Driving through France: places to stop at in France
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Places to break the journey where you’re driving through France
We’ve reached that stage of our travel life where trips across France are now a popular choice among various members of the family. The adults love the food and culture, the kids love the campsites – so I can see us taking many more trips to France in the coming years. With this in mind, I decided to put this article together to give other like-minded families some ideas of where to stop when you’re driving through France.
I have happy memories of my own childhood holidays to France – these started with tentative trips to Brittany and continued with us moving a little further south each year in search of warmer weather. The Dordogne and its riverfront campsites became our favourite area to visit. So we often broke the long journey from Calais to the Dordogne with a stay in the Loire, it’s a fantastic midway point in France for castles and wine tasting.
I was scanning the map last summer as we drove the torturous route from the south west up to St Malo and came across the very lovely town of Clisson. This was a perfect spot to stop for an hour – small enough for a quick wander, it had an ice cream shop and a castle. We’re heading back to France this summer so I’m keen to find a few more fun places to break the journey this year.
First time visiting France as a family? Or looking for ideas of where to take the kids? Read my guide to France for families which is packed with destination ideas.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to stop between Calais and the Dordogne, or you’re looking for an overnight stop between Calais and Geneva, I hope you find some of these ideas helpful.
This page contains affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
Some of the places detailed below work best for a few hours whereas others are larger and would suit a stay or a night or two.
If you’ve found a great small town in France or a little rural bistro which worked well for your family, please do get in touch so I can add it to this list.
Incidentally, I’ve written a similar article about where to stop in the UK – based more around places which are close to motorway junctions. Check it out if you’re hitting the road this summer in the UK – alternative stops near motorway junctions.
Map of places to stop at in France
Where to stop in northern France
Bergues
- Close to ferry ports
- Walled town
- Ideal for an overnight stop or France day trip
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Calais, the walled town of Bergues is 45 kilometres to the east, around 15 minutes’ drive from Dunkirk. There are several good value places to stay in the centre of the town.
Families will no doubt enjoy clambering up the 206 steps of the bell tower to reach Bergues’s famous belfry which contains 50 bells. My knowledge of French films is sadly rather limited but the Bergues and its bell tower are the location of the popular film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.
Bergues is large enough to make it an appealing day trip destination in France (or an overnight trip). Due to its cinematic popularity Bergues is a lively town to explore.
Overlord Museum
- WWII museum
- 60 kilometres from Caen ferry port
If you’re keen to learn more about D Day and the Normandy Landings, the Overlord Museum is a must-see. It’s located in the town of Colleville-sur-Mer, near the American Cemetery.
The museum has various recreated scenes from D-Day so it’s a good choice for families looking for an immersive and interactive experience. It’s a short drive Omaha beach where there is a moving sculpture dedicated to those who lost their lives.
If you travel a little further along the coast, you can explore the German bunkers which Allied forces attacked during the invasion.
The town and tapestry of Bayeux
- 45 kilometres from Caen ferry port
- Good for an overnight stop
- Close to WWII sites
The attractive town of Bayeux is a useful base for visitors to Normandy. Bayeux is just 25 minutes from the coast and the sites of the D-Day Landings.
The Bayeux Tapestry records the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The tapestry, dating back to around the 11th century, is an impressive 70 metres long and contains 58 scenes including the Battle of Hastings.
Montreuil-sur-Mer
- Charming small town not far from the coast
- Good for a day trip or weekend jaunt
- 70 kilometres south of Calais
This little town sits 70 kilometres due south of Calais, just inland from Le Touquet. It’s a great place to stop if you’re looking to break the journey for lunch or overnight but its proximity to Calais also make it the perfect destination for a day trip to France – or a weekend escape.
Despite the town’s charm, it does not attract too many international visitors and feels like an authentic slice of France just an hour from the Channel Tunnel. Surrounded by 17th century fortifications, the town has a good selection of cafes and restaurants and it’s a pleasant spot for a wander.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
- Pretty coastal town on the Somme bay
- Perfect for a weekend break from the UK
- One hour 20 minutes from Calais
This little town overlooking the Somme bay has rows of colourful fishermen’s cottages and an attractive medieval centre. During the summer there’s a steam train running along the bay to other seaside spots including Le Crotoy.
