Unforgettable Paris to Nice Drive (2025 Guide): Routes, Stops & Tips

The Paris to Nice drive is one of the most rewarding road trips you can take in France. Instead of flying directly from the capital to the Riviera, hitting the road lets you experience the country’s heartlands: rolling vineyards, historic cities, Roman ruins, lavender fields, and eventually the glittering Côte d’Azur.

This journey is more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s a chance to discover why France is loved by foodies, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike.
Whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or a full week, the Paris to Nice road trip can be tailored to fit your pace and interests.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Burgundy wine in the afternoon and enjoying Mediterranean sunsets in the evening, this route makes it possible.

How Long is the Drive from Paris to Nice?

The direct drive from Paris to Nice covers about 930 km (580 miles) and takes 9–10 hours without major stops. The fastest way is via the A6 and A7 autoroutes (motorways) that cut straight through central France, eventually merging into the A8 along the Riviera.

That said, most travelers don’t do the drive in one sitting — and they shouldn’t. Part of the magic is breaking up the journey with overnight stops in Burgundy, Lyon, or Provence.

Driving vs. Flying

• Flying from Paris to Nice takes about 1.5 hours, but by the time you factor in airport transfers, security, and baggage claim, it’s rarely under 5–6 hours door to door.
• Driving gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want, discover smaller towns, and carry wine bottles or souvenirs without worrying about airline restrictions.

Driving vs. Train

• The high-speed TGV train connects Paris and Nice in around 6 hours. It’s efficient but doesn’t offer the same flexibility as driving.
• If you want to see France beyond its main cities, the car wins every time.

In short: if your goal is just to get to the Riviera quickly, fly or take the train. But if you want an adventure filled with stops, stories, and scenery, the Paris to Nice road trip is absolutely worth it.

Best Routes from Paris to Nice

There’s no single “right” way to do the Paris to Nice drive — it really depends on how much time you have and what kind of journey you want. Personally, I think the fastest route is fine if you’re in a hurry, but if you can give yourself a few days, the scenic options turn this trip into one of the most unforgettable drives in France.

1. Fastest Route: Paris → Lyon → Nice (A6/A7/A8)

If your main goal is to reach the Riviera quickly, this is the route for you. The autoroutes (A6, A7, and A8) are smooth, fast, and easy to follow. The first time I drove it, I was surprised at how straightforward the journey felt. Yes, there are motorway tolls in Europe, but the rest areas are clean, well-organized, and even sell surprisingly good coffee and fresh baguette sandwiches.

Highlights:

• Burgundy vineyards
• Lyon’s food scene
• Rhône Valley views

2. Scenic Burgundy & Provence Route

This is my favorite option if you love wine, history, and charming villages. Instead of rushing, you can take your time and enjoy Burgundy and Provence at a slower pace. I still remember sipping Pinot Noir in Beaune and thinking, “This is what Burgundy is all about.”

Highlights:

• Dijon’s medieval old town
• Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy
• Avignon and its Papal Palace
• Provence’s lavender fields and rustic markets

3. Alpine Adventure Route (via Grenoble & the Alps)

If you are like me and can’t resist mountain landscapes, this route will steal your heart. The scenery shifts from rolling hills to dramatic alpine passes, with turquoise lakes and sleepy mountain towns along the way. I once stopped in Grenoble for the night and ended up taking the cable car — the views were spectacular.

Highlights:

• Grenoble and its cable car to the Bastille
• Écrins National Park
• Serre-Ponçon Lake
• Gap, a cozy alpine town

Best Stops on the Paris to Nice Road Trip

The beauty of the Paris to Nice by car is that the journey itself is as exciting as the destination. On my first road trip south, I quickly realized that stopping along the way was the best part — every region feels like a different country, with its own food, wine, and traditions.

Burgundy (Dijon & Beaune)

Your first major stop heading south is Burgundy, a region that’s heaven for wine lovers and history buffs. Dijon is famous for its mustard, half-timbered houses, and lively markets. Beaune, just a short drive away, is the wine capital of Burgundy. I still remember wandering through its cobbled streets, glass of Pinot Noir in hand, surrounded by medieval walls and ancient cellars.

Burgundy Highlights:

• Dijon’s medieval old town
• Beaune’s Hospices de Beaune
• Wine tasting in Burgundy’s vineyards

Lyon

Often called the food capital of France, Lyon deserves at least one night if you can spare it. I think the best way to experience the city is to wander its traboules (hidden passageways) and then settle into a traditional bouchon for dinner. On my visit, I had quenelles and a carafe of Beaujolais wine — simple but unforgettable.

