As tourism continues to rebound, the Parclick team has highlighted France’s most car and motorcaravan-friendly destinations. They are perfect for travellers seeking flexibility and convenience.
In 2019, approximately 25% of tourists opted to travel by road, underscoring the appeal of road trips. Especially for families and groups exploring picturesque regions like Provence.
By showcasing destinations catering to road travellers, Parclick aims to empower tourists. This will help them plan their next adventure on the open roads of France.
“Ease and flexibility define today’s travel landscape. And nowhere is this more tangibly experienced than in France’s accommodating roads and scenic drives,” says Natalia Garcia, Chief Commercial Officer at Parclick.
Several French regions are perfect gateways for tourists exploring by road. They cater to those who cherish independence and spontaneity in their journeys. Here’s a closer look at why these destinations are a motorcravanner driver’s delight.
Alsace Wine Route
Ample Parking: The route has countless parking areas and a wine route designed to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to savour the local flavours and sights.
Scenic Drives: Picture yourself driving through an endless canvas of vineyards punctuated by medieval villages and rolling fields.
Convenient Access: Alsace’s proximity to major highways and flawlessly maintained roads offers a seamless driving experience.
Loire Valley
Château Parking: Imagine pulling up to the grandeur of Château de Chambord or Château de Chenonceau, where expansive parking lots await.
Wide Roads: These roads are spacious and serene, making your drives smooth and enjoyable.
Convenient Navigation: Tourist-friendly signposts and abundant rest areas ensure you never lose your way.
Provence
Rural Charm: The rustic villages of Gordes and Roussillon and most scenic routes provide visual delight and ample, and often free, parking.
Flexible Itineraries: Having a car allows you to explore less-traveled paths at your own pace.
Accessible Attractions: Attractions like the majestic Pont du Gard and the lavender-laden fields of Valenole are within a stress-free drive.
Normandy
Historical Sites: Prominent sites, including the D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel, offer extensive parking facilities.
Coastal Drives: Navigate through Normandy’s picturesque landscapes and coastal vistas, easily accessed by well-connected roads.
Ease of Travel: The robust network of roads ensures a smooth transition between historical landmarks.
Brittany
Natural Beauty: From the emerald coasts to ancient forests, places like Saint-Malo and Quiberon have spacious parking areas and stunning routes.
Less Traffic: Enjoy a more laid-back driving experience with minimum traffic disruptions.
Exploration Freedom: Thanks to a well-structured road network, discover hidden treasures and serene pathways at your leisure.
Dordogne
Historic Villages: Each village, from Sarlat to La Roque-Gageac, is prepared for visitor vehicles, combining convenience with charm.
Scenic Drives: The journey through Dordogne’s river valleys, quiet roads, and undistilled landscapes is as mesmerizing as its destinations.
Tourist Amenities: Frequent rest stops and well-equipped visitor centers cater to the needs of travellers by car.
Côte d’Azur
Luxury Parking: Urban centres like Nice and Cannes feature secure and spacious parking, minutes away from major attractions.
Drive-Friendly: The legendary coastal roads, such as the Corniche, present breathtaking views with every turn.
Accessibility: Enjoy the ultimate convenience of driving to numerous beaches, lavish resorts, and charming inland towns.
Places in France Where Cars are Banned
France is known for its charming cities and picturesque landscapes, but it is also at the forefront of implementing environmentally friendly policies. As part of its commitment to reducing air pollution, France has designated areas where driving is restricted to ensure cleaner air for residents and visitors.
These areas are clean air driving zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions – ZFE). As of 2024, twelve cities have enforced these regulations, making them car-free zones for certain vehicles. Here’s what you need to know about these zones and their rules.
Clean Air Driving Zones (ZFE)
The list of cities with a ZFE already in place includes:
- Grenoble
- Montpellier
- Strasbourg
- Paris
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Reims
- Toulouse
- Nice
- Saint-Etienne
- Clermont-Ferrand
Understanding Crit’Air Stickers
To regulate vehicle entry into these zones, France has introduced the Crit’Air system. This classifies vehicles based on their emissions. All vehicles must display a Crit’Air sticker on their windscreen, indicating their pollution level. The stickers range from 0 (electric and hydrogen vehicles) to 5 (older, more polluting vehicles).
Wrapping Up What’s more, road travel in France delivers not only views of incredibly beautiful countryside but also engagement with cultural heritage. And it can give a feeling of freedom which is hard to get by another way of moving. Where better to feel the scenery at your own pace? Make lifelong memories than Alsace, Normandy, and glamorous Côte d’Azur, with great driving conditions and facilities. Whether talking about history buffs, nature, or fine wine lovers, the roads of France have appropriate journeys for every preference.
It unveils corners of the country and some well-known destinations. But it also creates nuances in its charm on less-travelled roads and rural landscapes. Keep these car-friendly areas in mind. They might be instrumental in delivering a more fruitful and deeper travel experience for people planning to visit France.