When we talk about driving in France, it’s safe to assume that most of us think of one of three things; the riviera, alpine roads or the infamously challenging traffic in central Paris. However, the north of France also holds plenty of exciting roads and spectacular sights.
Here are some of the top roads and locations to include on your trip in northern France.
Alsace Wine Route
Perhaps the best gem in the north-east of France is the Alsace Wine Route. A 170km (105-mile) stretch of road from Thann to Marlenheim, running just east of the German border, there are of course an array of incredible vineyards and wines to sample and buy from. Local markets for all tastes can be found in the route’s selection of quaint towns, with a gorgeous mix of traditional French and German architecture.
Locales such as Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Rosheim and Riquewihr will greet you with cobbled streets and multi-coloured houses that date back several centuries. But the true must-stop town on the route is Colmar, one of the largest on the route, complete with “la Petite Venise”, a network of canals lined with timber buildings, not unlike the Italian tourist hotspot.
Col Du Grand Ballon
While taking in the Wine Route, one recommended detour would be the D431 road, starting in Uffholtz. Passing by some of Alsace’s ski slopes, the roads themselves come alive in the summer months, with the hairpins and driving pleasure of the southern alpine tarmac, only with a little more width to play with, and dense forestry broken up by open green pastures.
If you are looking for a day of driving adventure, continuing on once the road meets the Route Des Cretes ‘D430’ will yield a more open and flowing extension to this spectacular route.
‘The Cider Route’
This 25-mile section of road takes in Normandy’s cider country, allowing you to take in local produce from traditional French markets. In addition to ciders, you will find jams, honey, calvados and pommeau.
While the roads of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge area are unlikely to be the greatest driving roads, the local produce and historic landmarks, including manors and castles, make it well worth a look if you’re docking in Le Havre or Caen.
Paris-Normandy
The drive up from the capital to Normandy is one that’s well worth making if you wish to delve into French history. Travel via Rouen to see the historic city’s spectacular cathedral and the Gras Horloge astronomical clock, which dates back to the 14th century.
Of course, the history of Normandy, particularly Dunkirk, speaks for itself, and is chilling and fascinating in equal measure. A stop at the Operation Dynamo museum is a must.
Dieppe-Calais
Running between a pair of French port cities is certainly a great way to spend a long-weekend, and there is perhaps no better option than travelling between Dieppe and Calais.
Dieppe itself is well worth scheduling a day for, with yet more delights from as far back as the 14th century, while the white cliffs of the Alabaster coast will greet you once you start the drive north-east.
After winding through the Crécy Forest, heading in-land to Montreuil-sur-Mer, and taking in the dunes of Le Touquet, you will have seen some of the very best that northern France has to offer.
