An example 2 week self drive voyage through France
Discover the Loire Valley, South West France, down to the coast, back up to Bordeaux and finishing in Île de Ré. The below is just a taster, let us tailor make the perfect French itinerary for you. Read on to find out more.
Start in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley runs 300km East to West from Orléans to Nantes and has been called the “Garden of France” for its rich winemaking history and over a thousand châteaux and royal abbeys each with distinct architectural embellishments from the early medieval to the late Renaissance periods.
Stay: Les Sources de Cheverny
In the heart of the Loire Valley in an ancient forest, a French château, small hamlet of elegant cabins, lake surrounded by gorse and traditional stone houses all exist side-by-side.
This peaceful haven is the ideal place to relax, unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, with some of the greatest vintage wines and gourmet delights, to help you completely let go and revitalize.
Drive to the South West France
Drive 3hrs 15mins 266 km / 166 miles
Stretching along the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees and Spain, and inland over vast plains to the picturesque Dordogne and Languedoc and the vineyards of Bordeaux, South West France has long been a popular destination.
Biarritz has perennially attracted surfers and families looking for beaches – golden sand stretches for as far as the eye can see; Carcassonne is a sight you’ll never forget; a trip into the Niaux caves is eye opening and the many historic towns and villages with their quaint charm will while away the hours.
Stay: Domaine des Etangs
Standing fairy tale-like in the soft rolling hills of the Charente-Limousine, this 13th century château is pure enchantment. A stay here embraces French country living at its best and the glory of nature. Magnificently restored with many of its original details intact, and full of antiques and works of art from the owner’s private collection, it is in the heart of one of France’s more tranquil and off the beaten track regions.
Domaine des Etangs manages to be wonderfully grand but utterly unpretentious at the same time, with friendly and enthusiastic staff forever on hand to make you feel welcome. Stay here a week or for just a few days after a long weekend in Paris or on your way to the south.
Drive to the South of France
Drive 5hrs 10mins 509 km / 318 miles
A mention the South of France conjures up images of stunning hilltop villages, fashionable, beach clubs, colourful markets and the lightest pink rosé imaginable. For centuries it has been a magnet for artists and writers – the landscape is undeniably painterly and romantic.
From the golden beaches of the Mediterranean from Montpelier to Monaco, with the glitzy resorts of St Tropez and Antibes, to the lavender fields, vineyards and atmospheric towns and villages tucked amongst the hills to the foothills of the Alps, its magic draws you back time and time again.
Stay: Château Capitoul
On the edge of the Massif de la Clape nature reserve, south of Narbonne, Château Capitoul sits amongst vineyards with views out to the sea and across to the Pyrenees. The long golden Mediterranean sands are a five minute bike ride away, as is the old fishing village of Gruissan. This neo gothic château is a fine blend of hotel style living and luxurious self catering villas with everything you could possibly want for a romantic getaway or a relaxed family holiday.
Drive to Bordeaux
Drive 3hrs 40mins 388 km / 243 miles
A world-renowned city, Bordeaux is famed for its vineyards, gastronomy, and unique art de vivre. Offering an intoxicating mix of rich historical heritage and modernity, the city is home to stunning contemporary architectural works. To explore the city and its heritage, you will be spoilt for choice.
Whether you wish to wander through Bordeaux’s World Heritage area and its beautiful quarters, discover the city’s sites and monuments by bike, visit its museums, enjoy a romantic weekend, or travel with your children, you won’t be bored!
Stay: Les Sources de Caudalie
Between vineyards and forests, on the outskirts of Bordeaux, you can find Les Sources de Caudalie, a place of harmony with its surrounding environment. Located in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards, less than a 20-minute drive from Bordeaux historic district featuring a luxury spa centre, tennis courts and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 1 gourmet restaurant and a cooking school. La Grand Vigne is a Michelin starred restaurant.
Finally drive to Île de Ré
Check out and head off on the final leg of your journey. Drive 2hrs 30mins 219 km / 137 miles
The summer haunt of most of Paris, the Île de Ré is an impossibly beautiful island hanging off the west coast of France, attached only by a 3km bridge.
It’s surrounded by wide, golden beaches and dotted with salt marshes, oyster beds and vineyards, with its extremely pretty towns and villages full of 17th century fortifications and whitewashed houses with pastel doors and window frames.
Stay: Villa Clarisse & Spa
On the staggeringly beautiful Atlantic coast of France, the Ile de Ré, has long been the destination of stylish Parisians. Whitewashed houses with doors and shutters painted in faded hues of greens and blues, narrow lanes lined with hollyhocks, long sandy beaches and a seemingly never-ending sky, the island has a seductive character all of its own. Tucked amongst the alleyways of the old port town of Saint-Martin, Villa Clarisse & Spa, with its large gardens and pool, is a little haven.
Built in the traditional architecture of the island, with limestone and wood, with elegant and restful interiors, it almost has the feel of a private home. And who wouldn’t like a home with staff who look after you seamlessly? Whether you’re here for just a couple of days, or longer, as a couple or a family, the villa is a relaxing island retreat.