This French Road Trip took us down the eastern side of France, down to the mid-region across it to the western side and up to the north, effectively in a horseshoe shaped route.
We set off in a 9 year old Alfa Romeo GT Diesel coupe which was a superb choice for this trip as it is incredibly economical, powerful and comfortable. It also had superb air conditioning which was definitely needed on this trip in August, one of the hottest times of the year to travel through this region.
Day 1: Dover - Calais - Reims - Dijon
No trip through Northern France for a petrolhead would be complete without visiting the now defunct but restored Reims race circuit. If you are not into motorsport then maybe indulge in the Champagne as Reims is from where all Champagne originates.
Upon arriving in Dijon and feeling quite exhausted from breaking the back of the journey in one hit, we found out hotel for the night.
Dijon has undergone some considerable revitalisation in the city centre and is now an up and coming city worth visiting for its many architectural wonders along with many fine restaurants, markets and shops.
Day 2: Dijon - Annecy
Setting off from Dijon, we headed down to Annecy and you can see the landscape changing quite dramatically the more miles you drive.
Day 3: Annecy - Chambery
Once you arrive in Annecy, you are struck by how beautiful this town actually is.
Annecy is set within a network of canals with buildings arranged on the bank and also within the canals.
Lac d'Annecy, one of the largest lakes in France, sits among snow-capped mountains and is known as the cleanest lake in Europe.
Day 4: Chambery - Brantome
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After an overnight stay in Chambrey, we set off for Brantome in Dordogne region.
The landscape changes once more and comes out of the twisty snow capped mountain roads to more lush countryside.