France, with its diverse regions and scenic roads, is the ultimate playground for van life enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the golden beaches of the French Riviera, the lush valleys of the Dordogne, or the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, a road trip in France offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure.

While many vanlifers are tempted by the charms of Spain, Portugal, or other European destinations, France is packed with hidden gems waiting to be explored.

We regularly set off to discover the beauty of our own country, and in this article, we’re excited to share some of our best discoveries and expert road trip tips to help you plan your perfect France itinerary. 🚐✨

⚠ The itineraries we are about to share with you were created using Google Maps. We have no control over the specific roads these routes take, and in most cases, Google Maps suggests highways. However, we highly recommend avoiding major roads whenever possible and opting for smaller scenic routes instead—you’ll get to enjoy much more beautiful landscapes along the way!

10 Road Trip Ideas for Your Perfect France Itinerary

Normandy by Van: A Scenic Escape to Discover Its Wonders

Following this route, you’ll travel between wild coastlines (Baie de Somme), natural wonders (Étretat, Mont-Saint-Michel), charming seaside resorts (Deauville, Cabourg), and historic landmarks in Calvados (Caen Memorial and the D-Day landing beaches). Normandy has so much to offer!

For a change of scenery, you can also venture inland to explore Swiss Normandy, a region known for its vast green landscapes and outdoor activities.

Here are the must-see places to include in your France itinerary while road-tripping through Normandy:

• Baie de Somme (Le Crotoy, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme…)
• Dieppe
• The famous cliffs of Étretat
• The elegant beaches of Deauville, Trouville, and Cabourg
• The city of Caen, its memorial, and nearby Bayeux
• The historic D-Day landing beaches (Omaha Beach, Ouistreham, Colleville-sur-Mer) and the Normandy American Cemetery
• Pointe du Hoc
• Cherbourg and its fishing port
• The stunning Mont-Saint-Michel

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable Normandy road trip filled with breathtaking landscapes, history, and coastal charm!

Wild Brittany: A Van Life Road Trip to Explore the Coast

For a true wilderness escape, Brittany’s rugged coastline is the perfect destination! Along the way, you’ll discover charming villages, picturesque fishing ports, nearly deserted beaches, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This road trip is a dream come true for nature lovers.

Following this France itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore:

• Saint-Malo
• The Pink Granite Coast: Trégastel Beach, Ploumanac’h Lighthouse, and the Saint-Uzec standing stones
• Finistère: Brest, the Crozon Peninsula and Cap de la Chèvre, the Monts d’Arrée, Douarnenez, Quimper, and the dramatic Pointe du Raz
• Morbihan: The city of Lorient, the Carnac standing stones, the Quiberon Peninsula, and the historic town of Vannes

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable journey along Brittany’s wild and unspoiled coastline!

Loire Valley Castle Route: A Van Life Journey Through History

Hit the road and explore the majestic castles of the Loire Valley while immersing yourself in France’s rich history! This itinerary can be done on foot, by bike, or—more conveniently—by van or car. Along the way, you’ll visit UNESCO-listed historic sites, uncover fascinating stories about French royalty, and even enjoy some excellent local wine (because who could say no to that?).

Following this France itinerary, you’ll discover:

• Château de Meung-sur-Loire
• Château de Chambord
• The Royal Château of Blois
• Château de Chaumont
• The Royal Château of Amboise
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Villandry
• And finally, Château d’Angers

🚐✨ Prepare for a road trip through history, culture, and breathtaking Renaissance architecture!

The Landes Route: A Van Life Itinerary Through Nature

The Landes Route is the perfect France itinerary for those looking to explore lakes, endless pine forests, the Atlantic coast, and epic surf spots! Whether you’re into water sports, scenic hikes, or just soaking in the natural beauty of southwest France, this road trip has it all.

Following this itinerary, you’ll get to explore:

• Les Sables d’Olonne
• La Rochelle (and why not take a detour to Île de Ré for a few days?)
• The charming towns of Royan, Cognac, and Bordeaux
• Soulac-sur-Mer, Carcans, and Lacanau, along with their stunning lakes
• The famous Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe
• The breathtaking Arcachon Bay
• Biscarrosse, a paradise for water sports and nature lovers
• The Courant d’Huchet, a magical river winding through lush landscapes

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable van life experience in the heart of nature!

Exploring the Basque Country: A Van Life Journey Through Culture and Gastronomy

A road trip through the Basque Country is the perfect way to experience the Atlantic Coast’s surf spots, charming villages with red half-timbered houses, and the stunning mountain landscapes of the Pyrenees. This region is a true gem for food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike!

