by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:7th October 2025

A French road trip adventure

September had arrived, and it was time for our next circular road trip around France in our highly efficient Polestar 2 EV. A couple of months ago, we toured around the beautiful county of Yorkshire in our EV, so it had a short run; however, it was now time to head to France once again.

We adore exploring France, and every time we visit this beautiful country, we discover more and more. Whether it’s another stunning location or more of its delicious French cuisine, we embrace it every time.

We live in the southeast of the UK, so it’s extremely easy for us to hop on Le Shuttle or take a leisurely ferry across the English Channel. On this French road trip, we’ve invested in a Télépéage (Liber-T tag) to assist us in passing through the toll barriers smoothly during our limited autoroute sections. I must say, it worked perfectly.

The pin image for our post - Further Inspiration to explore France with an EV
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Once again, we scoured our Back Roads France guidebook and plotted a route from Calais. We’re heading east down through Burgundy, passing by the Alps and south on to the Mediterranean coast. It’s then onto Provence, southwest to Béziers, then touring north through France, staying at Cahors, Angoulême and Vendôme and back to Calais.
Sunlight filters through plane trees onto a colourful open-air art market in Aix-en-Provence, where local artists exhibit their work. This lively Provençal scene is set against a backdrop of golden stone buildings and fountains.
Aix-en-Provence

We’re staying at 9 different locations around France and exploring so many other towns and villages en route. During our French circular road trip, we will be covering around 1900 miles or 3,060km. We have chosen to stay in hotels during this trip. A few locations have on-site EV charging facilities, and we’ll also seek out EV destination chargers as we go, which isn’t a problem at all in France.

We had to return to our beloved Provence, particularly Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, it’s a region we adore. Here is a guide on how we set about planning a French 2-week road trip with an EV.

Our full location itinerary is below. Without further ado, here are our inspirations for touring through France once more.

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You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.

Where are we visiting in France?

Our chosen accommodation while touring France
Here are our nine chosen locations for our 2025 French road trip, and as I always like to dot the I’s and cross the t’s, the accommodation we have pre-booked.
Saint-Quentin, Hauts-de-France
Best Western Plus Le Picardy
Dole, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Hôtel de La Cloche
Chambery, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Hôtel des Princes
Sanary sur Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Adonis Sanary Grand Hôtel des Bains
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Hotel Gounod
Béziers, Occitania
Mercure Béziers
Cahors, Occitania
La Chartreuse Logis Hotel Restaurant
Angoulême, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France
Vendôme, Centre-Val de Loire
Logis Hôtel le Saint Georges

I love nothing more than planning a trip through France and so often I use the DK Eyewitness books.  I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our French road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.

DK France Cover

Appreciating France’s rich history

Hilltop villages to a staircase of locks
Another visit to France and another fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into France’s rich and varied history. Every village, town, and city has an incredible period of absorbing history in the centuries that have passed.
The picturesque Canal des Tanneurs flows through the historic town of Dole in Burgundy, framed by flowers and medieval buildings. This tranquil scene showcases one of France's hidden gems, rich in charm and cultural history.
Canal des Tanneurs, Dole

We’ve been fortunate to have toured around France on road trips on many occasions, meeting some fascinating people and seeing some incredible places. We’ve managed to visit twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include Arles, Pont du Gard, Mont-Saint-Michel, the Champagne region, Amiens and Strasbourg, to name a few.

During this visit to France, we’ll stay in Cahors, in the Occitania region, and visit the stunning Saint-Etienne Cathedral, featuring Byzantine-style domes, as well as the town’s iconic 14th century Pont Valentré, listed as a World Heritage site in relation to the Santiago de Compostela routes.

The medieval Pont Valentré bridge spans the Lot River in Cahors, France, with its iconic towers and dramatic Gothic arches. This historic 14th-century structure is one of the most photographed bridges in France and a highlight of any visit to Cahors.
Pont Valentré in Cahors

Upon researching this French road trip, we came across many fascinating places to visit; however, there were two locations that particularly stood out for us.

The first is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a small hilltop commune in the Lot department. This charming village is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The most beautiful villages in France). It’s easy to see why; it is stunning. However, it does get quite busy so I would advise visiting early in the morning or late afternoon.

