French Alps Road Trip

Take a journey through the stunning French Alps on a 1452 km road trip starting and ending in Lyon. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, historical sites and UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. Visit Chambery, Albertville, Saint Jean de Maurienne, Alpe d'Huez, Val d'Isere, Briancon, Jausiers and Colmars les Alpes. The best time to make the trip is from April to October as the roads are in excellent condition and the views are breathtaking. This trip is suitable for all drivers, from the novice to the experienced. However, due to the partly curvy roads, caution should be taken when driving. The French Alps Road Trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime. Although it can be expensive, the memories you make will be worth the cost.

Lyon is the perfect starting point for a French Alps Road Trip. Located in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region, it is the gateway to the stunning French Alps. There are many sights to explore in Lyon itself, including the city’s beautiful old town, the Musee des Beaux Arts, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Visitors can also take a boat ride along the Saône river, or enjoy the city’s excellent nightlife. The closest international airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (IATA: LYS). There are car rental companies at the airport, making it easy to begin your journey. From the airport, it is a two-hour drive to the French Alps. Along the way, you can explore the picturesque towns and villages of the Rhône-Alpes region, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or an active adventure, a French Alps Road Trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of the region. With Lyon as your starting point, you can explore the stunning scenery, taste the delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the vibrant culture of the French Alps.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Lyon to Chambery! This 86 km journey will take you less than an hour, and the best part is you'll get to visit some of the most interesting places in France. Start off your journey at Place Bellecour, the largest square in Lyon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you'll pass by the majestic Château de Brou, a 16th-century castle with a beautiful garden. As you drive through the picturesque countryside, you'll come across the impressive Château de Miolans, a well-preserved medieval castle. Don't forget to take a detour to the charming village of Cruseilles, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Montrottier. Finally, your journey will end at the beautiful city of Chambery. Here, you can explore the 11th-century Château des Ducs de Savoie and the historic old town. For more information on the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an exciting adventure as we embark on a 73 km journey from Chambery to Albertville. This drive will take you less than two hours and you can expect to be mesmerized by the beauty of the French Alps. Start your journey in Chambery, a charming city located in the Savoie region. Here you can visit the Château des Ducs de Savoie, a medieval castle with a stunning architecture. Then, take a stroll around the city centre and admire the beautiful architecture of the old buildings, such as the Saint-François de Sales Cathedral. Continue your drive to Albertville, a town located at the heart of the Savoie region. Here you can admire the stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif, the highest mountain range in the Alps. Visit the Notre-Dame-de-Liesse church, a beautiful building with a Romanesque style. Also, make sure to stop at the Musée des Alpes, a museum dedicated to the history of the Alps. As you drive along the route, make sure to pay attention to the historical sites and the scenic roads. You will be amazed by the beauty of the French Alps! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for a spectacular road trip from Albertville to Saint Jean de Maurienne? This 160 km drive will take you less than 4 hours and you'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the French Alps. Along the way, you can visit the historical sites of Albertville, such as the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and the Musée des Traditions Populaires. In Saint Jean de Maurienne, you can explore the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Château de Montbel. The route is quite winding in some sections, so pay extra attention when driving. Furthermore, you can take a break and relax in the beautiful nature of the Alps. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to the Saint Jean de Maurienne to Alpe d'Huez road trip! This 82 km journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in France. Enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you drive on the winding roads. Be prepared for some steep ramps, but don't worry, the drive will be over in no time. Along the way, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, from historical monuments to natural wonders. Make sure to take some time to appreciate the beauty of the nature around you. When you reach Alpe d'Huez, you'll be rewarded with even more breathtaking views. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to take a memorable journey through the French countryside!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Alpe d’Huez to Val d’Isere? This route is only 183 km long and will take you less than 4 hours to complete! You will be driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the French Alps. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the mountains, as well as some steep ramps and winding roads. As you drive, be sure to take in the gorgeous scenery and take plenty of pictures! Once you reach Val d’Isere, you will find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites to explore. Make sure to check out the ski slopes and the picturesque village of Val d’Isere. For more information about attractions and other points of interest along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” section of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road! You’re sure to have an unforgettable journey from Alpe d’Huez to Val d’Isere. Bon voyage!

Embark on a road trip from Val d'Isere to Briancon and explore the best of French Alps! This 140 km drive will take you less than 3 hours and will be filled with breathtaking views and historical sites. As you travel through the winding roads, you will be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the French Alps. You will also find steep ramps and winding roads, so be sure to drive carefully. Make sure to stop at Val d'Isere's ski resort, the Espace Killy, where you can enjoy some of the best skiing in the world. After that, you can visit the city of Briancon and explore its fortifications, which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Briancon to Jausiers! This 92 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete. As you drive, take in the stunning views of the Hautes-Alpes region, with its steep ramps and winding roads. Along the way, you'll pass through the picturesque villages of La Bâtie-Neuve and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, and the ski resort of Vars. Don't forget to stop at the majestic Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in France. Finally, arrive in the charming town of Jausiers, where you can explore the nearby ski resorts and take in the breathtaking views of the Alps. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Jausiers to Nice! This 202km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours to complete, and you'll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views in the south of France. Start your journey in Jausiers, and make sure to stop at Cime de la Bonette, the highest paved pass in the French Alps. Here, you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the Mercantour National Park. As you continue your journey, you'll be driving along some of the most winding roads in the region. While the steep ramps can be a bit intimidating, the views of the lush green valleys and the snow-capped mountains will make it all worth it. Finally, you'll arrive in Nice, the perfect ending to your journey. Make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

