France Road Trip — Côte d'Azur, Provence & Bordeaux
- Free parking spaces were also available in France. easy to find
- Saint-Tropez: Waterfront parking space, 10-minute walk to the town center
- Stone chip in the windshield — the ADAC covered hotel and transport costs.
- Bullfighting in Nîmes: €2 bonus for each touch of the forehead
Contents of this post18 chapters
- 1Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
- 2Welcome to Saint-Tropez
- 3Off to Hyères
- 4Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer
- 5Via Ferrata
- 6Nîmes
- 7Montpellier
- 8Cassis
- 9Brief conclusion
- 10Marignane
- 11Next Stop: Monaco
- 12More about the trip
- 13France Road Trip Route between the Côte d'Azur and the Atlantic Ocean
- 14Provence Route with Luberon and lavender fields
- 15France road trip via Biarritz and Bordeaux
- 16How to practically plan a France road trip with a campervan
- 17Relevant travel reports
- 18Frequently Asked Questions
What could be tastier than good Brie cheese with crunchy baguette? Perhaps a fresh crêpe filled with white chocolate!
I loved France not only for its food but also for its impressive cities, beaches, and mountains.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, we found a campsite on a mountain. Except for a few donkeys in the background, there seemed to be no one else around. Haha. That would have been nice! After just a few minutes, a Frenchman approached us. He wore a loose, half-buttoned shirt and shorts. His hair was grayish, short, and a bit tousled. With a loud "Boooonjoooouuur," he greeted us loudly, trying his best to stand upright and suppress his swaying. A blind person could have guessed from his first sound that this man was definitely drunk. To our misfortune! The Frenchman talked and talked. Things that were not particularly interesting and, BY THE WAY, not understandable to us (due to his language). After hundreds of remarks, he started speaking English. That didn't make it any better. Now he told us about the donkeys he owned, his non-existent wife, and his life. Somehow, one could feel sorry for this man... When he finally got closer to our camper, we decided to look for another campsite.
And OFF we went.
Welcome to Saint-Tropez
Our campsite was only a 10-minute walk from the center. What more could you ask for?
Tours and activities: Saint Tropez
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Off to Hyères
In Hyères, it wasn't easy to find a campsite. We first drove up the castle hill: That was not a good idea!
Then it was back down again backwards, winding. What fun!
Finally, we parked on a meadow with a view of the castle. Not bad either!
Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer
After the beautiful sunset, we made some fresh pizzas with our Omnia oven!
Via Ferrata
The scariest Via Ferrata
Like in a horror movie! For some, a hanging bridge is probably already a scary experience, but the fog here tops everything!
Even though I didn't really see much: I knew it went verrrrry deep down!
No Risk – No Fun.
Nîmes
Bullfighting in the amphitheater
For the first time in our lives, we visited an amphitheater where a bullfight took place.
With mixed feelings, we finally sat down in one of the many rows. After being supplied with beer, it started. At first, we only saw the fighters in their white clothes standing in the middle of the amphitheater.
What now? No red cloth? No.
Suddenly there was a short warning signal, after which the big bull, somewhat cautiously, marched into the fight with his powerful horns. The goal was now for the white men (fighters) to touch the bull's forehead and to do so without getting injured.
It got exciting!
After a while, someone finally managed to touch the bull's forehead. Oh my goodness... Now quickly! He ran for his life and "SPLASH" – he crashed right into the barrier. We gasped. In seconds, some staff members pulled him over the barrier. Another close call, I'd say! The bull also crashed into the barrier a moment later. That could have gone very wrong! The game was so exciting that I couldn't look away for a second. "Two euros!" "Two euros!" echoed through the loudspeakers. Every time the player touched the bull's forehead, they received two euros. A risky two euros. A life-threatening two euros. The game continued. Every now and then, the bull itself slammed into the barrier with full force. Sometimes, the bull was half hanging over the barrier because it was going so fast that it was swinging over it. Horrible to watch. Only the following day, according to tradition, was the animal's head severed with a knife while it was still alive. The horns were then torn out and proudly presented.
