France just might spoil you for road trips anywhere else. From twisting mountain passes to cliff-hugging coastal roads, the country seems designed for epic drives. I’ve clocked thousands of kilometers behind the wheel here, and three routes always rise above the rest—each for their own reasons.
Let’s talk about the French Riviera’s corniche roads, Provence’s lavender-carpeted countryside, and the high-flying Route des Grandes Alpes. They’re all wildly different, but honestly, each one shows off a side of France that’s hard to forget.
You’ll wind through ancient villages perched on hills, cruise past beaches so perfect they barely look real, and climb mountain passes that’ll have your ears popping at over 2,300 meters.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first French road trip or you’re hungry for a new adventure, these three drives will convince you France is a paradise for anyone who loves the open road. Monaco’s glitz, peaceful Alpine meadows, seaside glamour—it’s all here, just waiting for you.
Planning the Ultimate Scenic Road Trip Through France
You’ll want to plan your French road trip with a bit of strategy. Timing, weather, and even local festivals can totally change your experience.
Don’t forget: some routes close for months, others get flooded with crowds, and more than a few villages seem to exist in their own time zone.
Best Time of Year for Scenic Drives
I’ve found that spring and summer are hands-down the best for most of France’s scenic routes. Aim for May to September if you want good weather and open roads.
If you’re dreaming of the Route des Grandes Alpes, you’ll need to come in summer. Snow blocks the high passes from October to May, and the Tour de France usually rolls through in July—so that’s a good weather clue.
Coastal drives along the French Riviera? April to October works well. Peak summer means crowded beaches but also those long, golden evenings and warm sea breezes.
Provence’s lavender? That’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it season. Go from late June to early July if you want to see the purple fields at their best. Wait too long and the harvesters beat you to it.
Winter road trips are tricky. Many mountain roads shut down, and the days get short fast.
Essential Route Planning Tips
Book your hotels early. The best spots along these scenic routes fill up fast, especially in Provence and the Riviera.
I’ve learned the hard way: don’t cram in too many miles. Three or four hours of driving per day is plenty. That leaves you time for surprise stops and lazy lunches.
Download offline maps before you set off. In the mountains or along remote coasts, your GPS might suddenly go silent.
Always check for road closures. Mountain passes and coastal roads can shut with little warning, especially after storms.
Pack some basics—water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Some stretches go for ages without a single shop.
Fuel up when you can. Gas stations get rare in the Alps and deep countryside.
Rental Car and Driving Considerations
Get an International Driving Permit before you leave home. France asks for it with rentals and police stops.
Pick your car to match the trip. Small cars are great for narrow coastal lanes, but I’d go with something a bit stronger for the Alps.
If you’re not a fan of manual gears, splurge on an automatic. It’ll save you stress on those steep climbs.
Brush up on French driving laws. Speed limits change constantly, and speed cameras love to catch tourists. Keep your headlights on during the day—it’s the law.
Tolls and fuel add up quickly. French highways aren’t cheap, and gas costs more than in many places. Budget for it.
Village parking can be a puzzle. Streets are narrow and spots are few—arrive early if you can.
Journey Along the French Riviera: The Three Iconic Corniche Roads
Between Nice and Menton, three corniche roads snake along the Côte d’Azur. Each one offers a different angle on the Mediterranean—sometimes literally.
Lower Corniche: Coastal Glamour from Nice to Menton
The Lower Corniche hugs the sea for about 30 kilometers. It’s the classic Riviera drive, packed with famous towns and postcard views.
I usually start in Nice and roll through Villefranche-sur-Mer, where the harbor glows with color. Next up: Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Èze-Bord-de-Mer, then on to Cap-d’Ail.
Monte Carlo in Monaco is pure spectacle. Casinos, yachts, and a buzz that’s hard to describe.
After Monaco, the road passes Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and finally reaches Menton, right by the Italian border. Belle Époque villas line the route and add a touch of old-school glamour.
Be ready for traffic, especially in summer. Even though the road stays near sea level, the climbs and dips can catch you off guard.
Moyenne Corniche: Dramatic Vistas and Hilltop Villages
Built in the early 1900s, the Moyenne Corniche gives you the best viewpoints without the dizzying heights of the Grande Corniche.
The medieval village of Èze steals the show here. Perched on a cliff, it’s the perfect place to stop, wander the gardens, and just soak up the views.
