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Don’t Miss this Scenic Paris to Nice Drive
Paris to Nice is 930 kilometres of some of the most varied and captivating driving in France. Driving from Paris to Nice is straightforward – the direct autoroute will get you there in nine hours – but the real magic lies in what’s in between. Burgundy’s wine country, Lyon’s hidden traboules and culinary delights, the Rhône Valley, Provence’s medieval towns, and the first sparkling view of the Mediterranean all await. Skipping them is like flying over a feast without tasting a bite.
I’ve driven this route in every season, and this itinerary highlights the stops that truly make the journey unforgettable: the experiences worth slowing down for, the hotels worth booking in advance, and unexpected detours that show how much more there is to discover along the way.
If you’d rather let the train do the work, I’ve also got you covered – check out my France by Train guide. But if you have the time, this road trip from Paris to Nice is one of the best weeks you can spend in France.
Drive from Paris to Nice Overview
- Start: Paris
- Finish: Nice
- Duration: 9 days (+ 2 optional days for wine lovers)
- Where to Stop Between Paris and Nice?: Fontainebleau – Beaune – Lyon – Avignon – Marseille
- Total distance: 1009 km (626 miles)
- How long is the drive from Paris to Nice? The Paris to Nice drive time for this itinerary is around 12 hours
- Regions covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.
If you’re planning a Nice to Paris drive, you can also follow this itinerary in reverse, ending with a grand finale in Paris.
Road Trip Paris to Nice Itinerary Day by Day
- Day 0: Arrival in Paris
- Day 1: Paris
- Day 2: Paris
- Day 3: Paris – Fontainebleau
- Day 4: Fontainebleau – Beaune
- Day 5: Beaune – Lyon
- Day 6: Lyon – Avignon
- Day 7: Avignon – Marseille
- Day 8: Nice
- Day 9: Nice
If you’re a wine lover and have a few extra days to spare, I’ve included a couple of optional detours to help you discover more of France’s wine country.
This Paris to Nice road trip is one of the most beautiful road trips in France. Click here for the best French road trips.
If this is your first time driving in France, this France by Car guide will come in handy.
Paris to Nice Road Trip – Route Map
Click here to view the Paris to Nice Road Trip Map on Google
For this road trip from Paris to the South of France, you’ll only need a car from days 3 to 8. If you don’t plan to drive back to Paris, you can rent a car in Paris and drop it off in Nice, then take a train from Nice to Paris instead. If this is your first road trip to France, check out my tips for hiring a car in France.
Click here to rent your car in Paris
I HAVE THE DETAILED ITINERARY FOR THIS TRIP! This easy-to-follow itinerary includes specially designed maps that can be printed or downloaded to your mobile device, accommodation recommendations for all budgets, and recommendations for the best cuisine and places to eat along the way. You can purchase it alone or as part of the France by Car e-book.
How Many Days for the Paris to Nice Drive?
My recommended route (the current itinerary) takes 9 days. Here are a few variations for longer or shorter trips:
5 days – The essentials: Spend 2 days in Paris, then visit Avignon (1 day) and Nice (2 days).
7 days: Spend 2 days in Paris, then visit Beaune (1 day), Lyon (1 day), Avignon (1 day), and Nice (2 days).
11 days – slow version for wine lovers: Include the two optional, wine-focused days in Côte de Beaune and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Day 0 | Arrival in Paris
As this road trip begins in Paris, take this opportunity to explore the French capital, which really needs no introduction, before hitting the road.
How many days in Paris? I recommend a minimum of two full days to get a feel of what the city has to offer.
There is no road trip travel on the first two days of this itinerary, but I have included recommendations on what to visit and where to stay.
If you have the budget, go for a hotel with Eiffel Tower views. A good (and more central) alternative is the Handsome Hotel by Elegancia in the First Arrondissement. Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews – Click here to book your stay at Handsome Hotel by Elegancia
Days 1 and 2 | Paris
For your time in Paris, be sure to visit the city’s iconic highlights: Île de la Cité, the Louvre Museum (here’s how to see the Louvre in 2 hours or less), Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and the Eiffel Tower.
For a more detailed, day-by-day plan, check out this 2-day Paris itinerary from World in Paris.
