Discover France’s Travel Gems: The Ultimate 2025 Road Trip Guide for UK Travellers.
Discover France’s Travel Gems: The Ultimate 2025 Road Trip Guide for UK Travellers.
France awaits you in 2025! From fairy-tale villages and sparkling vineyards to rugged mountain trails and golden beaches, there is no better way to explore the diverse landscapes than by car. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a foodie pilgrimage, the Emovis Tag ensures a hassle-free journey, letting you skip toll queues and focus on making memories. Read on for the ultimate guide to discovering France’s hidden gems—just a short hop from the UK!
Paris to Champagne: Sparkling Wine Route
Celebrate the art of French winemaking with a road trip from Paris to the Champagne region. Head to Reims and Épernay, the birthplace of champagne. The famous Avenue de Champagne is lined with grand mansions, home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine producers, including Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Veuve Clicquot, Pol Roger, and de Castellane. As you stroll through town, remember that beneath your feet lie over two hundred miles of underground caves, stocked with some of the world’s finest bubbly. Many cellars offer tours, providing a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of Champagne. The Emovis Tag allows a quick exit from motorway tolls so you can focus on sipping bubbly, exploring vineyards, and learning the secrets behind France’s most famous sparkling wine. Add a picnic by the Marne River for a truly unforgettable experience.
Provence: Lavender Fields and Hilltop Villages
Start your summer adventure with a scenic drive through Provence, famous for its lavender fields and medieval villages, where the lavender blooms from June to August. As the warm weather returns, the Valensole Plateau fills with a delicate fragrance where lavender and wheat fields blanket over eight hundred square kilometres, stretching to the horizon in a breathtaking tapestry of blues and golds. You could plan your route through Luberon, stopping at the charming villages of Gordes where the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque is surrounded by lavender plants and offers a magnificent backdrop, or Roussillon, the astonishing ochre village which is officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Using the Emovis Tag will save you time on toll roads, allowing more opportunities to wander through flower markets, sample Provençal wines, and capture incredible views. Provence in summer is a journey filled with colour, fragrance, and history—perfect for a relaxing yet inspiring road trip.
Explore Brittany’s Coastal Villages
Brittany’s coastline is known for its picturesque fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and ancient stone houses. A road trip through towns such as Saint-Malo, the walled city on the English Channel coast had a long history of piracy; the town of Dinan, a charming medieval city between the land and the sea which is enclosed by nearly three kilometres of ramparts and its 14th-century castle; and Concarneau embedded in its fortifications, and one of the most beautiful bays in Brittany, offers a taste of France’s maritime heritage. With Emovis Tag, enjoy smooth access to Brittany’s beautiful coastal routes. Be sure to sample Brittany’s renowned crepes and fresh seafood along the way. Brittany’s unique charm lies in its blend of dramatic coastal views and quaint village streets, making it a must for any traveller.
Mountain Escapes: French Alps in Summer
The French Alps are not just for winter; they are equally stunning in summer. Take a road trip to Chamonix and Annecy, where you can hike alpine trails, enjoy lake activities, and ride cable cars with panoramic mountain views. Beyond its natural beauty, the Alps are rich in history—wander through the cobbled streets of Vieux-Annecy, Chambéry, or the hilltop town of Briançon to uncover their charming heritage. If you are in the mood for wine, fine cheese, or a warm fondue, the French Alps will not disappoint, serving up unforgettable culinary delights. Using the Emovis Tag, you can easily navigate tolls and explore off-the-beaten-path villages without delay. The fresh mountain air, crystal-clear lakes, and charming chalets make the French Alps a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Loire Valley Castles Tour
Travel back in time with a drive through the Loire Valley, home to some of France’s most beautiful castles. Explore Château de Chambord, with its grand Renaissance architecture, which was placed on the first list of historical monuments in France in 1840, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Or Château de Chenonceau which is one of the most amazing constructions of the Renaissance elegantly arching over the Cher River. The Emovis Tag simplifies tolls, allowing you to leisurely tour several castles in one trip. The Loire Valley’s rich history, gardens, and architecture make it a fairytale-like destination that is well worth the drive.
Dordogne’s Scenic Villages and River Adventures
For a mix of medieval history and outdoor fun, head to the Dordogne. Begin in Sarlat, considered as one of France’s best examples of a 14th century town. In addition to its splendid architectural heritage, the town draws in crowds of foodies with its multiple markets, shops and restaurants putting on a fabulous spread of delicious local specialities. Then venture to Beynac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, for a kayak trip on the Dordogne River enjoying a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Emovis Tag ensures a seamless journey so you can focus on exploring Dordogne’s historic streets and scenic waterways. From ancient stone villages to river views, the Dordogne offers a timeless charm that appeals to all ages.
