With the health crisis, the authorities recommend that French people spend their holidays in France and take advantage of the opportunity to discover or rediscover the riches of a country that has been at the forefront of tourism for many years. Now that future holidaymakers are allowed to book without mileage constraints on the territory for this summer, some of them will turn to their favourite destination. Then there are the adventurous motorcyclists and motorists who think it's time to take a road trip and enjoy a country that never ceases to amaze with the variety of its landscapes. Once the vehicle is secured, let's go! The roads of France await all those who dream of an adventurous holiday, where the panoramas parade by.
Checks to be carried out on the vehicle before setting off on a road trip
Whether you leave by car or motorbike for your road-trip in France, safety is important. You will indeed spend time on the road and beyond the fact of always remaining attentive, the vehicle must be checked before departure to leave in the best possible conditions. Even if the technical control of the vehicle is OK, you have to be careful and check some key points. First of all, driving a lot means that the tyres must be in good condition and well inflated. If they're getting old and show signs of wear, it may be time to buy new tires. When it comes to road-trip, you should choose a model that is suitable for long distances, that adapts to different types of roads and that can withstand particular weather conditions, in this case heat.
Then, and to avoid an unwanted breakdown, you should also remember to check all the oil, brake fluid and coolant levels and don't hesitate to change the oil if necessary. On the car as on the motorcycle, the brakes must work perfectly, as well as the transmission and the suspensions. And on a motorcycle, make sure that the chains are well greased.
For those who plan to ride at night during the road-trip (and this is sometimes the best way to escape the traffic jams), the headlights, turn signals and mirrors must also be in perfect condition and be the object of all attention. Note that they are also useful during the day anyway and that their proper operation is a legal obligation.
A safety kit is also essential to take the road for several days and criss-cross France: a triangle, a few tools, a cloth are always useful. And for motorcyclists, remember to adopt a suitable outfit. Trousers, jacket and rain gear are de rigueur for all passengers.
A multitude of possibilities for road-trips in France
A change of scenery not far from home? It's quite possible in France, a country known throughout the world for the great variety of its landscapes. Between the coastlines, the open-field plains, the national parks, the medium and high mountains, the dynamic towns and picturesque historic villages scattered all over the territory, there is something to satisfy holidaymakers with varied profiles.
Lovers of the countryside, head for the Auvergne and the Chaîne des Puys. By taking the small roads, you will discover the France of volcanoes, now extinct, and between two trips, you will hike on the hilly heights with a must, the puy de Dôme. It is also an opportunity to stop in the Auvergne villages and enjoy the local gastronomy, AOC cheeses and aligot. For a little more height, a road-trip in the Alps is the promise of breathtaking panoramas there too. After reaching Thonon-les-Bains and having rested on the shores of Lake Geneva, you then cross numerous passes via roads with plenty of bends. Taking the Grandes Alpes road, you pass through the Aravis pass for a magnificent view of Mont Blanc, before reaching the Iseran pass, the Izoard pass and its lunar landscape, and finally the Cians gorges, whose red rock reminds you of famous American countries.
Another atmosphere leads the adventurers to the beautiful heritage and the great vintages. On the Alsace wine route, a road-trip unveils picturesque villages. Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim fascinate with their half-timbered houses and charming churches. The surrounding vineyards offer the discovery of their trade and tastings of the best wines. And while travelling by car or motorbike along the marvellous Loire River, you will plunge into the heart of French history, stopping to see mythical castles such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise or Saumur.
For sea lovers, a road-trip can be organized on the roads of Brittany and Normandy. From Quimper to Mont-Saint-Michel, you drive along a coastline made up of cliffs and mysterious lighthouses. The bay of Douarnenez, the Pointe du Raz and the steep landscapes of the Armorique are a call to communion with a wild nature swept by wind and waves. You can end up stranded on the Pink Granite Coast and swim in translucent waters in the heart of marvellous landscapes, of which you sometimes don't even suspect the existence. And if the generous presence of the sun is de rigueur, head for the south of France. From the Provencal hinterland and its villages perched on rocky spurs, one reaches in a short time beautiful seascapes. The Camargue Regional Nature Park, the Côte Bleue, the calanques near Marseille and the road to Cannes and Nice are all places to stop for a swim, to relax and to recharge your batteries.
Not forgetting that in France, moving from one region to another, from one landscape to another and from one atmosphere to another only takes a few hours by car or motorcycle.