If your stay is shorter, this top-rated Paris Highlights Bike Tour is a fantastic way to see the city. Explore Paris’s most emblematic landmarks on two wheels with an expert guide – and if you want a different vibe, a similar tour is also available at night.
Day 3 | Paris – Fontainebleau
On the third day of this Paris to Nice itinerary, it’s time to leave Paris behind. This is the perfect opportunity to discover that the Île-de-France region is much more than the capital. To start, drive to Fontainebleau to explore the magnificent Château and its surrounding gardens.
Morning at Château de Fontainebleau
Nicknamed “the true home of French kings,” the Château of Fontainebleau can proudly claim eight centuries of royal residence. From the original 12th-century fortified keep to the Second Empire, successive French ruling dynasties all lived within these walls.
Spend the morning exploring the Château, followed by a stroll through its spectacular gardens. The Gardens of Fontainebleau were one of King Louis XIV’s major contributions to this estate. He commissioned his landscape designers to create grand formal gardens, ornamental water features, and the Grand Parterre – today the largest of its kind in Europe.
Afternoon Flight above the Fontainebleau Forest
Don’t leave Fontainebleau without exploring more of the forest. A great way to do this is to book a hot air balloon flight departing not far from the Château.
A hot air balloon flight, wherever you are in the world, is always a great experience. But if you have the opportunity to fly over one of the most beautiful forests in France, then it’s magical! Drift over the French countryside until sunset, then toast your journey upon landing. Depending on the wind, you may drift over Barbizon – a village that inspired many Impressionist painters – the charming medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, or the Seine Valley.
If heights aren’t your thing, head instead to Château-Hôtel de Bourron, where you’ll spend the night. This elegant 17th-century château is set within the grounds of an ancient fortress. Its 42 hectares of parkland offer the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll as the sun goes down – Click here to book your stay at Château-Hôtel de Bourron
Day 4 | Fontainebleau – Beaune
This road trip Paris to Nice takes you through Bourgogne, a region renowned for its world-class wines, historic abbeys, and postcard-perfect villages. Many of the most charming villages in Burgundy are listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, the country’s most beautiful villages.
Morning in Auxerre
Instead of driving directly to Beaune, I recommend a stop at Auxerre, a lovely small city in Burgundy bisected by the Yonne River.
The historical center is made of beautiful medieval and Renaissance-style buildings and is protected as a historic city. Wander the Old Town with its beautiful churches, half-timbered houses, and its iconic Clock Tower. The promenade along the river is beautiful and relaxing.
Afternoon in Beaune
Beaune is another must-see city in Bourgogne, especially if you are a wine lover! The town is famous for the Hôtel-Dieu, a wonder of Burgundian architecture, but there are also other beautiful sights such as Notre Dame Basilica and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Because Beaune is the wine capital of Bourgogne and wine tasting and driving are far from ideal partners, it’s best to stay here for the night. For your night in Beaune, stay at L’Hotel, a 19th-century private mansion with lovely gardens and private parking in the heart of Beaune’s historical center. Enjoy the unique atmosphere with all the comforts for the modern guest – Click here to book your stay at L’Hotel
Here’s the list of some great wine houses worth exploring during your afternoon in Beaune:
- Maison Champy (5 Rue du Grenier de Sel, Beaune; Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine regions)
- Domaine Chanson (10 Rue Paul Chanson /Rue du Collège, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
- Bouchard-Ainé & Fils (4 Boulevard du Maréchal Foch, Beaune; Beaune wine region)
- Domaine Loubet-Dewailly (11 Impasse Notre Dame, Beaune; Pommard wine region)
Extra Day (Optional): Explore the Côte de Beaune by E-Bike
If you can add an extra day to this road trip to explore more of the wines of Bourgogne, I highly recommend booking this full-day e-bike tour with a wine expert guide. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Burgundy wines, from vineyard to bottle. The tour includes visits to two wine cellars, where you’ll meet local winemakers and sample their wines, as well as an additional tasting paired with regional charcuterie along the way and a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5 | Beaune – Lyon
The next stop on this Paris to Nice drive is Lyon, where I recommend spending (at least) one night. The drive from Beaune to Lyon is only 1.5 hours, so if you leave early in the morning, you will have a full day to explore Lyon.
