After a delightful couple of days in Bruges, I decided it was time to tackle my continental driving fears and head to France. I’ll admit, the thought of navigating Paris almost sent me straight to the coast. But my dream of driving around the Arc de Triomphe was too strong to ignore. With a deep breath and a burst of bravery, I set off for Paris at sunrise, only to find myself in the middle of Monday morning rush-hour traffic. Yes, at sunrise!
Paris: Conquering the Arc de Triomphe
Driving on the outskirts of Paris during rush hour is not for the faint-hearted. Thankfully, my trusty GPS guided me flawlessly to the Eiffel Tower for a practice run. With my confidence boosted, I decided to take on the Arc de Triomphe. Let’s just say it was both terrifying and exhilarating as I screamed off exit 7 (or was it 8?) at 50 km/h, air-punching my way out of the city toward Versailles.
Versailles: A Lesson in Brazen Confidence
I arrived in Versailles at 7:30 AM, parked on a quiet side street for just 4 euros (which covered me until 11 AM), and bought my ticket by 9:10 AM. Little did I know, a massive queue was forming at the palace entrance – hundreds of people, 4-5 rows deep, stretching over 200 meters. That’s when I spotted a couple from Seattle. After an hour of queuing together (and ignoring each other), I mustered up the courage to ask if I could join them as their “temporary daughter.” Thanks to their pre-purchased tickets, I skipped the line and stepped into the palace ahead of the crowd.
I sacrificed the first five rooms to stay ahead of the tourist mob, and it paid off. For a brief, magical hour, I had Versailles almost to myself. The gardens were stunning, but my parking time was running out, so I hit the road toward La Rochelle.
Loire Valley: Chateau Hopping on a Budget
My route took me through the Loire Valley, where I hit the château jackpot! With a tight budget, I skipped the entrance fees and instead hunted for the best photo spots. Having a campervan made this adventure even better—I could drive wherever I needed, often in the opposite direction of the tourist signs. Chambord Chateau, with its Disney-like grandeur, was my favorite. For Chateau de Chenonceau, I took a stealthy approach, finding a quiet road along the river and walking a kilometre to snap the perfect shot. Tourists on the boats must have wondered why I was getting the same view for free, but the captain gave me a friendly salute, so I figured he approved of my resourcefulness.
One of the best parts of the Loire Valley? The municipal campsites. These budget-friendly sites, run by local councils, offer basic facilities like showers, toilets, and laundry for as little as 6.50 euros per night. As a solo traveller, I loved that they charge per person, making them a fantastic value. They’re scattered throughout France, often in charming small towns, and even in popular spots, they rarely exceed 20 euros per night. Aires (designated overnight parking spots) are another option, but they’re less ideal for campervans and solo female travellers, as many lack toilet facilities and still charge a fee.
Chambord and Chenonceau: Free Views and Hidden Gems
I visited five chateaux in one day, using local postcards to scout the best vantage points. Google Maps helped me pinpoint the exact locations, and my campervan made it easy to explore off the beaten path. The Loire Valley is a dream for history lovers and budget travellers alike, you don’t need to spend a fortune to soak in its beauty.
La Rochelle: The Next Adventure
With my newfound knowledge of municipal campsites, I set my sights on La Rochelle. The freedom of the open road, the thrill of discovering hidden gems, and the joy of traveling at my own pace made this road trip unforgettable. France had already exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t wait to see what else it had in store.
Tips for Your Own French Road Trip
- Drive with Confidence: Parisian traffic is chaotic, but the reward of conquering the Arc de Triomphe is worth it.
- Skip the Lines: Arrive early at major attractions like Versailles, or make friends with fellow travelers to bypass the queues.
- Explore on a Budget: Municipal campsites are a fantastic alternative to expensive hotels or Aires, especially for solo travelers.
- Embrace the Scenic Route: The Loire Valley’s chateaux are even more magical when you explore them from unique angles—don’t be afraid to get creative!
France is a road trip paradise, offering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Whether you’re driving a campervan or a rental car, the key is to embrace the adventure and let the journey unfold.