Don’t miss these stops:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer lookout (gorgeous over the port)
- Èze viewpoint (just before the viaduct)
- Mont des Mules car park (above Monaco)
This road skips Monaco but lets you look down on it from above. It used to be the main route to Italy, so traffic can still get heavy.
Drive from Nice toward Menton for the best scenery. Viewpoint parking is always on the right—super handy for quick stops.
Grande Corniche: The High Road Above the Côte d’Azur
Napoleon had the Grande Corniche built along the old Roman Via Julia Augusta. It soars up to 500 meters above the sea.
You won’t pass through any coastal towns between Nice and La Turbie, but the views make up for it. From up here, you see Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin, and the whole sparkling coastline.
La Turbie is home to the Trophy of Augustus, a massive Roman monument. The Col d’Èze at 512 meters brings the most dramatic stretch of road.
You might recognize this route from the James Bond movie “GoldenEye.” The winding roads through Col des Quatre Chemins and Col d’Èze are pure driving joy.
The Grande Corniche also leads to the Nice Observatory and has the clearest views of where the Maritime Alps crash into the sea. Traffic is usually lighter than on the other two corniches.
Discovering Provence: Lavender Fields, Ancient Towns, and Coastal Wonders
Provence feels like it was made for road trips. It blends culture, wild landscapes, and food that’ll ruin you for supermarket cheese forever.
Here, you can wander Roman ruins in Arles, drive along wild limestone cliffs near Marseille, and even hop a boat to a legendary prison island.
Avignon to Arles: Culture and Roman Heritage
Start in Avignon and head southeast to Arles. It’s only about 45 minutes, but you’ll pass olive groves and vineyards the whole way.
Avignon works perfectly as a base. The Pope’s Palace towers over the city—park near the old walls and stroll across the famous Pont d’Avignon.
Take the D570 to Arles, winding through sleepy Provençal villages. Tarascon is worth a stop for its imposing riverside castle.
Arles is packed with Roman history. The amphitheater still hosts bullfights and concerts; I spent ages wandering the Roman theater and the underground galleries.
Van Gogh painted over 300 works here. There’s a marked trail that lets you see where he set up his easel. The yellow café from his painting still serves coffee.
Best stops along the way:
- Palace of the Popes (Avignon)
- Tarascon Castle
- Roman Amphitheater (Arles)
- Van Gogh Foundation Museum
Marseille and the Calanques: Coastal Cliffs and Hidden Beaches
From Arles, drive into the Camargue—flat, wild, and home to flamingos and white horses.
Marseille is France’s oldest city, and you feel the history at every turn. The old port bustles with fishing boats and seafood spots. Hike up to Notre-Dame de la Garde for sweeping Mediterranean views.
The Calanques start just east of Marseille. These limestone cliffs drop into turquoise coves. The road twists along the coast, with one jaw-dropping viewpoint after another.
I once hiked down to Calanque d’En-Vau. The trail’s steep, but the hidden cove at the end is worth every step. Bring extra water and solid shoes.
Cassis is a perfect lunch stop—tiny, colorful, and surrounded by vineyards. Local white wine and bouillabaisse? Yes, please.
Don’t miss these Calanques:
- Calanque de Sugiton (easy to reach)
- Calanque d’En-Vau (stunning)
- Calanque de Morgiou (good for food)
Château d’If and The Count of Monte Cristo’s Legacy
Catch a ferry from Marseille’s old port—20 minutes and you’re on a fortress island straight out of a novel.
Château d’If sits on a rocky outcrop in the bay. Built in the 1500s, it started as a fortress but later became a notorious prison.
Alexandre Dumas made it legendary in The Count of Monte Cristo. Edmond Dantès, his hero, was locked up here for 14 years (in fiction, anyway). You can step inside the cell where he “stayed.”
Real prisoners were mostly Protestants and political rebels. Dumas, inspired by their stories, chose this spot for his tale. Reading about the conditions here gives you chills.
Ferry info:
- Departure: Marseille Old Port
- Trip: 20 minutes each way
- Runs: Every hour in summer
- Cost: About €16 roundtrip
The island has awesome views back to Marseille and along the Calanques. I’d plan for 2-3 hours, ferry included.
