France in a fortnight: a motorhoming odyssey

We’re not sure there is a better way to explore the land of bread and cheese than on a two-week road trip through its stunning countryside, picturesque towns and bustling cities. Few holidays deliver the ease, variety and connection to a place quite like a motorhome holiday. 

There are heaps of iconic landmarks, museums, galleries, vineyards, charming towns and sun-soaked beaches to explore in France. And a road trip around this destination is the perfect opportunity to tick off some unmissable experiences on your bucket list.  

But where to start? Don’t worry! At LeShuttle, we’ve taken care of all the planning for you - your France road trip itinerary is ready and waiting. 

Your 2-week motorhome itinerary for France  

Our two-week motorhome itinerary will see you exploring eight of France’s best regions.  Your 14-day RV adventure will take you to the museums in Lille, the catacombs in Paris, the lush vineyards in the Loire Valley and even for a ride on a mechanical elephant in Nantes. Better still, the motorhome tour starts and finishes at our Calais terminal – and journeys are capped at just three hours – so you really can make the most of every moment. 

Pack your bags, start your engines and get ready for an unforgettable French road trip – bon voyage! 

Day 1-2 Calais to Lille

Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins 

Your adventure starts in Calais. If you need a moment to stretch out, pause here to unwind after the first leg of your journey. The dog-friendly, Richelieu Park, is the perfect place to picnic while giving the whole family a moment to move around and reenergize for the next stop. Don’t stick around too long though, the drive to Lille may only be around an hour and a half, but, with so many things to do, you’ll want to make the most of your day there!  

You’ll find an abundance of museums and monuments to explore in this welcoming city, from the flamboyant gothic architecture of Palais Rihour to the Palais des Beaux-Arts. Spend the afternoon in Old Lille – the historic quarter - lined with ornate 17th-century architecture and cobbled streets. The square is packed with restaurants, cafés, shops and top attractions. 

Lille is a low-emission zone, so don’t forget to buy a Crit’ Air sticker to drive in the city!  

The historic quarter in Lille

Day 3 Lille to Reims 

Driving time: 2 hours 30 mins 

Jump onto the A26 and head to Reims for day three of your motorhome holiday in France. You’ll find lots to do here, but Reims is perhaps most famous for its champagne production. Quench your thirst for the bubbly at one of the many champagne houses, tour the chalk vaults and vineyards or indulge in a glass (or two!) of fizz. 

Outside of the exceptional dishes and drinks you’ll find in this foodie paradise, Reims is home to a wealth of history and culture. Visit the cathedral and the Palace of Tau to explore some of the city’s gothic architecture or the Porte de Mars to get up close and personal with highly-detailed Roman ruins. 

It is possible to avoid the toll roads on your way to Reims by taking a more scenic route through the smaller towns and villages surrounding the A26. Bear in mind that this will add considerable time to your journey though 

Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral

Day 4-6 Reims to Paris 

Driving time: 2 hour  

Take the A4 to Paris on day four. With two days dedicated to the city of lights, you’ll have plenty of time to visit all the must-see landmarks in the French capital. Check out our 2 days in Paris itinerary for a whistle-stop tour of the city’s top attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. 

For a more laid-back exploration of the city, we’d recommend checking out some of the capital’s hidden gems like the Paris Catacombs or the gardens at the Jardin des Tuileries. As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is also the perfect place to ‘shop ‘til you drop’ – just make sure to plan some stops along the way to relax and recharge in one of the many cosy cafés and restaurants. Few things can beat a coffee and croissant in the heart of France. 

Driving in Paris may feel daunting at first but, with a bit of research, it is possible! There are numerous park-and-ride spots around the capital if you want to take the pressure off and enjoy the city on foot. 

Paris at sunset

Day 7-9 Paris to Loire Valley 

Driving time: 2 hours 15 mins 

Day seven sees you continuing south on your RV adventure around France. The quickest route to the Loire Valley takes you via the A10 and past the historic city of Orléans. If you have time, you might stop here to discover more about Joan of Arc and her story. But we wouldn’t recommend delaying your visit to the Loire Valley much longer than is necessary! The UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rich history, outstanding wineries and breathtaking views. 

