The definitive 4-star self-drive trip across France

Setting off on an independent driving tour across France delivers an exceptional, highly sophisticated Western European experience. Navigating through pastoral heritage and along sweeping alpine routes positions you just right to take in sprawling vistas, a deeply storied culture, and pristine ecological sanctuaries, observes Vanessa Rogers.

“By following a tailormade self-drive route, having landed at Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport and hired a reliable premium vehicle, travellers are able to take in the likes of towering mountain peaks and rolling vineyard hills, together with dramatic coastal rock arches and lush waterfalls,” says Charles Edelstein, founder and director of Travex.com, an aggregator of photography tours and global trip planner.

He adds: “When you click on our explore the French Alps web page, you’ll find an earmarked map showcasing the main points of interest (POIs) we advise. Follow our route, or create your very own – just ensure you click through to each highlighted POI, such as Lake Annecy (shown below), so you don’t overlook anything special en route.”

Four exceptional French Alpine destinations

You can explore Nice, Castellane, Sisteron, and Grenoble by skipping the flat, standard highway routes and following the historic Route Napoléon (N85) and other Alpine passes, which will take you through dramatic valleys, deep limestone canyons, and towering mountain backdrops.

Recommended Road Trip Stops

Nice: A legendary Riviera city located just a short drive from Monaco along the coast.

• What to do: Drive along the scenic Promenade des Anglais, walk the historic alleyways of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), and climb Castle Hill for a sweeping coastal vantage point.
• What to photograph: Use a wide-angle lens from Castle Hill during sunset to frame the curving, crescent-shaped beachfront contrasting against vibrant, pastel-orange building façades and the deep azure tones of the Mediterranean Sea.

Castellane: A vibrant, cliffside gateway town nestled at the entrance of the Verdon Natural Regional Park.

• What to do: Navigate the dramatic winding mountain roads surrounding the town, visit the iconic Notre-Dame du Roc chapel perched on a massive 180m rock pillar, and explore the nearby turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge.
• What to photograph: Shoot a vertical composition from the town square looking upwards, using the dramatic, towering limestone rock face as a backdrop to isolate the solitary Notre-Dame du Roc chapel against a crisp mountain sky.

Sisteron: A historic, fortified mountain pass town known colloquially as the “Gateway to Provence”.

• What to do: Park your vehicle to explore the ancient Citadel of Sisteron, photograph the narrow medieval streets, and admire the majestic Rocher de la Baume rock formation rising directly out of the Durance River.
• What to photograph: Position yourself across the Durance River to capture a sweeping, high-contrast landscape showing the vertically layered stone strata of the Rocher de la Baume, which is perfectly mirrored in the water’s surface beneath the stone bridge arches.

Grenoble: A vibrant alpine valley city surrounded by towering snow-capped mountain peaks.

• What to do: Ride the iconic spherical cable cars (Les Bulles) up to the historic Bastille fortress for a panoramic view of the French Alps, and enjoy traditional Dauphiné cuisine at a local bistro.
• What to photograph: Capture a fast shutter-speed shot of the unique, round glass cable cars suspended mid-air, framing them directly against the imposing, jagged, and snow-capped ridges of the Belledonne mountain range.

Average costs for a 4-star self-drive trip

“Undertaking this France trip, while staying in upmarket 4-star châteaux and luxury countryside boutique hotels, provides visitors with the thrill of high-stakes adventure, while enjoying the best in creature comforts,” advises Edelstein. “Take a look at the table below for an idea of costs; however, a mid-range to premium 10-to-12-day self-drive itinerary typically ranges from £2 725 to £6 812 per person sharing, depending on season and just how luxury the accommodation bookings are that you choose to select.”