Our Top Stops on a French Road Trip
So, you fancy treating yourself to a road trip across France. You want to soak up its rich culture and vast history, taste amazing delicacies, and sip a delicious array of local wines.
The only trouble is, you don’t know where to start; there’s too much to choose from.
Not to worry. We’ve gone and done the hard work for you. Here are a few places you won’t want to miss on your upcoming road trip across this fantastic country. Let’s get started.
Brittany
Brittany (pictured: the village of Locronan) is France’s northwesternmost region, and what a great place to start your adventure.
Brittany is vibrant and soulful, and its capital Rennes is a hub of history and creativity.
Make Rennes your first stop and take in the Portes Mordelaises, the Duchesne tower, built in the 15th century; or the amazing spectacle of half-timbered houses from the 15th and 17th centuries; or the Saint-Yves chapel from the 15th century.
When you’ve had your fill of those, why not treat yourself to some crêpes and galettes, the local delicacies. (One, two, or five won’t do any harm…)
Pays de la Loire
Follow your nose (or tastebuds) eastward and you’ll arrive in the region of Pays de la Loire. Famed for its vineyards and ancient history, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do.
You could visit Château d’Angers, a 9th-century fortress (9th century!); or Château des duc de Bretagne, a moated castle and home to the Nantes History Museum; or if you fancy a bit of outdoors, you could visit the picturesque municipal botanical gardens in Nantes (Jardin des plantes de Nantes), which dates back to 1688.
And you might (just might) want to sample some wines whilst you’re in Pays de la Loire, so we recommend visiting Langlois-Chateau, founded in 1885, and located in the heart of the Loire Valley (pictured: a château in the Loire Valley).
If we could come with you, we would.
Centre-Val de Loire
We’re going further into the heart of the France now. Centre-Val de Loire is relatively flat, so if you fancy a bike ride (romantic and/or fun), then have a look here at the top 20 cycling routes in the region.
And if all that cycling has worked up an appetite, sink your teeth into a tarte Tatin. The upside down pastry was invented here, after all.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comte
Bourgogne-Franche-Comte is a region in Eastern France known for its succulent cheeses, its smoked mountain sausage, and its exceptional wines. But it should come as no surprise that it’s also culturally and historically rich.
Visit the Citadel of Besançon, a fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to not one, or even two, but three museums.
The fortress offers absolutely stunning views of the surrounding valley, and if you have children with you, then you can enjoy a visit to the zoo.
Now all you have to do is pack your suitcase with your favourite Breton top, and tell your friends that you’re off on an adventure of a lifetime.
Enjoy yourself - and feel free to send us a postcard.
Au revoir!