish-white limestone cliffs meet the untamed blue sea. The cliff tops are paved with dirt paths and staircases making them accessible for walking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

On your way back to Paris from Étretat, stop in Honfleur to aimlessly walk through the port and old town. The various architectures are beautiful in their own right: the medieval old town and the port with its tightly packed, vertical, colorful buildings. When you’ve finished exploring Honfleur, it’s an estimated 2.5-hours drive to Paris.

This road trip from Paris through Normandy and back can be comfortably done in 3 days. 

The French Alps from Chamonix

From Whitney of Designs for Travel

One of the most incredible road trips in France is through the Frech Alps.  With the beautiful green mountains (or white in the snowy season), aqua blue lakes, and quaint chalets, the Frech Alps is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. 

This Frech Alps road trip is a loop that starts and ends in the popular adventure town of Chamonix.  The closest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland.

Start in Chamonix, a beautiful resort town at the base of Mont Blanc.  It’s one of the best places to ski in the winter, but I recommend taking this trip in the summer, where you can take a gondola to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views and do some hiking. 

The next stop on this road trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes west, to the gorgeous alpine town of Annecy .  The pristine lake, river, cobbled old town, pastel cottages, and medieval chateau make Annecy a must-see town in the Alps. 

From here, head east to Le Grand Bornand, another beautiful alpine resort town.  Drive back to Chamonix for a raclette dinner, which is sure to be a favorite meal.

After visiting France, if you have more time, you can drive south to Italy to continue your road trip.

130 miles, 210 kilometers.

This road trip itinerary can easily be done in 3 days and if you have more time, a week is even better!

Gorges du Verdon + Valensole Plateau Road Trip

From Elisa of France Bucket List

This 2-day road trip in Southern France covers the Verdon National Park and some of the best  lavender fields in Provence . This French road trip starts in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and it takes two days. Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provencal city with many interesting things to see and do. Ideally, take one day or two to visit Aix-en-Provence before hitting the road.

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Valensole, a pretty small town world-known for its lavender fields. Enjoy these never-ending seas of ‘blue gold’- it is not only beautiful to see, but it also smells very good!

Back to the road, drive to the Verdon National Park and stop at Esparron de Verdon and Lac Quinson de Verdon, two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. At Lac de Quinson, you can rent a kayak or an electric road and explore the Gorges du Verdon from the water.

Spend the night at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a picturesque hilltop village with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Day two visits Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. This is the main lake in the area, and the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a picnic with a view. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Aiguines, which is less touristy than Moustiers and with a more local atmosphere.  Have an alfresco dinner in one of the two restaurants on the main square before driving back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the last night of this road trip.

270 km, 168 miles.  

This road trip lasts two days. Add one or two more days if you want to visit Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux + France’s West Coast

From Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches, cities, and dramatic scenery, head for the west coast of France. 

You can begin your trip almost anywhere along the coast, but let’s start in the major hub of Bordeaux. Here you can hire a car or camper van and set off on your adventure, but take a day or two first to explore this beautiful city.

If you only have one day, focus your time on the Cathedral and the mirror pool (you’ll need to wake up very early to nab photos here without the crowds).

Once you leave the city, you have some choices to make. Do you want wine, sea, or one of the most incredible natural wonders you’ve ever seen?

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards and they are all worth visiting. If you’re  touring France in a motorhome , you can even stay overnight at many of the vineyards (no worrying about drinking and driving!)

If you want to be wowed, head to Arcachon and the jaw-dropping Dune du Pilat. This natural wonder is the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at around 106m high and runs for nearly 3km. Walking up it is not for the faint-hearted!

Lastly, if you want to see more of the beautiful Atlantic coastline, head up to Île de Ré. This stunning island has some beautiful beaches and is a great place to witness the incredible sunsets you find on the French coast. 

From Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré (past Bordeaux), this driving trip in France is 276 km or 172 miles.

You can drive from Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré in under 3 hours if traffic is clear.

However, we recommend at least a day in Bordeaux, a day near the dune and Arcachon, and a day on Ile de Re, so allow at least 3/ 4 days for your trip. 

Calais to the Pyrenees Loop

From Jenny of TraveLynn Family

For those located in the UK, Calais is an obvious starting point for a France road trip as it’s a short crossing from Kent, either on the ferry or Eurotunnel. This Calais to the Pyrenees road trip  itinerary does a big loop down to the Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d’Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.

Between each stop is about 4 to 5 hours of driving, although do note that this is along tolled roads (which can add up, but they are very efficient).

Staying at campsites, this summer itinerary steers away from main tourist sites and explores the French countryside, rather than the cities. It is advisable to take a bike to explore each stop further using the many cycle lanes and marked tracks. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit , as there are lots of opportunities for a dip to cool off after a day of exploring.

From the peaceful wooded valleys of the Auvergne to the Catalan charm of the Western Mediterranean; the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the fashionable beaches of the Basque country; and the idyllic fishing villages of Ile d’Oléron to the chateaux of the Loire Valley steeped in history; each stop is notably distinct from the other, providing a true cross-section of cultures and landscapes across the French countryside.

2005 miles 0r 3225 kilometers (using toll roads).

The French Alps From Grenoble

From Sasha of The Alternative Travel Guide

149  km / 92 miles.

Recommended Trip Length

Gorges du Tarn

Gorges du Tarn  offers one of the most scenic landscapes in Southern France, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. This loop road trip will take you along the rivers Tarn and La Jonte in the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip starts and ends in Millau, a sleepy Medieval town, famous for the tallest bridge in the world – the Millau Viaduct. After visiting the bridge, head to the hamlet of Peyre, which is literally glued to the rocks – a fine example of the so-called ‘ troglodyte ’ villages. The area abounds in this type of dwellings, where the backside is carved into the rocks and only the façade is at street level.

After Peyre, head upstream the Tarn all the way to Florac. The dramatic gorge, cut by the Tarn, is dotted with a string of cute little villages and hamlets: Les Vignes, La Malène, Hauterives, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Sainte-Enimie, Prades, Castelbouc, Ispagnac.

At Les Vignes make a detour (11 km/ 7 miles) to Point Sublime for the most breathtaking views of the gorge. At La Malène, you can take a boat tour on the Tarn with the famous flat-bottom boats of Les Bateliers.

Another village that deserves more attention is Sainte-Enimie. Together with Peyre, it’s included on the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

From Florac, take D16 across Causse Méjean and visit the incredible cave, Aven Armand. Afterward, take D986 to Meyrueis and continue downstream La Jonte, following D996 and Gorges de la Jonte. The last stop on this road trip, before you return to Millau, are the twin towns of Le Rozier and Peyreleau.

215 km or 135 miles.

Although you can cover the whole distance in one day, I highly recommend that you do this in at least 3 or 4 days. The best time to do the trip is in the summer – between June and September, as in the low season as most places will be closed.

Cannes to Saint-Tropez

From Elena of Passion for Hospitality

The Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera , is one of the most breathtaking coastlines, lined with picturesque cosmopolitan coastal towns and villages, golden beaches, rich nature scenes, the southeast corner of France has been blessed by natural beauty.

Driving from Cannes to St. Tropez is definitely a good way for those seeking to discover the gems of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed hustle-free little trip. 

To get the most out of the road-trip make sure to start early in the morning from Cannes. The first stop is Theoule-sur-Mer, a small medieval town located on the Golfe de La Napoule. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay La Pointe de l’Aiguille or grab a delicious coffee and croissant before departing for the next destination, the resort town of St. Raphael.

We recommend enjoying lunch by the harbor’s restaurants and later, losing yourself around the narrow streets of the colorful old town. The last stop before reaching St. Tropez, where an overnight stop is recommended, is Saint Maxime, a quiet small village which landscape has inspired and continues to do so for many artists and writers.

Depending on your budget there are many different accommodations options, from simple cozy apartments by the beach, to luxurious resorts. 

Alongside the coastal road, there are many little spots scattered, where drivers could take a quick stop to admire the dazzling views, take a few photographs or stretch their legs. 

85 kilometers / 53 Miles 

It is an hour and a half car trip from one city to the other. With the short and one overnight stop, we recommend 2 days enough for this trip.

Toulouse to Andorra Loop

From Ucman of BrownBoyTravels

The tiny sovereign state of Andorra is a mere 190km from Toulouse and makes a perfect road trip back and forth which can be easily done over a weekend. 

Leaving Toulouse in the early morning, you will head in the southwestern direction to the highway. If you want a more scenic route head to Lacroix-Falgarde. The small rural roads will eventually lead you towards the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees appear shortly and the midi- Pyrenees towns and villages take over.

They are perfect for a coffee break or if you are going slowly, for a lunch break. These quaint little villages and towns offer a great insight into the southern french style of life. The streets are neatly trimmed and the everblooming shadow of Pyrenees mountain range dominates everything ever so lovingly.

The drive here is quite easy and simple but that changes significantly when you reach the mountain range. The roads become narrow and the sharp turns take over. The elevation also increases quite dramatically, make sure to take a break to pop your ears. 

