The South of France is one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions in the world. From the stunning Mediterranean coastline to the rolling vineyards of Provence and the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, this part of France offers unforgettable road trip experiences. Whether you’re looking for historic towns, breathtaking landscapes, or gastronomic delights, a road trip through Southern France is the perfect way to explore it all.
Here are the 10 best road trips in the South of France, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s charm and beauty.
1. The French Riviera Coastal Drive
Route: Nice → Monaco → Menton
Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is famous for its glamorous coastal towns, luxurious beaches, and sparkling blue waters. A drive along the Mediterranean from Nice to Menton via Monaco is one of the most iconic road trips in France.
Highlights:
- Nice – Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and explore the old town.
- Monaco – Visit the Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince’s Palace.
- Menton – A charming town with colorful houses and fragrant citrus groves.
This short but spectacular drive follows the scenic Moyenne Corniche, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
2. The Lavender Route in Provence
Route: Avignon → Sault → Valensole → Gordes
Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
From mid-June to late July, the fields of Provence turn into a mesmerizing sea of purple as lavender blooms across the region. This road trip takes you through the heart of lavender country.
Highlights:
- Sault – A great starting point to explore lavender fields and traditional distilleries.
- Valensole – Home to the most famous and photogenic lavender fields.
- Gordes – A stunning hilltop village offering panoramic views of the Luberon Valley.
This trip is best done in summer when the lavender is in full bloom, filling the air with its intoxicating fragrance.
3. The Wine Route of Bordeaux
Route: Bordeaux → Saint-Émilion → Médoc → Arcachon
Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
For wine lovers, the Bordeaux region offers one of the finest road trips in France. Driving through the lush vineyards of Médoc and Saint-Émilion is an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Bordeaux – A UNESCO-listed city with exceptional wine bars and restaurants.
- Saint-Émilion – A charming medieval town famous for its prestigious wineries.
- Médoc – Home to legendary vineyards such as Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild.
- Arcachon – A coastal town known for its oysters and the towering Dune du Pilat.
Enjoy wine tastings, picturesque châteaux, and some of the best gastronomy in France.
4. The Gorges du Verdon Loop
Route: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie → Castellane → Lac de Sainte-Croix
Distance: 150 km (93 miles)
The Gorges du Verdon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is a must-see natural wonder. Driving through this region offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in France.
Highlights:
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – A picturesque village at the entrance of the gorge.
- Verdon Gorge – Hike or kayak along the turquoise waters of the canyon.
- Lac de Sainte-Croix – A beautiful lake perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
This route is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
5. The Cathar Castles Route
Route: Carcassonne → Quéribus → Peyrepertuse → Montségur
Distance: 180 km (112 miles)
History buffs will love this journey through the ancient strongholds of the Cathars. These medieval castles, perched high on rugged cliffs, tell the story of the 13th-century Cathar Crusade.
Highlights:
- Carcassonne – A fairy-tale medieval citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Quéribus – A dramatic fortress with panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
- Peyrepertuse – A stunning castle that blends into the limestone cliffs.
- Montségur – The last Cathar stronghold, with a tragic history.
This road trip offers a blend of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery.
6. The Pyrenees Scenic Drive
Route: Perpignan → Font-Romeu → Lourdes
Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
The Pyrenees Mountains form a stunning natural border between France and Spain, offering rugged landscapes, charming villages, and excellent hiking trails.
Highlights:
- Perpignan – A lively Catalan-influenced city.
- Font-Romeu – A mountain town known for its ski resorts and thermal spas.
- Lourdes – A famous pilgrimage site attracting millions of visitors annually.
This route is ideal for mountain lovers, offering both summer and winter activities.
7. The Dordogne Valley Road Trip
Route: Sarlat-la-Canéda → La Roque-Gageac → Rocamadour
Distance: 150 km (93 miles)
The Dordogne Valley is one of the most charming and historically rich regions of France. The winding roads take you through medieval villages, prehistoric caves, and stunning river landscapes.
Highlights:
- Sarlat-la-Canéda – A beautifully preserved medieval town.
- La Roque-Gageac – A cliffside village along the Dordogne River.
- Rocamadour – A dramatic pilgrimage site built into a limestone cliff.
A perfect road trip for history lovers and those seeking traditional French countryside charm.
8. The Basque Country Coastal Drive
Route: Biarritz → Saint-Jean-de-Luz → Hendaye
Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
The Basque Country offers a unique blend of French and Spanish culture, with stunning coastal scenery and excellent cuisine.
Highlights:
- Biarritz – A stylish surf town with beautiful beaches.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz – A charming fishing village with delicious seafood.
- Hendaye – The last French town before Spain, offering stunning coastal views.
This short yet stunning drive is perfect for food lovers and beachgoers.
9. The Cévennes National Park Road Trip
Route: Nîmes → Florac → Mont Aigoual
Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
The Cévennes National Park is a hidden gem in Southern France, offering dramatic landscapes, winding roads, and peaceful forests.
Highlights:
- Nîmes – Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France.
- Florac – A quaint village in the heart of the park.
- Mont Aigoual – The highest peak in the Cévennes, offering panoramic views.
This is an ideal trip for nature lovers and those looking to escape the crowds.
10. The Camargue Wetlands Route
Route: Arles → Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer → Aigues-Mortes
Distance: 120 km (75 miles)
The Camargue is a unique region known for its wild horses, pink flamingos, and salt marshes. This drive takes you through its stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
Highlights:
- Arles – A city filled with Roman ruins and Van Gogh inspirations.
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – A charming seaside town with a famous annual pilgrimage.
- Aigues-Mortes – A medieval walled town surrounded by salt flats.
This route offers a blend of wildlife, history, and striking scenery.
Conclusion
Southern France is a paradise for road trippers, offering diverse landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures. Whether you prefer coastal drives, mountain adventures, or vineyard tours, these 10 road trips will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the beauty of the South of France!
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