Start your road trip from Nice, France and head to Colmars les Alpes, a 138 km journey that will take you less than three hours. Along the way you will be able to take in the stunning views of the French Alps and explore some of the historical sites. You will pass through the town of Entrevaux, a charming medieval village with a 12th century castle, and the stunning L'Escarène valley. As you drive, you will also pass by the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in Europe. The winding roads of the region are perfect for a leisurely drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. As you approach Colmars les Alpes, you will come across the Verdon Gorge, one of the most spectacular canyons in Europe. This is a great opportunity to take a break and explore the area. Once you reach Colmars les Alpes, you can visit the 12th century Château des Évêques, a stunning castle that overlooks the village. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on a delightful 105 km drive from Colmars les Alpes to Gap, France. The journey will take you less than 3 hours, winding through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the historical sites and stunning views that you'll find along the way. Start off your road trip in Colmars les Alpes, a charming mountain village that is home to the Notre Dame de l'Assomption church, built in the 16th century. From here, you can take in the stunning views of the nearby mountains and valleys, before continuing your journey. As you make your way towards Gap, you'll pass through the towns of Castellane and Sisteron, both of which are worth a visit. Castellane is known for its impressive medieval fortress, while Sisteron boasts a 12th-century citadel and several interesting museums. Finally, you'll arrive in Gap, a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Here you can visit the Musée de Gap, the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, and the Musée de la Résistance. You can also explore the city's many parks, churches, and other attractions. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Bon voyage!

Gap to Grenoble is an exciting road trip stage! Starting in Gap, a charming town situated between the Alps and the Mediterranean, you will be able to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Provence region. During the 101km drive, you will have the chance to admire the picturesque views of the surrounding area, as well as some historical sites. The estimated driving time is less than 2 hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the area. Once you reach Grenoble, you will find a unique combination of urban and natural attractions. You will be able to visit the historical centre of the city, the Bastille Fortress, and the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park. This road trip stage is part of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, if you are looking for an exciting road trip, Gap to Grenoble is the perfect choice for you!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Grenoble to Lyon and explore the best of the two cities! The route is only 90 km long and takes less than an hour to drive, making it a great option for a day trip. Along the way, you will get to witness some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discover the historical charm of the two cities. In Grenoble, you can explore the Bastille Hill, an ancient fortress with stunning views of the city. You can also visit the Grenoble Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Grenoble, both of which offer an impressive array of artwork. In Lyon, you can visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning 19th century church with a breathtaking view of the city. You can also explore the old town, which features some of the city’s oldest buildings, including the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon. Don’t forget to take your time to explore the local eateries, cafes and shops in both cities. Be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your road trip for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

Lyon is the perfect ending point for a French Alps road trip. Located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region, the city is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. From the ancient Roman amphitheater and the Renaissance-style facades of Vieux Lyon, to the cobbled streets of the city’s Presqu’île district, Lyon is a treasure trove of history and culture. The city is also home to some of the best food in France. From the traditional bouchons to the Michelin-starred restaurants, Lyon has a wealth of culinary experiences to offer. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Lyonnaise dish, or a modern take on French cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. For travelers coming by car, Lyon is easy to reach from the French Alps. The city is within a few hours drive of the region’s major ski resorts, making it an ideal base for a ski holiday. The city is also just an hour’s drive from the closest international airport, Lyon–Saint-Exupéry (LYS), making it easy to reach from anywhere in the world. Lyon is the perfect destination for a French Alps road trip. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, the city is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

The above journey will become an ideal inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Alps, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to bear in mind to make your adventure smooth and safe. The following road rules will surely become useful for all tourists who are considering car hire or camper hire.
When driving around Alps, there are a number of traffic regulations to be remembered. When moving around Alps in a car, try to avoid spirits at all. The legal alcohol limit is not that high and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum car speed inside the cities. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you cannot exceed the maximum car speed of 90km/h. On motorways, 130km/h is the allowed speed that you should stick to in Alps. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
How about the costs of the trip? The budget option that you are interested in determines the amount of money that you have to spend during the whole road trip. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 1,452km across Alps may cost around 200 EUR. You will have to spend around 1,111 EUR on economy overnight stays. The travel expenses related to food and restaurants within this option will cost up to about 1,344 EUR. Travellers will have to pay around 630 EUR if they go for the budget hire car offer as well. Thus, the estimated cost of the whole trip will amount to 2,655 EUR if you are interested in the option without vehicle rental and 3,285 EUR if you will rent a car.
Holidaymakers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay more or less 263 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the itinerary. Those who are considering standard accommodation should be ready to pay roughly 1,848 EUR. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 2,016 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of approximately 882 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 5,009 EUR for travellers who would like to try car rental and 4,127 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Holidayers who are into the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 7,761 EUR for travellers who are considering vehicle rental and 4,127 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of around 1,764 EUR. If you are interested in the premium version of the trip, the fuel cost will be up to roughly 350 EUR. You should expect to pay roughly 2,688 EUR for restaurants and food and approximately 2,959 EUR for overnight stays if you opt for the highest standard of services during your tour.
Our tour is also superb for camper lovers. When it comes to this travel means, it costs more or less 3,150 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole trip, they will amount to more or less 388 EUR. Holidayers who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay roughly 770 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 1,344 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The months between June and September offer the greatest opportunities when it comes to driving aroundthis part of the Alps. If French Alps Road Trip has sparked your creativity, you should definitely check out other interesting road adventures that we offer on our website. Even the most demanding of holidayers will definitely be surprised by the great variety of ideas available on our website.