Ready for a 360 adventure in the land of love, wine and baguettes!?
Here are our recommendations for the best round-trip routes in France – Bon Voyage!
France is amazing in terms of its culture, history, landscape and of course, food! Who doesn’t love croissants and cheese?! 😉
The best way to enjoy what France has to offer is by travelling in style, in a campervan. Make a round-trip and start in one city and you make your way back to the same point This way you can truly experience the French city life, vineyards, fields, beaches, the vast wilderness and the quaint villages dotted around the country.
Planning the Perfect Round-Trip in France
Legal Requirements
When touring around France in a motorhome, you need to have all the legal requirements ready so that they are no hiccups on the way. You need a valid passport, the correct paperwork for your pet (if they are joining you), health and travel insurance and a valid driving licence. If you are coming from a neighbouring country with your campervan, you’ll need to have the paperwork or the V5C logbook to be allowed to drive your car in France. You may also be required to carry a Green Card for the van.
Recommendations for driving in La France!
It’s a good idea to come with a Toll Pass to save some time at the toll booths, especially during the summer months when the motorway can get quite busy. The cost of the road toll depends on the size of your van. Most motorhomes are classified as class three or four vehicles and are charged higher rates than conventional vehicles.
Make sure to bring a first aid kit, a warning triangle, a high vis vest, headlight converters, warm clothes, some blankets, a flashlight and snow chains (if you are travelling in winter). Just in case anything happens!
Our Favourite Routes for the Best Round-Trip in France
There’s a dozen of amazing places from the north to the south of France that you can visit on a round trip. The route you choose depends on what you fancy.
1. North coastline
If you love the coastline and a bit of history, you may want to start your journey at Vierville-Sur-Mer and make a trip around the infamous Omaha Beach. Travel north to the Merville Museum, Honfleur and Vieux Bassin and complete your trip in Etretat. The best time to visit this beautiful area is during the warm spring and summer months (April to June).
2. Castles and forest
You may also take a trip around historical masterpiece of the Loire Valley. Here, you can take a look at the castles and enjoy the freshness of the vineyards, rolling hills and lush forests. Our favourite way of seeing the French countryside is by starting in Chinon, through the winding roads of Tours and then finally stopping in the picturesque town of Orleans. You’ll see the most beautiful towns and villages on the way, perfect for a photo opportunity. The best time to visit would be in autumn (September to November), when there are fewer visitors and temperatures are still not too chilly.
3. Mountains and countryside
For nature lovers, an exploration around the mountainous Auvergne region is a must. The diverse mountain ranges and dormant volcanoes painted by rural towns provides a taste of the beautiful French countryside. Start your trip at Clermont Airport and make your way to Moulins or Le Puy en Velay to the south. Here you can enjoy the jaw dropping hiking sites, healing mineral water at Chaine des Puys, luxury mountain spa retreats and a taste of the local cuisine.
4. Tropical Mediterranean coast
For those who want to explore France’s tropical Mediterranean coast, this route is perfect for you! Begin your journey near the Spanish border in Bayonne, head down to the coast to the elegant seaside city of Biarritz and lastly to the fishing town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. On this route you’ll experience everything from famous beaches with posh restaurants and spas, to a surfer’s paradise with hipster pizza places and cool surfer–style shops. The narrow medieval streets and picturesque French traditional fishing villages, all within less than a few hours distance will make your holiday one to remember.
There are of course dozens of other idyllic round-trip routes that you could take across France, but it all depends on your budget, preferences and the amount of time you have.
No matter where you choose to go, we have a campervan and many campground options available for you on Campstar.com. For more destination ideas and route inspiration, visit our blog at CampstarTrends and follow us on social media for daily updates. Have a safe trip!
