We started thinking with two thoughts in mind: Mountains and lavender fields. Of course, we wanted to see as much as possible, so we planned the following itinerary for our roadtrip in August 2015.
It was a perfect mixture of nature and cities and of alpine and mediterranean landscape. Needless to say, food and wine were delicious everywhere.
We were on the road for one week, which meant lots of time in the car. But with all the beautiful landscape it was never exhausting. Furthermore, in southern France’s summer heat, our car (with air-con) was the coolest place on earth!
1. Drive from Regensburg to Breitenfeld/Baden
On our first leg we passed Ulm and the Blautopf. In Lake Constance region we couldn’t visit Constance due to countless Swiss people who literally blocked every parking place available. We continued to the Rhine Falls, before spending the night in idyllic Breitenfeld.
2. Crossing Switzerland to reach Annecy
We decided not to take the motorway and for the beautiful landscape of Berner Oberland and Valais. Passing Brünig-, Grimsel- and Furka pass we entered Valais. From now on it was midsummer again.
After two further passes (Col de la Forclaz and Col des Montets) we reached Chamonix-Mont Blanc and finally Annecy. To sum it up: Amazing landscape and it’s fun to drive the passes. You need 2-3 hours more than the fastest route, but you also save the 50 Francs motorway toll.
3. Drive to Provence to Gréoux-les-Bains
We left the alpine area and after a 3 hours drive we were in Provence. After our shock about already harvested lavender fields, impressive Gorge du Verdon comforted us. We spent two nights in Gréoux-les-Bains and visited Aix-en-Provence, Rustrel and Plateau de Vaucluse. That’s where we finally found lavender fields. Desire fulfilled!
4. Driving to Montfrin
We headed west. On our plan: Roussillon, Gordes, Abbaye de Senanque and Pont du Gard. We spent two nights on a camping site in Montfrin, a perfect location for visiting Arles and Avignon.
5. Back north to Burgundy, to Chagny
We left the Provence region for Burgundy. By this stopover our long way back home appeared shorter and we had the chance to see yet another beautiful and interesting landscape in France.
Strangely it became hotter and hotter the further North we got. After more than 40°C a heavy thunderstorm brought pouring rain the next day. That’s why we spent only one night here but nevertheless we saw many vineyards, Château de Meursault and Beaune.
6. Returning to Frankfurt
Data by OpenStreetMap