The Somme bay is home to a large seal colony which can be visited by boat from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. As with Montreuil-sur-Mer, Saint Valery is perfect for a short stop or for an overnight break.
Étretat
- Beautiful coastline and beach
- Good for an overnight stop
- 30 kilometres from Le Harve
Recommended by Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers
Just 40 minutes along the coast from Le Havre, Étretat is worth a detour from the ferry port before you head off driving through France. It used to be a quiet town of only 1300 inhabitants but Étretat has seen an incredible surge in tourism over the past 10 years.
The main attraction in Étretat is its dramatic and unique rock formations. They are composed of chalk and limestone, giving them a white colour and a bright and breath-taking appearance. The most iconic rock formations in Étretat are known as the “Needle” (Aiguille) and the “Arch” (Porte d’Aval). Hiking is one of the main things to do here but there are other attractions to explore like the Étretat Heritage Museum and Jardins d’Étretat , a stunning garden created by landscape architect Alexandre Grivko.
Aside from these attractions, the town itself is quite picturesque too and offers some tasty dining options like Le Bel Ami.
Parc Astérix
- Theme park north of Paris
- Family-friendly day out
One of my sons paid a visit to this Astérix theme park on a recent school trip. He loved it. As well as all the usual rides and rollercoasters you might expect at a theme park, there are themed hotels.
Gerberoy
- Medieval village
- Perfect for an overnight stop or quick lunch break
- 24 kilometres from Paris Beauvais airport
This flower-adorned village is just 24 kilometres from Paris Beauvais airport. Such is the quality of the blooms in Gerberoy, the village holds a rose festival in June each year. Le Jardin des Ifs (garden of Yews) is worth a visit – it’s listed as one of the celebrated Most Beautiful Gardens of France.
The cobblestone streets of Gerberoy are lined with timber framed cottages and there are some excellent restaurants – that of Le Jardin des Ifs sounds particularly appealing.
Lyons-la-Forêt
- Medieval riverside village
- 40 kilometres from Rouen
- Ideal for a lunch break
This little Normandy village lies 40 kilometre east of Rouen. Surrounded by a vast beech forest, Lyons-la-Forêt is a hidden gem of northern France and ideal for a quick stop – Place Isaac Benserade has a range of cafes and restaurants to choose from with tables laid out in the square.
The streets are lined with timber framed houses and the river Lieure runs along the edge of the village. There are plenty of walks from the village in case you need to walk off your lunch.
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
- Riverside Normandy village
- Good for stretching your
- 14 kilometres south west of Alençon
If you’re powering down the A28 from Rouen and you’re looking for somewhere really picturesque to break your journey rather than just stopping at the nearest aire, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is worthy of the 20 minute detour from the motorway.
Surrounded by the green hills of Les Alpes Mancelles, this tiny village sits within a bend of the Sarthe river. There are only a few restaurants so call ahead if you want to eat or pack a picnic and just enjoy a wander along the green lanes.
Mont Saint-Michel and Pontorsan
- Half day attraction
- Good stop off on way to / from ferry ports
We stopped off at Mont Saint-Michel on our way from a holiday in Brittany to the port at Caen. Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most visited sights in France so it does get rather busy during the summer. You have to look beyond the many tacky tourist shops to imagine how it must have once been hundreds of years ago.
We enjoyed the walk to and from the island more than the island itself. The scenery is spectacular and we happened to visit during a massive storm so the sky was incredibly dramatic.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Mont Saint-Michel (hotels on the island itself fill up a year in advance apparently), the nearby town of Pontorsan is a good choice. If you have bikes with you, there’s a dedicated cycle path away from the traffic which leads visitors all the way to Mont Saint-Michel – a great way to experience that stunning scenery.
Dinan
- Medieval riverside town
- Good for a lunch or evening meal before catching the ferry from St Malo
- 35 kilometres from St Malo
This charming riverside town is about 45 minutes south of St Malo (which is also a great place to visit) – perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to stop before heading to the ferry. The cobblestone town is encircled by medieval city walls and features a 13th century castle.
