France: 5 car rides not to be missed

For nature-loving drivers, the roads of France are true treasures as they highlight the landscapes and wonders of the heritage. For occasional drives or during vacation trips, we have selected 5 must-do routes by car: follow the guide!

The Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy

The road to Mont Saint-Michel, or more precisely the road of the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, is a route that runs along the coast from Granville to Cancale, a few miles from Saint-Malo. On the itinerary, you can discover the quaint little villages that dot the coast as well as the magnificent landscapes that have made Brittany famous worldwide: Carolles and its fine sandy beaches, the breathtaking view from the Pointe du Groin du Sud, the famous Rocher de Cancale… Feel free to stop to admire the different viewpoints and discover the seafood specialties along the way if you are a fan: you absolutely must try the Bouchot mussels or the Cancale oysters.

The cliffs of Etretat – Normandy

The cliffs of Etretat are undoubtedly the most beautiful and impressive cliffs in France. To get there by car, you can follow the departmental road from Rouen, winding through the Norman countryside. Once you arrive in Etretat, you will have to park a few hundred meters from the village and walk to the magnificent cliffs, guided by the signs.

From the seaside, expect a most sumptuous landscape. The white chalk cliffs offer a unique spectacle where the sound of the waves against the rock and the vast expanse of a colorful pebble beach blend together. On sunny days, the waters of the English Channel can even take on the most idyllic turquoise hues.

The Baie des Anges – Côte d’Azur

From Nice to Cap d’Antibes, the road of the Baie des Anges offers a paradisiacal view of the Mediterranean Sea. The 25-kilometer journey inevitably inspires the charm and glamour of the French Riviera, between parasol pines and the intense blues of the azure skies.

In case of intense heat (frequent in the region), consider stopping to enjoy a well-deserved swim at one of the many pebble beaches that dot the route, each as sumptuous as the next.

The Puy-de-Dôme – Auvergne

The road to Puy-de-Dôme, west of Clermont-Ferrand, is also called the road of the Auvergne volcanoes: you can discover by car the natural wonders of the Massif du Sancy as well as those of the Chaîne des Puys, which includes no less than 80 volcanoes! A spectacle that promises to amaze both young and old through the discovery of these volcanoes dormant for over 7000 years. On the way, don’t hesitate to take a gourmet break in Orcival, a charming little Auvergne village nestled at the foot of a hill.

And don’t forget to enjoy the sumptuous – and so soothing – landscapes offered by the millennial volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys to take some photos to share on your social networks: the famous Puy-de-Dôme, for example, offers a breathtaking view from its 1,465m altitude!

The Gorges de l’Ardèche – Rhône-Alpes

The road of the Gorges de l’Ardèche was opened in 1969 over a distance of about thirty kilometers to connect the Nature Reserve of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin d’Ardèche. This vertiginous road (overlooking cliffs up to 300m high), which overlooks the famous gorges, is now open all year round. It offers the great advantage of combining breathtaking views with the pleasure of driving on the winding roads of the Ardèche.

Along the way, feel free to stop along the road for a refreshing break and dip your feet in the lively waters of the Ardèche.