Alpine Adventure: High Passes and the Route des Grandes Alpes
Ready for something epic? The Route des Grandes Alpes is a 700-kilometer adventure from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, crossing 17 mountain passes.
This legendary drive weaves Tour de France history with jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. Cyclists and road trippers from all over the world make the pilgrimage.
Exploring the Route des Grandes Alpes
Start in Thonon-les-Bains near Lake Geneva, and finish in Menton down on the Riviera. You’ll cross four national parks and seven different mountain ranges.
The road only opens from June to October, when the snow finally melts. I love driving it in late spring or September—fewer people, but still perfect weather.
Quick facts:
- Distance: 700 km (435 miles)
- Passes: 17 major ones
- Elevation gain: 17,000 meters total
- Recommended time: 6-7 days
You’ll travel through Chablais, Beaufortain, Vanoise, Cerces, Queyras, Ubaye, and Mercantour. Along the way, you’ll pass through storybook villages and see the icy peaks of Mont Blanc and the Ecrins.
Give yourself a week if you can. If you rush, you’ll miss the best parts—the scenery, the food, and those little mountain towns that make the drive unforgettable.
Top Mountain Passes and Panoramic Views
Col de l’Iseran sits up at 2,764 meters, claiming the title of Europe’s highest paved mountain pass. When you stand there, the views just seem to go on forever across Vanoise National Park.
Col du Galibier is one of those spots in the French Alps that always takes my breath away. At 2,645 meters, the rocky landscape and distant glaciers make it feel like you’re on another planet.
| Pass Name | Elevation | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Col de l’Iseran | 2,764m | Highest paved pass in Europe |
| Col du Galibier | 2,645m | Tour de France legend |
| Col d’Izoard | 2,360m | Lunar-like Casse Déserte landscape |
| Col de la Bonette | 2,715m | Sweeping 360-degree views |
Col d’Izoard winds through the iconic Casse Déserte, with its bizarre, moon-like rocks. You cross from the Queyras region and suddenly, these wild geological shapes just pop up.
The Col de la Cayolle opens the door to Mercantour National Park, one of France’s wildest corners. It’s remote, and you might spot chamois or marmots if you’re lucky.
Cycling Legends and Tour de France Highlights
The Tour de France has turned many of these mountain passes into legends. Col du Galibier first showed up in 1911 and still challenges riders every time.
Col d’Izoard became famous for dramatic Tour battles. Cyclists push through the barren Casse Déserte, and it always looks epic on TV.
When the Tour comes through, the energy is unreal. Locals line the hairpins, some camping out hours in advance just to catch the action.
Famous Tour de France Passes:
- Col du Galibier (appeared 34+ times)
- Col d’Izoard (featured 15+ times)
- Col de l’Iseran (highest Tour stage ever)
The Col de Turini isn’t just for cyclists—it’s a Monte Carlo Rally favorite too. Rally fans and cycling fans both love this wild, twisty road.
Every summer, thousands of amateur cyclists chase their own Tour de France dreams on these same climbs. There’s something about following in those tire tracks that’s just irresistible.
Hidden Gems and Detours: Villages, Views, and Local Flavors
Sometimes, the best parts of a French road trip hide in plain sight. You’ll stumble onto medieval lanes filled with artists, riverside towns perfect for a lazy glass of wine, and cliffside villages that seem to float above the sea.
Here are three stops that really stick with me—each one totally different, and all worth a detour.
Vence: Artistic Heritage and Medieval Streets
Vence feels like a time capsule, with its art-filled streets. Those winding cobblestone lanes snake between old stone buildings, and you can almost picture Chagall wandering here.
Start at Place du Peyra—it’s the heart of everything. The fountain bubbles away, cafés spill onto the square, and you can just sit and watch the world go by.
Key attractions include:
- Chapelle du Rosaire (Matisse Chapel)
- Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary
- Place du Frêne with its huge ash tree
On Tuesday and Friday mornings, the market livens up the town. Grab some warm socca or a bottle of olive oil—trust me, you’ll want both. Tiny galleries pop up everywhere, full of colorful Provençal art.
Parking inside the old town is a nightmare, so I always leave the car outside the walls. It’s a short stroll in, and the views on the way aren’t bad either.
Roquebrun: Riverside Scenery and Relaxation
Roquebrun hugs the Orb River and gets called the “Nice of Hérault” for its sunny weather. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels miles away from the busy coast.