Dinard
- Elegant seaside town
- Lunch or dinner stop before St Malo ferry
- 12 kilometres from St Malo
There are several appealing sandy beaches to enjoy at Dinard. The town sits just to the west of St Malo across the Rance river. Famed for its elegant villas, Dinard was a popular seaside town during the 18th century.
Giverny
- Charming gardens to explore west of Paris
- Good for a morning stop
- 15 kilometres from the A13 motorway
recommended by Chelsea Espinoza
Giverny is located northwest of Paris and takes about an hour and 15 minutes to reach by car from the capital.
The town is best known for being the former home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet. His former home and gardens which he painted numerous times can be visited today. If possible, plan to visit first thing in the morning. This is the best way to avoid the crowds and spend time enjoying the solitude of the garden before the masses of people arrive. You may find the gardens more impressive than the home itself, so be sure to start there first. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, so plan ahead to avoid the queues.
Though Monet’s home is the main draw that brings visitors to Giverny, it’s also a charming town to walk around.
Château de Fougères
- day trip or overnight stop
- castle and medieval town
- 85 kilometres from Saint Malo
This castle in eastern Brittany is the stuff of childhood dreams. Surrounded by an extensive moat, it has ramparts to run along, towers to climb, ruins to explore and spacious grassy areas to burn off energy. This is an ideal stop off if you’ve arrived into France at one of the more westerly ferry ports.
The town of Fougères has appealing medieval streets to explore with timber framed houses. There are also some contemporary highlights to track down – street art and public sculptures which might appeal to older children.
Lac de L’Ailette, near Laon
- Manmade lake
- Good cycling
- 240 kilometres from Calais, 20 kilometres from A26
The city of Laon is well worth a visit if you’re after a cultural break with plenty of art and history. However, if you’d prefer a more outdoorsy, active stopover near the A26 a few hours south of Calais, there are a couple of options available to you around Lac de L’Ailette.
Firstly, Lac de L’Ailette is the home of Center Parcs – you can book a two night break in a very appealing lakeside house and enjoy all the fun indoors and outdoors that this water park resort has to offer. If you’re on a budget or you simply don’t need all those attractions laid on, there are gites and B&Bs close to the lake. I like the sound of Ferme Saint Antoine which has family rooms.
Cycling and water sports are popular at Lac de L’Ailette and close by, surrounded by forest, are the ruins of 12th century Vauclair Abbey. I think a couple of days of exploring the area by bike would be a great stopover.
Driving through France – where to stop in central France
Chartres
- An hour south west of Paris
- Town with world-famous Gothic cathedral
- Perfect for a lunch or overnight stop
Chartres is well known for its stunning Gothic cathedral which has some impressive medieval stained glass windows. There are plenty of cafes lining the square in which the cathedral sits so this is a fantastic place to stop for lunch if you’re heading along the A10 around Paris and fancy a detour for a few hours.
I think Chartres would lend itself very well to an overnight stop as well – I bet the cathedral looks incredible as the evening comes, the day trippers depart and the sun sets.
Fontainebleau
- Attractive town with famous chateau and gardens
- An hour south of Paris
- Just off the E15 motorway
Recommended by Kenny TK Chow
Located close to Paris, Fontainebleau is a historic town with joyful festivities, cultural heritage, and breath-taking scenery.
The main draw of Fontainebleau is the historic Château de Fontainebleau. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former residence of many French monarchs, including Louis VII and Napoleon III. The site celebrates architectural and artistic achievements – showcasing beautiful works of art with a well-designed Italian Renaissance garden. The Turkish boudoir designed especially for Marie Antoinette is another highlight. In fact, the beauty of Château de Fontainebleau is often compared with Château de Versailles.
Fontainebleau is surrounded by a natural forest, the former hunting ground of past royals – popular now with walkers and cyclists.
The Django Reinhardt Festival is held in town during the summer. Originally a respected jazz music festival with a long history, the festival moved on to a wider range of music genres and performances. Soak in the festive vibe at night when you could have some good food and wine in a local joint, dance, and see performances on different stages set up in the town’s streets.