Following this France itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore:

• Bayonne, famous for its historic streets and chocolate
• Biarritz, the ultimate surf and seaside destination
• Bidart, a charming coastal village
• Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for its picturesque harbor and Basque culture
• Hendaye, the last French town before Spain, with beautiful beaches
• La Rhune, a breathtaking peak in the Pyrenees
• Espelette, where you can taste the region’s famous chili peppers
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a key stop on the Camino de Santiago

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable van life journey through the heart of Basque culture, history, and delicious cuisine!

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Auvergne and Its Volcanoes: A Van Life Road Trip for Nature Lovers

Hit the road and explore the stunning landscapes of Auvergne, home to the famous Auvergne volcanoes. This road trip is perfect for those who crave wide-open spaces and scenic hikes. You’ll drive along quiet, winding roads, stopping whenever you please to capture breathtaking views of this unique volcanic region.

Following this France itinerary, you’ll get to explore:

• The Lemptégy Volcano, an open-air geological wonder
• Puy de Dôme, Puy de Sancy, and Mont-Dore, some of the most iconic peaks in the region
• The spa town of Saint-Nectaire, where you can taste its famous cheese
• Puy Mary, a spectacular peak in the Cantal mountains
• Bort-les-Orgues, featuring a castle, a dam, and a picturesque village
• The Aubrac Regional Natural Park, a paradise for nature lovers

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable van trip through one of France’s most breathtaking natural landscapes!

Provence: A Van Life Journey Through Lavender Fields

Set off to explore the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This road trip promises charming Provençal villages, endless lavender fields, golden beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders like the Verdon Gorges, Mercantour National Park, and the Luberon.

Following this France itinerary, you’ll have the chance to discover:

• Avignon, Salon-de-Provence, and Vitrolles
• Luberon Regional Natural Park, famous for its scenic landscapes
• Marseille and the Calanques National Park, plus Cassis with its turquoise waters
• Toulon, Hyères (including the stunning Île de Porquerolles), and Le Lavandou
• Saint-Tropez, Fréjus, Cannes, and Grasse, the perfume capital
• Nice and Menton, gems of the French Riviera
• Mercantour National Park, a paradise for hikers
• Digne-les-Bains, a famous spa town
• Verdon Regional Natural Park, home to Europe’s most beautiful canyon

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable road trip filled with sunshine, stunning landscapes, and the sweet scent of lavender!

Island of Beauty: A Van Life Itinerary to Explore the Wonders of Corsica

Corsica is packed with breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to explore the « Island of Beauty » is on a road trip! Take a few weeks to discover every corner of this Mediterranean gem. Corsica offers paradise-like beaches, rugged mountains, perched villages, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

🚐 Important: Before setting off, check which overnight parking spots are allowed, as regulations in Corsica may differ from those on the mainland.

Following this France itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore:

• Bastia, a lively port city rich in history
• Cap Corse, a scenic peninsula with wild landscapes
• Nonza and its unique black sand beach
• The Agriates Desert, home to some of Corsica’s most stunning beaches
• L’Île-Rousse and the Balagne region, known for its charming villages
• Monte Cinto, the highest peak in Corsica
• Natural wonders like the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Calanques de Piana
• Ajaccio and Propriano, perfect for history and coastal beauty
• Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, with their dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters
• The Aiguilles de Bavella, a paradise for hikers
• The natural pools of Cavu, a refreshing stop in the heart of nature
• San Giuliano, a peaceful seaside escape

🚐✨ Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Corsica’s most spectacular landscapes!

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The Napoléon Route: Head South for a Historic Van Life Journey

Starting from Grenoble, this road trip takes you south to Golfe-Juan and the Mediterranean Sea, following the legendary route once traveled by Napoléon. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains and lush vineyards to the shimmering coastline. You’ll also pass through some of France’s most stunning natural wonders, including the Écrins National Park and the Gorges du Verdon.

Following this France itinerary, you’ll get to explore:

• Laffrey, where Napoléon’s return to power began
• La Mure, a charming Alpine town
• The historic city of Gap
• Sisteron, with its impressive citadel and scenic river views
• Digne-les-Bains, a famous spa town
• Grasse, the perfume capital of the world
• Cannes, known for its film festival and stunning beaches
• And finally, Golfe-Juan, where Napoléon landed before marching to Paris

🚐✨ Get ready for a road trip filled with history, nature, and stunning landscapes!

The Route des Grandes Alpes: A Van Life Road Trip to Explore the Peaks

Embark on the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, a breathtaking road trip through France’s most stunning mountain landscapes. Starting from Lake Geneva, this route takes you all the way to the Mediterranean, crossing some of the most iconic mountain ranges in France, including Vanoise, Queyras, and Mercantour.

