France's diverse landscapes, historic villages, and world-renowned cuisine make it a perfect destination for road trip enthusiasts. From the lavender fields of Provence to the dramatic coastlines of Brittany, this comprehensive guide will help you plan an unforgettable driving holiday through one of Europe's most beautiful countries.
Essential Driving Tips for France
Before setting off on your French adventure, it's important to note that French roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted. You'll drive on the right side of the road, and most hire cars are manual transmission. Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration documents, and insurance papers. The motorway network (autoroutes) is extensive but typically involves tolls, so keep euros handy or get an electronic toll pass from your car hire company.
Route Napoleon: Following in the Footsteps of an Emperor
Our journey begins with the legendary Route Napoleon, one of the most scenic drives in France. This 325-kilometre route follows the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 as he returned from exile.
Starting in Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera, the route winds its way north through the spectacular mountains of France, ending in Grenoble. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the southern Pre-Alps and charming Provençal villages.
Highlights:
- Grasse: Known as the perfume capital of the world, stop here to visit a perfumery and enjoy the fragrant lavender fields.
- Castellane: A picturesque town nestled in the Alps, perfect for a lunch break.
- Sisteron: Marvel at the impressive citadel perched atop a rocky outcrop.
Where to eat:
- In Grasse, treat yourself to a meal at La Bastide Saint-Antoine, a Michelin-starred restaurant set in a beautiful 18th-century house.
The Route des Grandes Alpes: A High-Altitude Adventure
For those seeking a more challenging drive, the Route des Grandes Alpes offers an unforgettable journey through the French Alps. This 684-kilometre route takes you from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the Mediterranean Sea, crossing 16 of the highest and most beautiful passes in the Alps.
Key stops:
- Col de l'Iseran: The highest paved mountain pass in the Alps at 2,764 metres.
- Chamonix: Take a break from driving your hired car to ride the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views of Mont Blanc.
- Gorges du Verdon: Often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," this stunning gorge offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and water sports.
Where to eat:
- In Chamonix, dine at Le 3842 Restaurant, the highest restaurant in France, offering spectacular views and gourmet cuisine.
The Romantic Loire Valley: Castles and Vineyards
For a more relaxed driving experience, head to the Loire Valley, known for its stunning châteaux and world-class wines. This picturesque region is perfect for those who want to combine driving with cultural exploration and wine tasting.
Must-visit châteaux:
- Château de Chambord: The largest castle in the Loire Valley, known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
- Château de Chenonceau: Often called the "Ladies' Château," this elegant castle spans the River Cher.
- Château d'Amboise: A royal residence with connections to Leonardo da Vinci.
Wine routes:
- Follow the Loire Valley Wine Route, stopping at vineyards in Sancerre, Vouvray, and Chinon to sample the region's famous wines.
Where to eat:
- Indulge in a gastronomic experience at La Table de l'Abbaye, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Fontevraud Abbey.
The Rugged Beauty of Corsica
For a truly unique driving experience, hop on a ferry to Corsica. This Mediterranean Island offers a diverse range of landscapes, from pristine beaches to rugged mountains, all accessible by car.
Top drives:
- The D81 coastal road: This winding road offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and takes you through charming coastal villages.
- The Bavella Pass: Drive through the heart of Corsica's mountainous interior, passing through fragrant pine forests and granite peaks.
The Lavender Fields of Provence
No road trip in France would be complete without a journey through the lavender fields of Provence. Time your visit between mid-June and August to see the fields in full bloom.
Scenic routes:
- The Lavender Route: Start in Avignon and make your way through the Luberon and Verdon regions, stopping at picturesque villages like Gordes and Roussillon.
- The Valensole Plateau: Home to some of the most photographed lavender fields in Provence.
Where to eat:
- Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux, surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves.
The Dramatic Coastline of Brittany
For a change of scenery, set your hired car in motion and head to the rugged coastline of Brittany in northwestern France. The region's winding coastal roads offer dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and charming fishing villages.
Must-drive routes:
- The Pink Granite Coast: This 30-kilometre stretch of coastline is known for its uniquely coloured rocks and picturesque lighthouses.
- The Gulf of Morbihan: Drive around this inland sea, stopping at oyster farms and ancient megalithic sites.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known roads in France worth exploring?
Absolutely! Beyond the popular tourist spots, France has numerous hidden gems and lesser-known roads perfect for exploring when you hire a cat. Here are a few to consider:
- Lunéville: Located in the Lorraine region, a short driving distrance from Paris, Lunéville is known for its castle and Versailles-esque gardens. The colourful buildings add to its charm.
- Belfort: Close to the French-Swiss border, Belfort features the iconic Lion de Belfort and the Citadel, offering views of the mountains and city.
- Cahors: This southwest French town boasts one of the most stunning bridges and is known for its Malbec wine, scenic streets, and river views.
- Verdon Gorge: A must-see in the south of France, this beautiful location offers plenty of outdoor activities. A hired car is needed to get there.