Blois
- Popular Loire Valley town
- Good base for exploring Loire region
- Just off A1, 65 kilometres from Tours
Recommended by Melanie from Postcards and Places
Blois, in the Loire Valley, is a great place for a stopover en route to southern France. It has a cobblestoned Old Town, a beautiful old cathedral, and a hilltop medieval castle.
A unique feature is the Denis-Papin Staircase. For the past ten years, its 120 steps have been decorated with various captivating graphic designs, from tributes to Mickey Mouse and the Mona Lisa to a bold black-and-white spiral illusion. These designs change a couple times a year, making it worthy of repeat visits.
Many visitors use Blois as a base to explore a few classic châteaux. Just outside Blois, the Château de Chambord is visited by about a million tourists every year. Its unique style, a combination of traditional French medieval and Renaissance architecture, has made it one of the most recognizable castles in the world.
Other nearby châteaux include the privately-owned Château de Cheverny, which served as inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin cartoons, the Château de Beauregard, and of course the Château de Blois in the town centre.
Azay-le-Rideau
- Renaissance town and chateau on the Indre river
- Ideal for lunch or an overnight stop
With its Renaissance splendour brilliantly reflected in the River Indre, Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most popular chateaux to visit in the Loire valley.
The town is also a delightful place to explore with plenty of attractive buildings and inviting lanes to wander through.
Vichy
Recommended by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
While Vichy is most well-known for its role in World War II, now, the quaint town is a fabulous place for a stopover on the way to Southern France from Paris.
Vichy is rich in history, arts, culture, architecture, and is home to spas, a riverfront, and opera house. Be sure to try Vichy Water at the many sources around town where you can bring any bottle to fill up. You can also learn about what makes Vichy water so special at Hall des Sources in one of two main parks, called Parcs des Sources.
Some other things to do in Vichy include strolling the waterfront park called Parcs de Vichy, indulging in a cocktail at Tahiti Plage, and seeing a show at the opera house.
Stay in Hȏtel Les Nations, built in 1859 in beautiful art deco style. It has a central location between parks, the city centre, opera house, river beach, and shops.
Issoire
- Attractive small town south of Clermont-Ferrand
- Ideal for a lunch or overnight stop
- Just off the A75 motorway
This little place is a great stop if you’re heading along the A75. It’s about 30 minutes’ south of Clermont- Ferrand. There’s an attractive old town with buildings dating back to the 15th century plus a lively market in the central square – Place de la Republique – on a Saturday morning.
Noyers-sur-Serein
- Close to A6 motorway
- Small medieval village
- Great for a lunch break or overnight stop
This walled medieval village is perfect for a gentle wander – there are a few eateries inside the village walls but you might prefer to pick up some bread in the village bakery and grab some cheese for a picnic.
Chauvigny
- Medieval town
- Ideal for a lunch break or overnight stop
- 26 kilometres east of Poitiers
This medieval town near Poitiers is an atmospheric spot for a family lunch or overnight stop. The town is topped by five castles, including one which hosts a birds of prey show called Giants of the Sky. My kids would no doubt enjoy the velorail – a route through the town along a disused railway which visitors can travel along using a “rail bike”.
Interesting places to stop in eastern France
Arras
- Just over an hour’s drive south east from Calais
- Great for an overnight stop or lunch in one of its impressive squares
Although Arras was heavily bombed during WWII, its two main squares – Grand Place and Place des Heros – have been restored to their former Baroque magnificence. Either square makes a great place for a lunch stop if you’re looking for somewhere near Calais to break your journey.
Children will enjoy exploring Arras below ground. The Carrière Wellington museum traces the history of the tunnels beneath the city dug by British and New Zealand and Pacific Islander troops. The tunnels were used to channel troops to the front line whilst avoiding German attacks.
Find out more about the Carrière Wellington museum
Lens, Pas-de-Calais (approximately 1.5 hours from Calais)
- Diverse attractions of art and mining history
- Good location to break your journey near Calais for a couple of hours
Around 1.5 hours south of Calais, Lens is home to a branch of the Louvre. The Louvre Lens was opened in 2012, it has a permanent collection along with a range of temporary exhibitions.
