France is one of the most popular destinations among tourists worldwide, and it’s not surprising. This country really has very diversified things to see, admire and enjoy – beautiful, paradise-like beaches, high mountains to climb or ski, wild forests, lakes, both modern and old, history-packed cities, skyscrapers and castles, luxurious hotels, and secluded cottages in the countryside.
France is seen as the most romantic country in the world where all kinds of adventures are waiting for you just around the corner. It’s truly worth visiting and exploring.
What Is the Best Way To Explore France?
Because of many different attractions, a lot of tourists decide to rent a car in France – independence allows you to really sink in the atmosphere and culture, to see more than you could with any other means of transport.
You can choose when you come and go, what places you want to visit, where you want to stay – you don’t have to worry about timetables, tickets or delays. You’re in charge, and you’re the master of your own vacation.
There are a few things you need to know about driving in France. According to GlobalGrasshopper.com, you would need a pollution sticker if you drive in Paris (you can get it either online or at the gas station). Also, remember that mobile-phone hands-free devices are not allowed when driving.
There are many places where you can’t go by bus or train, but with a car, you don’t have to worry. What’s more, traveling by car saves you money – you can always find a supermarket instead of a restaurant, and you can stay in the countryside where prices are much lower than in the cities.
So what is there to see in France if you decide to go on a road trip?
Fly to Marseille
Marseille is the second-largest city in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Only in the city you can walk around the old port, climb the hill to the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde to admire amazing views of the city and islands nearby, have a stroll in ancient Roman ruins, or visit the old fort.
If you have a car, you can explore the true wonders of Provence – breathtaking Calanques and lovely port town of Cassis, old and culture-oriented Aix-en-Provence, wonderful lavender fields if you happen to be there in summer, or Arles, where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted.
Fly to Nice
French Riviera is what comes to your mind when you think about luxury. Of course, places like St. Tropez and Cannes are definitely worth visiting, but with your own car, you can discover so much more. Even driving a highway from Nice is an amazing attraction because of the views – on the same day, you can be driving by the sea and between high, rocky mountains.
You never know when you’ll encounter a small lavender field or a hillside vineyard. Also, about 40km from Nice, there’s a little town called Grasse that is famous in the whole world thanks to its perfumeries.
Fly to Tours
Loire Valley is one of the favorite destinations in France. If you rent a car, you can go there from Paris as well (it’s about 3 hours drive), but if you prefer to avoid the capital, you can start your road trip in Tours.
Loire Valley is a region with wonderful views, numerous, often famous castles (many of them you can see in movies), secluded vineyards, and historic villages. This is a must-see for all fans of period dramas, but to be honest, everyone would be impressed by these splendid landscapes.
Explore Brittany
Brittany, one of France’s lesser-known regions, perhaps because of its colder weather, has much to offer to the potential tourists. It’s a homeland of the Celtic nation called Bretons, whose dialect can be found on many road signs in Breton-speaking areas.
Brittany is known for its excellent cuisine, including crêpes, galettes, cotriade, and the region’s traditional drink – cider. It is a perfect place for all fans of Arthurian legends and megalithic monuments like the Carnac stones or the Menhir de Champ-Dolent. You will also not be disappointed when visiting Dinan, a small town located on a hill, charming its visitors with medieval architecture or Château des ducs de Bretagne, beautifully showing the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.
Fly to Corsica
If you don’t find the mainland amusing enough for a road trip, consider flying out to one of France’s islands. Corsica, located on the Mediterranean Sea, is regarded as the “mountain in the sea,” with mountains amounting to two-thirds of the region.
While it is mostly known for being the birthplace of Napoleon, it is also home to beautiful views and distinctive cuisine. Small communes like Speloncato located on hillsides are bound to please all photographers looking for picturesque sceneries. The highest mountain, Monte Cinto, offers panoramic views of European mountain ranges on a clear day.
More on Driving in France
In France, you drive on the right side of the road, and the speed limits are 110-130kph on the motorway, 50-90kph in the rural areas, and 50kph in towns and cities.
The costs of rental cars in France depend on the month and the age of a driver, but you can rent a regular, small car for around 20 euros per day. The minimum age to drive is 18, but most rental agents won’t let you rent a car if you’re younger than 21. There are also driver supplements that you’ll have to pay if you’re under the age of 25 (they vary depending on the agent, from 5 to 30 euros per day).
Apart from that, you have to remember about toll roads prices, but even with all those additional costs, you’ll still save money on food and accommodation. You won’t be bound to any big city where prices are much higher than in the countryside. Besides, isn’t the possibility to see beautiful secluded places worth it all?
