A self-drive holiday in France can be a great way of getting into the heart of the French countryside and experiencing some of the true traditional France. A self-drive holiday means you have the freedom to pack as much as you like without the worry of baggage limits and come and go as you please. This 7-day itinerary starts in the Provence and the Languedoc-Roussillon regions taking in sights of The Camargue and The Vaucluse.
Day 1
Starting your driving adventure from Marseilles, head along the N568, then the N113 to Arles, the gateway to the Camargue – a wetland region at the mouth of the Rhone, cut off from the sea by sandbars and home to hundreds of bird species including the flamingo. Wander around the quaint narrow streets of Arles and taste the local French cuisine in the many cafés and restaurants. Before you leave Arles, make sure you visit at least two of the many Roman sites, especially the Amphitheatre and Les Aliscamps which features in some of Van Gogh’s paintings.
Day 2
From Arles take a short drive on the N113 to Nimes, home to some of France’s best preserved Roman remains and superb museums, art galleries, theatre and a Romanesque gothic style cathedral. Nimes is a good base to explore the surrounding region, including the attractive village of Uzes and the Pont du Gard, a three-tiered Roman aquaduct on the rushing River Gard.
Day 3
From Nimes avoid the motorway and drive along the N86 to Avignon, a walled art and culture city famous for its bridge. There is a plethora of accommodation available in Avignon, but you might decide to continue your exploration of the region and stay in the countryside. Avignon is an ideal starting point to explore the picturesque Provence landscape with its lavender fields and sleepy villages. Take the D942 leading to Carpentras, a quiet little agricultural town located 25kms from Avignon.
Day 4
Carpentras is famous for the truffle market that takes place every Friday morning during the winter months. Whilst in Carpentras, try some berlingot – a traditional small hard boiled sweet with thin white stripes.
From Carpentras, head out on the D938 to Fontaine de Vaucluse – a beautiful small village with an fresh spring where the Sorgue River ends its underground journey and gushes to the surface at the base of a cliff. Continue on your way to the tiered village of Gordes, about 18 kms east. The village forms an amphitheatre overlooking the Rivers Sorgue and Cavalon. Around 4kms south, just off the D2, there is the Village de Bories. At Bories you’ll find Bronze Age huts shaped like beehives which were in continuous use as shelters or wine cellars right up until the 18th Century.
Day 5
Drive back along the D2 as far as the junction with the D4 and head for Apt, a small town in an excellent location to explore the Luberon Hills and the Parc Naturel Regional. There are numerous villages, forests, gorges and abandoned farmhouses, as well as some good hiking and cycling trails. There is plenty of accommodation in the area including camping, hostels, and hotels.
Day 6
The highlight of the region is a stay in Aix-en-Provence. Drive along the scenic D943 route through Cadenet and on to Aix-en-Provence. With its gorgeous architecture, leafy avenues, fountains, elegant hotels, art galleries, museums, restaurants, cafés and great night life – Aix-en-Provence is a jewel of a city that should not be missed.
Day 7
From Aix-en-Provence, head to the cosmopolitan port of Marseilles. Spend some time exploring this French cosmopolitan city, there is something to suit everyone from art galleries, cathedrals, bustling street markets, the beach and water sports activities. Treat yourself to the local specialty fish stew known as bouillabaisse in the hundreds of restaurants the city has to offer. You can even take a boat and visit the island of Chateau d’If where you can explore the dungeons in the fortress.
Remember your cheap holiday insurance!
So that you can really enjoy your self-drive holiday in France, don’t forget to take out your cheap holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your cheap holiday insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your break before you buy it.
When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your holiday insurance provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your cheap holiday insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you’re prepared for every eventuality!