Lyon Attractions:

• Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
• Bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants)
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Avignon & Provence

As you continue south, Provence pulls you in with its lavender fields, olive groves, and Roman heritage. Avignon is one of my favorite stops — the Papal Palace and the iconic Pont d’Avignon feel like stepping into another century. Driving through Provence in summer, with purple lavender stretching to the horizon, is a memory I’ll never forget.

Highlights:

• Papal Palace in Avignon
• Pont d’Avignon (St. Bénezet Bridge)
• Lavender fields (June–July)
• Provençal markets

Aix-en-Provence

Aix is a city of fountains, art, and café culture. I found it to be one of the most relaxing stops — sipping coffee under the plane trees of Cours Mirabeau felt like the perfect pause before heading into the Riviera’s buzz.

Aix Attractions:

• Cours Mirabeau (main boulevard)
• Fountain squares
• Cézanne’s studio

Verdon Gorge

If you take a little detour, the Verdon Gorge is absolutely worth it. Imagine turquoise waters cutting through dramatic limestone cliffs — it’s sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” On my trip, I rented a kayak and paddled through the gorge; it was easily the most adventurous moment of the drive.

Highlights:

• Kayaking or boating in the gorge
• Panoramic drives around the cliffs
• Hiking trails with stunning views

Côte d’Azur (Cannes, Antibes & Èze)

Before rolling into Nice, take time to enjoy the glittering towns of the French Riviera. Cannes is all about glamour and beaches, Antibes has a more laid-back Mediterranean vibe, and Èze is a clifftop village that feels straight out of a fairytale. For me, driving into Èze at sunset was pure magic.

Highlights:

• Cannes and its Croisette promenade
• Antibes’ old town and Picasso Museum
• Èze village and Mediterranean views

By the time you reach Nice, you’ll have seen everything from vineyards and lavender fields to alpine peaks and the sparkling Riviera. Honestly, I think the stops are what make this journey unforgettable — without them, you’d miss the true essence of France.

Suggested Paris to Nice Road Trip Itinerary

There’s no single “perfect” Paris to Nice itinerary — it really depends on how much time you have and how many detours you want to include. Personally, I think even a short road trip from Paris to Nice is worth it, but if you can stretch it to 5 or 7 days, you’ll get to see so much more of France along the way.

3-Day Paris to Nice Road Trip

If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a quick Paris to Nice itinerary in just three days.

• Day 1: Paris → Lyon (drive ~ about 5 hours). Explore the old town, try a bouchon dinner, and stay overnight.
• Day 2: Lyon → Avignon (~3 hours). Walk through the Papal Palace, sip rosé in Provence, and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
• Day 3: Avignon → Nice (~3 hours). Arrive on the French Riviera by early afternoon and celebrate with a sunset stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

This Paris to Nice self-drive itinerary is fast-paced, but it balances big cities with Provençal charm.

5-Day Paris to Nice Road Trip

With five days, you can turn the Paris to Nice road trip into a true adventure.

• Day 1: Paris → Dijon/Beaune (~3 hours). Taste Burgundy wines and explore the medieval town.
• Day 2: Dijon → Lyon (~2 hr 30 min). Discover why Lyon is France’s culinary capital.
• Day 3: Lyon → Avignon (~3 hours). Dive into Provence’s history and Roman heritage.
• Day 4: Avignon → Verdon Gorge (~3 hours). Kayak, hike, or simply admire the turquoise waters.
• Day 5: Verdon Gorge → Nice (~2 hours). Roll into the French Riviera, maybe stopping in Cannes or Antibes along the way.

I think this version gives the best mix of history, food, and landscapes.

7-Day Paris to Nice Road Trip

If you can spare a full week, the Paris to French Riviera road trip becomes unforgettable.

• Day 1: Paris → Beaune (Burgundy wine country).
• Day 2: Beaune → Lyon.
• Day 3: Lyon → Avignon (Provence).
• Day 4: Avignon → Aix-en-Provence.
• Day 5: Aix-en-Provence → Verdon Gorge.
• Day 6: Verdon Gorge → Cannes/Antibes.
• Day 7: Cannes/Antibes → Nice.

This slower pace lets you savor the countryside, enjoy long dinners, and take scenic detours. On my week-long trip, I loved waking up in small towns and realizing how different each part of France felt.