Normandy D-Day Beaches and Historic Sites
Drive through Normandy with the white-chalk cliffs and visit the D-Day beaches, war memorials, and historic towns. Start in Bayeux to see the famous tapestry, then head to Omaha Beach, site of the famous D-Day landings. You can also visit the Normandy Cemeteries. There are twenty-seven military cemeteries, each designated by a specific nationality. The American cemetery, which overlooks Omaha beach at Colleville sur Mer, is one of the most visited in Normandy. The perfectly aligned rows of white crosses and occasional stars, the green lawns mown to the millimetre and the blue sea below invite contemplation and reflection. It contains 9,387 graves, a chapel, a garden dedicated to the missing and a memorial. The British military cemetery of Bayeux, located near the museum contains 4,648 graves of Commonwealth soldiers killed during the Second World War. Step back in time on a Normandy road trip, visiting D-Day beaches and historic towns. With Emovis Tag, honour the past without toll queues and experience the region’s moving history up close.
Alsace Wine Route: Fairy-Tale Villages and Vineyards
Alsace’s Wine Route is one of France’s most enchanting drives. Stretching over 170 km, this renowned route winds through a distinctive region, inviting travellers to uncover one remarkable discovery after another. Running north to south through Alsace, this legendary route is ideal to take at your own pace, stopping off where and whenever you feel like it. Start in Strasbourg, then wind through fairy-tale villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Colmar, where half-timbered houses and vineyards create a storybook setting. Emovis Tag makes this journey hassle-free, so you can focus on sampling wines and exploring Alsace’s charming towns. With its colourful, picture-perfect villages, medieval castles, and enchanting countryside, the Alsace Wine Route captivates visitors with its unmatched beauty.
Route Napoleon: Scenic Mountain Drive Through History
Follow the legendary Route Napoleon from the French Riviera to the Alps. The current Route Napoléon, first opened in 1932, follows the route taken by Napoléon I (Napoléon Bonaparte) in 1815 on his march from Elba to Grenoble. This mountainous route with historical significance adds to the charm of this journey: Starting in Grasse, the Route Napoleon winds its way over 150 km to Grenoble, passing through both the Alpes-Maritimes and the Alps. The road’s design, with its banked curves and stunning landscapes, makes it a fantastic drive for history buffs and scenery lovers alike. Emovis Tag ensures a smooth drive allowing more time to appreciate this scenic, historic route, with breathtaking landscapes. Follow in Napoleon’s footsteps along one of France’s most scenic drives. The Route Napoleon is your gateway to alpine views and history.
Autumn Colours in the Vosges Mountains
Catch the breathtaking autumn colours in the Vosges Mountains, where forested hills and quiet lakes offer a peaceful escape. Drive through the scenic Route des Crêtes, which offers stunning views of the Gorges du Verdon, a dramatic canyon carved by the Verdon River. Winding through rugged mountains and cliffs, it provides travellers breathtaking panoramas. Built in the early 20th century to boost tourism, the road allows visitors to admire the gorge's spectacular scenery. Its construction was a technical feat due to the steep terrain. During World War II, the Route des Crêtes was strategically important. In 1944, it saw clashes between German and Allied forces. Today, remnants like bunkers and firing positions add historical interest to its striking landscapes. Hiking trails, local wines, and warm hospitality make it an ideal road trip, immersing yourself in the Vosges’ rich autumnal palette.
Camargue Natural Park: Wild Horses and Flamingos
For nature lovers, a road trip to the Camargue is a must. This unique wetland region near the Mediterranean is famous for its wild horses, pink flamingos, and salt marshes. Pink Flamingos have been breeding naturally in the Camargue for centuries, but since 1972 an artificial island specifically created in the Etang du Fangassier has facilitated the breeding, and each year between April and September you can view up to 15,000 couples and their offspring. Some flamingos head south to North Africa, but a sizable number remain in the Camargue over winter. The period between December and March is the best time to see their elaborate mating dance and new plumage, pictured, which is a much deeper pink than in summer. Explore the Camargue’s open landscapes and stop in Aigues-Mortes, a captivating walled medieval town set amidst the flat marshes of the Camargue, regarded as the finest example of 13th-century military architecture. Remarkably well-preserved, it appears much as it did in the Middle Ages. The town features a grid of orderly streets encircled by a crenelated wall, complete with four corner towers and over a dozen fortified gates. Emovis Tag helps you reach this hidden gem without time wasting at the toll stops, giving you more time to explore the wildlife and scenery.
Pyrenees National Park: A Drive Through France’s Wild Frontier
Experience France’s wilder side with a road trip through the Pyrenees National Park. The Pyrenees National Park is situated within the French departments of Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France. Spanning a significant portion of the central Pyrenees Mountain range along the border with Spain, it is one of France's eight national parks. This area is renowned for its stunning natural features, including towering peaks, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs. While some of its breathtaking scenery can be admired from the comfort of your car, particularly when crossing the high mountain passes, the best way to experience its beauty is by walking or cycling through the region. Wind your way along mountain passes, hike trails, and spot local wildlife such as eagles and wild goats. Emovis Tag allows quick access to main toll routes so you can spend more time enjoying mountain views, waterfalls, and alpine villages.
From lavender fields and châteaux to coastal villages and mountain peaks, France offers diverse adventures for UK travellers looking to explore by car. With Emovis Tag, your journey is hassle-free, giving you more time to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in France’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Pack your bags and hit the road—adventure awaits! Click here to order your tag.