DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Road Trips France

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About this Book

The 24 driving tours in this guide reflect the fantastic diversity of France. One of the largest countries in Europe, its landscape ranges from rugged mountain plateaux to lush, rolling farm- land, from tranquil river valleys to wild, rocky coastlines. This landscape has influenced each regions unique cultural identity: its architecture, cuisine, customs and festivals. By guiding readers away from the most commonly explored tourist routes (although not missing out on any must-see places en route), the insider knowledge of each tour rewards visitors with the sights, sounds and flavours of the real France the one that other visitors speed through on the autoroutes and delightful discoveries at every turn.

Getting Started

The guide begins with all the practical information you need to plan a driving holiday in France. This includes an overview of ways to get there; tips on bringing your own vehicle or hiring one; details of documentation necessary and in-depth motoring advice, including the rules of the road; where and when you can buy petrol; and what to do if your car breaks down. There is also information on health, money and communications, as well as a guide to the lodging and dining options available, from luxury hotels to camping, and from gourmet restaurants to riverside picnics. A language section at the back lists essential words and phrases, including key driving-related vocabulary.

The Drives

The main touring section of the guide is divided into leisurely drives, ranging in duration from one to seven days. All the tours are on paved roads and can be undertaken in a standard vehicle. No special driving skills are required.

The drives have been chosen to encompass every region of France, from the lush orchards of Normandy and the rugged cliffs and coves of Brittany to the breathtaking passes of the Pyrenees and the sun-soaked Provenal coast. There are drives to appeal to lovers of culture, history and architecture; outdoor types and beach-bound families; gastronomes and wine buffs; and those who enjoy taking the road less travelled.

To help visitors choose and plan the trip, each drive begins with a list of highlights and a clearly mapped itinerary. There is advice on the best time of year to do the drive, road conditions, market days and major festival dates. The tour pages contain detailed descriptions of each sight and activity, linked by clear driving instructions. Side panels offer information on the most authentic places to stay and eat. Tinted boxes feature background information, fascinating anecdotes or suggestions for extra activities. These might include details of a local festival or regional speciality; tips for a wine-tasting tour; or information on the least-known beach. Each drive also features at least one mapped town or countryside walking tour, designed to take a maximum of two hours at a gentle pace with stops along the way.

The flexible nature of the tours means that some can be linked to create a longer driving holiday; conversely, they can be dipped into to plan day trips while based in one particular region.

Top left Imposing Chteau Guillaume-le-Conqurant, Falaise, Basse-Normandie Top right Magnificent Viaduc de Millau Middle left Restaurants in the old town of Nice Middle right Terrace caf in Bordeaux Below left Rolling vineyards of the Montagne de Reims Below right Grand Chteau de Chambord

Cars passing by the peaks of the Pyrnan mountains