The drive is really beautiful here especially in winter with the snow but also quite dangerous, black snow is a real threat here so drive with caution. 

If you drive fast you can cover this entire distance from Toulouse to Andorra La Vella in 3-4 hours but I’d recommend taking a day and going slow to enjoy the scenery. (Make sure to bring your passport although most of the time there are no border checks).

It is quite easy to drive around in Andorra from the ski slopes of Encamp to the quaint little town of Ordino or if you just want a relaxed weekend the beautiful spas of Andorra la Vella. If you like shopping, Andorra offers duty-free shopping , there something for everyone here.

The road trip to Andorra from Toulouse is a memorable and easy France driving trip.

120 miles or 190 kilometers.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy this France road trip itinerary.

Brittany Road Trip in France

From Victoria of Guide Your Travel

This driving route will be between 800 and 100 kilometres, 500 – 620 miles.

Montpellier to Toulouse Loop

Finally, you should head 100 km to Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed “la Ville Rose” – the pink city – because so many of the buildings are made from pinkish bricks. Important sites to visit are Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest romanesque church in Europe. It also has more relics in the crypt than any other church in France, many of which are from Charlemagne (9th century).

You should also spend time at Place du Capitole and the square in front of it. Some parts of the building date back to the 12th century. It has beautiful frescos and offers tours.

Montpellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse is 245 km or 150 miles.

It would take about 3 hours to drive this France road trip route straight through without stopping. However, to truly enjoy each location, I would give yourself a minimum of 5 days.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

hello 🙂 just finished reading your ” escape clause” and i found some great tips so just like to thank you for that first of all. I’m planning on travelling to France by car from west Yorkshire in the UK for a 10 day holiday in total, we would start of by a 5 hour drive to dover then get the ferry crossing to Calais and carry on from there. we will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old too with us so we want to see plenty of beaches and coastal scenery. i wondered if you could maybe point us in the right direction on places to visit/stay ( ideally 2 different locations on family friendly campsites with lodges or tents) and go off on day trips from there if that makes sense 🙂 look forward to hearing back from you guys iain

Hi Iain! Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to spend much time in northwestern France (we were supposed to this year, but alas, 2020 had other plans). I can tell you our personal wish list in that general corner of France, though, includes all the major hits: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Lille, Rouen, and if you get that far south, of course, Mont Saint-Michel. Etretat is ideal for the coastal scenery you mentioned!

Wish we had more detail to offer, but there are some stunning places up that way!

Staggering beauty here Kate. Wow. France surprises me with its range. Definitely a worthy spot for a serious road trip. Fabulous images guys!

thank you for this! we are planning visit in aug/sept 2022 x 21d staring our in paris and heading toward bordeaux, the sw coast, basque, french pyrenees, and andorra. Wasn’t sure how to finish up the loop back to paris but I would love to incorporate provence. I also love your focus on gorges! I just started following you on IG and will look out for more inspiration!

Thanks so much, Leigh! Sounds like an incredible trip.

We’re toying with a trip to Basque Country and/or Bordeaux ourselves this spring–it never stops being difficult to narrow down our options!

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Very good coverage of driving tours in France. One suggestion for drivers I don’t recall was mentioned. After you pick up your car rental stop somewhere and invest in materials to clean your windshield. We have driven thousands of miles on many car trips and estimate that most of the time gas stations don’t have squeegees, sponges, paper towels, or even water available. Well worth the small cost. France is a large agricultural country and bugs abound.

Thanks so much. Very useful

Happy to help!

Hello Kate. I am planning my trip to France. It is our first trip to France. We will fly from New York to Paris and we want to explore France as much as we can within 9 days. We want to rent car and use train if we need. My plan is to start from Paris and go to other nice places including small towns/villages and end up in south and fly back to US from other south city. We need your advice please. Thank you in advance.

With 9 days, the first thing I’d do is narrow down what general region of France you want to visit, as you can access a wide variety of beautiful small towns in that time!

Normandy and Provence are both popular regions for first-time visitors to France, though it sounds like you’re most likely wanting Provence. For Normandy, you might drive right from Paris, and for Provence, you’d likely want to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then pick up a car. This itinerary covers Provence: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/south-of-france-itinerary/

If you want to stick very close to Paris, consider the Loire Valley.

Other options could include the Bordeaux area (we love St. Emilion: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saint-emilion-france/ ) or Burgundy ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-dijon-france/ ).

You obviously can’t cover all of that, but narrowing down where you want to go will be the first step. France has lifetimes worth of villages to explore. 🙂

If you’re wanting to fly home from the south of France, you’ll want to look at flights from Bordeaux (in the west) or Nice, Marseille, Lyon, or Toulouse (in the east).

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14-Day France road trip from Marseille to Lyon, Beaune, Paris, and Blois

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 14-day road trip through France.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in France. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Marseille, 1 night in Lyon, 1 night in Beaune, 3 nights in Paris, 1 night in Blois, 1 night in Poitiers, 2 nights in Bordeaux, and 1 night in Carcassonne, experiencing the ultimate road trip in France. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Marseille, Lyon, Beaune, Paris, Villepreux, Blois, Suèvres, Auzouer-en-Touraine, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Arles. We'll help you experience the best 14 days in France you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Marseille, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in France, including the stunning Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in France. From the magnificent Arc de Triomphe to the breathtaking Champ de Mars and Jardin du Luxembourg, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Sacré-Cœur and learn more about the unique Palace of Versailles to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Marseille, Lyon, Beaune, Paris, Villepreux, Blois, Suèvres, Auzouer-en-Touraine, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Arles, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in France. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through France.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in France.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything France has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of France. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 13 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 13 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in France extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in France today!

Destinations

Attractions

Flights Yes No

Travel details.

Include flights?

Premium car

Personalize your itinerary, day 1 – marseille - arrival day.

• Marseille - Arrival day
• Old Port of Marseille

Your road trip adventure in France begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Marseille. You’ll stay in Marseille for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Marseille has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Old Port of Marseille. This attraction is a seaport and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,120 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille, Twist Avenue. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 618 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille is AM par Alexandre Mazzia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 614 customers.

Locals recommend Le Bouchon Provençal as one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,207 customers.

Marseille also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Marseille is Carry Nation. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Marseille is O'Malley. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,796 customers.

Locals also enjoy La Caravelle. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,587 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 14-day vacation in France!

Experiences

Day 2 – marseille.

Drive 33 km, 1 hour 40 min

• Calanques National Park
• Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)
• Cathédrale La Major
• Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Marseille, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Marseille.

Today you'll explore the city of Marseille. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Calanques National Park. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,632 visitors.

Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille) is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Marseille. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 36,436 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Marseille is Marseille Cathedral. This amazing attraction is a catholic cathedral and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,714 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,446 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in France to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Marseille.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille, like La cigale vieux port. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 918 customers.

Restaurant Les Arcenaulx Marseille Vieux Port is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Marseille. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 934 customers.

Locals enjoy Trattoria Marco, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Marseille. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 725 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Marseille, Bar Bu. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 648 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Bar Marengo. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 539 customers.

La dame du mont is another of the best bars in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 273 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through France!

Day 3 – Cabrières-d'Avignon and Lyon

Drive 331 km, 3 hours 38 min

• Pont d'Avignon
• Palais des Papes
• Jardin des doms

Day 3 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Lyon for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Cabrières-d'Avignon is the amazing Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 17,658 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible palace, Palais des Papes. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 36,931 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area. In fact, Palais des Papes welcomes around 616,210 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Cabrières-d'Avignon is the outstanding Jardin des doms. This popular urban park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,201 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Lyon, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Bouchon Tupin, one of the best restaurants in the city of Lyon. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 969 customers.

Locals also recommend L'Institut Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Lyon. L'Institut Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 853 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Lyon is Flair Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 726 customers.

After dinner, visit L Bar food & drink, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Lyon. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,758 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Phantom of the Opera. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 514 customers.

Alternatively, Black Forest Society is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Lyon. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 500 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through France!

Day 4 – Beaune

Drive 169 km, 2 hours 33 min

• Place Bellecour
• Lyon Cathedral
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Parc de la Tête d'Or

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Beaune. You’ll stay in Beaune for 1 night.

This much-appreciated square and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,560 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Lyon Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,228 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to make the most of your road trip across France. The spectacular Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,765 visitors.

The lovely parc de la Tête d'Or is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 50,621 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Beaune offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Le Rest O Bar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 101 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Beaune, the fantastic Le Bout du Monde. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 343 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Barbizier. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 141 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Le Bistrot du Coin. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 109 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in France!

