The best places to stop when driving to the South of France
For those heading down to the Cote d’Azur this summer, The Sloaney travel team recently embarked on a road trip to help discover the best places for an overnight stop…
Of course, in an age where air travel is so easy and convenient, many people opt to jet down to the South of France for their summer break. However, there is still something very appealing about packing up the car and setting off on an adventure through one of the Europe’s most beautiful countries.
Known for excellent food and wine, France boasts many quaint towns that are located on the Route du Soleil. LeShuttle offers a super speedy way to cross the Channel from England and you will be on French soil (with your car) in about half an hour.
The drive down to the best beach clubs in Cannes and the stunning villas that line the Cote d’Azur is best done with a few stops on the way. Coffee, lunch and a glass of champagne in Reims is a must. Here you can incorporate a tour of Pommery Champagne, which features a spectacular art gallery that is located underneath the house.
We recommend at least one overnight stop and the town of Troyes is perfectly positioned to offer some respite and French culture. The medieval old town features striking narrow streets that are lined with half-timbered houses, which date back to the 16th century. Troyes and the Aube department are home to the largest collection of painted stained-glass windows in Europe.
For the luxury traveler, we recommend booking at night in La Licorne Hotel and Spa, which only offers one suite. The suite is expansive and can easily accommodate a family. The hotel is positioned only a stone’s throw away from a square that comes to life at night with al-fresco dining and entertainment.
This town is off the beaten track and you will probably not hear an English voice. Instead, you can fully immerse yourself in the French way of life. Children play games on the square as their parents dine and the market in the early morning boasts incredible fresh produce.
Another place that is worth stopping off on the way down or on the way back home is Beaune. Beaune is a stunning town, which is at the heart of Burgundy and very popular with those who enjoy wine from this region.
Hotel Le Cep is a family-owned traditional five-star hotel. It is particularly well located for those wanting to explore the many wine shops and restaurants in the town. However, you should be aware that you can’t eat at the hotel and instead guests need to book either at the restaurant next door or explore one of the many places to dine in the centre of Beaune. If you have time, Hotel-Dieu Museum is worth visiting during your stay.
We also recommend making use of the car and venturing out to Puligny-Montrachet, which has one of the most famous vineyards in the world. You can purchase wine to bring it back home.
Both Troyes and Beane are ideally positioned to break up the long drive to the south with an overnight stay. There is about five to six hours driving either side, but this allows for lunch stops in local villages too.
Bon voyage!
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