Lens is a former mining town and there’s a niche attraction in the north of the town which might appeal to your children (I expect one of my sons would prefer it to the Louvre). There are slag heaps which are now a tourist attraction. Visitors can climb them for views over the surrounding countryside – and you can teach the kids about our reliance on fossil fuels.
Péronne
- World War history museum
- Good for a short stop 1.5 hours from Calais
The town of Péronne sits due south of Arras and east of Amiens. If you’re keen to learn more about the impact of the two World Wars on this region of France, Péronne’s museum – the Historial de la Grande Guerre – is worth visiting. Set in a medieval castle, there are French, British and German artefacts to explore at this interesting museum.
Metz
- River front city with contemporary art galleries and a stunning cathedral
- Ideal for lunch or an overnight stop
I hadn’t heard of this north eastern French city until its branch of the Centre Pompidou opened in 2006. Located close to the Luxembourg and Germany, Metz is an appealing location for a stopover. The Moselle and Seille rivers run through the centre of the city and there’s an historic covered market to explore – perfect for stocking up on good food if you’re heading off on a self catering holiday.
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz is worth seeking out – this Gothic masterpiece features stained glass by Marc Chagall. Meanwhile, if you’re keen to find somewhere for an al fresco lunch in Metz, head to the Place Saint Louis with its arcades along one side lined with eateries spilling into the square.
Verzenay, Champagne
- Champagne museump 20 minutes south of Reims
Not sure if your kids will tolerate a trip around the vineyards of the Champagne region? You can tempt them with the promise of a visit to a lighthouse. Sounds strange? The Champagne museum at Verzenay, close to the A4 south of Reims, has its very own lighthouse with 101 steps to climb.
Find out more about the museum and lighthouse at Verzenay
Troyes
- Beautiful medieval city with plenty of character to keep the kids interested
- Ideal for an overnight break or a lunch stop
The capital of the Champagne region, Troyes is a joy to explore – either as a lunch break destination (it’s around four hours from Calais) or for a couple of days. The historic centre is a network of winding medieval lanes with timber framed buildings and restaurants galore. It’s the sort of town that families will enjoy exploring together – children will love the wonky architecture – encourage them to seek out the famous ruelle des Chats, a road so narrow the buildings nearly touch above your head.
Riquewihr in the Alsace
- Pretty village surrounded by vineyards
- Perfect stop when heading south via eastern France
- seven kilometres from the E25 motorway
If you’re driving to southern France or Italy and fancy a little detour, the Alsace region is wonderful for so many reasons. There are countless fairytale towns to explore and vineyards to do a spot of wine tasting. We stopped in Riquewihr for a night and stayed in the Hotel a l’Oriel – a good value and central little place.
Eating out in Riquewihr – and Alsace generally – is great fun. The region has its own rather particular cuisine, a mix of French and German, washed down with Riesling or Gewürztraminer wines. I love these white wines but I know they’re not to everyone’s taste!
Dole
- Attractive town with medieval architecture
- Good overnight destination near Swiss border
- 10 kilometres from A39 motorway
This little town is south east of Dijon, just off the A39 motorway. We spent a night here on our way home from Italy. We stayed in a small campsite on the edge of town and wandered into the historic centre for dinner. There are some lovely streets to explore and there are various waterways which crisscross through the town.
Yvoire
- Lakeside village near Geneva
- Good stopover en route to Italy or Switzerland
- 30 kilometres from A40 motorway
Recommended by Sonia from Happy Little Traveler
Yvoire is a beautiful medieval village located on the southwestern shores of Lake Geneva in France. Going through the village gates is like going back in time hundreds of years, straight to the Middle Ages. Despite the fact that the village is now more than 700 years old, it manages to preserve its medieval vibe – traffic free cobbled streets full of stone houses with wooden balconies and colourful flowers.
Need more reasons to stop in Yvoire? The village has been named one of France’s most beautiful villages, it’s also a 4-flower village since the 1950s! Along the streets, you’ll find a good range of restaurants, cafes, little shops and art galleries.
Head to La Creperie d’Yvoire for delicious crepes. If you need accommodation check out Le Pré de la Cure hotel, from which windows you’ll be able to admire stunning Lake Geneva views.