Day 5 – Melun and Paris

Drive 321 km, 4 hours

• Palace of Fontainebleau
• Forêt de Fontainebleau
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Centre Georges Pompidou

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Beaune and embark on a scenic drive to Paris, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Beaune and Seine-et-Marne before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Beaune. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,805 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible La Moutarderie Fallot. This attraction, a beloved top-tier point of interest, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,107 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Beaune is the stunning Park Bouzaise. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,309 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Palace of Fontainebleau. This attraction is a château that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,054 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Forêt de Fontainebleau. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,778 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Seine-et-Marne, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Paris. When you arrive in Paris you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Restaurant Guy Savoy. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,143 customers.

Locals also recommend Le Bistrot Du Perigord, another of the best restaurants in Paris. Le Bistrot Du Perigord is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 584 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Kitchen Galerie Bis. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 512 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Le Calbar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Paris, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 775 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Little Red Door. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Little Red Door has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,722 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in France, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 6 – Paris

Drive 39 km, 1 hour 48 min

• La Villette
• Jardin des plantes
• Champ de Mars
• Eiffel Tower

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Paris, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Paris.

Today you'll explore the city of Paris. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is La Villette. This incredible attraction is a commune of france and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 56,497 visitors.

Jardin des plantes is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Paris. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 40,461 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Paris is Panthéon. This amazing attraction is a mausoleum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 43,649 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Champ de Mars. This urban park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 172,488 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Eiffel Tower. This lattice tower is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 322,389 visitors. Eiffel Tower hosts around 6,207,303 visitors annually, so be sure to stop at this attraction so you won't miss out!

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Paris.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris, like Jules Verne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,525 customers.

Le Petit Châtelet is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Paris. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,057 customers.

Locals enjoy Les Fous de l'Île, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Paris. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Paris, The Bombardier. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,775 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Experimental Cocktail Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,338 customers.

Day 7 – Paris

Drive 15 km, 1 hour 26 min

• Palais Garnier
• Place de la Concorde
• Tuileries Garden
• Musée d'Orsay

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Paris, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Paris.

Today you'll explore the city of Paris. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Sacré-Cœur. As one of the top sights in the area, around 11,000,000 people visit this attraction every year. This incredible attraction is a church building and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,527 visitors.

Palais Garnier is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Paris. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 34,053 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Paris is place de la Concorde. This amazing attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 54,229 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Tuileries Garden. This garden and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 92,172 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Musée d'Orsay. This art museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 71,115 visitors. Musée d'Orsay hosts around 3,651,616 visitors annually, so be sure to stop at this attraction so you won't miss out!

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Paris, like Restaurant Île de la Réunion. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

L'Imprévu Café is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Paris. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 846 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Paris, The Highlander. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,285 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Velvet Bar Paris. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

Café de Paris V is another of the best bars in the city of Paris. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

Day 8 – Paris, Villepreux, and Blois

Drive 212 km, 3 hours 7 min

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
• Louvre Museum
• Arc de Triomphe
• Palace of Versailles

Day 8 of your road trip will take you to the city of Paris and the city of Villepreux. You’ll stay in Blois for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Paris today is Notre-Dame de Paris. This excellent attraction is a catholic cathedral that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,788 visitors. Each year, Notre-Dame de Paris attracts over 12,000,000 local and international travelers.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Louvre Museum, an outstanding art museum, in the city of Paris. Around 260,788 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars. Given the incredible Louvre Museum's popularity, more than 2,825,000 people stop by Louvre Museum to explore it.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Paris is Arc de Triomphe. Attracting over 2,743,823 visitors in a single year, it's clear that Arc de Triomphe is one of the top sights of the area. This amazing attraction is a triumphal arch and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 193,235 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of France, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in France. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Palace of Versailles for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Villepreux. This popular attraction is a château and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 119,665 visitors. Approximately 4,741,758 people visit Villepreux every year to see the fantastic Palace of Versailles.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Blois.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Blois, Cote Loire Auberge Ligerienne. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 160 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through France with a toast!

Day 9 – Suèvres, Auzouer-en-Touraine, and Poitiers

• Auzouer-en-Touraine

Drive 229 km, 3 hours 42 min

• Château Royal de Blois
• Château de Chambord
• Château de Cheverny
• Château d'Amboise
• Château de Chenonceau

Day 9 of your road trip through France is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Suèvres and the city of Auzouer-en-Touraine. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Suèvres is the amazing Château de Blois. This attraction is a château and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,926 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Château de Chambord. This château and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 43,219 visitors.

Château de Cheverny is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Suèvres. This well-known attraction, a spectacular château, has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 15,031 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Suèvres is another excellent way to spend your new day in France. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of France’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to France’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of France’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Château d'Amboise in the city of Auzouer-en-Touraine for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a château and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,016 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Auzouer-en-Touraine is the outstanding Château de Chenonceau. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 33,253 visitors, this château deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Poitiers.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try La Minute Blonde Poitiers, one of the best restaurants in the city of Poitiers. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 207 customers.

After dinner, visit Le Palais de la Bière, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Poitiers. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,034 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like La Taverne Du Geek. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 466 customers.

Alternatively, Cluricaume Café. Is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Poitiers. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 386 customers.

Day 10 – Bordeaux

Drive 251 km, 3 hours 6 min

• Place de la Bourse
• Miroir d'eau
• Porte Cailhau
• Porte de Bourgogne
• Bordeaux Cathedral

Rise and shine on day 10 of your road trip in France. Today, you'll wake up in Poitiers and embark on a scenic drive to Bordeaux, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Poitiers and Bordeaux before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Poitiers. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful The Extraordinary Voyage. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,223 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Dynamic Vienne. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,716 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Poitiers is the stunning Église Notre-Dame la Grande, Poitiers. This church building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,103 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Bordeaux and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Bordeaux has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable place de la Bourse. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 16,251 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible miroir d'eau. This reflecting pool and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,462 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Porte Cailhau. This city gate and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,609 visitors.

The lovely Porte de Bourgogne is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,953 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Bordeaux Cathedral is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Bordeaux. This point of interest is a catholic cathedral rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Bordeaux, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Bordeaux. When you arrive in Bordeaux you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like suzzi. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 852 customers.

Locals also recommend L'Oiseau Bleu, another of the best restaurants in Bordeaux. L'Oiseau Bleu is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Chai Les Copains. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 501 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Symbiose to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bordeaux, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 896 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Connemara. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Connemara has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,896 customers.

Molly Malone's is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,951 customers.

Day 11 – Bordeaux

Drive 81 km, 2 hours 11 min

• Parc de Bourran
• Parc bordelais
• Jardin Public
• Cité du Vin
• Château de la Brede

On day 11 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bordeaux, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Bordeaux.

Today you'll explore the city of Bordeaux. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Parc de Bourran. This incredible attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,592 visitors.

Parc bordelais is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Bordeaux. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,855 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Bordeaux is jardin public. This amazing attraction is an urban park and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 12,341 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding La Cité du Vin. This museum and place of interest is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 21,487 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Château de la Brede. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 940 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Bordeaux.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Bordeaux, like Restaurant Melodie. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,499 customers.

Le Confidentiel is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Bordeaux. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,544 customers.

Locals enjoy Le K Baroque, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Bordeaux. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,059 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Bordeaux, Le Bar à Vin. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,327 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like The Houses Of Parliament. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Sherlock Holmes Pub is another of the best bars in the city of Bordeaux. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,224 customers.

Day 12 – Toulouse and Carcassonne

• Carcassonne

Drive 350 km, 3 hours 53 min

• Muséum de Toulouse
• Jardin des Plantes
• Cité de Carcassonne
• Château Comtal

Day 12 of your road trip will take you to the city of Toulouse and the city of Carcassonne. You’ll stay in Carcassonne for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Toulouse today is Muséum de Toulouse. This excellent attraction is a natural history museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,605 visitors. Each year, Muséum de Toulouse attracts over 243,432 local and international travelers.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Jardin des Plantes, an outstanding park, in the city of Toulouse. Around 9,847 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

You could then travel to Cité de Carcassonne for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Carcassonne. This popular attraction is a fortress and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 76,968 visitors.

This outstanding castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,823 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Carcassonne.

Day 13 – Arles and Marseille

Drive 318 km, 3 hours 43 min

• Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles
• Roman Theatre of Arles
• Arles Amphitheatre

Day 13 of your road trip through France gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Arles and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Marseille. You will stay in Marseille for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Arles is the amazing Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 2,004 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Roman Theatre of Arles. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,900 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Arles is the outstanding Arles Amphitheatre. This popular roman amphitheatre and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,060 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Arles by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in France. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Marseille, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try O'Bidul, one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 461 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Bubo - Bistronomie Marseille as one of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille. Restaurant Bubo - Bistronomie Marseille is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 184 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Marseille is Le Panier Marseillais. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,790 customers.

After dinner, visit The Champ De Mars, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 404 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like L'unic Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 341 customers.

Alternatively, Beer District Marseille is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Marseille. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 224 customers.

Day 14 – Marseille - departure day

• Marseille - Departure day
• Palais Longchamp

Day 14 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Marseille before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Palais Longchamp is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Marseille. This water tower and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 12,768 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Marseille and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in France.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Marseille at La Cantine de Nour d'Égypte before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,125 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Chez Marinette for your last chance at a meal in the city of Marseille. The Chez Marinette restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 423 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Marseille. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in France!

