The Ultimate French Road Trip Routes Through Gorgeous Central France

The lush scenery of France’s central region is a joy to behold. With its dense forests, sparkling tributaries and rolling meadows, it’s a picture of the rural Gallic charm the country’s famous for. How better to explore this magical land than on a road trip? Pack up and get behind the wheel to explore the intriguing attractions this region has in store. Read on for our top Central France road trip ideas and itinerary.

First on our list of sights on our France road trip itinerary is Bourges – an entrancing little town you just shouldn’t skip on your road trip around France. This medieval gem is excellently preserved, with a maze of winding, narrow streets to explore on foot. Marvel at the beautiful old town set around Bourbonnoux Street, and pop into the quaint old book shops, antique dealers and violin makers still operating from within its half-timbered houses.

Before you move on, be sure to visit the town’s wonderful parks – there are over 50 square metres of park per resident in this charming corner of the centre. 

Located only one hour from Orléans, the Château de Chambord stands as the crown jewel of the town of Chambord, a true architectural masterpiece renowned worldwide for its distinct Renaissance design. This majestic structure, recognised as a French historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was erected in the 16th century and has since become a quintessential symbol of European Renaissance achievement. Originally commissioned by King François I as a hunting lodge, the château has evolved into a grand repository of over 4,500 exceptional works of art, including paintings, tapestries, furniture, and other precious artefacts, which adorn its lavishly decorated apartments. The estate, encompassing an elegantly designed 18th-century French garden, is further distinguished by the vast Chambord Forest, covering 5,400 hectares and being the largest enclosed park in Europe.

The Loire-Anjou-Touraine Park, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Nantes, is a sprawling wonderland of castles and vineyards, sparkling with unusual flora and fauna. The park is approximately 100 km wide and is crossed by the Loire, the last wild river in Europe. Give yourself space to breathe with a visit to this nature reserve – from cycling to spotting birds of prey, you’ll find plenty of invigorating experiences across meadows, orchards and prairies. We especially love the troglodyte caves and the scenic views across the river.

At the eastern frontier of Loire-Anjou-Touraine lies Tours. Make time on your road trip around France to visit this lively university town and UNESCO World Heritage site known as ​‘the Garden of France’, just a one-hour train ride from Paris.

It has a charming medieval quarter and is home to the striking Saint-Gatien Cathedral – an impressive, flamboyant Gothic monument standing nearly 70 m tall. The interior features painstakingly decorated stained glass windows, a 16th-century organ and tombs of Italian marble. It was the setting for several of Balzac’s famously atmospheric stories, such as Maître Cornélius and Le Curé de Tours. At night, the impressive façade is beautifully lit with coloured lights.

Are you eager to further explore new destinations in France? Read our guide and discover six cities that will make you feel like in a fairytale.