Chamonix
- Popular ski resort and great for outdoor pursuits in summer
- Ideal overnight stop on route to Italy
- Close to Mount Blanc tunnel
Recommended by Leigh from Campfires and Concierges
The village of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc sits in the Alps near the France-Switzerland-Italy border. It was the first stop on my Haute Route hike from Chamonix to Zermatt.
This quaint French village is easily walkable, and being a ski town, there are plenty of accommodation options and restaurants. If you visit Chamonix in the summer, you will have a wide variety of activities, including a cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. There are many hikes as well as ice caves to explore, paragliding, and whitewater rafting. Chamonix is genuinely an outdoor adventurers’ paradise.
I stayed at Les Gourmets-Chalet Hotel, which is perfectly positioned for exploring the streets of Chamonix on foot. In late summer, the town was vibrant with potted flowers at every establishment, making Chamonix a postcard-perfect French village. Warm layers are essential in every season, though, as I had a bit of September snow to start my hike out of Chamonix!
Pérouges
- Hilltop village
- Ideal for a lunch stop
- 40 kilometres east of Lyon
Recommended by Leyla from Off Beat France
If you’re headed south and passing through Lyon, half an hour away is a lovely medieval village with cobblestones galore. Set up on a hill, Pérouges is a circular, walled village which was saved from destruction a century ago by concerned citizens dismayed at its decay.
Pérouges is tiny, with 80 or so residents, but it has resisted becoming overly touristed despite its attractiveness (it is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France). There are artisans, but they are discreet, and all signs of modernity are banned.
Pérouges does have a culinary specialty – the Tarte de Pérouges, a sweet sugar-based tart. They’re on sale throughout the village and you’ll be guided by the smell. Spend a bit of time at a café on the main square – it’s a perfect spot for people watching.
Driving in western France – where to stop
Pornic
- Harbour town
- Ideal for a lunch stop
- Located on the west coast between Vendee and Brittany
We stopped in this harbour town when we were driving from Noirmoutier north to Brittany. There’s a good selection of restaurants on the waterfront including plenty of outdoor seating. There are market stalls on the main streets and we bagged a parking space right in the centre of town – very handy!
Le Moulin de la Touche winery, near Villeneuve-en-Retz
Before heading to Pornic for lunch, we stopped at this great little vineyard to stock up our wine reserves. Le Moulin de la Touche is right on the edge of the Loire wine region. We picked up a great selection of very good value everyday drinking wine – I’ve particularly enjoyed their Gamay.
Find out more about Le Moulin de la Touche
Clisson
- Pretty riverside town
- Good overnight break – or ice cream stop!
- Close to the A83 south of Nantes
Clisson is one of those perfect little places to stop at mid-way through France. Nantes is a fantastic city to visit with kids but if you’re after a quick break in the same area – or indeed a peaceful overnight stop (try the riverfront Best Western which has a pool), Clisson ticks many boxes.
The town’s compact centre can be explored in a 10 minute wander and there’s a great little ice cream shop (with those all important toilets!). Elsewhere in town, if you’re travelling with little kids, look out for the tree which leans right over the road and almost peers into someone’s upstairs window.
Puy du Fou
- Open air theatre / theme park
- Ideal for one or two nights
- 80 kilometres south of Nantes
Puy du Fou is a unique attraction, as much a destination in its own right as it is a stopover on route to elsewhere in France. Here, you’ll be taken back in time with the help of casts a thousand strong as they re-enact scenes from European history in dramatic style. Expect pyrotechnics, Viking ships and epic battles.
Puy du Fou has themed accommodation choices but if you’re on a budget there are plenty of affordable places to stay in the surrounding villages. We found a great little apartment in a nearby town which was perfect.
If you’re driving through France and you want somewhere really special to stop with the kids, Puy du Fuy should definitely be on your list. We absolutely loved our visit!
Read my review of Puy du Fou including tips for visiting in August with kids
La Rochelle
- Atlantic coastal town in the Vendee
- Perfect for lunch and a wander
- 50 kilometres from the A10 motorway
La Rochelle is much bigger than a lot of the destinations in this article but I had to include it after our lunchtime stop there in the summer of 2022. Along with Île de Ré, it’s worth detouring from the A83 or A10 motorways to enjoy the good life at this lively seaside town.