Shocking tradition. We agree on that.
We don't need to be part of such a "game" again.
Montpellier
On the way to Montpellier, a large truck drove in front of us, from which a big stone hit our windshield.
Great!
The windshield cracked bit by bit. So it was off to the workshop as quickly as possible. Fortunately, we were ADAC members, so we received reimbursement for a hotel night worth over 100 euros + transportation.
Crazy. One phone call and everything was arranged! It's definitely worth being an ADAC member!
The next day, with our repaired windshield, we found a new campsite in the middle of nowhere. After a quiet night, I prepared breakfast. Suddenly we heard a strange noise from outside. We opened the camper door and behold:
As if out of nowhere, the white horses appeared. It was like a dream. A magical world. Indescribable!
Cassis
Right by the Mediterranean Sea is the beautiful fishing harbor with the pebble beaches and clear water.
Brief conclusion
France was a great experience. Every city here just has its own charm, and it was once again totally easy to find good & free campsites! Perfect.
Marignane
In Marignane, we scored a great (and as always, free) campsite right by the sea.
Plus, there was also a great sunset with pink clouds.
How beautiful!
But now:
"Good night!"
Next stop: Monaco
More about the trip
France Road Trip Route between the Côte d'Azur and the Atlantic Ocean
A diverse French road trip route can be divided into two regions. In the southeast, a roughly 400-kilometer route connects Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Cassis, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Menton. This route is described as suitable for seven, ten, or fourteen days; the Camargue and lavender fields can be added as detours. For seven days, the route combines Provence and the Côte d'Azur, excluding the Camargue and Luberon. For ten to fourteen days, the loop can be extended to include a northern detour through the Luberon and lavender fields, as well as the Camargue and Arles. In the southwest, Biarritz and Bordeaux, 180 kilometers away, further expand the options.
Côte d'Azur route from Marseille to Menton
The Côte d'Azur stretches along the Mediterranean coast between Cassis and the border near Menton. Beyond Marseille, the Calanques form fjord-like inlets with turquoise waters. The Calanque de Port-Miou can be reached on foot in 20 minutes, while the Calanque d'En-Vau takes two hours. Port Grimaud was developed in the 1960s as a lagoon town, where every house has direct water access. Cannes is known for its film festival in May, the Croisette promenade, and the Rue d'Antibes. The Îles de Lérins offer views of the coast; Saint-Honorat is home to a monastery and vineyards.
In Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town (Vieille Ville), the daily Cours Saleya market, and the Colline du Château viewpoint overlooking the Baie des Anges are among the must-see attractions. The hinterland complements the coastline with Èze, Gourdon, and the art village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Menton marks the eastern end of the Côte d'Azur and is known for its lemons, Italian flair, and a botanical garden specializing in tropical plants. Good to know: Monaco is located 15 kilometers from Nice and is an independent state.
Provence Route with Luberon and lavender fields
France road trip through Aix-en-Provence, Gordes and Roussillon
Aix-en-Provence is a central base for day trips in Provence. The Cours Mirabeau is characterized by fountains and plane trees; a large market takes place on the Place Richelme on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. To the northeast lies the Luberon region with Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin, and Ménerbes. Gordes is composed of light-colored limestone and sits atop a rocky promontory, while Roussillon is defined by its ochre-red rock. The two towns are 15 kilometers apart. Tip for campervan travelers: Their narrow and steep streets are not suitable for campervans, so it's best to leave your vehicle in a parking area on the outskirts of town.
The Valensole Plateau, northwest of Manosque, is the most famous lavender region in Europe. The main flowering period lasts from late June to mid-July; afterwards, the lavender is harvested and distilled. This makes June and July the best time to visit for lavender, while September is known for the grape harvest. Other possible day trip destinations include the Gorges du Verdon with its 30-kilometer-long canyon and turquoise river, the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, home to the largest antiques market in southern France, held on Sundays.
