Paris is the capital city of France and is considered the most beautiful place in the world. This city is the global center of culture and arts, fashion and design, and home to Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Champs-Elysees, and restaurants with Michelin-star ratings. The beauty of Paris is not only limited to the city. Make the most of your vacation by taking a road trip from Paris to other places in Europe. While driving can be tiresome, you can stop anytime to enjoy the scenic views, have a closer look at some castles and chateaus, and indulge in a meal and drink in some of the local dining places along the way. Check out our list of the top 10 road trips from Paris, France.
1. Montpellier
Montpellier is an inland city in France which is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Mediterranean Sea coast. The drive from Paris is 7 hours and 4 minutes, covering a distance of 747.6 kilometers (465 miles) via A71 and A75. You will be passing by several scenic cities in France and if you are not in a hurry, you can do some sightseeing. Montpellier is famous for its wines, and its International Vine and Wine Fair attracts wine connoisseurs from all over the world. If you want to stay for the night or for a few days, there are several excellent hotels in the city.
2. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a city near the coast of the European Atlantic and southwest of France. The distance from Paris to Bordeaux is 584.3 kilometers (363 miles). The drive from Paris to Bordeaux is 5 hours and 32 minutes via A10. However, if you have enough time for the trip, you can stop by to enjoy the view along the way. Aside from visiting vineyards and attending wine tastings, you can also meet with local winemakers who are willing to share their techniques with visitors. Visit Bordeaux Cathedral, the massive city square, and Place de la Bourse where there is a reflecting pool.
3. Toulouse
Toulouse is the capital city of the southern region of France. It is 678.1 kilometers (421 miles) away from Paris and the driving time between the two cities is 6 hours and 9 minutes via A20. Toulouse is situated on the banks of River Garonne where the space study headquarters of Europe can be found. It is also considered as the sailing hub of Southern France where you can see mega-yachts and their equally mega-rich owners and visitors during the summer. At night, the city is lit up, revealing its elegant beauty.
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4. Marseille
Marseille is the third-biggest city in France and is 774. 9 kilometers (481.5 miles) away from Paris. A road trip from Paris to Marseille could last for 7 hours and 28 minutes via A6 and A7, driving south. Located close to the Mediterranean, tourists come to delight their palate with fresh and delicious seafood. After a long drive, visiting the area can be relaxing. You can see Notre-Dame Basilica and Chateau d'If Island that used to be a fortress and a prison.
Paris Tour Guide
Angénic Agnero
Paris Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share this passion for my country and its heritage with foreign visitors.I also love cooking and I am a foody.
Tours by Patricia
5. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland is a global city, a center of world finance, and home to several world organizations such as United Nations and Red Cross. The driving distance from Paris to Geneva is 5 hours and 12 minutes via A6 and A40 going southwest. A road trip from Paris to Geneva allows you to pass through several lovely villages and panoramic views. Driving through the Swiss Alps will let you see some of the most stunning views in the world. While here, visit the 12th-century St Pierre Cathedral and United Nations Building and Park.
6. Frankfurt, Germany
Are you planning a road trip from Paris to Frankfurt, Germany? The drive would take 5 hours and 38 minutes, covering 571.8 kilometers (355 miles) via A4 going northwest. Enjoy the scenic view, see some castle ruins, and charming small villages along the way. Go up to Main Tower in the city to see the view from 200 meters (656 feet) above. Do not forget to see Romer, the city hall of Frankfurt for more than 600 years as it was built in 1405. Shop at Zeil, a world-famous shopping promenade. Have a taste of German cuisine in some of the best restaurants in the city.
7. Rotterdam, Netherlands
A road trip from Paris to Rotterdam, Netherlands takes 4 hours and 23 minutes covering 447.8 kilometers (278 miles) going northwest. Rotterdam is a port city in South Holland and is famous for its seafaring history. It is strategically located near Maas River. While here, you get to see the cable-stayed Erasmus Bridge or stay in one of the Cube Houses. You can also dine at one of Rotterdam’s upscale and cool restaurants that serve international cuisine.
8. Milan, Italy
A road trip from Paris to Milan offers magnificent views along the way. You will be passing by charming villages and cities where you can enjoy local dishes. The drive from Paris to Milan covers 810 kilometers (503 miles) and would take 8 hours and 5 minutes. If you want to make some stops, the trip could be longer. When you arrive in Milan, take the time to explore this beautiful city. See Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper or shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II, the oldest shopping mall in the world.
9. Dusseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf is a German City that is around 499.4 kilometers (310 miles) northeast of Paris. A road trip from Paris to Dusseldorf takes around 5 hours and 12 minutes of non-stop driving. The scenery is breathtaking and relaxing, making the road trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dusseldorf is considered to be one of the richest cities in Germany. If you love shopping, check out King’s Avenue which is a promenade dotted with shops selling designer items such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Also, never miss a chance to visit Schloss Benrath, a Baroque-style palace and Rhine Tower.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is the financial capital of Switzerland. It is 6 hours and 21 minutes away from Paris by car. Taking a road trip from Paris to Zurich will make you see fascinating sceneries and lovely views along the route. Once you arrive in Zurich, you can look up to the snowcapped mountains of the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll at the promenade of the Old Town or immerse yourself in the history of the city.
Discover the best road trips from Paris, France
Take the best road trips from Paris to see the scenic beauty of the surroundings. The drive can be long and tiring but once you have arrived at your destination, you would be thankful that you made the decision. You would see some places tucked within the charm of a small, rural village and shops that display their wares along wide and long streets.
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