La Rochelle’s harbour and the streets which lead away from it are wonderful to wander along and there’s a seemingly endless selection to places to enjoy lunch overlooking the waterfront.
Île de Ré
- French island heaven with sandy beaches and bike paths galore
- Perfect for a short break or complete holiday
- Midway between St Malo and the south coast
This might not seem like an obvious “stopover” destination as it is a bit of a detour from the main arteries through France. However, in the summer of 2022 we spent three nights on Île de Ré on our way south to Lacanau.
We found a campsite on the south eastern edge of the island which had chalets and a pool and thankfully offered short stays (unlike the majority of accommodation options on the island) – Les Fougères.
We spent our two days exploring the island by bike and eating our own bodyweight in ice cream.
The BAC ferry from Royan to Le Verdon-sur-Mer
- Scenic ferry journey across the Gironde estuary
- Alternative to getting stuck on the Bordeaux bypass
I’ve read good and bad reports about this rather pricey ferry crossing. It’s around €50 one way for you and your car to make the short journey across the estuary of the Gironde river. It can save you several hours of tedious traffic driving around Bordeaux but if you decide to do this journey on a Saturday in August you might still experience slow traffic if you take the boat – a queue for the ferry can build up. Have a read on some of the Facebook forums and Trip Advisor and make up your mind as to whether you want to risk it.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
- Pretty hill town in the Charente
- Good for a lunch stop
- 40 kilometres from the A89 east-west motorway
Recommended by Kylie from Life in Rural France
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is in the south Charente on the border of the Dordogne, surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. Listed officially as one of the country’s prettiest villages and Petites Cités de Caractère, it’s like stepping into the scene of a postcard.
A popular stop-off point for pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostella, it’s home to the most amazing underground monolithic church. Carved from one cliff during the 7th century, it was home to the Benedictine monks of the region who were responsible for its development in the 12th century. It stands 20 metres high with seven columns carved out of stone and a monument built to represent the tomb of Christ. It’s quite something to see.
There’s also a crypt and burial area where you can see the 170 graves housed there with tombs shaped to represent the human body.
The perfect lunch spot is on Place Ludovic Trarieux, the main village square. As the focal point of the village, you’re surrounded by little winding streets, beautiful houses with their flower boxes and artisan shops.
The square was named after the influential French politician Ludovic Trarieux. Born in 1840, he was the founder of The Human Rights League of France and a hugely influential figure.
Small towns to stop at in southern France
Rocamadour
- Hilltop town on the Dordogne River
- Perfect for lunch or an overnight stop
- Near the A50 motorway
Recommended by Michael from Time Travel Turtle
For centuries, Rocamadour has been a stop on pilgrimage trails, initially because of a legend that the body of a saint was found here, and then because the religious community formed here was attraction enough. Even today, it’s still part of the French section of the Camino de Santiago (and part of a World Heritage Site for that reason).
The town you see when you visit Rocamadour today was founded in the Middle Ages and built into a steep cliff, churches and chapels incorporating the natural structures of the caves and the rock formations. The gorgeous buildings seem even more dramatic on the outside because of their setting, while inside there are ornate decorations including small sculptures and an impressive organ in the Basilique St-Sauveur.
The tourist town at the bottom of the cliff has plenty of places to eat and drink, so Rocamadour is also a nice place to break up a road trip, or there is a wide range of accommodation options as well.
L’Isle Sur la Sorgue
- Pretty town east of Avignon
- Perfect for lunch
- Close to the A7 motorway
Recommended by Carly from Fearless Female Travels
If you’re on a road trip in the South of France, you absolutely have to stop for lunch in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a picturesque small town near Avignon. Here, the historic city centre is situated on a small island, surrounded by the waters of the Sorgue river. The riverfront promenade is lined with trees, colourful flowers and decorative wrought-iron benches and is one of several towns to be nicknamed “the Venice of France”. The riverway is dotted with ancient wooden waterwheels dating back to the the 1700s (yes, some of them are still operational!).
