10 Best Road Trips near Paris

Set off on a memorable exploit beyond the city of lights with our curated guide to the 10 best road trips near Paris! Whether you are looking for a breathtaking countryside landscape, alluring small villages, or rich cultural history, these gorgeous routes promise something to every tourist. From the magnificent gardens of Giverny to the enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley, each destination is just a brief drive away. So grab your keys, lower down your windows, and let the escapade begin as we discover the hidden treasures and stunning land views that await just beyond the lively streets of Paris.

The Vosges Mountains in northeastern France is a treasure trove location waiting to be explored! This remarkable destination has sloping hills, dense woodland, and alluring villages, all enveloped with a beautiful German influence. Don’t forget to visit the Kayserberg with its mind-blowing timber-framed houses or the wonderland charm of Colmar, known for its contemporary architecture. Adventure lovers will love the well-maintained hiking trails offering magnificent valley vistas, while the heavenly Route des Crêtes is a must-see! And for a good challenge, reach the peak of Ballon d’Alsace to bless yourself with panoramic landscapes. Truly, a drive through the Vosges is one of the best road trips from Paris!

One of the best things to do outside of Paris is to explore the Auvergne region that’s shaped by an old volcanic eruption. This place is filled with breathtaking landscapes and geological treasures! Starting from the Clermont-Ferrand, right under the legendary Puy de Dome, this road trip offers memorable landscapes and rich cultural exploits. Prepare yourself to explore a quiescent volcanic peak and radiant crater lakes like the mind-blowing Gour de Tazenat. Along the way, you will witness the alluring small villages like Saint-Nectaire and Besse-en-Chandesse, where their interesting traditions with modern architecture embrace you with warm generosity. Buckle up for a trip that perfectly combines an adventure with nature and culture in the hub of France.

The Dordogne Valley is a breathtaking treasure in France, situated in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. With its magical vistas, the Dordogne River passes through magnificent vineyards and ancient small towns, featuring gorgeous fairytale-like castles. Food lovers can have a great time with the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Don’t forget to explore the incredible Château de Beynac on a cliff, which promises picturesque land views and a peek into its rich bygones. Another important place is Château de Castelnaud which displays an attractive historic warfare museum. Lastly, the charming Château de Milandes that once was an accommodation to Josephine Baker adds a pinch of allure. A road trip through this valley promises you loads of memories through France’s charm.

Located between the majestic Vosges Mountains and the Swiss Alps, the French Jura is a true heaven! Starting from the alluring small towns like Arbois and Dole, which is surprisingly the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, road voyagers can explore the vineyard-enveloped hills known for their delicious Jura wines. Don’t forget to explore the stunning local fromageries to taste the well-known Comté cheese. The Cascades du Hérisson is a spell-bounding series of waterfalls hidden in lush woodland and is a dream come true for every tourist. Moreover, the Lac de Vouglans, one of the French’s largest manmade lakes, promises you never-ending water exploits and relaxation. Arbois showcases historic streets and Pasteur’s house, while Poligny’s lively market treats your taste buds with tempting locally produced goods and cheese. An interesting adventure awaits you in French Jura.

The Camargue Delta and Mediterranean Coast is the largest river delta and a natural treasure. This exceptional woodland situated in the Rhone River showcases huge salt flats, lagoons, and marshes captivating a huge range of bird species comprising the breathtaking pink flamingos. On this road trip, you will get to witness the area's famous stunning white horses and black bulls. Discover lively villages like Saintes Marie's de la Mer, where kaleidoscopic festivals and melodious live music bring Camarguaise culture to life. As you continue your drive along the Mediterranean coast indulge yourself in the stunning vistas and alluring seaside stops like Cassis, known for its spell-bounding harbor and breathtaking Calanques.

The French Basque country is an attractive area immersed with a lively cross-border heritage extending from Hendaye to Bayonne. It is a region bordered by alluring villages like Espelette and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this road trip is a treat to your senses, explore the busy markets Les Halles in Bayonne, where you can taste the delectable local treats like Basque ham, Ossau-Iraty cheese, and piquillos peppers. Stroll through the gorgeous towns with colorful historic houses and witness the amazing coastal land views of the Bay of Biscay. Attractive fishing ports like Saint-Jean-de-Luz summon you to soak yourself in the sun's warmth near the seaside while Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port reveals a rich historic culture.

As one of the best places to visit near Paris, Burgundy is a famous wine-producing area that is known for its unique wine yards and alluring villages. Your amazing road trip begins from Beaune which is the wine capital and houses the Hospices de Beaune, which is a historic wine museum and an important annual auction.

Exploring through the lush green hills, you will discover charming wine villages like Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, where you can savor and buy vines directly from producers. How cool is that?  The beautiful Route des Grands Crus is an essential part of the burgundy wine trail that displays amazing and important wine yards featuring iconic names like Romanée-Conti and Montrachet, making it a haven for wine lovers.

Classic Côte d’Azur has been a beautiful destination for centuries and is one of France’s ideal road trip spots. Spanning from Menton to Cassis, this radiant area displays amazing waters, sun-kissed beaches, and charming towns. Nice, the Riviera capital captivates tourists with the Promenade des Anglais, which is impeccable for late-night meanders along the Baie des Anges. Cannes is known for its film festival, and brims with red carpets, yachts, and luxurious boutiques; while its ancient old town Le Suquet, promises tourists enchanting streets and breathtaking vistas. Once a peaceful fishing village Saint Tropez now bustles with lavish yachts at the Vieux Port and busy markets at Place des Lices.

Discover Brittany, a fascinating area in northwestern France rich in Celtic culture. Start from Rennes, then visit the fenced metropolis of Saint-Malo and witness the old-fashioned charm of Dinan. Wander at Ploumanac’h's pink rock creations, discover Morlaix’s Viaduct a charming location, and conclude your trip in Quimper with its stunning Cathedral of Saint-Corentin!

Sightsee France’s lovely Atlantic shoreline, starting your trip from La Rochelle with its beaches and seafood. Cross to Île de Ré for attractive towns like Saint Martin. Continue to Oléron, the oyster capital, and try the delectable fresh oysters. Visit Roman wrecks in Saintes and tour Cognac’s well-known brandy warehouses before returning to La Rochelle! This is one of the ideal places to go near Paris.