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How To Have An Epic South Of France Road Trip [Video]

By Jessie Festa. This post contains affiliate links and is part of a series based on my boyfriend’s and my two-week road trip through the South of France.  Follow our journey here . 

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Our two-week road trip through the South of France — specifically from Nice to Marseille by car — certainly was rich.

And I don’t just mean with fatty cheeses and generously poured glasses of red wine.

Typically when I travel I find myself holed up in my AirBnB typing away for work more often that I’d like to admit; however, this trip was different.

Even if I wanted to increase my screen time it would have been hard.

Hey, it’s no easy feat prying your eyes away from Provence’s endless rows of cabernet and olive trees or the beautiful beaches and beach clubs of the French Riviera .

There’s no doubt we had an amazing time, though it wasn’t until after I’d returned home that I really thought about what exactly  made Provence a place I’d recommend.

Yes, there are certain challenges when it comes to driving (no offense, the French are crazy) and cultural differences; however, once you understand these you’ll have a much easier time enjoying the plethora of things to do.

One quick tip before we dive into the experience:

Grab my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which also includes a Google Map of this South of France itinerary.

Add the map to your phone to have it ready to go for your trip!

Table of Contents

Road Trip South Of France [Video]

Psst – want to see this France trip come to life through video? Check out this short film we made of our journey!

This trip was just as fun as it looks, and is great for those traveling in a group or those doing some solo travel in France . Feel free to steal the itinerary for yourself when planning a road trip .

South Of France Road Trip Experiences

Sure, there are plenty of great destinations with diverse activities; however, the South of France takes it to another level.

We loved being able to hop in a car and within an hour be at a completely new place.

Along every winding coastal or mountainside drive there were numerous medieval villages, scenic adventures, beautiful beaches, buzzworthy wineries, delicious restaurants and more to discover.

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable.

Where To Eat In Nice

We had a bit of a rocky start in Nice, and I’m not referring to the beaches (which are gorgeous, but rocky).

It mainly had to do with the driving.

French drivers, especially in Nice, literally zoom around with no rules, driving into oncoming traffic, swerving onto sidewalks and cutting you off.

It’s a lot to handle at first, though we were happy we had the car for the many day trips we did  and for continuing our journey.

Things immediately took a turn for the better when we parked the car to explore on foot, especially in Old Town where we had our first local meal at A Buteghinna .

The restaurant holds a “Cuisine Nissarde” certification , meaning they uphold the traditions of Niçoise cuisine, regionally specific from “French cuisine.”

From the panisse (chic pea fries) to the soupe au pistou (a basil soup) every dish took us on an educational culinary journey, telling the story of Nice’s relationship with Italy and the city’s Mediterranean location.

From a typical Nice dinner in a local home through BonAppetour to local street foods like socca (fried chic pea bread) and pan-bagnat  (Nicoise salad on bread) we immersed ourselves in local Nice foods, though one of our favorite meals was at the globally-inspired  Le Vingt4 .

The venue sources the best regional ingredients in the world with wines from the same place to pair.

In classic Mediterranean fashion the chef let the flavors speak for themselves, keeping ingredients as raw as possible.

Simple yet decadent is the best description.

I mean Brie de Meaux laced with mascarpone and winter truffle paired with Herbelet Champagne Grand Cru?

The French really do pay attention to detail and make eating an experience whether it’s local or global cuisine.

Day Trips From Cannes

And the wine is important, too.

Cannes is great, but we opted for constant day tripping over spending much time in the city.

This is when we were introduced to the wine and adventure of the Côte d’Azur.

The destination in mind for our Cannes day trip was La Croix Valmer to hike Les 3 Caps (the Three Capes) from the Plage de Gigaro (Gigaro Beach).

First of all, WOW.

Do this hike, even if just a section.

You’ll walk along the coast, into pine woodland and on top of a hill for aerial Mediterranean vistas.

While I recommend lots of water and sunscreen, the bathing suit is optional when you make use of those beaches for a cool down.

No photos of our skinny dipping session (sorry!), but here are Andy and I having fun on the beach beforehand.

After the hike we had plans to visit St. Tropez, driving through the shopping area and then ending at the famous Pampelonne Beach, which is actually in nearby Ramatuelle.

We’d heard this beach was somewhat posh, but what we found was a super chill three-mile stretch of white sand.

Even better, we discovered Domaine Bertaud Belieu in nearby Gassin — next to St Tropez — along the way.

Located in the Var Department, we found ourselves immersed in vineyards from many wineries ( domaines ), though this one stuck out in terms of beauty.

The old world architecture gave it a whimsical feel, and when we were given a complimentary 10-tasting degustation we knew we’d made the right choice.

We bought two bottles (15 Euros / ~$17 USD total!) to show our appreciation and savor the local flavors.

What Is Considered Provence? PACA? The South Of France?

So before Andy and I booked our trip to France we wanted to go to “Provence”; however, we couldn’t quite understand what Provence actually was.

We pictured a countryside full of fragrant lavender, mourvèdre grapes and cheese farms, but where was Provence?

We knew it was a region, but was there a specific place one stayed to experience “Provence?”

For a while we thought Aix-en-Provence was Provence, but in actuality, Aix is a small city within Provence.

We were also unclear if cities like Nice and Cannes were considered Provence. During our road trip from Nice to Marseille we realized the route actually fell into the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region (PACA) , with destinations like Nice , Cannes and St. Tropez being part of the Côte d’Azur and destinations like Verdon , Aix-en-Provence and Marseille being part of Provence.

They all fall into the larger PACA region, though, and there is some discrepancy.

For instance, when asking a group of locals in Aix-en-Provence whether St. Tropez was in Provence or not, they argued with each other about the answer.

There is clearly some overlap with the sub-regions within PACA.

PACA is one of France’s 22 administrative regions, and encompasses six departments .

Stay in any of these places and simply get lost, discover and enjoy.

There are so many wonderful villages in Provence and beyond to explore and fall in love with.

A Moissac-Bellevue Hotel In The Countryside

Bustling hotspots like Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez were great; though in terms of satiating our craving for countryside  a horse farm in Moissac-Bellevue  — less than two hours from St. Tropez — did the trick.

The epic South of France stay allowed us a night of drinking our Bertaud Belieu wine (Laure, the woman owning the farm, also gave us homemade lemon wine) and stargazing from our cabin. There was no electricity, though Laure provided lanterns.

Andy and I sat for four hours photographing the night sky, telling ghost stories and getting tipsy before falling into a deep slumber, the sound of whinnying horses our night lullaby.

In the morning, we woke up early — the only night of the trip we got up before 10:30am — to an al fresco breakfast of homemade preserves to spread on toast.

Strawberry, fig, prune, mandarin, raspberry and apricot were just a few of the many impressive flavors giving us a sugar rush for the day ahead at nearby Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Gorge).

The geography here is interesting; not only is this place naturally beautiful with its bright green river and dramatic rock formations, but the River Verdon splits the departments of Var (as in the Mediterranean wine region mentioned above) and Alpes de Haute Provence (an Alpine ecosystem and also a wine region).

Verdon Gorge Kayaking

There are many places around Verdon Gorge you can choose to go.

Laure informed us the two sides of the Gorge are both breathtaking and very different.

We decided to make our way toward Moustiers Sainte Marie, which seemed to pop up quite a bit on the Internet; however, plans changed during the ride.

Are you seeing a pattern here? There’s no need to plan in Provence. Adventures pop up at every turn.

Picture this: we’re driving along the winding mountain route D952, switching back and forth between shady forest and open skies.

Suddenly, a flash of bright neon green-blue appears out of the corner of my eye. Lake Verdon.

It peeks through open patches of tree, until the road and my view are completely unobstructed. Wow.

We reach a bridge connecting the two departments that stretches over the river, and we get out to capture the iconic photos we’d seen online.

It’s then we notice the plethora of visitors canoeing, kayaking and paddle boating on the waters; a serene scene that quickly changes our choice from hiking to kayaking.

From this bridge we see numerous rental centers from above, and drive down to rent a kayak for 26 Euros ($29 USD) for two hours.

The paddling trip is scenic, allowing us to take in the gorge from below as cliffside swallows us up, as well as friendly.

We get offered shots of whiskey by a passing boat of Swiss tourists, jump out to swim in the chilly waters and post up on the numerous beaches along the way.

Provence Travel Adventures

What was interesting to me was how many outdoor adventures and national parks there were along the journey,  particularly in Provence .

I expected medieval towns, vineyards and lavender farms; I didn’t expect to be kayaking deep gorges or hiking coastal capes.

It really allowed for an all-encompassing trip.

And these national parks aren’t just in the countryside, but in the cities.

For instance, Marseille not only allowed us to stay in a homey family-run castle  complete with a pool, onsite hiking trails, and expansive terrace views, but to visit an urban national park.