It should take you less than an hour to walk around the island by foot, making it the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs during a long day of driving in Provence. If you happen to be in the area on a Wednesday or Sunday morning you’ll want to add an hour or two to your stay, so that you can shop at the town’s famous Provencal market.
Gordes
- Hilltop Provencal village
- Perfect for a lunch stop
- 50 kilometres east of Avignon
Recommended by Lucy from Thoroughly Travel
Frequently called one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of France, Gordes is a charming commune of stone buildings perched atop a dramatic hillside in Provence. With a history dating back to the Neolithic period, Gordes offers sweeping views of mountainous Mediterranean countryside. Located in the heart of South East France, Gordes is the perfect Provençal stopover on the way to the French Riviera.
The weekly Gordes market takes place every Tuesday morning where tourists can peruse an array of local produce, arts and crafts. While wandering the narrow cobbled streets, seeing Château de Gordes and browsing the local boutique stores and art galleries makes for a relaxing visit. Day trip options include the beautiful Abbey de Senanque, historic Village de Bories, picturesque lavender fields, relaxing Fontaine de Vaucluse and expansive Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. There are multiple eateries to choose from in town but you can’t go wrong with La Trinquette, a classic French bistro. Gordes is most easily accessed from its closest city of Avignon, while Marseille is only an hour’s drive away making it a great stop over on a southern France itinerary.
Millau viaduct
- 2.4 kilometre bridge crossing the Tarn valley
- Perfect for fans of engineering
- Part of the A75 motorway
A French and British partnership created this impressive bridge across the Tarn valley – built to improve traffic flow in southern France. If only the UK could alleviate its traffic problems in such majestic fashion.
To reach the viaduct you take exit 45 off the A75 at the aire du Viaduc. There’s a viewing area and refreshments available.
Find out more about the Millau Viaduct
Cordes sur Ciel
- Fortified hill top village
- Good for a lunch stop
- 80 kilometres north east of Toulouse
Recommended Pauline from France Pocket Guide
Located in the Occitanie region, Cordes sur Ciel is on the list of the most beautiful villages in France (plus beaux villages de France) and a must visit if you are doing a road trip in South West France.
It is a hilltop village – Sur Ciel translates as “on the sky” and that name couldn’t have been better chosen.
When you arrive, you will find several car parks just outside the village. It is quite a steep walk so some visitors choose to take the mini train. The visitor centre organises daily walking tours in summer through the village, taking in beautiful landmarks such as Saint Michel Church and the Grand Veneur House.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Picturesque riverside town near the Pyrenees
- Ideal for an overnight visit
- Close to the Spanish border
Recommended by Alya from Stingy Nomads
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a small charming town in southern France. It’s situated in a picturesque valley in the foothills of the Pyrenees, near the border with Spain, 70 kilometres southeast of Biarritz. St. Jean is a great place to include if you’re driving through southern France. The town was named one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Despite its small size, the town has several interesting historical landmarks including the Citadel, an old fortress on the top of the hill, the 14th century Gothic church Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont, and the walls that surround the Old Town. The narrow cobbled streets of St. Jean with cosy cafes and curiosity shops are part of the town’s charm.
The town is the starting point of the Camino Frances, one the most popular Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. For centuries St. Jean has been a gateway for pilgrims to Roncevaux Pass, a high pass over the Pyrenees mountains.
Chambres d’Hôtes Maison Bernat is one of the best places to stay in the centre of St. Jean.
Additional resources for driving through France
If you do not find anything suitable in this list of places to visit in France, try the following websites for further inspiration:
Plus Beaux Detours – this lists a good range of appealing places to stop at while driving through France.
Les Plus Beaux Village de France – this is a great resource for finding lovely little villages in France to stop at.
Les Parcs Nationaux de France – there are 11 French national parks (two are in overseas territory). This website is worth looking at if you have a few days to fill in France.
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Looking for more information on family holidays to France? Check out these articles:
Review: Yelloh Village Camping Les Grands Pins
Ile aux Moines day trip in Brittany
Review: Domaine Le Midi on Noirmoutier island in the Vendee
Have you discovered any great little stop overs in France? Let me know in the comments below.
