France Road Trip: 8 Days by Campervan Through Southern France!
Get inspired by Simeon Baker's spontaneous road trip through France in a VW Beach! Here are the best tips!
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Has Southern France been on your road trip bucket list forever? We'll reveal the most beautiful destinations and give you helpful tips for your France road trip.
Crystal-clear water, fragrant lavender fields, tiny mountain villages, and the breathtaking coastal road of the Côte d'Azur.
A road trip through Southern France makes many holiday dreams come true.
This region of France is truly special. Not just because of its stunning landscapes and fantastic campsites, but traveling through France in a campervan allows for a flexible and spontaneous holiday.
Simeon Baker and his girlfriend Nina also explored Southern France in a myvanture VW Beach Camper and are sharing insights from their journey with you.
A little tip: You'll find a video of the road trip at the very bottom of this post.
France Road Trip: 8 Days by Campervan Through Southern France
After winter camping in Austria, Simeon longed for warm nights and sea air. So, Simeon and Nina headed to France in their campervan.
The big advantage of traveling in a campervan: you're flexible and independent, free to choose a new destination anytime.
Itinerary:
- Reutte
- Bolzano
- Gorbio
- Menton
- Parc de l'Estérel
- Gorges du Verdon
- Camargue
- Bidart
- Reutte
Reutte
The journey began at the myvanture rental station in Reutte. Simeon chose the VW California Beach.
"For one- to two-week road trips, I prefer a small, flexible campervan. The VW California Beach has enough space for two people and all my travel and photo gear. I love sleeping in the pop-top roof with the windows open."
After a quick vehicle briefing, key handover, and stowing their luggage, the road trip through France was officially underway.
Learn more about the VW California Beach now!
Bolzano
Simeon made his first stop in Bolzano to stretch his legs. Shortly after arriving in Southern Italy, the weather forecast for Italy worsened, and they decided to travel to France instead. The original plan was a road trip through Italy.
Simeon: "A visit to Southern Italy isn't complete without fruity wine, dumplings, and tiramisu."
After enjoying some culinary delights and looking forward to sun and sea, Simeon and Nina continued their journey south.
Gorbio
Upon arriving in France, Simeon and Nina spent their first two days in Gorbio. They stayed overnight at Camping La Giandolla.
"The campsite was perfectly located for our plans, and from there, we had a breathtaking view of the nearby town of Menton and the sea!"
They celebrated their first evening in France with a glass of wine and pumpkin goulash.
Menton
The next morning, they visited the town of Menton. Menton is known as a sun paradise, offering hands-on culture. The entire town is lined with beautiful gardens and parks, inviting visitors on a botanical discovery tour.
Hidden in the old town is the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange, the largest Baroque church in Southern France.
After their city trip, they headed up Mont Gros.
"It's just a short drive to the start of the hiking trail. After reaching the summit, we were rewarded with a view of Monaco."
Parc de l'Estérel
The next day, the France road trip continued to Parc de l'Estérel.
"We stumbled upon this overnight spot by chance. I've been traveling in a campervan for years, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that this campsite is one of the most beautiful I've ever stayed at.
It's right next to the coastal road, but thanks to the off-season, it's very quiet here. What could be better than waking up to a sea view and enjoying a freshly brewed coffee?"
The two adventurers couldn't get enough of the sea view and hiked up to the nearby Cap Roux.
Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon, the Verdon Gorge, is a paradise for active travelers and connoisseurs!
Our campsite recommendation: Camping Les Ruisses.
Electricity hook-ups, bathrooms with showers and toilets, and hardly any other visitors.
"If you're looking for peace and relaxation, the Verdon Gorge would be perfect. After some sleep and a delicious steak and avocado pasta, we continued our drive on the Route des Crêtes."
Mountain ranges, endless wheat and lavender fields. Along this country road, you'll find numerous roadside spots to enjoy the view.
Camargue
The next destination on the road trip through France was found between the ponds of Dame, Tampan, and Galabert in the Département Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer.
The perfect area for photographing wild horses, flamingos, and birds.
"There's hardly anything that captivates me as passionately as traveling in a campervan and photography!"
Bidart
Last stop and last day in France.
Bidart is a fantastic surfing spot and captivates with the typical charm of a small coastal town. This sandy spit stretches for 500 meters. It's a beach break with excellent surfing conditions when the tide is at its peak.
At the southern end of the beach, there's a rocky plateau surrounded by further cliffs. In the middle, waves break to the right, and to the north, they break to the left. To the south, tubes can sometimes form.
This surf spot is dynamic and adapts to the tides and the movement of the sandbank.
Surfers, whether beginners or pros, will remember this spot fondly.
There are parking spaces right on the beach, from which you can reach the town center. After a romantic dinner at Tantina de la Playa, Simeon and Nina headed home to Austria.
Helpful Travel Tips for a Road Trip Through France
Has wanderlust struck and you're planning a road trip through France? Then we have a few helpful tips for you.
Tolls
It's important to know that most motorways in France are toll roads, and the fees can be expensive. However, the motorway network is operated by various companies, meaning the toll costs are not uniform.
At the toll booths, known as "Péages," you can pay in cash or by credit card. There's also an electronic billing system called "Télépéage," which requires a special box in your car (additional cost).
Make sure to get into the correct lane at the toll booths. The symbol with money and coins, for example, means you can only pay in cash.
Safety
You'll read many horror stories online about car break-ins in Southern France. And indeed, it can be an issue. But don't let that deter you.
To minimize the risk, you should avoid leaving valuables or personal items in your vehicle.
Food & Drink
France is a country of indulgence. Meals, especially dinner, are truly celebrated here. Therefore, you rarely eat just a main course, but usually a whole menu.
Meat and fish dishes dominate the menu. Traditionally, meat is always part of a meal in France.
The patisserie in France is simply stunning. Be sure to try the tartes au citron. And other French desserts are to die for. We're talking crème brûlée!
Travel Costs
Unfortunately, food in France comes at a price and is quite expensive. For a main course, you should expect to pay around 30 Euros. Fuel is also a bit more expensive than in Germany and Austria, and you'll need to factor in some money for tolls.
When is the best time for a campervan road trip?
In Southern France, the weather is best from May to September, but keep in mind that these months are much busier, as many French people also holiday in Southern France.
Additionally, summer temperatures often exceed 30°C, making it too hot to explore sights and towns. It's best to plan your holiday from May to mid-June or in September. Then it's not quite as hot and also a bit quieter.
If you absolutely want to see the lavender bloom, you should definitely not come before mid-June, or even better, late June.
Conclusion: France Road Trip
"This was a very spontaneously planned road trip through France because the weather in Italy wasn't great. I wasn't aware of how free and easy wild camping is in France and how many fantastic pitches there are here.
The entire Verdon area is a camping dream, and I'll be back soon to explore more and spend even more time here. I really wish I could have spent much more time in every place we visited on this trip.
Unfortunately, we hadn't planned for that many holiday days. With warm weather and plenty of sunshine, Southern France is the perfect holiday destination all year round." – Simeon Baker
Questions about your trip? Just give us a call.
Whether it's choosing a camper, planning a route or booking — our team is happy to help. No bot, no hold music.