You won’t have time to explore all of the estates, castles, châteaux’s and vineyards that pepper this stunning landscape, but you’ll certainly wish you did. Why not grab your bike and ride along some of the 800km cycle route that spans the area – you might discover more than you expected! 

Chateau of Sully-sur-Loire at sunset

Day 10 Loire Valley to Nantes 

Driving time: 3 hours  

After a few days in the garden of France, your two-week motorhome road trip heads towards the northern coastline. You’ll find countless things to do in the beautiful town of Nantes. Visit the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle for an entertaining and educational family day out or head to Les Machines de l’ile de Nantes to see a truly unique collection of strange machines and beasts come alive. You won’t want to miss out on the 12m tall mechanical elephant ride so make sure to book before going! 

The city is also a perfect stop for pet owners on their two-week road trip across France, so furry friends can enjoy the fun too! 

The Musée d'Histoire Naturelle in Nantes

Day 11-12 Nantes to Normandy 

Driving time: 3 hours 

As you approach the last couple of days on your motorhome holiday in France, you’ll start heading back north. Take the A11 and A28 past Le Mans to Normandy. You could easily spend three to five days exploring the region but in lieu of a longer visit, we’d recommend you prioritise a few key places.  

The staggeringly beautiful island abbey, Mont Saint-Michel, is one of Normandy’s more unforgettable sights and definitely not one to be missed. Continue your drive north to either Bayeux where you’ll find the Bayeux Tapestry or the harbour town of Honfleur for fresh, French seafood. History buffs and anyone wanting to pay their respects will want to make a special visit to the WWII beaches along the Normandy coastline.

Mont Saint-Michel

Day 13 Normandy to Rouen 

Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins 

The capital of Normandy, Rouen deserves a day to itself. Steeped in history, the city is brimming with nods to its past. With names like William the Conqueror, Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart stitched into the story of the city, you’ll struggle not to be impressed with the medieval heritage that surrounds you here. 

Known as the city of a hundred spires, Rouen is lined with half-timbered houses and cobbled streets and simply strolling through it might be entertainment enough. But there is certainly plenty to do here! Visit the Place du Vieux Marché to see the exact spot Joan of Arc was burned alive in 1431 or climb to the top of the belfry in the Gros Horloge to be rewarded with panoramic views of the historic city. 

Cobbled street in Rouen

Day 14 Rouen to Calais 

Driving time: 2 hours  

It is the final day of your 2-week motorhome road trip around France! After visiting 8 locations across 14 days and driving something in the region of 20 hours, you might find yourself wanting to kick back, relax and savour the memories. Spend this last day of your trip exploring the quieter side of Rouen by visiting its forested heart. Three of the state forests in Rouen hold the national Forêt d'Exception label – which is designated in recognition of their unique heritage and outstanding management. 

Finally, head back to Calais – don’t forget to pop into Carrefour Cité Europe to pick up any last-minute souvenirs! 

Pick up a last-minute souvenir in Calais

Alternative routes and detours 

With so many unforgettable places to visit in France, it’s hard to cover them all in a single 2-week itinerary. Luckily, motorhome holidays are a wonderful opportunity to choose your own adventure - your journey, your rules! Feel free to skip a stop or prolong your stay in another. If you have more time, or you don’t mind a longer trip back, head from Nantes to Bordeaux to experience the wine harvest or go for a longer drive from Paris to Lyon. 

French road rules 

You should thoroughly research French road rules and regulations before embarking on your motorhome holiday. It’s important to make sure you have all the required documents and items you need with you - including things like your driving licence and a high-viz jacket. You can stop by the AA shop in the Folkestone terminal to pick up any last-minute essentials! 

Many of the locations on this itinerary will require you to display a Crit’ Air sticker in your vehicle – you’ll need to order this up to 6 weeks before your trip from the official Crit’ Air website. 

Where to stay 

In France, there are a number of motorhome-friendly campsites and convenient parking opportunities. Dedicated overnight parking areas, called Aires, can be found across the country. They can have mixed facilities with most offering fresh water and some going as far as having showers and electricity. You can either go where the road takes you and keep an eye out for signs for nearby rest stops or you can easily research beforehand to find the best ones for you and your family. You can also check out websites like Pitchup and Flower Camping to find campsites around France.