We use cookies to analyze traffic and provide the best experience. We do not sell your data.
France is the ultimate canvas for the slow traveler. Its geography is a poetic sequence of lavender fields, limestone cliffs, and towering alpine peaks. The French "Routes DĂ©partementales" are a treasure trove for those who prefer the hum of a classic engine over the sterile speed of the Autoroute.
France offers some of the most diverse landscape experiences for travelers who believe that the journey is the destination. From the sharp mountain ridges to the coastal horizons, driving in this region is a meditative act. For those in vintage vans or heavy campers, the geography of France presents both immense beauty and unique challenges.
The secondary road network here is more than just infrastructure; it is a portal to history. Many of the routes we have selected follow ancient trade paths or historic borders. Unlike the fast-paced motorways, these scenic drives allow you to stop in small villages where time seems to have slowed down.
In France, the "Slow Road" philosophy is deeply rooted in local culture. Whether it is a wine-growing region with centuries-old cellars or a high-altitude mountain pass that is only open a few months a year, the pacing of the road dictates the pace of your discovery.
Many roads in this region feature gradients above 10%. If you are traveling in a classic vehicle with a smaller engine, ensure your cooling system is in top shape before attempting the climbs we have marked as "Steep".
Timing is everything in France. The high passes are often snow-locked until late May, while the coastal routes shine brightest in the golden hours of early autumn. We recommend allowing at least 25% more time than GPS suggests—not because of traffic, but because you will want to stop for the view.
Our collection for France includes 7 verified tracks. Each has been selected for its unique "slow" quality—minimal billboard interference, maximum horizon contact, and a road surface that speaks to the character of the land.
Many of these routes go deep into rural territory. Ensure you have enough fuel and fresh water, as services can be sparse on the secondary networks of this region.
The ultimate mountain drive. Crossing the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. This route takes you over 16 high mountain passes, including the Col de l'Iseran—the highest paved pass in the Alps. WARNING: Extremely steep and narrow sections with countless hairpins. Not for the faint of heart or weak engines. Your VW T3 will work harder than ever. Ensure your brakes and cooling are in top condition!
Follow the path of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 upon his return from Elba. This historical route winds through the foothills of the Alps in the Provence and Hautes-Alpes regions. It offers stunning lavender fields and dramatic limestone mountains. The road is scenic and less extreme than the high passes, but still involves winding climbs that require focus in a vintage van.
The oldest wine route in France, stretching 170km through the foothills of the Vosges mountains. This is a storybook drive through fairy-tale villages with half-timbered houses, flower-decked balconies, and countless medieval ruins. It's a gentle, rolling landscape perfect for slow travel. Stop in Colmar and Eguisheim for the ultimate 'Beauty and the Beast' vibes. Excellent for Riesling and GewĂĽrztraminer lovers.
Experience the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. The Route des CrĂŞtes (D23) loops along the rim of the spectacular Verdon Gorges. You'll look down 700 meters into turquoise waters. WARNING: This road is extremely narrow and features vertical drops. It is often one-way and requires absolute focus. For a vintage van, it's a slow, steady climb but provides world-class viewpoints like Point Sublime. Not for drivers afraid of heights.
The 'Garden of France'. This gentle route follows the Loire river through a landscape of unparalleled elegance. You'll pass hundreds of fairy-tale châteaux, including Chambord and Chenonceau. The terrain is famously flat, following the river valley, making it the perfect stress-free cruise for any vintage van. Enjoy world-class vineyards, medieval towns, and the smooth French 'art de vivre'.
A journey through the wild, salted heart of the RhĂ´ne delta. This route is as flat as a pancake, snaking through marshes, rice paddies, and pink salt lakes. Visit the perfectly preserved medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes. Spot wild white horses, black bulls, and thousands of pink flamingos. It's a surreal, atmospheric landscape that feels more like North Africa than France. Extremely van-friendly due to zero elevation.
A deeply moving historic drive along the beaches where the course of WWII was changed. This coastal route from Ouistreham to Sainte-Mère-Église is relatively flat, following the low cliffs and wide sandy shores. You'll drive past Arromanches (with its artificial harbor remains), Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. A bucket-list trip for history enthusiasts that is gentle on old engines.
Open our interactive map to get elevation profiles, weather forecasts, and AI co-pilot insights for every single route.
Launch Interactive Map