This itinerary is perfect for mountain lovers seeking fresh air, panoramic views, and an unforgettable adventure. It’s truly one of the most scenic routes in France!

Following this France itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore:

• Thonon-les-Bains, a charming lakeside town
• The Gorges du Pont du Diable, a spectacular natural site
• Chamonix Mont-Blanc and Sallanches, with breathtaking views of Europe’s highest peak
• Vanoise National Park, a paradise for hikers and wildlife lovers
• Queyras Regional Natural Park, an unspoiled gem of the French Alps
• Mercantour National Park, home to stunning alpine landscapes and unique biodiversity
• Menton, the final stop, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean

🚐✨ Get ready for an epic van life journey through some of France’s most majestic peaks!

Prepare Your Van Life Road Trip in France: 4 Essential Tips

Tip #1: Choose the Right Vehicle

Take the time to choose a vehicle that fits your needs and road trip style. Throughout this article, we’ve assumed you already have a van, but that may not be the case.

If you don’t own a van, renting one is a great option. We highly recommend Yescapa, one of the best van rental agencies.

Prefer to rent a car instead? Check out DiscoverCars—they operate in over 145 countries with 10,000+ rental locations, making it easy to find the perfect vehicle at the best price in just a few clicks.

Tip #2: Plan a Flexible Itinerary

1. Don’t Stick to a Strict Route

This is our most important advice, especially if it’s your first van trip.

It’s best to stay flexible. You can make a list of must-see places, but don’t limit yourself to just those.

France is full of hidden gems! Take detours—you might stumble upon a charming village, a breathtaking monument, or an unexpected adventure.

2. Avoid Fixed Dates

To truly enjoy your France itinerary, give yourself enough time to explore each place at your own pace.

For a road trip focused on a single region (like Brittany), plan for at least two weeks—and preferably three if you want to take it slow.

💡 The dream? Hitting the road with no return date! But for that, you’ll need either a digital nomad lifestyle or enough savings to fund your adventure. 😉

Tip #3: Avoid Highways

If you want to fully experience your road trip and soak in France’s most beautiful landscapes, skip the highways.

Why?

• They’re expensive.
• You’ll miss out on scenic views and hidden gems.

Instead, opt for national and regional roads. You’ll pass through charming villages, lush forests, and unexpected scenic spots—perfect for a picnic or an overnight stop.

We’ve been road-tripping across France for years, never taking highways, and that’s how we’ve discovered some incredible places: Lac de Vouglans, Étang de la Herse, and many more!

Tip #4: Scout Overnight Spots in Advance

To make your van life experience in France stress-free, we recommend scouting good spots before your trip.

Use apps like Park4night or Roadsurfer Spots to find great places to park for the night. You can also look up campgrounds and public parking options just in case.

Knowing you have a few solid options will help you relax and enjoy your adventure.

👉 Want more tips on finding the best van spots in France? Check out our detailed guide!

📘 Go Even Further with Our Ebook: « Sleeping in a Van – The Art of Finding the Perfect Spot« 

Every great France itinerary comes with one big question: where to sleep in your van?

To help you out, we’ve written an ebook: « Sleeping in a Van – The Art of Finding the Perfect Spot. »

Each chapter answers the questions we’ve asked ourselves—and that you’re probably asking too! We reveal our best tips and techniques for finding the best legal parking spots for overnight stays.

This guide is designed to be your ultimate road trip companion, helping you make the most of your van life adventures and ensuring you always find the perfect place to park. 🚐✨

What is a Road Trip?

For us, a road trip means traveling in your own vehicle—whether it’s a car, campervan, motorcycle, or RV—while taking the time to truly enjoy the journey. It’s about changing destinations whenever you feel like it and exploring each place in depth at your own pace.

There’s no fixed duration for a road trip. You can hit the road for a few days or embark on a months-long adventure. You might choose to focus on a single region or explore an entire country.

Personally, we prefer sleeping in our vehicle, but there are no rules! Some travelers opt for hotels or other accommodations—it’s all about what works best for you.

🚐✨ In short, a road trip is all about freedom, discovery, and the open road. It’s the perfect way to travel for those who love adventure and nature!

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Conclusion

If you’re dreaming of exploring every corner of France, why not plan a road trip? Now, you have plenty of inspiring France itinerary ideas, and we’re sure one of them will be the perfect fit for you!

You also know our top tips to make the most of your adventure—because enjoying the journey and the landscapes is what matters most! And if you’re not sure how to plan your first road trip, check out this article for guidance!

🚐✨ We hope these road trip ideas inspire you to hit the road and explore the beauty of France. There’s so much to discover around us—it would be a shame to miss out!

Which of these 10 road trips excites you the most?

See you soon on the roads of France—or beyond! 😉

Johanna & Gabriel