The Beauty of France: You'll Miss Half of It If You Don't Travel This Way!
The Allure of Self-Driving Tours in France
The popularity of self-driving tours in France can be seen from the origin of the Michelin Guide itself. This now-famous high-end food guide was originally a road trip brochure published by a tire company, recommending destinations and local restaurants worth visiting. France is indeed a very suitable country for self-driving tours. From the coast to the mountains, from the countryside to the city, the rich and diverse natural and cultural landscapes can surprise even those who have been to France many times. Driving in France not only allows you to reach various destinations more conveniently and quickly but also enables you to enjoy the changing and charming scenery along the way. You can even stop and rest at will during the journey, making the trip more relaxing and fulfilling.
Normandy Coast
Suggested number of days: 4 - 7 days
This not-too-long journey concentrates the essence of the Normandy coast in France. The starting point is Mont Saint-Michel, a French spiritual symbol built in the 9th century and standing on a tidal island. Today, more than 30 monks and nuns still live here. One hundred kilometers away is Bayeux, which has been the hometown of tapestries in France for thousands of years. The 68-meter-long and exquisitely beautiful Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Anglo-French wars. Not far away is the famous Normandy landing beach. Continuing forward, you will come to Étretat, where the unique coast and Elephant Trunk Cliff left a deep impression on Monet, and the secret garden on the cliff is waiting for you to explore. The route will take you to the romantic port town of Honfleur, which is also a favorite sketching place for Impressionist painters. It is quiet and simple. The last stop of the journey is the medieval city of Rouen, where the legendary history and the tranquil scenery are intertwined, making people linger.
Corsica Roundtrip
Suggested number of days: 6 - 10 days
Frankly speaking, driving in Corsica is not easy. You must have excellent driving skills and psychological quality to freely shuttle on those consecutive hairpin turns and steep uphill and downhill roads while enjoying the magnificent scenery. Starting from Ajaccio, go south to reach Bonifacio, the southernmost town in Corsica, which is isolated on the cliff above the sea; then follow the eastern coastline to Porto-Vecchio to explore several of the most beautiful beaches on the island; next, come to Calvi, which has a medieval fortress. On the way back to Ajaccio, you will pass through the Calanques cliffs. Under the change of sunlight and the backdrop of the blue sea, the color of the rocks will change several times a day, like a fantasy world.
Verdon Gorge
Suggested number of days: 3 - 5 days
The Verdon Gorge, which is a masterpiece of nature and magnificent, was formed 5 million years ago and is known as the "Grand Canyon of Europe", famous for its unique natural scenery and rich water activities. The time to visit the Verdon Gorge can be long or short. You can spend about 3 days visiting the scenic spots in the Grand Canyon National Park, including the rugged canyon, the turquoise-colored Lake of Sainte-Croix, and the dreamy lavender fields in Valensole. You can also connect with the surrounding stone town of Gordes, the ceramic town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, etc.
Loire Valley
Suggested number of days: 5 - 10 days
There are 3,000 castles scattered along the Loire River. Since ancient times, this area has been a paradise for royalty and nobles. With a mild climate, beautiful scenery, and rich products, the entire area is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best part is that you can not only visit these magnificent and diverse castles and manors, but some of them have been transformed into hotels, allowing tourists to experience the interesting experience of being a noble for a night. It is recommended that this route should be reserved for at least 5 days to visit the most famous castles one by one, such as Château de Chambord, Château de Villandry, Château de Chenonceau, and Château Royal d'Amboise. Besides the castles, countless wineries, beautiful towns, and meandering canals are also worth slowing down and appreciating carefully.
Paris to Nice
Suggested number of days: 7 - 10 days
The earliest popular route in the Michelin Guide is an 885-kilometer trip from Paris all the way south to Nice and the Côte d'Azur. Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice are all famous food capitals. The changing scenery along the way is accompanied by the change of food flavors, with endless freshness and an aftertaste. Especially Lyon, which is highly sought after by food lovers, has the first Michelin-starred restaurant and is still one of the cities with the most Michelin stars today. Of course, the long history and profound culture of the towns along the way are still irresistibly attractive to those who are not so enthusiastic about food.
Alsace Wine Route
Suggested number of days: 4 - 6 days
This 170-kilometer wine route running through Alsace in eastern France, with its 70 picturesque villages like fairy tales and the locally produced Riesling white wine, is intoxicating and unforgettable. The colorful half-timbered houses reflect the unique local history and culture because this area has changed hands between Germany and France many times. Although this wine route is not long, it is best to have enough time to visit slowly. Stay in beautiful towns like Colmar or Riquewihr for two days and cherish the tipsy nights in memory. The beautiful decorations, lively markets, and warm atmosphere in the Christmas season will give Alsace a different look, so you will be pleasantly surprised in any season.
Dordogne Valley
Suggested number of days: 5 - 7 days
This route in central France is more niche but allows you to experience the most original French flavor and is also the spiritual hometown cherished by the French themselves. It is known as the land of a thousand and one castles. Medieval-style villages are lined up on both sides of the river, traditional flat-bottomed wooden boats are rowing on the river, and the market stalls are filled with foie gras, truffles, walnuts, cheese, and local wine. From the majestic Carcassonne Castle to the maze-like Sarlat, from the beautiful town of Beynac to the World Heritage Site of Rocamadour, Dordogne hides countless treasures. Be careful, this road trip may make you addicted to France!
Reminder: The voltage and plugs in France and the United States are different. If you travel to France, be sure to bring our travel converter, otherwise all electrical equipment will not work~