Best places to stop to break up a road trip through France
Not-to-be-missed sightseeing, overnight stays, tourist attractions and picnic stops a short drive from the autoroute
Some tourists like to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Others prefer to take a slower route.
Whatever your preference, France has an excellent network of autoroutes, and plenty of nice places to stop to break up a long journey.
The Connexion has compiled a list of the best places to take a break for drivers in France, dividing the main north-south routes into three geographical areas: central, west and east.
We then divided those journeys into suggested stopping points. Some of our suggestions are well known, while others could provide novel detours, even for those who believe they know France.
Don’t forget to look out for other Plus Beaux Villages de France. These are always worth a stop.
You can read the full-length guide to each area here:
An abbreviated version follows below. Remember, before setting out it is important to avail yourself of the rules of the road. You can read our guides to driving rules in France here and here.
Central France
Picnic stops:
Aire de la Baie de Somme (A16): An unusually picturesque service station with a lake and viewing platform.
Aire du Viaduc de Millau (A75): A service station with such an amazing view of the famous viaduct that local families come here for a day out.
Sightseeing:
Monet’s House and Gardens (A13): This needs little introduction, but it might come as a surprise to some that this Giverny attraction is so close to the autoroute.
Maison Picassiette (A11): This house, previously featured in The Connexion for its naïve art and architecture, was a product of one man’s obsessive vision.
Vatan (A20): An official village étape, which means it is recognised as a good place for a stopover on a long journey with suitable facilities (look out for signposts to others), and it is a ville fleurie.
Oradour-sur-Glane (A20): The scene of a notorious Nazi massacre in 1944 and an important place to visit, but not one to be taken lightly.
Overnight stays:
Amiens (A16): Although damaged in both world wars, Amiens remains an attractive city. Head for the largest Gothic cathedral in France – and watch out for the free summer light show on its façade at night.
Chartres (A11): Another one for lovers of Gothic cathedrals: although part of the city was destroyed by bombing in 1944, the medieval stained-glass windows are largely intact.
Compiègne (A1): There is a 16th-Century hôtel de ville, but most people know Compiègne because of the clearing in the adjacent forest where the 1918 Armistice and the 1940 surrender were signed.
Major tourist attractions:
Disneyland Paris (A4): Mainly for the children, though unaccompanied adults seem to like it too. Europe’s most popular theme park, it is enormous – so allow plenty of time.
Guédelon castle (A77): A medieval castle – except that construction did not begin until 1997.
Western France
Picnic stops:
Aire de Grissay (A83): This aire has a playground, as well as the usual toilets and picnic benches. Nearby is the Château de Tiffauges – Bluebeard's medieval castle – if you fancy a longer stop.
Mervent–Vouvant forest (A83): Not a service station, but a proper off-the-motorway woodland destination for a picnic.
Saint-Savinien (A10): Off the autoroute again, this time for a beautiful old village and a riverside park beside the Charente.
Sightseeing:
Falaise (A88): A fairly short drive from the Caen port of Ouistreham, so ideal if you are early for the ferry.
Les Machines de l’Ile (A83): Some readers might remember the mechanical Sultan’s Elephant that toured the world 20 years ago. The elephant and other spectacular machines are on show at this cultural project based in the old shipyards of Nantes.
Overnight stays:
Le Mans (A28/A11): Synonymous with motor sport, the city has a picturesque and well-preserved old town, including Roman remains.
Angoulême (N10): Often overlooked by foreign visitors, Angoulême has a fine pedestrianised city centre and enjoys a commanding position above the river Charente.
Arcachon (A63): A short distance south-west of Bordeaux, this town attracted the wealthy in the 19th Century for its supposed health-giving properties.
Major tourist attractions:
Puy du Fou (A87): To describe this enormous attraction as a theme park would be to undersell it. Puy du Fou deserves the description of “something for all the family” with its 26 spectacular shows, including chariot racing in a 115m amphitheatre (puydufou.com).
Futuroscope (A10): This futuristic theme park with a science and technology slant has been open for nearly 40 years but has continued to innovate to retain its position as one of Europe’s most popular theme parks.
Eastern France
Picnic stops:
Aire de Jugy (A6): This is a popular aire with children because of its fun Teletubbies-style playground.
Aire de Lançon de Provence (A7): If you are heading south to the coast, you are almost within touching distance, so catch your breath here.
Sightseeing:
Laon (A26): A city in a commanding position on a plateau that can be seen for miles around. Famous for its Gothic cathedral.
Château de Châteauneuf (A6): France has many chateaux, and readers will have their favourites. This ancient castle, handy for the autoroute, is an excellent one to add to your list.
Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval (A7): A fantastical structure built between 1879 and 1912 by the local postman, Ferdinand Cheval, who picked up stones on his round to add to his growing edifice.
Overnight stays:
Arras (A26/A1): World War One left this handsome city in ruins, but it was beautifully restored and a drink in the stunning Grand’Place on a sunny day is a special experience.
Troyes (A26): If you like cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, you will love Troyes. Follow the direction markers on the pavements to see the best of the city.
Dijon (A31/A38): The historic city centre is another World Heritage Site. Famous as the centre of the Burgundy (Bourgogne) wine-producing region – as well as for its mustard.
