Paris is beautiful and exhilarating but if you and the girls are itching to explore the sights outside of the city of lights, it’s time to head out for a memorable Paris road trip. The rest of the country is just as beautiful and some of the best places that France has to offer are just under a day’s drive away. You can opt to go to Chateau de Maintenon, a castle dating back to the 1200s. The castle is only 86 kilometres west of Paris and is easily accessible to tourists. The little medieval village of Provins is also another choice if you are absolutely crazy about impressive architecture.
Other places to see near France’s capital city are Chantilly, Orléans, Reims, Chartres, Meaux, Le Mans, Rouen, and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Your group can also opt for a longer drive. A self-drive history tour all over France is great for history buffs while exploring Brittany’s coastlines or visiting the Bordeaux region for a wine tour are just as good. You can also drive all the way to the French Riviera or go on a Champagne road trip to get your fill of bubbly.
How to Plan a Paris Road Trip with Your BFFs
Choose your destination
This can be rather problematic considering that there are just so many beautiful vacation spots near Paris or in France in general but take time to take a look at information about the places in your short list so that you and the girls can decide which destination is right for the group. This can mean taking a look at photos, things to do, and places to stay.
It’s important that you take the weather and the season into consideration as well. In Chartres, for example, it is advisable to go from April to October to see the lights in the town’s buildings. This includes the stunning Chartres Cathedral that dominates the charming little town’s skyline. For Provins, visiting the Christmas market will provide a unique experience so scheduling a pre-Christmas road trip is advised.
The perfect vehicle
It is easy to imagine driving a vintage or a nice sports car around France but it is important to consider the road ahead. Looking for the right car means taking into consideration the service it will need in case it breaks down. Cars with complex mechanics and electronics will require specialized service. This can be a problem if you are traveling to smaller cities so choose your vehicle wisely.
The safety aspect should also be your number one concern especially if you are planning a long drive around France. To ensure that you get the right car for the trip, it is best to compare a range of vehicles to see which one suits you best.A good car comparison guide will be able to give you data on the engine, transmission, and seating capacity It can also provide you with customer ratings to help you decide which car you should get.
Safety tips
You should keep a road safety emergency kit with you while on the road. Apart from a first aid kit, it is also advisable to bring a small flashlight with you. It is also highly recommended that you get your vehicle inspected first before driving to your destination. Getting the tires checked along with a full check up will give you an idea if your car is ready for a long trip or not. Experts also advise that you learn basic maintenance skills before you head out because you’ll never know what might come up on your way to your destination.
It’s all about bonding
While there will be a lot of planning for your all-girls Paris road trip, it is important to remember that you are doing this to spend some quality time with close friends. The drive will be long and there will be times when everyone will be quite tired. However, no matter how tired you will be, be sure to keep in mind that the road trip offers more than the destination or destinations and that it is all about making beautiful memories while you conquer the road ahead.
This ‘Paris Road Trip’ post was written by Jennie Ogden for The Lady-like Leopard.