Europe offers so much variety within easy reach. One day you’re winding through vineyards, the next you’re parked by the sea. Driving lets you take it all in properly, without rushing through airports or sticking to someone else’s schedule.
If your current car isn’t quite ready for long drives, it’s worth checking out Norwich used cars before you go. A reliable car can make the journey much easier and far more enjoyable. And with a few hours on the ferry or through the Channel Tunnel, you can reach some amazing places.
Normandy, France
It’s only a short ferry trip from Portsmouth to Caen, and once you drive off the boat, Normandy feels instantly different. The countryside is calm and there’s plenty of space to explore without feeling rushed. You can visit the D-Day landing beaches or wander around quiet towns like Bayeux and Honfleur.
The drive through the region is full of small discoveries. Explore roadside markets selling cheese and take in the expansive countryside views. Head south on the D675 to Camembert and stop at a local farm to taste the cheese that made the place famous.
The French Riviera
The idea of driving all the way to the Riviera might sound ambitious, but it’s perfectly doable if you plan a couple of stops. From Calais, follow the A26 and A7 down through Burgundy and Provence until you reach the Mediterranean. You’ll see the landscape change as you go, from fields to vineyards and then the bright coastline.
Once you’re there, drive along the Corniche roads between Nice and Monaco or visit smaller towns like Menton that many people skip. Parking can be tricky in the main cities, so book a hotel or apartment with a space included.
Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road runs from Würzburg in the north to Füssen in the south and it’s made for driving. The route links old towns, castles and open countryside and you can do the whole thing in a few days if you take your time.
You’ll pass through Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled town that looks straight out of the past and see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle near the end of the route. The roads are easy to follow, and the best part is being able to stop whenever you see something interesting – a bakery, a vineyard or a viewpoint you’d never reach by train.
Northern Spain
Driving into Spain from France brings you to the green, coastal regions of the north which are far quieter than the busy southern resorts. Follow the A63 and AP-8 through the Basque Country to San Sebastian, where you can park near the beach and walk to the old town for pintxos.
The coastal roads are scenic but manageable, passing through small fishing towns and along cliffs with views of the sea.
Before you hit the road, make sure you’re familiar with the driving rules in each EU country and check the specific regulations before you go.
