France Road Trip: The Best 2-Week Self-Drive Itinerary

France Road Trip: The Best 2-Week Self-Drive Itinerary

The Ultimate 2-Week Self-Drive France Itinerary

Dreaming of exploring France beyond the tourist trails?
This 2-week France road trip itinerary is the perfect way to experience charming villages, coastal roads, wine country, and iconic cities — at your own pace.

You’ll get:

  • A day-by-day route from Paris to the South of France
  • Hidden gems & must-see stops
  • Boutique hotel and Airbnb recommendations
  • Google Maps driving times & suggested rest stops
  • Budget breakdowns, road rules & insider tips

Ideal for:

  • Couples seeking romance & adventure
  • Solo travelers chasing views & freedom
  • Digital nomads or slow travelers craving variety

Route Overview: Where This Road Trip Takes You

Start: Paris
End: Paris (optional drop-off in Nice or Marseille)

Main Stops:

  • Paris → Loire Valley → Bordeaux → Dordogne → Carcassonne → Provence → French Riviera (Nice/Éze) → Return via Lyon or Dijon

Total Distance: ~1,700 km (1,056 miles)
Recommended Vehicle: Compact automatic car or hybrid SUV
Compare rental car prices →

2-Week France Road Trip Itinerary (Day by Day)

Day 1–2: Paris Arrival & Pick-Up

  • Stay: Hotel Le Six (Chic boutique, central)
  • Pick up rental car on Day 2 from Gare Saint-Lazare or CDG
  • Explore: Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Louvre, evening cruise
  • Meals: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, Du Pain et des Idées

Tip: Don’t drive in Paris. Start the drive when you're leaving the city.

Day 3–4: Loire Valley Castles

Drive: 2.5 hrs to Amboise

  • Stay: Le Manoir Saint Thomas
  • Explore: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Clos Lucé
  • Wine tasting in Vouvray or Montlouis
  • Family-friendly & romantic countryside roads

Hidden Gem: Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire’s gardens

Day 5–6: Bordeaux & Wine Country

Drive: 4 hrs to Bordeaux

Travel Hack: Use the Bordeaux Wine Trip app to plan winery visits.

Day 7: Dordogne & Medieval Villages

Drive: 2.5 hrs to Sarlat-la-Canéda

  • Stay: La Villa des Consuls
  • Explore: Sarlat market, La Roque-Gageac, canoe the Dordogne River
  • Dinner: Le Bistrot – open-air tables under fairy lights

Optional: Visit Lascaux IV caves for prehistoric art

Day 8: Carcassonne Fortress Town

Drive: 3 hrs to Carcassonne

Photo Op: Sunset from the fortress wall walkway

Day 9–10: Provence – Lavender, Markets & Roman Ruins

Drive: 2.5 hrs to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

  • Stay: Le Petit Hotel
  • Day trips: Gordes, Roussillon, Les Baux-de-Provence
  • Market day: Wednesdays in Saint-Rémy
  • Van Gogh trail, olive oil tasting, and Roman ruins

Tour: Provence Hilltop Villages Tour →

Day 11–12: French Riviera – Nice, Èze & Monaco

Drive: 3 hrs to Nice

  • Stay: Hotel Rossetti or Nice Airbnb with terrace
  • Explore: Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill, Old Town
  • Day trips: Èze (Fragonard perfume), Monaco, Menton
  • Food: Socca at Chez Pipo, gelato at Fenocchio

Road Tip: Drive coastal roads early to avoid traffic

Day 13–14: Return via Lyon (Optional)

Drive: 4.5 hrs to Lyon or Return car in Nice if flying out

  • Stay: MiHotel Comte
  • Explore: Vieux Lyon, traboules (secret alleys), bouchons (local eateries)
  • Try: Lyonnaise salad, quenelles, praline tart

OR — Return to Paris via TGV high-speed train (~2 hrs from Lyon)

France Road Trip Tips & Travel Hacks

Rental Car Advice

  • Book early for the best rates
    Compare rental car prices here →
  • Choose automatic transmission if unfamiliar with manual
  • French roads are great; tolls cost ~€50–80 total
  • Gas prices: ~€1.80–2.10/L

Road Trip Essentials

  • Download Google Maps offline + Maps.me for trails
  • Best apps: ViaMichelin, Park4Night, Waze
  • Always have cash & coins for tolls and village cafés
  • Check winery hours — many close for lunch

Budget Breakdown (Per Person, 14 Days)

Category Budget (€) Mid-Range (€) Luxury (€)
Car Rental 200 350 500
Gas & Tolls 100 150 200
Accommodations 600 1,100 2,000+
Food & Wine 400 700 1,200
Attractions 200 400 600
Total ~1,500 ~2,700 ~4,500+

FAQ: Self-Drive France Itinerary

Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, non-EU travelers should carry an IDP along with their driver’s license.

Q: Is it easy to park in small towns?
Yes, but watch for blue zones (2 hrs max) and book stays with private parking.

Q: When’s the best time for a France road trip?
Late May–June and September–October offer the best weather, fewer crowds, and blooming or harvest scenery.

Save This Post: 2-Week France Road Trip Itinerary

You don’t have to choose between countryside villages, wine tasting, and coastal sunsets — with this route, you get all of France’s greatest hits in one unforgettable drive.

Back to blog