The Caroux Massif looms over the village, making those red rooftops really pop. Citrus and palm trees grow here, which always surprises me for a mountain town.
Life here revolves around the river. On hot days, locals swim or paddle canoes down the gentle current.
Local specialties to try:
- Wines from the nearby hills
- River trout, fresh at local restaurants
- Honey made from wild mountain flowers
The village museum gives a peek into life along the Orb. Stone bridges cross the river and make for some great photos.
Spring is magic, with wildflowers everywhere. Walking trails wind up the hills for easy, beautiful views.
Villefranche and Eze: Serene Bays and Hilltop Wonders
Villefranche-sur-Mer wraps around a bay that’s almost too pretty to believe. The pastel buildings spill down to the water, and the sea stays calm even when storms roll in elsewhere.
The Citadel Saint-Elme stands guard above the bay, now filled with quirky little museums. Wander the narrow streets to the harbor where fishermen still haul in their catch. The seafood here? Always fresh.
Eze sits high above the sea, clinging to a rocky cliff at 427 meters. This medieval village really does feel like an eagle’s nest.
Must-see spots:
- Exotic Garden of Eze, with cacti and killer sea views
- Fragonard Perfume Factory
- Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Nietzsche Path zigzags from Eze down to the coast. It’s steep and takes about 45 minutes, but Nietzsche himself used to walk it every day—so, why not try it?
Both villages get packed in summer. If you go early, you’ll catch the best light and avoid the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travelers always seem to have a million questions about timing, routes, and making these drives family-friendly. The Alps deliver jaw-dropping mountain views, while the Riviera’s coastal roads are perfect for a more relaxed trip.
The Grande Corniche is one of those drives where you want to stop all the time. Kick things off at the Trophée d’Auguste in La Turbie—there’s a killer view over Monaco and the sea.
Don’t skip the Fort de la Revère for hiking and more wild vistas. Èze is perched right above the sea and really deserves a wander.
If you love gardens, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a must. The route even swings near Nice’s old town, which is great for a lunch stop.
Start in Nice and spend a couple of days on the coast between Cannes and Monaco. On day three, head inland to Provence’s lavender fields around Valensole.
Days four and five are all about the Luberon—think hilltop towns like Gordes and Roussillon. Spend your sixth day in the Alpilles mountains near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Wrap it up with a drive through the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis. You’ll get a great mix of sea views and mountain scenery.
The A8 from Cannes to Nice is a family-friendly coastal drive. Lots of rest stops, easy beaches, and honestly, it’s less stressful than those mountain switchbacks.
Provence’s wine country offers gentle hills and short hops between villages. Kids love seeing the sunflower and lavender fields in summer.
I’d skip the twisty mountain roads in the Alpes-Maritimes with little ones. The Grande Corniche looks amazing but can be nerve-wracking if you’ve got a car full of kids.
Day one: drive from Saint-Tropez to Cannes along the D559, stopping in fishing villages like Sainte-Maxime.
On day two, head inland to Grasse for perfume and then to Antibes. Spend your third day on the Grande Corniche from Nice to Monaco.
Day four, take the Route des Crêtes above Cassis for big cliff views. Finish with day five exploring the wild wetlands of the Camargue near Arles.
The Route des Grandes Alpes is the classic, stretching 460 miles from Lake Geneva to Menton. I’d break it into sections—doing it all at once is a beast.
Col du Galibier gives you glacier and peak views above 2,600 meters. It’s usually open June to October, but always check for snow.
Col de l’Iseran climbs over 2,700 meters and leads right into Vanoise National Park. Always check the weather and road conditions before heading up into these high passes.
If you’re planning a scenic drive along the French Riviera, I’d suggest staying in Nice or Cannes. Both cities make it super easy to hop between the coast and the mountains.
The A8 highway zips you quickly between the main Riviera hotspots. It’s not the most charming road, but it gets the job done when you want to cover ground fast.
Honestly, you can’t skip the three corniche roads. Each one gives you a totally different view of the coastline. The Basse Corniche hugs the sea, winding through places like Monaco and Monte Carlo—pretty surreal, honestly.
Give yourself at least three days to really soak up those drives. I’d mix it up with both the classic coastal stretches and some detours inland to medieval villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s those little towns that end up being the highlight for a lot of people.