For your stay in Lyon, the Hotel de l’Abbaye is an authentic, intimate spot full of charm – Click here to book your stay at Hotel de l’Abbaye
Lyon is a bustling city and a cultural hub. Situated in the country’s east, near the Alps, Lyon is France’s third-largest city and a major tourist destination that offers yet another side to France.
Park your car for the rest of the day (there’s public parking near the recommended hotel in Lyon) and visit the city on foot. If you only have one day to visit Lyon, spend it walking through the streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), the city’s most popular area to visit. This district has been the best preserved of all of Lyon’s neighborhoods, with beautiful Renaissance architecture, the iconic traboules, and some fascinating cultural museums.
You can use some ideas of things to see and do in Lyon from this Lyon itinerary, or take this Lyon highlights walking tour.
Afternoon at Fourvière Hill
In the afternoon, climb the Fourvière Hill to visit the Fourvière Basilica, which overlooks Lyon. This religious building is the focus of the famous Fête des Lumières, which occurs every year at the start of December. The climb up to Fourvière Hill is an easy walk up from Old Lyon, but you can also take the funicular from the Cathedral.
Lyon has also been recognized as France’s food capital (and the world, according to some!), so be sure to taste some local specialties! This Old Lyon food tour always gets excellent ratings.
Day 6 | Lyon – Avignon
The next stop on this drive Paris to Nice is Avignon, the first destination in Provence. This charming historic city on the South Bank of the Rhône River was home to seven Catholic Popes. The Papal Palace, where they lived, is a jewel of civil Gothic architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy one day in Avignon. The Old Town is compact and everything is within walking distance. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Popes and wander along the Pont d’Avignon (the famous bridge) or admire it from afar. When the sun sets and the air is fresh, consider this entertaining Avignon Night Tour.
For your night in Avignon, book a room at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon. This hotel with private parking is located in a beautiful 16th-century building with original arches and vaulted ceilings surrounded by a lovely garden and an outdoor swimming pool – Click here to book your stay at Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon
Extra Day (Optional): Explore the Wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
If you love French wine, it’s worth adding an extra day in Avignon to explore the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Located just 16 km north of Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is home to one of France’s first and most prestigious AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée).
Its red wines are renowned for their power and depth, offering flavors of red and black fruits complemented by subtle notes of white pepper and spice. The white wines, while less common, are equally impressive, with a full-bodied character balanced by freshness and acidity, and notes of almond, fennel, anise, honey, and delicate peach.
Use my guide to wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to plan your day. If you’d prefer not to combine wine tasting and driving, the guide also includes several day tour options from Avignon.
Day 7 | Avignon – Marseille
Marseille is the capital of Provence and a famous port city. The oldest city in France, Marseille is quite different from Avignon and Nice but an equally exciting city to explore.
For your night in Marseille, I recommend the Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port, a charming hotel with the perfect location right on the banks of the Old Port – Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port
Marseille is famous for its Vieux Port, a great place for a stroll that buzzes with activity from sunrise to sunset. Not far from the port, Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, and its hilly streets and colorful façades may remind you of Montmartre.
Once you’ve explored these two areas, wander through the city’s streets to discover more of its character – use my Marseille guide to make the most of your visit. I recommend ending your day at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Days 8 and 9 | Nice
The last stop on this itinerary Paris to Nice by car is Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. Nice is also located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, but it is decidedly more glitzy and glamorous than Marseille or Avignon.
The drive from Marseille to Nice takes about two hours. If you leave early in the morning, you’ll have almost two full days to explore the city.
For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges. This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. The rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor. Some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views – Click here to book your stay at Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges
Unless you have plans to explore the French Riviera by car later, you won’t need a car here. I always recommend starting your visit at La Colline du Château. Located at one end of the Promenade des Anglais, it offers incredible views over Nice, the Baie des Anges, and, in the distance, the French Alps.
Then continue to Cours Saleya, famous for its local market and the winding streets of the Old Town, which are always full of surprises. For a detailed day-by-day plan, use this Nice 2-day itinerary.
During the warmer months, Nice’s beaches are a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. Alternatively, there are plenty of beautiful day trips from Nice to explore hilltop villages or other towns along the coast.
If you are a wine lover, Nice is home to the smallest appellation within the Provence – Bellet AOC. This almost confidential appellation produces distinctive reds and whites that are difficult to find outside Nice. A couple of domaines are open for visits, and they all end with tastings.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your road trip from Paris to Nice today!
