From soaring medieval spires in the Flemish-influenced north to the shimmering shores of the French Riviera in the south, the sheer variety of landscapes of France makes it perfect for a European road trip.
This journey will take you from winding half-timbered northern lanes into Bordeaux’s dreamy wine country via the irrepressible capital, Paris, eventually culminating on the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast.
Here’s a road trip route to truly celebrate France’s trademark joie de vivre. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Immerse Yourself in Lille’s Artistic Heritage
With its romantic stepped gables and 17th-century Renaissance architecture, Lille’s cinematic Grand Place (aka Place du Général-de-Gaull), the historic main square, is a majestic space to begin. However, the city’s flair for the artistic doesn’t stop with the intricate designs lacing these elegant buildings.
The Palais des Beaux Arts is one of France’s largest art museums, and its opulent 19th-century corridors are lined with masterpieces by Rubens, Goya, and Raphael.
In the suburb of Roubaix, a more off-the-beaten-track artistic attraction is La Piscine – Musée d’art et d’industrie André-Diligent. This gorgeous art deco swimming pool built in 1932 is now flanked by marble sculptures and walls showcasing paintings from luminaries including Picasso and Rodin.
Back in Lille, mural-splashed districts like Moulins and Wazemmes bring a heavy dose of modern color to the city’s streets. Make sure to check out the many exhibitions hosted by lille3000, a cultural organization with spaces across the city.
Housed inside Lille’s historic Faculty of Medicine, Moxy Lille City wouldn’t look out of place in the Grand Place. Its historic interior mixes colorful and industrial chic styles, and its location means you’ll be well placed for exploring nearby attractions, including the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Lille.
Feel Close to History in Charming Amiens
Some 60 miles south of Lille lies Amiens, with its magnificent cathedral reaching for the heavens above the city’s sloping silver roofs. With its Gothic central spire rising 138 feet, the 750-year-old Amiens Cathedral is the largest cathedral in France, and its imposing silhouette can be seen from the surrounding countryside.
Though Amiens was heavily bombed during both world wars, the city was beautifully rebuilt. A short walk from the cathedral is the Medieval Saint-Leu district, nicknamed “Little Venice of the North.” Pierced by weaving canals flanked by pastel-hued houses and languid café canopies, the neighborhood is perfect for an early evening stroll.
Author Jules Verne spent most of his later life in Amiens, and the wonderfully preserved Maison de Jules Verne is a fascinating glimpse into his rich imagination — through colorful costumes, old film props, and handwritten letters.
After your busy day, rest at Moxy Amiens, a stone’s throw from Amiens train station. The hotel’s stylish spaces are also ideal for hanging out with old friends or making new ones.
Explore a Whirlwind of Unique Neighborhoods in Paris
While iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower will always wow, the true charm of Paris lies within its elegant neighborhoods.
Start with the alluring streets of Montparnasse, where writers including Ernest Hemingway and F Scott Fitzgerald found inspiration at lively cafes and brasseries.
Montmartre, with its distant rooftop scenes and quaint hillside bistros, brings a village feel to this vast metropolis, while its Sacré-Cœur Basilica provides a curious slice of neo-Byzantine-Romanesque architecture.
Back down at the riverside, the Latin Quarter’s cobbled streets wind through Paris’ oldest district, and its fascinating Musée de Cluny uncovers the Paris of the Middle Ages.
Across the Seine, Moxy Paris Bastille serves up cocktails to sip after exploring nearby attractions. If you’re heading out to Disneyland Paris, the stylish Moxy Paris Val d’Europe is one stop away.
Sample France’s Finest Wines in Breezy Bordeaux
Driving south to France’s windswept Atlantic coast, Bordeaux is world-famous as an epicenter of French wine.
Packed with innovative displays inside a corkscrew-shaped building, the Cité du Vin is Bordeaux’s wine museum. There’s no better preparation for a dive into the city’s well-stocked bars and brasseries.
Start near the sublime National Opera building to explore spots with seemingly endless wine lists.
Hop across the shimmering Miroir d’eau reflecting pool on the way to the narrow stone-paved Rue St. James for its dizzying amount of bistros and restaurants.
When evening comes, recline at Moxy Bordeaux and take in views of the city from the terrace.
Unwind on the Glittering Shores of Antibes
The golden light that drew Vincent Van Gogh to Provence blankets the landscape along the route to Antibes, a charming coastal town in between the bright Côte d’Azur lights of Nice and Cannes.
Within medieval stone walls, the horseshoe-shaped Plage de la Gravette is a uniquely urban stretch of sand, and its proximity to the cobblestoned paths of the Old Town means easy access to a plethora of old-world boutiques and bistros. It’s also home to Musée Picasso, the historic chateau/home studio of another legendary artist inspired by Antibes’ secluded coves and rocky outcrops.
The laid-back Moxy Antibes Sophia Antipolis is an ideal base for exploring the Côte d’Azur, though easy days by its pool are just as alluring.
Soak in Widescreen Vistas from Quaint La Ciotat
Farther west beyond the Riviera, Provence rises into a dramatic, mountainous landscape. It’s here that you’ll find the quaint fishing village of La Ciotat, sitting within a sweep of picturesque cliffs.
While La Ciotat’s serene waterfront is a lovely setting for a coffee and croissant, the real pleasure here is the great outdoors. Start by driving up to the wind-whipped headland of Cap Capaille — France’s highest coastal cliff — to soak in some glorious Mediterranean views.
Continuing west, the spectacular Calanques National Park is an ancient haven of tranquil coves, miniature fjords, and biodiverse wildlife. It all forms a stunning canvas for hiking or kayaking. And if you’ve come this far, then don’t miss the chance to spend some time in nearby Marseille. France’s oldest city is an exciting mix of bold street art, medieval forts, and excellent North African food.
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