Calanques National Park encompasses 201 square miles, including the rugged terrain of the Massif des Calanques, which Andy and I hiked and scrambled.

Our guide took us along dolomite cliffside and up Marseilleveyre Peak for 360-degree views from 433 meters (1,421 feet).

The breathtaking view showcased the sparkling Mediterranean and Bay of Marseilles as well as the urban landscape.

Cycling In Aix-en-Provence

Possibly our favorite views, ones that truly showcased the beauty and natural prosperity of Provence, came during our time in Aix-en-Provence.

We met our guide Arthur of  Secrets d’ici  in front of Bee’s Cycloplanet for a private electric bike tour.

While electric bikes aren’t yet popular in the United States, in Europe you can rent them to make lovely hilly rides doable (I wouldn’t have been able to complete this route without it!).

The ride took us outside of the city for vistas of mountains, lavender fields, olive groves, historic farm houses and endless rows of grenache and cabernet.

We even got two tastes of Provence; one at Domaine de Saint Ser where we savored a tasting of organic rosés, and one during lunch in the small village of Puyloubier.

We dined in a beautiful courtyard lined with fountains and bundles of wine grapes at the sumptuous  Le Relais de Saint Ser Puyloubier .

Here local wine was paired with homemade dishes crafted from local Provençal ingredients. Imagine roast chicken done in a prawn bisque and topped with mini crepes and peas, followed by a decadent apricot tart smothered in wild fruit coulis and homemade whipped cream.

And I didn’t even feel bad. By the end we’d biked 31 beautiful miles, enough to let me have my cake and eat it, too.

Back at our guesthouse, L’Epicerie, we cozied up in the in-room Jacuzzi and toasted with glasses of bubbly to an epic road trip.

Ending Tip:  When planning a trip to the South of France the hardest thing will be deciding where to stop and where to skip, especially if you’ve never been and have no mental image of the land. Know this: anywhere you stay you’ll be close to myriad different places.

For instance, Nice is only 20 minutes from Eze, 40 minutes from Monaco and 40 minutes from Cannes. Aix en Provence is 25 minutes from Marseille and an hour from Avignon.

Don’t stress about where to go.

If you don’t like where you booked use it as a base for incredible day trips or just drive around and see what you find.

You can also follow Andy and I’s itinerary below, which we highly recommend!

Best Places To Stay In The South Of France

Looking for South of France accommodation?

Click here to peruse local hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Road Trip Travel In Southern France: FAQ

1) where should i vacation in the south of france.

For a mix of experiences and atmospheres, it’s smart to spend some time on the French Riviera as well as some time in Provence. Begin in Nice and end in Marseille, making stops along the way in places like Cannes and the Verdon Gorge.

2) How many days do I need in Provence?

There is a lot to see and do in Provence, from wine tasting to beach hiking to scenic cycling trips and beyond. A minimum of five days is advised, though if you can do 10-14 days you’ll get to experience a lot more.

3) Can you drive from Paris to Nice?

You can, though it would be a very long drive at about nine hours, or 579 miles. It is recommended to break up the drive with stops along the way, such as in Dijon and Lyon . You can also take a train, with the fastest train getting you to Nice in about five-and-a-half hours.

4) How far is Nice from Marseille by car?

It takes about two hours to drive from Nice to Marseille. The distance is 124 miles. While you can easily do the drive in one day, it is recommended to make stops along the way as there is a lot to do and see.

5) What is the best South of France road trip itinerary?

One great itinerary if you have 10-14 days is Nice, Cannes, Moissac-Bellevue, Hyeres, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. Nice and Marseille are about 124 miles apart.

Here is the route in detail:

• Nice (with day trips to Eze for a medieval village, Monaco for a VIP afternoon and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for the Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild)
• Cannes (with day trips to St. Tropez/Ramatuelle for beaches, Gassin for wine tasting and La Croix Valmer for beaches and hiking)
• Moissac Bellevue (we stayed at a woodland set horse farm then were about 20-minutes from Verdon Gorge )
• Hyeres  (the cobbled commune itself is fun to explore, and is near beautiful beaches and is accessible to the untouched Port Cros Island)
• Aix-en-Provence  (my personal favorite spot of the trip due to the small quiet city full of amenities and accessibility to beautiful Provence farmland; a cheesy rooftop lunch at La Fromagerie Du Passage and a day trip cycling outside the city with Arthur of  Secrets d’ici are musts!)
• Marseille  (don’t miss hiking in the urban Calanques National Park, which doesn’t feel urban at all and is accessible to beautiful port towns and beaches)

Travel Insurance

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan.

This is why I recommend always purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Bonus South Of France Travel Resources

How To Hike Calanques National Park In Marseille, France

How To Enjoy Wine, Hiking & Skinny Dipping Near Cannes, France

Is The Verdon Gorge France’s Most Stunning Natural Attraction?

3 Epic Adventures You Didn’t Know You Could Have In Provence

3 Stunning Day Trips From Nice, France

5 Unique Accommodations That Will Make You Crave A South Of France Getaway

Exploring Nice Beyond The Promenade

15 Best Beach Clubs On The French Riviera

Have you ever done a South of France road trip?

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later!

Planning A Trip To South Of France Logistics:

What is the best way to get around the South of France?  We rented a car from  Europcar for a little less than $600 total for two weeks, including taxes and fees paid upon arrival and adding a second driver. My credit card, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Card, included car rental insurance. Check your credit card before buying the insurance offered by the rental company.

Additionally, I’d recommend using Discover Car Hire to compare your options.

Do you have any driving tips for the South of France? I recommend exploring the South of France via car as there are just so many little villages, wineries, beautiful parks, and beaches to stop off at along the way from Point A to Point B. The South of France is a land of discovery; you’ll constantly be finding attractions you didn’t know existed. Just drive with caution; the French drive without any care for rules. Don’t be surprised if you see drivers going 80mph around hairpin mountain turns.

What are some great books on France?  Au Contraire: Figuring Out the French  and  How the French Think: An Affectionate Portrait of an Intellectual People .

What should I eat in France? It’s helpful to understand French dining etiquette before eating out.

How do I get a SIM card in France?  One option is a KnowRoaming Global Sim Sticker , which works in 200+ countries to give you local rates and inexpensive data packages. Another option is buying local SIM cards in France. Andy and I paid about 20 Euros (~22 USD) each in Cannes for local SIM cards with 1 gigabyte of data (no calls). Especially if you’re driving I think it’s important to have data in case of an emergency. It was also helpful for communicating with locals (via Google translate), contacting our AirBnB hosts and finding our AirBnBs when we were lost.

What are some safety essentials I should pack for France?  While I found France to be relatively safe, I always travel with Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and a  Vigilant Personal Alarm .

What should I pack for my France trip? Start with this list . From there I would also recommend bringing an extra flashlight  (for any countryside AirBNBs or camping), water shoes (for Verdon Gorge and rocky beaches) and travel towels  (for the beach). 

What language do they speak in France? French, though we found many people spoke some English. Just make sure to understand pleasantries when interacting with locals!

What currency do they use in France? Euro. As of December 2019, the exchange rate was about 1 Euro = $1.11 USD.

What tours should I book in the South of France?

• 3-Hour Small-Group French Cooking Class at a Local Home (Nice)
• French Riviera Sightseeing Cruise (Nice)
• Half-Day Valensole Lavender Tour (Aix-en-Provence)
• Electric Bike Tour to the Calanques (Marseille)
• Street Art Walking Tour (Marseille)
• Vespa Guided Tour (Cannes)

Driving Holiday In France [Trip Video]

If you didn’t watch it already, here is another chance to watch my South of France road trip video.

What would you add to this South of France road trip itinerary?

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18 Comments

That view looking down on Verdon Gorge is beautiful! So glad you survived the crazy driving and had a great time. I enjoyed my time in Nice and Cannes, so maybe next time I’ll make it to St Tropez!

@Char: Even just all the little villages and wineries around St Tropez are so wonderful!

How was the parking?

@Amy: We didn’t encounter many issues with parking! 🙂

This is a great article, thanks for writing it! I am thinking about a 2-3 week trip in the south of France starting at the end of this month. I’m torn between renting a car and train travel; your article has me leaning towards car rental. 😉 Would you say it was a wash (in expenses) between gas/ tolls/ parking/ car rental vs cost of train tickets to go to the major cities you visited? Thanks!

@Vanessa: I’m not 100% sure because I didn’t fully do the math, but I didn’t feel like it was expensive to rent a car AND we had total control of timing and destinations 🙂

What an amazing road trip! You certainly covered a lot of ground in 2 weeks. One thing that still amazes me about Provence, is the diversity. You never get bored, and often get surprised!

Wow nice roadtripe and nice video! At the beginning of the video you’re walking on a road with a white bridge on the background, do you still remember where that was? Thanks!

@Tomas: It was walking from where we parked over to Eze! 🙂

I see that you have visited almost everything worth seeing on the French Riviera. Nice :). Next time I recommend to see the beautiful medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence. For me it has more charm than Eze :). Greetings from Nice! Cube.

