Best Drive through the South of France

Many tourist begin and end their trips to France in Paris. But if you’ve not explored the South of France, you are truly missing out. What better way to explore the charming villages, vineyard-draped hills, and beautiful blue beaches than by putting on your best driving shoes and hopping in your ride. Driving in the South of France is a thrill for any road warrior.

I love a good road trip. When planned well, it can truly provide a perfect glimpse into the culture of a country. While making the choice to explore a country by road might be a bit scary, there are some countries where it is simply a joy. France ranks high on my list of top countries to explore by car. From well maintained highways and well marked roads this is one of the easiest countries to navigate. Some cities are not as friendly as others to navigate.

The Basics

I sometimes forget that I’ve lived in Europe and have a driver’s license issued in the EU when speaking to people about driving abroad. Most people get a little nervous about what they perceive as significant differences between the US and other places. It’s really not that different. But let’s get you ready for driving in France with a few of the basics:

• Getting a Car. As with most European countries, the manual transmission cars are the preferred vehicle for most rental companies. Unless you specify automatic, you will get a manual (stick shift) vehicle. With the cobblestone and traffic, if driving a manual transmission is not your forte, then you should pay the upcharge and take the automatic. Trust me, it will save you some embarrassment and probably a few accidents along the way. No one needs to deal with an angry French motorist while on vacation.
• Rules of the Road. While the traffic signs are not all the same, they are pretty easy to decipher. Take a look at this resource to help before you decide to get on the road. Additionally, France has a fair amount of roundabouts. This should be easy to navigate but just in case, yield for vehicles already in the roundabout and move closer to the right before you are ready to exit. On roadways, only use the left lane for passing and use a hands free device if you need to talk on the phone.
• Speeding Cameras. Speed limits are posted in kilometers (but so are the odometers in the vehicle). Traffic cams are on the highways and you will get a photo enforceable ticket without anyone ever pulling you over. Most gps systems will warn you when one is coming up. Just pay attention. Tickets are not cheap and even more when the rental company tack on their fees.
• Toll Roads. There are a lot of them but only on the highways. If you stick with local streets you can avoid them altogether. If you happen to go on a toll road, just know that most rental cars are equipped with automatic toll payments. You will be billed at the end of your trip for any toll you pass through while driving in France. Much better than the previous system where you had to keep a console full of coins nearby or get stuck.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s get you on your way.

Where to Start

The easiest place to start your drive will likely be Nice. If arriving to the south by air, you will typically find international airlines with flights into this city making it an ideal jumping off point for your trip. I started my adventure in Switzerland and experienced the magical Swiss/French Alps while driving through France.

Once you’ve spent a fair amount of time in Nice, take a day trip over to Monaco to splurge like the super rich. Here you can visit swanky casinos or dine at one of the top restaurants in the world like Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at L’Hôtel de Paris. Or head up to Grasse, the world’s perfume capital to make your own special fragrance. I visited Molinard and had a really personalized experience.

Make a stop at Forville market to try some gourmet treats or simply wander the cobbled streets of the different neighborhoods to connect with the history and culture of the city. Once you’ve had your glamorous moment in Cannes, head over to St. Tropez, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

If you decide to stay late, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at one of the trendy beach clubs of Pampelonne. Or find a rooftop with a view for some sunset cocktails before heading out to dinner to enjoy a truly gastronomic experience. Once you are all partied out leave St. Tropez and head towards Marseille, a drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Explore the historic Vieux-Port, the lively markets, and iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Garde. After a lively day here, jump in your car and make the 30 minute drive over to Aix En Provence.

Grab a room at one of the many great hotels in the city and spend the night. That way you can explore the neighboring towns the next day. A short drive from the city and you can experience the most beautiful lavender fields you will ever see. Also, a deeper drive into the region and you can visit vineyards and explore wines.

While Aix En Provence can be your final stop on this drive, there aren’t any international airports in the city. You may need to take the 30 minute drive back to Marseille to end your trip there. Or switch it up and go to Aix En Provence first and end with Marseille. You can’t go wrong either way.

Best Time to Visit

Depending on your needs, the South of France can be magical anytime of year. If you are looking for warmer weather, consider late May to October and experience long bright sunny days. Consequently in summer, you will find your fair share of festivals and events. It also means large crowds, heavy traffic and higher prices. Driving in France during a busy event might prove especially challenging. May is particularly hot and in August small villages practically shut down. That said, late June to July you can see lavender fields in full bloom.

My Perspective

Driving through France using this itinerary will give you a little bit of everything. If you are feeling adventurous, keep driving and spend some time in the French Alps before heading back home. But avoid driving in Paris. That’s takes a whole different level of driving confidence to navigate.