Car Rental & Driving Tips for the Paris to Nice Drive

Before starting your Paris to Nice road trip, it’s important to plan a few practical details. Renting a car in Paris is simple, but there are a few things I’ve learned from my own drives that will save you time, stress, and money.

Renting a Car in Paris

Most travelers pick up their rental car at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport, though you can also rent from central Paris. Personally, I prefer starting from the airport — traffic in central Paris can be chaotic, and getting onto the autoroute is much easier from outside the city.

If you’re booking online, compare prices with aggregators like DiscoverCars to make sure you’re getting the best deal. I always choose a car with GPS included or make sure I have a good navigation app ready.

Tolls and Costs

The direct Paris to Nice driving route via the A6, A7, and A8 autoroutes has tolls. Expect to pay around €100–120 in tolls for the full journey. Fuel costs depend on your car, but for a standard rental, budget about €120–150 for gas.

Yes, it adds up, but in my opinion, the freedom of a Paris to Nice trip by car is absolutely worth it.

Speed Limits and Rules

France has clear rules for driving:

• 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways (reduced to 110 km/h in rain)
• 80–90 km/h (50–55 mph) on country roads
• 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns
  Don’t forget: you need to carry your driver’s license, rental contract, and insurance documents at all times. If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

Parking in Nice

Arriving in Nice can be the trickiest part of the road from Paris to Nice by car. The old town has very limited parking, so I recommend booking a hotel with private parking or using one of the public garages. On my last trip, I parked at Parking Corvesy, which was central and easy to access.

Best Time to Drive from Paris to Nice

The Paris to Nice drive is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season. I’ve done this trip in both summer and autumn, and each had its own magic. If you’re wondering when to go, here’s what to expect:

Spring (April–June)

Spring is one of my favorite times for a Paris to Nice scenic drive. The weather is mild, the vineyards in Burgundy are turning green, and Provence is full of blooming flowers. Traffic is lighter than in summer, which makes the Paris to French Riviera road trip smoother and more relaxed.

Highlights:

• Flowering countryside in Burgundy
• Comfortable driving weather
• Fewer tourists at main stops

Summer (July–August)

Summer is the most popular time for a Paris to Nice road trip, but it comes with trade-offs. Lavender fields in Provence are in full bloom, Riviera beaches are lively, and there’s a festive vibe everywhere. The downside? Expect higher prices, heavy traffic on the A7 and A8 autoroutes, and crowded towns.

Highlights:

• Lavender fields in Provence (June–July)
• Festivals and outdoor markets
• Buzzing French Riviera atmosphere

Autumn (September–October)

If you ask me, autumn might be the best-kept secret for driving from Paris to Nice by car. Vineyards are golden and full of activity during harvest, the weather is still pleasant, and crowds start to thin out. On my fall trip, I loved how every wine town felt authentic, with locals celebrating the harvest.

Highlights:

• Grape harvest in Burgundy & Rhône Valley
• Warm, sunny days with cooler evenings
• Fewer crowds at major stops

Winter (November–March)

Winter is the quietest season for the Paris to Nice road journey. You won’t find lavender or vineyard tours, but you can still enjoy historic cities like Lyon and Avignon without the tourist crowds. If you choose the Alpine route, be prepared for snow and carry proper tires or chains.

Highlights:Peaceful cities and cheaper hotels

• Christmas markets in December
• Snowy landscapes in the Alps

In short:

• Spring and autumn are my personal top picks for a balanced Paris to Nice itinerary.
• Summer is lively but crowded.
• Winter is calm, with a special charm if you love mountains.

Conclusion: Why the Paris to Nice Drive is Worth It

The Paris to Nice drive isn’t just a way to get from the capital to the Riviera — it’s a journey that shows you the heart of France. From Burgundy’s wine country to Lyon’s food scene, from lavender fields in Provence to the turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge, every stop adds another layer to the story.

I’ve flown and taken the train between Paris and Nice, but in my opinion, nothing compares to the freedom of a Paris to Nice road trip. The ability to pull off the road for a vineyard tasting, a market lunch, or a mountain viewpoint makes the journey unforgettable.

So whether you’ve got three days or a full week, my advice is simple: rent a car, take your time, and make the most of this classic Paris to French Riviera road trip. By the time you roll into Nice and see the Mediterranean glittering in the distance, you’ll realize the drive was as memorable as the destination itself.