Charming medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, with stone houses, red-tiled roofs, and cobbled streets nestled in the Lot Valley. Regularly listed among the most beautiful villages in France, it’s a dream stop for history lovers and scenic road trippers.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

The second fascinating site, which is perhaps a little niche, is the 9 locks of Fonseranes. Just nearby Béziers is a flight of staircase locks on the Canal du Midi. They consist of eight oval-shaped lock chambers and nine gates; which allow boats to be raised a height of 71 feet (21.5 metres) over a distance of 980 feet (300 metres).

An incredible feat of engineering.

Boats navigating the famous 9 Locks of Fonseranes near Béziers, with tourists watching along the Canal du Midi. A marvel of 17th-century engineering, this historic canal site is a must-see attraction for anyone exploring southern France by road or water.
9 locks of Fonseranes
During our travels, we will also visit the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, as well as the charming town of Dole in the Jura region of France, the birthplace of the renowned French chemist Louis Pasteur.

How to get to France?

- By Car
Departing from the UK to France, there are various options. You can either jump on Le Shuttle and arrive in Calais in 35 minutes or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the open waves with DFDS or P&O. Alternatively, you can head down to the south coast of England and catch Brittany Ferry directly to Normandy.

- By Air
If you’re flying into France, search for your flights within your preferred travel search engine for your favoured routes and chosen dates.  Pre-book your hire car from Rental Cars, and your adventure begins.

Discovering France’s rich architecture

A touch of Provençal, Art Déco & Byzantine
France is a fascinating country, characterised by its charming mixture of architectural styles. From the elegant Belle Époque seafront villas along the Normandy shores to the honey-coloured cottages of the Dordogne, and the picturesque timber-framed homes of Alsace, France offers a diverse range of architectural styles.
A striking Art Déco building in Saint-Quentin, France, illuminated at night in the colours of the French flag—blue, white, and red. This iconic architecture highlights the city's vibrant urban heritage and patriotic spirit.
Art Déco in Saint Quentin
The first location we are staying in is Saint-Quentin, in the Hauts-de-France region, northeast of Paris. Although Saint-Quentin was founded by the Romans, today you can see some beautiful examples of Art Déco architecture throughout the town.
Charming old stone houses with colourful shutters line a sunny pedestrian street in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, brimming with vines and local boutiques. This quintessential Provençal town offers a perfect blend of history and vibrant local life.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Visitors stroll beneath the historic Porte Saint-Paul archway into the bustling heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The inviting scene is alive with cafés, wine bars, and Provençal charm in the southern French sunshine.
Porte Saint-Paul, Saint Remy-de-Provence
My favourite region of France is undoubtedly Provence. We very rarely return to a location time and again, but this will be our fourth visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and I know it won’t be our last. Provence is so enchanting, and the shimmering light that flickers through the dappled shade of the grand Plane trees is intoxicating.
An ivy-covered shopfront and wine bar invite passersby to stop and explore the artistic village of Lourmarin in the Luberon. With its rustic architecture and boutique cafés, Lourmarin is a gem of Provence.
Quaint streets of Lourmarin
La Fontaine des Éléphants in Chambéry, France, features four majestic stone elephants beneath a towering column honouring General de Boigne. A must-see historic landmark, it stands proudly in the heart of the Savoy region.
 La Fontaine des Éléphants, Chambéry
We’ve visited several Provençal towns and villages, and upon further research, we discover that there are many more to explore. Incredibly, we’ve never visited Aix-en-Provence, so we’ll be heading to this bustling Provençal city on route from Sanary-sur-Mer to Saint Rémy.
The impressive stone façade of Cahors Cathedral, featuring Gothic architecture, rose windows, and ornate carvings. A must-visit landmark in Cahors, this cathedral showcases medieval craftsmanship in the heart of the Lot Valley.
Cahors Cathedral
Golden domes and stained glass inside the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Cahors, capturing centuries of religious art and architecture. This Romanesque cathedral in southwest France is a hidden gem rich in frescoes, sacred art, and serene ambience.
The domes inside Cahors Cathedral
If you follow us along on our travels regularly, you’ll know that we have a penchant for cathedrals and churches, so, as you can imagine, this French road trip is no different. We’ll be adding to our ever-growing list, and one in particular that looks stunning is Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Cahors.

Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France

If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.

Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.

The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.

Touring France’s captivating landscape

From vineyards to harbours
One of the countless reasons we love touring France on a road trip is to explore the vast, open landscapes and wend our way through the many switchbacks, balcony roads, and mountain passes. There is so much more to discover when you leave the motorways behind and enjoy the back roads of France.
A scenic view of the turquoise waters of Lac de Serre-Ponçon framed by lush greenery, with the dramatic Alpine peaks rising in the distance. This picturesque stop on the way to Sisteron showcases the natural beauty of southeastern France.
Lac du Sautet

We embarked on our first two-week EV road trip last year and it was incredibly easy touring around France, we found it a lot simpler and cheaper than the UK. I didn’t experience any range anxiety, as we had the option of hotel charging, supermarket charging, and destination chargers.

This year’s charging was even smoother, and you certainly feel like you’re helping the environment, while also being cost-effective for your pocket.

A Polestar 2 EV pauses on a scenic mountain road surrounded by forested slopes and rugged cliffs in the French Alps. This image captures the freedom and sustainability of touring France in an electric vehicle.
Our Polestar 2 in the mountains
As we head further south towards the Côte d'Azur, we pass through Sisteron, where the Alps meet Provence. This region of France is breathtaking, and I highly recommend a visit. Flying direct from home to the Mediterranean coast you miss so much of France’s sensational scenery, so treat yourself and ensure your next visit to France is a road trip.
Sweeping views of crystal-clear blue waters and pine-clad hills greet travellers en route to Sanary-sur-Mer. This breathtaking stretch of road reveals the hidden natural splendours of southern France.
On the way to Sanary
We love the French Riviera; we’ve previously stayed in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, and Antibes. However, this year we fancied somewhere a little quieter that also had stunning views across the Mediterranean Sea, and we chose Sanary-sur-Mer.
Colourful traditional fishing boats line the glistening bay of Sanary-sur-Mer, with pastel-hued buildings and a church steeple in the background. This lively port on the Mediterranean coast is a stunning stop on any French road trip.
Sanary-sur-Mer Bay

We’d never toured through Sanary-sur-Mer before, so we were unsure what to expect. Well, I can honestly say we had stumbled upon an absolute gem. Sanary-sur-Mer has the pure charm of Villefranche-sur-Mer with bobbing fishing boats in the bay; however, it feels a lot more down-to-earth and relaxed. Visiting Sanary-sur-Mer was one of the highlights of our two-week EV road trip.

Our next destination we’ll be heading inland to the beautiful, picturesque rolling hills of Provence.

There are so many incredible places to discover in France, so many regions, and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,

I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more

Image

Exploring France’s welcoming culture

Markets, Monet and street art
We adore the relaxed charm of France; what’s not to love about their stress-free café culture, the bustling brasseries, and the allure of local bar/tabac, where you can be a fly on the wall. We enjoy trying out our pidgin French; we find that most people appreciate you ‘giving it a go’, even if they don’t really understand you.
Locals and visitors enjoy outdoor dining at a shady brasserie in Aix-en-Provence, under the wide canopies of orange parasols. The historic façades and relaxed café culture create an authentic Provençal experience.
A brasserie in Aix-en-Provence
Another charming aspect of France’s culture is its street markets. Whether it’s the morning food market, full of freshly caught local produce and delicious homemade sweet treats, or just strolling through an arts and crafts market in a sun-dappled square, they are always a delight to find.
A bustling seafood stall at Sanary-sur-Mer’s outdoor market displays freshly caught Mediterranean fish and shellfish. Locals queue to chat with the fishmonger and select their day’s catch in this vibrant coastal town.
Fresh off the boat in Sanary-sur-Mer

When we visit any new town or city around the world, we always keep an eye out for the local street art, which so often brings a dull, bare wall to life.

When we were researching the small city of Angoulême in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, we discovered that it is awash with huge murals and street art. If you pop into the local tourist office, you can pick up a map and follow the Painted Walls trail.