Hi, love your travel blog, very helpful! I am planning a 5 day road trip from Marseille to Nice, what would you recommend?!

Honestly, you could do the drive quite quickly in a day, so I would just choose which activites on the itinerary sound the best to you. For me, Verdon Gorge was stunning, and I loved the coastal hike near St. Tropez. 🙂

Thanks for sharing all your information and super detailed tips!

amazing road trip!

Very nice road trip thank you for sharing ! We are a family of 3 and we are planning our trip for this summer I cannot wait

Which month did you have a trip?

Where did you park a car during your stay in Nice?

@Nipa: The trip was in August. And Nice has plenty of parking garages! 🙂

This is super helpful! I am planning a mini sabbatical in mid June and wish I had more time to explore south of France. Looking at 8 days 7 nights so trying to figure out where to spend an extra day. If you have any advise let me know!

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40 Best Stops Between Lyon and Nice

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How long is the drive from Lyon to Nice?

The direct drive from Lyon to Nice is 293 mi (472 km) , and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 5 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Lyon to Nice, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Marseille , Avignon , Cannes , Arles , Gordes , Aix-en-Provence , Antibes , Toulon , Nimes , and Saint-Tropez , as well as top places to visit like Crest Tower and The Provençal Colorado, or the ever-popular Palais Idéal.

Top cities between Lyon and Nice

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Aix-en-Provence

French riviera, best stops along lyon to nice drive, palais idéal.

Crest Tower

The provençal colorado, musée du vieil-aix, cr mirabeau, hôtel de caumont, corbi park - parc animalier et de loisirs pour la famille, massif des calanques, parc national des calanques.

Centre ville valensole

Museum of prehistory of the gorges du verdon, basilique sainte-marie-madeleine, lake of sainte-croix, verdon gorge.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Le Roc au Serre et la chapelle Notre-Dame du Roc

Téléphérique du mont faron, rade de toulon, abbaye du thoronet, citadelle d'entrevaux, plage de l'estagnol, grotte de saint cézaire.

Roc D'Azur

Massif de l'esterel.

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Pampelonne Beach

St paul de vence, bd de la croisette, île sainte-marguerite, top searches in nice, other popular road trips from lyon, explore nearby places.

• Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Saint-Andre-de-la-Roche
• Beaulieu-sur-Mer
• St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• St-Laurent du Var
• Tourrette-Levens
• Cap d'Ail
• Castagniers
• Cagnes-sur-Mer
• Fontvieille
• Monaco-Ville
• Saint-Jeannet
• Chateauneuf-Villevieille
• La Condamine
• St-Paul-de-Vence
• Monte-Carlo
• Villeneuve-Loubet

All related maps of Nice

• Map of Nice
• Map of Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Map of Saint-Andre-de-la-Roche
• Map of Beaulieu-sur-Mer
• Map of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Map of La Trinite
• Map of Falicon
• Map of Drap
• Map of St-Laurent du Var
• Map of Tourrette-Levens
• Map of Aspremont
• Map of Carros
• Map of Cap d'Ail
• Map of La Gaude
• Map of Gattieres
• Map of Castagniers
• Map of Cagnes-sur-Mer
• Map of La Turbie
• Map of Fontvieille
• Map of Monaco-Ville
• Map of Saint-Jeannet
• Map of Peillon
• Map of Chateauneuf-Villevieille
• Map of La Condamine
• Map of Beausoleil
• Map of St-Paul-de-Vence
• Map of Contes
• Map of Monte-Carlo
• Map of Villeneuve-Loubet
• Map of Vence

Nice throughout the year

• Nice in January
• Nice in February
• Nice in March
• Nice in April
• Nice in May
• Nice in June
• Nice in July
• Nice in August
• Nice in September
• Nice in October
• Nice in November
• Nice in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Nice?

Get inspired for your trip to Nice with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Nice Itinerary
• 2-Day Nice Itinerary
• 3-Day Nice Itinerary
• 4-Day Nice Itinerary
• 5-Day Nice Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from lyon to nice.

Yes! You can drive from Lyon to Nice.

How far is Nice from Lyon by car?

The drive from Lyon to Nice is 293 miles (472 km).

How long does it take to drive from Lyon to Nice?

Driving from Lyon to Nice should take you 4 hrs 5 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Lyon to Nice?

Gas from Lyon to Nice would cost around $26 to $60 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Lyon to Nice?

You could check out Crest Tower and The Provençal Colorado, or the always popular Palais Idéal!

What are the best cities to visit between Lyon and Nice?

People love visiting Marseille, Avignon, and Cannes, among others.

What's the weather like in Lyon?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Lyon in January
• Weather in Lyon in February
• Weather in Lyon in March
• Weather in Lyon in April
• Weather in Lyon in May
• Weather in Lyon in June
• Weather in Lyon in July
• Weather in Lyon in August
• Weather in Lyon in September
• Weather in Lyon in October
• Weather in Lyon in November
• Weather in Lyon in December

What are some other road trips from Lyon?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Lyon.

• Lyon to Paris drive
• Lyon to London drive
• Lyon to Barcelona drive
• Lyon to Rome drive
• Lyon to Milan drive
• Lyon to Amsterdam drive
• Lyon to Florence drive
• Lyon to Turin drive
• Lyon to Venice drive
• Lyon to Madrid drive
• Lyon to Prague drive
• Lyon to Berlin drive
• Lyon to Vienna drive
• Lyon to Budapest drive
• Lyon to Lisbon drive
• Lyon to Brussels drive
• Lyon to Munich drive
• Lyon to Edinburgh drive
• Lyon to Marseille drive
• Lyon to Dublin drive
• Lyon to Geneva drive
• Lyon to Nice drive
• Lyon to Valencia drive
• Lyon to Genoa drive
• Lyon to Naples drive
• Lyon to Istanbul drive
• Lyon to Seville drive
• Lyon to Verona drive
• Lyon to Copenhagen drive

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Marseille to Lyon drive

Marseille to lyon road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Marseille to Lyon. If you're planning a road trip to Lyon, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Marseille drive for about 1.5 hours

11:18 am   Avignon stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:18 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:35 pm   Ardeche stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:35 pm drive for about 39 minutes

3:14 pm   Tain-l'Hermitage stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:14 pm drive for about 48 minutes

5:02 pm   Vienne stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:02 pm drive for about 34 minutes

6:36 pm  arrive in Lyon eat at Boulangerie de l'Ile Barbe

driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Avignon   (33 answers)     questions about Avignon:         Ways to spend a few days around Avignon Ardeche   (2 mentions) Tain-l'Hermitage   (2 answers) Vienne   (4 answers)

Where's the best place to eat in Lyon?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Boulangerie de l'Ile Barbe , which was mentioned 2 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Lyon? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Lyon?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Lyon. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Lyon.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Lyon to Marseille drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Marseille? Try searching for places within 3 hours of Marseille .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Marseille to Lyon . Or get a full Marseille to Lyon flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Marseille well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Marseille!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Marseille to Lyon

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Here’s the Ultimate Paris to Nice Road Trip – Itinerary & Map

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Paris to Nice by Car

There are many ways to travel from Paris to Nice, from night trains to quick flights. But if you are looking for an epic French holiday and have some time, then hit the road for a fun  Paris to Nice road trip .

The drive from Paris to Nice is straightforward, and it is our favorite road trip from Paris. The distance from Paris to Nice by car Paris is 930 kilometers, with some memorable stops along the way depending on the route that you choose.

If you decide to try this road trip Paris to Nice, give yourself a week to 10 days to enjoy it. Of course, driving from Paris to Nice can be a lot faster, but why rush? For this Paris to Nice drive, the journey is just as interesting as the final destination.

How far is Nice from Paris? The distance from Paris to Nice by car is from 932 km to 1039 km, depending on the route.

How long is the drive from Paris to Nice? The drive Paris to Nice non-stop takes from 9 to 10 hours, depending on the route.

This Paris to Nice itinerary by car is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Road Trip from Paris to Nice Overview

• Start: Paris
• Finish: Nice
• Duration: 9 days
• Suggested Route: Paris – Beaune – Lyon – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Total distance: 994.3 km, 10 hours in total
• Regions covered:  Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for:  sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

If you are looking for a Nice to Paris road trip, you can also use this itinerary with a grand finale in Paris.

Drive from Paris to Nice – Map

Click here to view the Paris to Nice Road Trip Map on Google

Road Trip Paris to Nice – Itinerary

As this road trip begins in Paris , take this opportunity to explore the French capital before hitting the road. There is no road trip travel on the first three days of this Paris to Nice itinerary, but we have included recommendations on what to visit and where to stay.

For this road trip from Paris to South of France, you will need the car only from days 4 to 9. If you need to return to Paris, you could rent your car in Paris and drop it off in Nice. Then, you can take a  train from Nice to Paris  instead of driving back. If this is your first road trip to France, check out our tips for hiring a car in France .

