Summer Road Trip to France: Must-Visit Destinations & Events for 2025
If you’re planning a summer escape to France this year, there’s no better way to explore the country than by car. With scenic routes, charming towns and sun-soaked beaches, a French road trip promises freedom, flexibility, and plenty of adventure. Whether you're heading for the vineyards of Bordeaux or the beaches of the Riviera, travelling by car lets you discover France at your own pace.
And with an Emovis tag, you can breeze through motorway tolls without stopping, perfect for those peak holiday weeks when queues can build fast.
Here are some top spots and summer events to include in your French getaway this year:
1. Normandy – History and Coastlines
Drive time from Calais: ~3.5 hours
Normandy offers a blend of rich history and natural beauty. Begin with the iconic D-Day Landing Beaches or the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel, then head to seaside towns like Honfleur or Deauville for a traditional French coastal experience.
Event to catch:
Festival Beauregard (3–6th July 2025) held in Hérouville-Saint-Clair: a family-friendly music festival set in beautiful parkland, with acts ranging from indie to electronic.
2. Loire Valley – Châteaux and River Views
Drive time from Calais: ~5.5 hours
Perfect for a slower-paced trip, the Loire Valley is dotted with fairytale castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. The region is also a haven for wine lovers and cyclists.
Top tip: Take a scenic drive along the Loire à Vélo trail. It runs beside the river and offers plenty of places to stop for picnics or wine tastings.
3. Dordogne – Medieval Towns and Riverside Escapes
Drive time from Calais: ~8 hours
Known for its dramatic landscapes and prehistoric caves, the Dordogne is ideal for family adventures. Canoe down the Dordogne River, explore the market towns of Sarlat-la-Canéda, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. The countryside around Sarlat-la-Canéda, Bergerac, and Périgueux with their rolling hills and historic villages make this a picturesque sunflower-spotting route.
Event to catch:
Félibrée Festival (5-6th July 2025): a traditional Occitan celebration featuring parades, dancing, and lots of colour. Each year, a different village plays host. In 2025, the Félibrée will take place in Sarlat in Périgord Noir.
4. Provence – Lavender Fields and Mediterranean Charm
Drive time from Calais: ~10 hours
Provence is a sensory delight in summer. Drive through purple lavender fields (best in early July), stroll through the colourful markets of Aix-en-Provence, and relax in seaside towns like Cassis or Bandol.
Event to catch:
Avignon Theatre Festival (5-25th July 2025): one of Europe’s biggest arts festivals, with performances in streets, chapels, and historic courtyards.
5. The French Alps – Cool Breezes and Mountain Lakes
Drive time from Calais: ~9 hours
For a cooler alternative to the coast, head to the French Alps. The summer months are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and lake swimming in spots like Annecy, Chamonix, or Lac du Bourget.
Event to catch:
Fête du Lac d’Annecy (2nd August 2025): an enormous lakeside fireworks display with music, water shows, and plenty of summer atmosphere.
Travel Smart with an Emovis Tag
Summer driving in France is a joy, until you hit a queue at the toll booth. Avoid the delays and keep your road trip stress-free with an Emovis tag, which lets you use the dedicated Télépéage (tag) lanes and zip through without fumbling for change or cards. Order your Emovis toll tag today: Place your order
Whether you’re heading for the coast, the countryside, or the mountains, travelling by car lets you uncover the real France, one scenic stop at a time.