- Villages in the Dordogne region: Explore hidden gems in hamlets and villages such as Couze-et-Saint-Front for nature walks and castles. Monpazier, a medieval town, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
- St-Valéry-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy: These pretty towns face each other across the Baie de Somme in France’s northern coast and are connected by the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, a vintage railway. They feature Belle Epoque architecture, sandy beaches, and medieval old towns.
- Ile de la Barthelasse: Escape the crowds of Avignon by taking a short ferry ride to this large river island with campsites, farms, and country lanes.
- Ile de Ré: One of the most captivating islands along the Atlantic coast, with sandy beaches and villages of whitewashed houses. Drive to Les Portes-en-Ré for seemingly endless sandy beaches.
- Eze: This 13th-century village is perched on a rocky peak near Nice, offering beautiful landscapes and a medieval atmosphere. Perfect roads to explore with your hired car for an unforgettable experience.
- Bruniquel: This is one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’. It has enchanting, cobbled streets, medieval houses, and stunning views. The roads taking you there offer breathtaking views, worth driving every mile.
- Lauzerte: Explore this medieval bastide, another of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, known for its artisans, views, and local produce.
- West Central France: Drive through the countryside, discovering quaint villages and hidden gems.
What are the best times of year to drive these scenic routes in France
The best times of year to drive scenic routes in France are generally during the milder seasons (May/June or September/October) or summer, depending on your preferences and the specific region.
- Spring (May/June): This period offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. The landscapes are lush and green, making it ideal for exploring regions like the Loire Valley.
- Summer: Summer is great for tackling high-altitude routes like the Alpine lakes and valleys loop, ensuring that passes are open and accessible. However, be prepared to drive through busier roads and more tourists.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is particularly appealing for scenic drives through wine regions like Burgundy, with the fall foliage adding to the beauty. The weather is generally mild, and the crowds have thinned out.
- Winter: Driving in France during winter can be pretty, but it is not advisable. If traveling in winter, make sure that your car hire has snow tires or carry snow chains.
Tips for Driving in France
Before you set off on your French road trip adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- The speed limit on motorways is typically 130 km/h, reduced to 110 km/h in rain.
- Many motorways are toll roads, so be prepared with cash or a credit card.
- It's compulsory to carry a warning triangle and high-visibility vest in your car.
- Don't drink and drive – the legal blood alcohol limit in France is lower than in the UK.
The Importance of Car Hire Excess Insurance
When you hire a car in France, the rental company typically includes basic insurance. However, this often comes with a high excess, meaning you could be liable for hundreds or even thousands of pounds in the event of an accident or damage. Car Hire Excess Insurance covers this excess, ensuring you don’t have to pay a fortune if something goes wrong.
Independent Insurance vs Car Hire Company Insurance
When securing Car Hire Excess Insurance, you have two options: purchasing directly from the car hire company or choosing an independent provider like Gigasure. Here’s how they compare:
Car Hire Excess from the car hire company
Convenient – Offered at the rental desk when picking up the car. 
Expensive – Often significantly overpriced, adding unnecessary costs to your trip. Limited cover – May not include essential areas like tyres, windscreen, or undercarriage damage.
Independent Car Hire Excess Insurance from Gigasure
More affordable – Get coverage at a lower cost. Better protection – Covers a wider range of damages, including key loss, misfuelling, and personal belongings. Flexible policies – Customise your cover based on your trip needs and duration.
What Does Car Hire Excess Insurance Cover?
With Gigasure, your Car Hire Excess Insurance policy typically includes:
- Misfuelling Cover – Up to £2,000 to cover the costs of refuelling mishaps, such as accidentally filling your car with the wrong type of fuel.
- Excess Protection – Up to £10,000 protection against excess charges for damage to the bodywork, tyres, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage, as well as fire damage, vandalism, and theft.
- Rental Car Key Protection – Included as standard.
- Covers up to 9 named drivers on a single rental agreement.
- Gigasure’s policies offer up to 65 days of continuous cover on any single rental agreement with our annual multi-trip policies.
Why Travel Insurance is Also Essential in France
Car Hire Excess Insurance alone isn’t enough when travelling to France. It only covers car excess costs – but what about unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost luggage? That’s where Travel Insurance comes in.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
- Medical emergencies – Covers hospital bills and emergency treatments.
- Trip cancellations – Protection if you need to cancel due to unforeseen events.
- Lost or stolen belongings – Protects your valuables while travelling.
- Travel Delays – With GigaShield, you are covered if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more or if your baggage does not arrive at your destination at the same time as you.
The Best Solution: Get Both with Gigasure
With Gigasure, you can get both Car Hire Excess Insurance and Travel Insurance in one place – saving you time, hassle, and money. The Gigasure app lets you manage both policies effortlessly, giving you peace of mind while exploring France.
Travel smart and stay protected with Gigasure!
Conclusion
From the sun-drenched lavender fields of Provence to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, France offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you're cruising along the glamorous French Riviera, winding through the vineyards of the Loire Valley, or tackling challenging mountain passes, a road trip in France promises unforgettable adventures and memories to last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Hire a car, get your Car Hire Excess Insurance, pack your sense of adventure, and set off to explore the best roads France has to offer. With stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage at every turn, your French road trip is sure to be an experience you'll cherish forever. Bon voyage!
