France road trip: 21 places from Chamonix to the Riviera

Explore France's most iconic destinations across 6,093 km, from the dramatic Étretat coastal cliffs and Mont Saint Michel to the French Alps including Mont Blanc and Chamonix. This comprehensive route covers the French Riviera, Corsica's medieval Bonifacio, the Loire Valley châteaux region, and cultural highlights like Paris and the Alsace wine country.

Mode
Places
Start
Augille du Midi
End
Eiffel Tower
Stops
21
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Augille du Midi — Towering granite peak in the Mont Blanc massif offering panoramic Alpine views and access to glaciers via cable car.
  2. Mer de Glace Glacier — Glacier accessible via train from Chamonix, also known as Mer de Glace
  3. Annecy Alpine Lake Town — Picturesque medieval town nestled beside a pristine Alpine lake, renowned for its charming canals and mountain backdrop.
  4. Castle of Menthon St. Bernard — Fairy-tale castle perched above Lake Annecy featuring Gothic architecture and commanding views of surrounding peaks.
  5. Alsace Region — Wine-producing region known for half-timbered villages, vineyard-covered hillsides, and distinctive Franco-German cultural heritage.
  6. Paris City Center — Capital of France, approximately three hours from Étretat, reference point for Loire Valley and Mont-Saint-Michel distances
  7. Loire Valley — Located in central France approximately two hours from Paris, known as the château capital
  8. French Riviera & Menton — Glamorous Mediterranean coast featuring Menton's pastel-colored harbor town, lemon festivals, and Italian border proximity.
  9. Nice & Cannes — Elegant Côte d'Azur cities celebrated for pebble beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and world-class film festival prestige.
  10. Esterel Coast & Cap du Dramont — Dramatic red rock formations jutting into the Mediterranean, creating scenic coastal walks and secluded beach coves.
  11. Saint Tropez — Favorite French Riviera town located approximately one hour and a half from Nice
  12. Verdon Gorge
  13. Mont Saint Michel — Tidal island approximately four hours from Paris, featuring the Abbey with construction beginning in the 10th century. Accessible via shuttle or walk from parking area
  14. Mont Blanc Peak — Highest mountain in the Alps at 4,807 meters, accessible via Aiguille du Midi
  15. Étretat Coastal Cliffs — Coastal town with impressive sea cliffs and pebble beach, approximately three hours drive from Paris
  16. Bonifacio Medieval Town — Medieval town built upon limestone cliffs at the southern point of Corsica
  17. Calanques de Piana Red Cliffs — Dramatic red cliffs diving into the sea with windy scenic road, includes Plage de Bussaglia beach
  18. Chamonix Alpine Hub — Mountain resort town at the base of Mont Blanc, hub for skiing and hiking with access to Aiguille du Midi via cable car and Montenvers Glacier
  19. Aiguille du Midi Cable Car Station — Alpine peak accessible via 20-minute cable car from Chamonix, access to Mont Blanc hike and Vallée Blanche glacier
  20. Menthon Castle — Medieval fortress rising majestically above Lake Annecy with Gothic turrets, historic rooms, and breathtaking Alpine vistas.
  21. Eiffel Tower — Paris's most recognizable attraction, built in 1889 for the world fair

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Étretat at sunset to see the cliffs lit up with an orange glow. Allow about 3 hours drive time from Paris.
Transport
Take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi (20 minutes). It holds the world record for highest vertical ascent by cable car with 2,807m elevation gain. Round trip costs about 69 euros.
Timing
Plan ahead for Aiguille du Midi as it gets extremely packed. Consider avoiding peak holiday times.
Transport
Take the train to Mer de Glace from Chamonix. Get a Montblanc multi-pass for about 83 euros to access both train and lift. Sit on the left side for best views.
Where to stay
Annecy is an alpine town about 1 hour drive from Chamonix, famous for its canals and one of Europe's cleanest lakes, ideal for hot summer days.
Tip
Visit Château de Menthon Saint Bernard near Annecy. Entry costs about 11 euros. It's one of the most impressive castles in the Alps.
Transport
Explore the Alsace Wine Route, a 170-kilometer route through wine country. The region is located in eastern France, bordering Germany and Switzerland.
Where to stay
Ézé is a medieval hilltop village 30 minutes drive from Menton with cobblestone paths and tunnel walkways. Visit the Exotic Garden for 6 euros entry and panoramic French Riviera views.
Tip
Visit Calanques from Cassis by boat, kayak, or hiking. Rent a boat from the harbor or kayak to access beaches directly. The main cove hike is about 7 kilometers with one steep descent.
Where to stay
Cassis is a seaside town with French charm, overlooked by Cap Canaille with the highest sea cliffs in France (394 meters). Multiple days recommended for exploring.
Tip
View the Verdon Gorge from Pont du Coletas for dramatic cliffs contrasted with blue water. Located about 2 hours drive from Nice. Rent boats or paddle boards to explore.
Where to stay
Carcassonne is a medieval fortress city in southern France with 53 towers protected by two outer walls. It exemplifies medieval European architecture.

Video on this route

Top 25 Places To Visit in France - Travel Guide

More routes nearby

Map