With more than thirty painted walls, Angoulême is like an open-air whimsical gallery, with each scene inspired by comics, literature or local history.

Lively wall mural featuring characters by Albert Uderzo, including Asterix and Obelix, in France’s comic capital, Angoulême. This public artwork celebrates French comic book culture and is a vibrant stop on any artistic road trip through France.
“The Cosmos of Uderzo” in Angoulême
Striking building mural in Angoulême, France, depicting a scenic blend of urban architecture and historic landscapes. Known for its comic art, Angoulême surprises visitors with street murals that celebrate French heritage and creativity.
“The Girl of the Ramparts”
Not only do I love street art, but I also adore many forms of other art, especially French Impressionism. While we were staying in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, there was an immersive digital art exhibition called Carrieres des Lumières.
Immersive art installation at Carrières des Lumières in Provence, where iconic paintings are projected onto massive quarry walls. This spectacular multimedia show is a must-see cultural experience in southern France for art lovers and travellers alike.
Inside Carrieres des Lumières
The art display is located in a disused quarry near Les Baux-de-Provence and has been exhibiting different artists since 2012. It is magnificent to see the vast walls transition between the incredible artwork of each of the designated artists. While we were there, it was Claude Monet and Henri Rousseau.

France Tourist Information

If you’re tempted to tour France and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer, take a peek at the official French Tourism website. The local tourist offices dotted around the towns and cities provide some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around each region.

Indulging in France’s cuisine

“When in Rome”
Another key inspiration of ours to revisit France is to sample more of their delicious food and drink. Many dishes we have had in France evoke wonderful memories, and the same can be said for their wine.
Lush vineyards stretch across rolling hills in the French countryside under a clear blue sky. This scenic landscape captures the essence of rural France and its renowned wine-producing heritage.
Vineyards across the French countryside

I am certainly not a wine connoisseur, but while visiting France, numerous distinct regions produce wine, and it is significantly cheaper to try the different grapes in France than it is in the UK. Many years ago, we visited Chinon with my parents and had a bottle of Chinon wine. During this trip, we tried another bottle of Chinon, and the taste is so distinctive that it immediately transported us back to the little town square.

We always aim to eat and drink locally, so we often stick to rosé wines while in Provence, although I’m looking forward to trying the Malbec wines in Cahors. Gary enjoys a glass of wine or two, but he also appreciates a beer, so he will always opt for the local beer over an imported one.

Another advantage of a road trip is that you can bring back home some local wines and spirits, Gary does love a Pastis.
A colourful selection of French wines, craft beers, and spirits brought home from a road trip through France. This image showcases regional flavours from Luberon, Bandol, Chinon, and more – perfect inspiration for wine lovers touring France.
Wines brought home

We had a eureka moment during this trip, when we discovered a new dessert revelation. We’d previously noticed the dessert option of Café Gourmand on menus, but for some reason, we always thought that this was a coffee with liqueur, but it isn’t. A Café gourmand is a treat where an espresso is served with a selection of miniature desserts, usually around 3 or 4, and it is lovely if you like to try a variety of puddings.

This is a winner!

Interior view of Bistrot des Halles in Cahors with a whimsical pig illustration and plates of French food on a rustic table. This beloved local eatery offers an authentic taste of southern French cuisine in a relaxed and quirky setting.
Bistrot des Halles in Cahors

Another experience that we’ve become more comfortable with giving a go at is eating with the locals in the covered markets (les halles). As the markets are usually open in the morning, you need to be mindful of your timing. If you’re in a town for a couple of nights, be sure to give it a try.

The food is usually reasonably priced and all sourced from the stalls within the market. It’s a fantastic experience, but believe me, it is all about timing. You must aim to sit down between 12 & 12:30 or you may miss out.

We had two incredible experiences with the locals in Les Halles, one in Cahors, and one in Angoulême.

Enjoying 2 glasses of rose a wine and a cheese board with a selection of local produce and fresh bread with the chutney in the centre at St Remy de Provence.
Rose & fromage, St Remy-de-Provence
I’m sure we’ll be sampling a few local wines once the car is safely parked away; there’s nothing quite like a crisp glass of rosé and a delicious selection of cheeses while sitting in dappled sunshine under the Provençal sun.

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