Click here to rent your car in Paris

Day 0 | Arrival in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris to Nice is  Paris . Before getting from Paris to Nice, take your time to visit the French capital, which really needs no introduction.

How many days in Paris? We recommend a minimum of two full days to get a feel of what the city has to offer, plus an additional day trip to visit the Palace of Versailles and its Gardens.

If you have the budget, go for a  hotel with Eiffel Tower views . A good (and cheaper) alternative is the Handsome Hotel by Elegancia in Paris 1. Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Click here to book your stay at Handsome Hotel by Elegancia

Days 1 and 2 | Paris

For your days in Paris , be sure to cover the city’s main highlights such as Cité, the  Louvre Museum (check out how to visit the Louvre in 2 hours or less ), Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and of course, the Eiffel Tower . You can also have a look at this list of  50 iconic things to do in Paris  and choose your favorite ones.

A good idea for short stays in Paris is this top-rated Paris Highlights Bike Tour . Discover the city’s most emblematic landmarks on two wheels with an expert guide. This tour by bike is also available at night .

Day 3 | Day Trip to Versailles

On the third full day of your Paris to South of France trip, grab a train, or take a guided tour to visit the amazing  Château de Versailles  and its surrounding gardens.

A trip to Versailles deserves a day in full. You can decide to  visit just the Palace and the Gardens or do the Palace plus the Trianons, with the Queen’s Hamlet.

There’s so much to see and do in Versailles that we recommend planning this day trip well in advance. Check out this Versailles guide  to find the best way to visit Versailles for you.

Day 4 | Paris – Beaune

This Paris to Nice scenic drive crosses the beautiful region of  Bourgogne (Burgundy in French), world-famous for its wines. Bourgogne is also home to picturesque small cities, towns, and villages, and most of these  small villages in Burgundy  are listed as “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”

Morning in Auxerre

Instead of heading directly to Beaune, we recommend a stop at  Auxerre , a lovely small city in Burgundy bisected by the river Yonne.

The historical center is made of beautiful medieval and Renaissance-style buildings, and it is protected as a historic city. Wander the Old Town with its beautiful churches, half-timbered houses, and its iconic Clock Tower . The promenade along the river is beautiful and relaxing.

Afternoon in Beaune

Beaune   is another must-see city in Burgundy. It is famous for the Hôtel-Dieu , a wonder of Burgundian architecture, but there are also other beautiful sights such as Notre Dame Basilica or the Museum of Fine Arts .

Beaune is an excellent place to spend the night, especially because it is the capital of Burgundy wines. Because wine-tasting and driving are far from perfect partners, we recommend parking the car for the afternoon and taking part in some Burgundy wine tastings.

Here’s the list of some great wine houses worth exploring during your afternoon in Beaune:

• Maison Champy  (5 Rue du Grenier de Sel, Beaune; Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine regions)
• Domaine Chanson  (10 Rue Paul Chanson /Rue du Collège, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
• Bouchard-Ainé & Fils  (4 Boulevard du Maréchal Foch, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
• Domaine Loubet-Dewailly  (11 Impasse Notre Dame, Beaune; Pommard wine region)

For a night in Beaune, we suggest something special. Stay at the boutique hotel the Abbaye de Maizieres , a 12th-century former Cistercian Abbey located in the heart of Beaune’s historical center. Enjoy the unique atmosphere with all the comforts for the modern guest.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Abbaye de Maizieres

Day 5 | Beaune – Lyon

The next stop of this road trip from Paris to Nice itinerary is  Lyon , where we recommend spending one night. The drive from Beaune to Lyon is only one hour, so if you leave early in the morning, you will have a full day to explore Lyon.

Don’t know where to stay in Lyon? The Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charm.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel de l’Abbaye

Lyon  is a bustling city that’s also a cultural hub. Situated in the country’s east, near the Alps, Lyon is France’s third-largest city and a major tourist destination that offers yet another side to France.

Park your car for the rest of the day (there’s public parking near the recommended hotel for Lyon) and visit the city on foot. If you only have one day to visit Lyon, spend it walking through the streets of  Vieux Lyon  (Old Lyon), the city’s most popular area to visit. This district has been the best preserved of all of Lyon’s neighborhoods, with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the iconic traboules , and some fascinating cultural museums.

You can use some ideas of things to see and do in Lyon from this Lyon itinerary or take this Lyon free walking tour .

Afternoon at Fourvière Hill

In the afternoon, you can climb the Fourvière Hill for great views of the city and a short visit to the  Fourvière Basilica , which overlooks Lyon. This religious building is the focus of the famous  Fête des Lumières , which occurs at the start of December every year. The climb up to Fourvière Hill is an easy walk up from Old Lyon, but you can also take the funicular from the cathedral.

Lyon has also been recognized as France’s food capital (and the world, according to some!), so be sure to taste some local specialties! This Old Lyon food tour always gets excellent ratings.

 Day 6 | Lyon – Avignon

The next stop of this drive from Paris to Nice is Avignon , the first destination in  Provence . This charming historic city on the South Bank of the Rhône River was home to seven popes. The Papal Palace , where they lived, is a jewel of civil Gothic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy  one day in Avignon . Here everything is within walking distance, and you can easily explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Popes and wander along the  Pont d’Avignon  (the famous bridge) or admire it from afar.

For your night in Avignon, book at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon . This hotel is located in a beautiful 16th-century building with original arches and vaulted ceilings surrounded by a beautiful garden and an outdoor swimming pool.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon

Day 7 | Avignon – Marseille

Marseille  is the capital of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA between friends) and a famous port city. It’s quite different from Avignon and Nice, both in PACA, and an exciting city to explore.

For your night in Marseille, we recommend the  Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port ,  a charming hotel with the perfect location right on the banks of the Old Port.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port

The city is best explored in two days, but if you only have time for one day, look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary and pick the sights and activities you like most.

You can also decide to wander around the picturesque port of Marseille and then take a catamaran cruise with lunch to explore the wonderful Calanques of Marseille – Cassis . The catamaran stops at spectacular coves for a swim and snorkel.

Days 8 and 9 | Marseille – Nice

The last stop on this road trip Paris to Nice is  Nice , the French Riviera capital. Nice is also located in the PACA region, but it is definitely more glitzy and glamorous than Marseille or Avignon.

The drive from Marseille to Nice takes two hours, and if you leave early in the morning, you will have almost two full days to explore Nice.

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. The rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor. Some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views. 

Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges

For your two days in Nice, we recommend this  Nice 2-day itinerary , which also comes with some restaurant suggestions for your dinners in Nice.

Take your time to explore the Old Town , taste some provençal specialties, and of course, have a stroll on the famous  Promenade des Anglais ! Nice also has some of the best French Riviera beaches , and their turquoise waters are calling for a dip. If you want to explore the French Riviera from the water, this boat tour always has excellent reviews. You can also rent a boat or charter a yacht with or without a skipper .

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Paris to Nice road trip today!

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Paris 2024 Olympics: How to plan a last-minute trip, from Games tickets to accommodation

If you are kicking yourself for not bagging tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics when they first went on sale, all is not lost. A travel expert tells Sky News how sports fans can plan a last-minute trip this summer.

News reporter @jos_franks

Monday 22 April 2024 14:08, UK

As the Paris Olympics draw closer, the hype is increasing - and it's only going to build from here. 

If you are kicking yourself for not bagging tickets when they first went on sale, all is not lost.

There are still ways you can get to Paris to see the Games.

Sky News talks to a travel expert to bring you all you need to know about securing your last-minute trip.

Can I still get tickets for the Olympics?

Yes, it is still possible to get tickets for the Games.

More than 250,000 tickets went on sale on 17 April to mark 100 days until the opening of the Games.

This is the last ticket sale, but tickets are still available for dozens of events.

The first sale involved a lottery and timeslots to buy packs of tickets for events.

In the final stretch of ticket sales, things are a lot simpler.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you can see the availability for different events in real time on the website.

While a lot of the final tickets on sale are pretty pricey, there is still the chance to bag a bargain.

Almost 20,000 tickets were put on sale for €24 and it is still possible to get tickets to see football for this price.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are ticket and hospitality packages available that will set you back hundreds of Euros.

What about the Paralympics?

The Paralympic Games will take place from 28 August to 8 September and there are still tickets available from €15.

The booking works the same as for the Olympics - first-come, first-served, with the remaining tickets now available on the website.

Avoid the scammers

Don't get caught out by scammers - make sure you only buy tickets through the official Paris 2024 ticketing website.

It's not too late to book - but don't wait

While the start of the Games is fast approaching, it's not too late to plan a trip - but you should "get booking ASAP", Jessica Dante, travel expert at Love and London, tells Sky News.

The Eurostar is not as "wildly priced" as you might expect, she says, with return fares available for the first week of the Games for under £200 - and the same is true of budget airlines.

But, Ms Dante cautions, "that will invariably only continue to go up" - so book soon rather than hold out for a last-minute deal.

