Forget the stress of airports and cramped flights; the classic family road trip is making a grand comeback. We embarked on the ultimate French adventure, trading runway queues for the open road on an unforgettable 1,500-mile journey from Calais to the sun-drenched Côte d'Azur.
Armed with a well-stocked cooler, a meticulously planned playlist, and a car full of excited children, we discovered that the journey itself can be the best part of the holiday. Here’s how we turned a long drive into the adventure of a lifetime.
The Grand Departure: Channel Crossing & First Stop
Our expedition began with an early morning Eurotunnel crossing from Folkestone, a seamless process that feels more like a sci-fi experience than a ferry ride. Within minutes of arriving in Calais, we were on the French autoroutes, immersed in a new landscape.
Our first major stop was the Champagne region. While the kids enjoyed lemonade, we savoured a quick, celebratory glass of the local bubbly. It was the perfect way to shake off the journey and officially mark the start of our holiday.
Conquering The Long Haul: Keeping Everyone Happy
The key to a successful long-distance drive? Breaks, and plenty of them. French autoroutes are brilliantly equipped with regular aires (rest stops). We avoided the generic service stations and instead picnicked at scenic spots with picnic tables, letting the kids run wild in green spaces.
In-car entertainment was crucial. Beyond tablets and headphones, we played classic car games, listened to audiobooks the whole family could enjoy, and had a strict 'no asking "are we there yet?"' policy.
The Reward: Arriving on the French Riviera
After two days of driving, the first glimpse of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea was a moment of pure magic. The stress of the journey melted away instantly. We based ourselves near Fréjus, perfectly positioned to explore the glitz of Saint-Tropez, the charm of Cannes, and the stunning red cliffs of the Estérel coast.
The freedom of having our own car meant spontaneous beach trips, exploring hidden hilltop villages, and hunting for the best ice cream stand became our daily routine.
Top Tips For Your Own French Road Trip
- Plan your route but be flexible: Book your first night's accommodation, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
- Pack a cool box: Fill it with drinks, yoghurts, and French cheese for impromptu picnics. It saves money and is far more enjoyable.
- Break up the drive: Turn a long journey into a tour. Stop at a château, a historic town, or a beautiful lake for a swim.
- Get a good tag: An electronic toll tag (like Emovis Tag) is worth its weight in gold, allowing you to zip through toll booths without queuing.
- Embrace the adventure: Sometimes the wrong turn leads to the best memory. Relax and enjoy the ride.
Driving back to Calais, we weren't sad; we were filled with incredible memories. The road trip didn't just get us to the south of France; it gave us a week of shared adventure, laughter, and the joy of the open road. It was, without a doubt, the holiday of a lifetime.
