Quick Guide: France
Driving from North in the Alps to the South of France feels like driving through several different countries. Amazing scenery all the way!
What we think you NEED to know
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The Mont Blanc area in the Alps is well-known for being a great skiing area, but it is also an incredible area for those who enjoy hiking or cycling.
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In our experience, it was actually quite easy to find some cheap and good located accommodation. Even though we booked on the day and in high season (mid August).
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There where a lot less tourists in general than we expected, even at the popular attractions.
Our key moments
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Hiking a trail above Verdon Gorge with starting point near Pont du Gelatas. The trail really surprised us in the best way.
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Spending time at Lake of Sainte-Croix, where we could easily find a spot to lay down and relax, go for swims in the nice water, and have a great time. Uh, and found a new favorite beer, Meteor IPA. Delicious!
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Hiking up to Lac Blanc. The landscape and hiking trail in itself was far more awesome than we had hoped for.
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Finding a very cheap camp site, Camping Roux Natural Area, which was quite and perfect for our needs, but also really close to everything in the area.
Summer vacation: June-August
For skiing: December-February
Currency: Euro (EUR)
1 EUR = 1,8 USD
Population: 68,6 million people living on 643,801 km²
Location: in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches
Weather: Oceanic in the West,Continental in the East, Mediterranean in the South
Toll roads:
Some roads in France are privately owned, usually these roads are starting with the letter ‘A’ (e.g. A51). When driving on these roads you’ll have to pay a toll.
It is easy to pay (both card and cash). The fee varies but is typically 0,1 or 0,2 EUR pr kilometer.
It is possible to avoid driving on toll roads (e.g. on D-roads), but it will most likely take longer time, and the roads might be in slightly worse conditions.
This will be NICE to know
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In our opinion at least, France and hiking in France seems underrated. There is so much cool landscape and mountains to explore!
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Cascade de Sillans is without a doubt a beautiful waterfall and sight – but it is also an overly crowded tourist trap. Good luck finding parking.
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Food and beverage prices where actually a bit cheaper than we thought it would be.
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Are you into wine – France offers some exceptionally good ones. We didn’t have time to, but you should definitely take a wine tour.
Toll roads:
Some roads in France are privately owned, usually these roads are starting with the letter ‘A’ (e.g. A51). When driving on these roads you’ll have to pay a toll.
It is easy to pay (both card and cash). The fee varies but is typically 0,1 or 0,2 EUR pr kilometer.
It is possible to avoid driving on toll roads (e.g. on D-roads), but it will most likely take longer time, and the roads might be in slightly worse conditions.
Our favorite locations
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The hiking trail at Verdon Gorge near Pont du Gelatas. The trail offers viewpoints over both the lake and gorge. Absolutely astounding!
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Lake of Sainte-Croix. The lake is huge with plenty of space for people to find a good spot. The water is very nice and landscape stunning.
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The Lac Blanc hiking trail. The landscape, views and lake itself was extremely fascinating and beautiful to watch.
This Quick Guide is just a glimpse of Iceland. For us, it was the first country where we realized our adventure of Chasing Endless Horizons. Maybe it will be that for you too – or just a cool trip.
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