Could there be last-minute deals on accommodation?

Don't bank on it, Ms Dante says.

"I'm always in the camp of just book something so you have it. If something else pops up closer to the time then fine, you can try to make a switch if you've got something that you can cancel.

"But there's also the chance that something might not pop up that's going to be in your price range as well."

While there could be a small wave of accommodation deals open up as people cancel, a lot of accommodation will be non-refundable at least a couple of weeks before the Games, so any cancellations are likely to still be fairly far in advance, she says.

Tips for booking accommodation

There is still "decent availability" for hotels, she says, although some popular spots are already booked up.

Unsurprisingly, cost has a lot to do with location - so look away from central areas and places close to Olympic locations if you are looking to save money.

"The flip side of that is it then means that you're probably going to have to deal with taking the metro and you'll have to pay for the inflated cost of the rides."

The price of metro tickets will almost double during the Games, from €2.10 (£1.80) to €4 (£3.40).

But the surcharge on public transport is unlikely to match the price difference on a more central hotel. Ms Dante advises looking at suburban areas or the outskirts of the city.

What about staying in another town?

Staying in another town entirely and travelling to Paris for events is one option.

But you should consider the pros and cons carefully, Ms Dante says.

There is a looming threat of train strikes. The CGT public servants union has announced plans to strike during the Olympics, which could mean many transport workers walking out.

If you are staying outside Paris, that could scupper your plans to easily travel into the city.

Even if there are not strikes, trains into Paris are likely to be crowded, Ms Dante says.

"You do have to kind of balance that and just be prepared that you might have some difficulty."

Read more: Paris 2024 Olympics: Everything you need to know The Team GB athletes to watch at the Olympics

Can you go to the Olympics and avoid Paris entirely?

The Games may be headlined as Paris 2024, but there are events taking place across the country - and the surfing is even in Tahiti.

The cities of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes and Marseille will host events.

The Olympic ticketing site allows you to filter available events by location, so if you are keen to give Paris a miss you can seek out what is happening in other places.

"They're going to be a little bit less popular than stuff that's right in the centre of Paris, so I think that's a really good option," Ms Dante says.

Consider the Paralympics

The Paralympics often gets overshadowed by the Olympics, but it's a great option if you want to experience the Games, Ms Dante says.

"It's going to be a little bit less crowded, the pricing will be better, probably a little bit more of a relaxed experience."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Is it worth going to Paris if you don't have tickets to the Games?

Maybe there are no tickets left in your price range, or your favourite event is sold out - is it worth planning a trip to Paris anyway?

"Definitely," according to Ms Dante. "This whole summer it's going to be really buzzy there."

A lot of locals will leave the city, she says. It's French tradition in the summer, but the exodus is likely to be even bigger this year as Parisians flee the crowds - meaning some areas could end up being quieter than normal.

Attractions away from the main Olympic sites could also be quieter than normal, she says.

How to make the most of your trip

If you are keen to combine cultural activities with sporting ones, consider booking a guided tour to big attractions, Ms Dante advises.

That way, you have got your ticket secured and the tour guides will be up to speed on any road closures or access changes that could make your visit more tricky.

Also keep in mind that there will be a lot of security measures in place and getting around the city will take longer than normal.

Related Topics

• Paris 2024 Olympics

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Rail route of the month: vines on the line from Avignon to Lyon, France

Our slow travel expert takes the train through the Rhône’s wine country, hoping for grand cru views and a glass of Condrieu

T rains and wine make natural partners, be it a glass of crisp white over a leisurely lunch in a restaurant car while cruising through the Alps or a rail itinerary that meanders through a region noted for its fine wines. Many of Europe’s most prized wine regions lend themselves naturally to exploration by rail.

Take the train from São Bento station in Porto to Pocinho, for example, for fine views of the estates that have underpinned the port trade. Other classic European wine regions where trains weave through vineyards include Tokay in Hungary, Germany’s Moselle valley, the Ebro valley in Spain (for fine Rioja) and Switzerland’s Lavaux region where one grand cru white, made from Chasselas grapes, even plays up the rail connection: the Massy family’s classy Dézaley is called Chemin de Fer .

North from Avignon to Valence

It is a tempting rail-wine connection that brings me to Avignon on a damp early spring day, to explore the Rhône valley. Few travellers are around. Avignon Centre railway station looks handsome with its yellow and white walls. This is the jumping-off point for the regular slow trains to Lyon (a journey of two and a half hours). This regional rail route once carried grand express trains, but no longer. The TGVs dash north to Paris on a high-speed line that tracks well east of the Rhône valley. Only regional trains stick to the old valley route, along the way taking in a roll call of grand appellations that line either side of the Rhône as one follows the railway upstream from Avignon. The railway passes Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, while later in the journey there are fine views across the river to Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Slipping out of Avignon Centre on the blue-and-white train bound for Lyon, there are views to the left of the city’s ancient walls, then we cross the Canal Crillon. We have barely left Avignon’s suburban sprawl when we pause at a station called Sorgues-Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Not a vine in sight, but a few moments later, the distinctive low hill which is home to Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s classiest vineyards is visible away to the west, while on the other side of the railway the rough Provençal countryside stretches east to the Vacqueyras wine district and, in the distance, the hill country around Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, the latter noted for its aromatic Muscat.

Our train loops slightly west to serve Orange, after which we have our first real encounter with the main channel of the River Rhône. It isn’t all pretty – we pass cement works, graveyards of abandoned cars and nuclear power plants.

Halfway through the journey, I stop for lunch in Valence where the elegant design of Valence Ville railway station recalls the architectural idiom of the Grand Trianon at Versailles. I know this route well, and in either direction a stop at Valence is mandatory. Coming from the north, it’s the first town that embodies the energetic vitality of the scented south of France, and heading north it’s a chance to bid the south adieu . And embrace the famous vineyards that lie ahead.

Beyond Valence, the valley sides close in and the countryside, now a little greener, hosts vineyards from which come powerful red wines made from the Syrah grape, and many opulent whites, the best of which reflect the finesse of three very contrasting grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. The latter brings the prospect of a heady perfume of orange blossom, apricots and almonds.

Northern Rhône vineyards

Leaving Valence, there’s a view over the Rhône to Cornas, renowned for its assertive, peppery reds. Then we cross the River Isère and soon we are cruising past a litany of celebrated vineyards. Signs mark the prized parcels of land owned by illustrious winemakers like Chave, Chapoutier and Jaboulet.

There’s a neck-craning view of a chapel high on a slope above the railway. Not any chapel but the one which dominates a parcel of land in Hermitage known as La Chapelle, associated with revered red wines that develop gently over decades in the bottle.

To the left, the slow-flowing waters of the Rhône and to the right the gentle slopes draped with vineyards of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. Across the river is Saint-Joseph. But the best is yet to come. For lovers of the Viognier grape, and I count myself among their number, the high point of this journey is Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet. The steep slopes of both appellations are visible on the other bank of the river as we approach the station at Saint-Clair-Les Roches where I stay overnight in the Hotel Bellevue (doubles from €115, room only).

It wins no prizes for architectural ambition, but among the hotel’s many redemptive qualities are a Rhône view as fine as its name implies, good food, and access via a bridge over the river to the Condrieu vineyards on the west bank.

“We call that Guigalville,” says the waiter at the hotel gesturing to the vineyards over the river and referring to the family who have done so much to promote the wines of Condrieu and neighbouring Côte-Rôtie. So the next day, I take a local bus to Ampuis to visit the Guigal estate and taste some local wines.

The Condrieu is a star, with its perfect balance of acidity and fruit. Then it’s back to Saint-Clair and the onward train north up the valley to Lyon. There’s a tantalising view across the river to the turreted Château d’Ampuis, home of the Guigal family. Our train pauses at Vienne, a riverside town famous for its Roman remains. Then we run non-stop to Lyon, a hop of 20 minutes, passing through Seyssuel where ambitious young winemakers are buying up land amid rumours that its wines could offer all the finesse of Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

Now the last of the vineyards are gone and we enter Lyon, passing factories and oil refineries, power stations and sewage works. I note that the train I am on continues beyond Lyon to Mâcon, giving the option of extending my wine tour north to include Beaujolais and the southernmost portion of the Mâconnais.

I am tempted, but Swiss whites beckon, so I alight at Lyon and make tracks for the Lavaux region on the north side of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) where I have an appointment with a glass of Luc Massy’s grand cru Dézaley Chemin de Fer.

Travel details

There are 11 direct regional trains each weekday from Avignon Centre to Lyon. The service is less frequent at weekends with nine direct trains on Saturdays and seven on Sundays. The one-way fare from Avignon Centre to Lyon Part Dieu via the Rhône valley is €40.70. Purchase at the station before departure or in advance via Rail Europe for £36 (tickets priced in sterling no longer carry a booking fee).

Nicky Gardner lives in Berlin. She is co-author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide (Hidden Europe, £18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy of the 17th edition from guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply.

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