France road trip via Biarritz and Bordeaux
Biarritz route between city beach and Atlantic coast
Biarritz, located 30 kilometers from San Sebastián, combines white Belle Époque architecture with a vibrant surf culture. The Grande Plage is the main beach and gets very crowded in the summer. To the south lies the Côte des Basques surf beach, offering waves for all skill levels; Plage Miramar to the north is calmer and smaller at high tide. The iconic Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin's Rock) stands on a rocky promontory in the sea, accessible via an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The lighthouse, built in 1834, is 73 meters tall and has 248 steps. For picnic supplies, the Les Halles de Biarritz market hall is a great option.
Bordeaux route with old town and Saint-Émilion
Bordeaux is 180 kilometers from Biarritz. The city center, with its 18th-century neoclassical facades, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and is served by a modern tram system. In front of the symmetrical facades of the Place de la Bourse, dating from 1749, lies the 3,450-square-meter Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror). In summer, it alternates every 15 minutes between a shallow pool and a mirrored surface. The Rue Sainte-Catherine runs south from the Grand Théâtre and is 1,250 meters long. At least two days should be set aside for the old town and the Cité du Vin (Wine Center).
Those planning an extra day can add the wine regions around Bordeaux to their itinerary. Saint-Émilion lies 40 kilometers east and is a medieval wine village perched on limestone cliffs. Its underground Monolithic Church is carved into the rock. North of Bordeaux lie the Châteaux of the Médoc. Conveniently for planning purposes: From Bordeaux, the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pessac-Léognan are all reachable in a maximum of 45 minutes by campervan.
How to practically plan a France road trip with a campervan
Campers and pitches along the France route
- On the Côte d'Azur, free camping is strictly controlled in Saint-Tropez, Nice and Cannes; parking bans for campers also apply in the Calanques National Park.
- Parking a campervan in the center of Biarritz is virtually impossible. Campsites are located in Biarritz and in Bidart, which lies to the south.
- In Bordeaux, there are parking spaces by the lake; a tram runs from there to the city center. There is also a campsite in Saint-Émilion, 40 kilometers away.
- Good to know: A Crit'Air vignette is mandatory for Bordeaux. It should be ordered before your trip.
The best time to visit Biarritz and Bordeaux is generally considered to be May to June, with temperatures between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius, and September to October, with temperatures between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius and the grape harvest in Bordeaux. July and August, with temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius, are largely dry but more crowded. In Provence, the best time to visit is more closely tied to the lavender bloom and the grape harvest. This allows you to plan your route according to the coast, cities, or scenic highlights.
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Relevant travel reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to find parking spaces in France?
Very easy. Every town has its own charm, and once again it was incredibly easy to find good and free parking spaces — in Saint-Tropez even a ten-minute walk from the center, in Marignane right by the sea.
Is ADAC membership worthwhile for a road trip?
Yes, that's how it was for us. A stone hit the windshield, and the crack kept spreading. One phone call, and our hotel stay worth over €100 plus transport costs were reimbursed.
What happens during a bullfight in Nîmes?
Without a red cape. The fighters in white try to tap the bull's forehead—each touch earns them 2 euros. The next day, the animal is traditionally beheaded while still alive. A shocking tradition we don't need to see again.
What should I absolutely eat in France?
Good Brie with a crusty baguette — and a fresh crêpe with white chocolate. For me, the best crêpe was in Saint-Tropez.
When is the best time to visit lavender in Provence?
The main flowering period on the Valensole Plateau lasts from the end of June to mid-July. Harvesting and distillation follow. The grape harvest takes place in September.
How long does a road trip through southern France take?
Seven days are considered the minimum for Provence and the Côte d'Azur. Ten to fourteen days can be added to include the Luberon, lavender fields, Camargue, and Arles.
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