Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
French Riviera Road Trip Boats, Beaches & Beautiful Villages
France – Etoges – Marseille – Cassis – Ramatuelle – Saint-Raphael – Reims
Stretching west to east along the coast, this road trip takes you from the buzzing food markets of Marseille to the narrow streets of Saint-Raphael. Along the way, you’ll also stop in the culturally rich fishing village of Cassis and the vineyard bordered town of Ramatuelle.
Bookended by cosy stays in the north of France to break up the driving, your time here will be characterised by leisurely strolls, private tours, excellent food, and top-tier wines. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to kick back with a good book and soak up the sun. It’s enough to make a Francophile out of anyone.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your French Riviera road trip begins today with a drive to Folkestone, on England’s southeast coast. Here, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle stretches beneath the Channel to Calais, so drive on and park up. The journey takes just 35 minutes, so you’ll be there in no time.
Once you’re in France, hit the road again (remember to drive on the right) for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Etoges, in the northeast. Check in for an overnight stay in a cosy hotel and drop your bags before turning your thoughts towards dinner tonight. This calls for a celebratory toast and a lineup of quintessentially French dishes – yum.
This morning, buckle up for the seven-hour drive south to Marseille, the oldest city in France. Cue the music – or a topical podcast on the city’s Roman heritage – and let the road trip antics commence.
Pull into the city this afternoon, ready to unload the car and check in for the next two nights at a suitably charming hotel. Indulge in some post-journey stretching after the long drive before settling down for a relaxing afternoon, whether that means sunbathing on the beach or visiting the Mucem, a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean.
When stomachs begin to rumble this evening, reach out to our local Concierge to nab you a table at the swankiest spot in town. The French Riviera is beloved by royals from all over, so you may as well dine like kings and queens tonight.
Today begins in Marseille's Old Port – the vibrant heart of the city. After breakfast, meet a local guide and head to the markets to pick out a selection of fruit and veg, fresh fish and fragrant spices. With all your ingredients gathered, it's time to cook. Under the watchful eye of your expert guide, spend the next few hours crafting your own delicious lunch. Then, sit down to taste the fruits of your labour on the sunny terrace.
Full of delicious food, take it easy this afternoon with a leisurely stroll to the seafront. Here, you can while away the afternoon perched outside a cafe or ducking in and out of enticing boutiques.
Come evening, head to Marseille’s port for a sunset cruise. Sit back to enjoy a local aperitif (or three) and some mouth-watering Provencal produce as the coast glides by. Talk about a magical end to the day.
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, jump in your car and head southwest for the 40-minute drive to Cassis. You’ll journey through part of Calanques National Park, a 128,000-acre expanse of protected land and sea so expect some swoon worthy views along the way.
When you arrive, check in for two nights at your next hotel. After settling in, step out into the sun to explore. The quaint streets of Cassis are a world away from the buzz of Marseille, making this the perfect place to kick back and... relax. You have the rest of the day to yourself, so don’t hesitate to don your swimsuits and head to the pool or down to the beach for a dip. Come evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and nightcap before bed.
Begin your day with a coffee and croissant before heading down to the jetty to climb aboard a pointu (a small fishing boat emblematic of the area). It’s time to set sail through the waters surrounding the rugged landscapes of the Calanques.
As your skipper navigates the coastline, you'll have the chance to visit Ile Verte (part of Calanques National Park) for some island exploration. You can also stop to enjoy a spot of swimming and offshore picnicking in any of the neighbouring inlets.
After a long day at sea, return to your hotel this evening for another delicious dinner and an early night – another French Riviera gem awaits tomorrow.
Wake up bright and early to pack your bags and load up the car for the next leg of your journey. Today, you’ll head to Ramatuelle (one hour and 40 minutes away) via the pretty Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur coast.
Framed by hills and vineyards, Ramatuelle will be your home for the next three nights. Overlooking the chic streets of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne Bay, the village retains an authentic charm.
Over the next few days, you'll be free to sink your teeth into this quiet pocket of the French Riviera, experiencing the chic Mediterranean way of life. The only activity we’ve lined up is a reservation at Club 55, a legendary restaurant on Pampelonne beach.
The rest of your time in Ramatuelle can be as laidback – or as active – as you like. Wander the quiet streets, dine on local delicacies, sample regional wines and imagine a life spent on these sun-kissed shores
It's time to bid a fond farewell to Ramatuelle as you set off east along the coast towards Saint-Raphael today. It takes just over an hour to reach this charming seaside village, so feel free to throw on our destination-specific playlist in the meantime.
When you arrive, check in for two nights and start unpacking. Your time here is blissfully free, allowing you to kick back and enjoy the area’s laidback lifestyle. Cue plenty of poolside reading, sandy beach walks and late-night meals at alfresco eateries.
For something a little more active, we can arrange for you to go paddle boarding or kayaking. And if you fancy travelling further afield, you could also explore more of the French Riviera’s stunning coastline. Whatever takes your fancy.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning to prepare for your drive to Reims, in the north of France. The journey takes eight-and-a-half hours, so make sure to stock up on lots of tasty snacks before leaving.
You’ll arrive this evening, ready to check in, drop your bags and venture out in search of dinner. This will be your last one in France, so be sure to tuck into something truly decadent tonight to give this gorgeous part of a country a fitting send-off.
Sadly, today marks the end of your time in France. Luxuriate in one last leisurely breakfast before packing up and strapping in for the remainder of the drive back to the UK.
Start by travelling northwest to Calais, which should take roughly two-and-a-half hours. Then, board the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle for the 35-minute Channel crossing. When you reach Folkestone, continue your journey home (driving on the ‘right’ side of the road again) arriving back before the sun sets on your fabulous escape to the French Riviera.
Why visit France with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to France
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
