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Road trip in France by van : the most beautiful itineraries for an unforgettable adventure

Setting off in a van in France means choosing a vacation that combines nature, heritage, and gastronomy. Discover all our road trip ideas across the roads of France, from the most legendary routes to lesser-known gems.

Road trip ideas in France for van travel

1. Road trip in the south of France by van: between beaches and hilltop villages

The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region is perfectly suited to vanlife. Drive through incredible landscapes and remarkable villages. Here are some itinerary ideas for a few days, or combine them for a longer vacation.

Marseille and its Calanques
From Martigues to La Ciotat, set off to discover colorful Mediterranean towns. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Port in Marseille or admire the Miroir aux Oiseaux in Martigues, with its colorful facades and boats. Between two visits, take the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis to enjoy stunning views of the calanques. It’s time to put on your hiking boots before ending with a swim in crystal-clear water.

Rent a van in Marseille

The Verdon Gorges
The Verdon and its gorges offer breathtaking landscapes: turquoise water, natural pools, canyons, waterfalls, lakes… it's a must-visit van destination! Between hikes and swims, take time to explore typical and preserved villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Valensole and its lavender fields, or Castellane.

The Esterel Massif
From Fréjus to Mandelieu-la-Napoule, two options: the hinterland with its small villages, or the seafront with its coves. Why choose ? Do both in one big loop. Then continue your journey to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and finally Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You’ll discover beautiful panoramas and landscapes of ochre and green contrasting with the blue of the sea.

A picturesque view of Marseille's Old Port with its pleasure boats, colorful buildings and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking the city, the ideal destination for a van road trip in France. The spectacular scenery of the Verdon Gorge, with its steep cliffs and turquoise waters, is perfect for a nature break during a van road trip in France. The wild landscape of the Estérel, with its red rocks, lush green vegetation and the Mediterranean Sea, is a must-see stop on any van road trip on the Côte d'Azur.

Want to get off the beaten track ? Let's discover some of the lesser-known destinations with a totally different feel !

2. Unusual road trip in France: Off-the-beaten-path itineraries

Auvergne and its Volcanoes
Did you know it’s possible to go around the world without leaving Auvergne ? The region isn’t just great for beautiful hikes between lakes and volcanoes. The variety of its landscapes and monuments will make you feel like you're in Scotland, the USA, Tibet, the Amazon, and more!

Cévennes National Park
Drive along the Tarn Gorges and stop in the medieval village of Sainte-Énimie. Escape into the Cévennes bamboo forest where you’ll feel like you’re in Asia. Climb to the top of the Pic d’Aigoual, then hike the trails of the Cirque de Navacelles.

Brittany
Start with the leaning timber-framed houses of Rennes, then go discover Saint Malo’s hidden treasures. Watch the sunset on the Quiberon Peninsula, with its cliffs and wide sandy beaches. After stopping in Quimper, Brest, and Dinan, finish by driving along the Pink Granite Coast and its wild nature. Discover more van itineraries in Brittany in our dedicated article.

Aerial view of the volcanoes of the Puys chain in Auvergne, with the Puy de Dôme in the background, a natural and rejuvenating stopover on a van road trip in France. Panoramic views of the green Cévennes mountains from a rocky path, ideal for a nature getaway on a van road trip in the south of France. A line of menhirs in the golden light of Carnac in Brittany, a mysterious site not to be missed on a van road trip in France.

You live in the capital and these unusual destinations are too far away ? Here are a few ideas for weekend getaways from Paris.

3. Road trip from Paris : Where to go by van for a weekend or more ?

Dreaming of a getaway less than 3 hours from Paris ? You have several options for a weekend in a van away from the capital. Rent a van in Paris and head out for a few days to:

  • Visit Normandy from Paris, with the cities of Rouen, Honfleur, and Deauville. End in style at the majestic cliffs of Étretat.
  • Discover the Loire Valley and its castles. Between nights in Amboise and Saumur, admire the legendary castles of Chambord, Chenonceau, or Cheverny.
  • Enjoy a stop in Champagne, among historic monuments and endless vineyards. Stop in Reims, Épernay, and Troyes.

View of the village of Arromanches-les-Bains and its cliffs overlooking the sea in Normandy, a place steeped in history to discover on a van road trip in France. A majestic view of the Château de Chambord and its French gardens under a cloudy sky, a cultural stopover not to be missed on a van road trip through the Loire Valley.

Do you think of vanlife as a road trip along mythical roads ? We'll share with you some of the most beautiful roads of France, so you can plan your itinerary around these exceptional routes.

4. Must-see routes for a van road trip in France

When we think of a road trip in France, we can’t help but think of these 3 iconic roads:

  • The Napoleon route and its 325 km of asphalt in the Alpes de Haute Provence, between Castellane and Sisteron.
  • The Alsace wine route winding through picturesque villages and exceptional vineyards.
  • The route des Crêtes, in the heart of the Calanques national park, between La Ciotat and Cassis.

But there are also other, less famous but equally beautiful roads: the Passage du Gois in Vendée, the Millau Viaduct, or the Galibier Road in Savoie.

Have you chosen your destination? All that's left is to organize your stay. Here are a few tips to help you.

I RENT MY VAN !

Some tips for a successful road trip in France by van

When to go on a Van road trip in France ?


There are no rules each region can be visited year-round! But it's best to avoid the winter months for the cold, and the summer months for the tourist crowds.

Where to sleep in a van in France ?


When we think of vanlife, we picture remote spots in nature facing a beautiful sunset. Yes, that’s possible — but be aware that wild camping is regulated in France, and some places are protected. To balance budget, comfort, and freedom, we recommend alternating between natural spots, campgrounds, or nights with locals. Less glamorous, but still possible: sleeping at a service area or parking lot.

How to prepare your van trip in France ?


While you don’t need to plan every step in advance to keep the freedom of vanlife, it’s still worth checking out must-sees on your route. That way, you won’t miss out on hidden gems. Allow plenty of time: van travel is about taking your time and enjoying the present moment — not rushing and chaining stops!

What vehicle to choose for touring France ?


France’s roads are in good condition and the climate is mild, so you don’t need a 4x4 or a cold-weather-adapted vehicle. Visit one of our AVIS explore agenciesfor help choosing the best van for your trip. The bonus? No need to plan a round trip if your itinerary doesn’t suit it. With AVIS explore, you can pick up the vehicle in one city and drop it off in another.

You’ve got it — there are countless itineraries for road tripping through France by van. From a few days to several weeks, plan a journey through breathtakingly diverse landscapes. Book your van with AVIS explore now and set off on an adventure across the roads of France !