Epic Road Trip Guide: Nantes to Savona via French Alps

The route from Nantes to Savona crosses the entire southern half of France, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, before dipping into Italy's Ligurian Riviera. A surprising fact: the A8 motorway near Savona was built over an ancient Roman road, the Via Julia Augusta, which connected Rome to the Iberian Peninsula. This road trip covers roughly 950 km and can be driven in 10-12 hours, but the journey deserves at least three days to do justice to the landscapes, gastronomy, and cultural sites. Many travelers ask: is it worth driving Nantes to Savona? The answer: yes, for the sheer variety of terrains and experiences compacted into one route.

This guide has been created using Wayro's expert methodology to help you plan the perfect trip. For more insights, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary highways are A83 (Nantes to Niort), A10 (Niort to Bordeaux), A71 (Orléans to Clermont-Ferrand), A75 (Clermont-Ferrand to Montpellier), A9 (Montpellier to Nîmes), and A8 (Nice to Savona). The A75 is toll-free from Clermont-Ferrand to the Millau Viaduct, but other sections incur tolls; total toll cost approximately €70-90 depending on exits.

• Fuel stations are abundant along autoroutes, about every 30-40 km. For cheaper fuel, fill up at hypermarkets (Leclerc, Carrefour) in towns before entering highways.
• Electric vehicle charging stations are available at most rest areas, but planning ahead via apps like Chargemap is advisable, especially in rural stretches of A75.
• Road quality is excellent throughout; the Millau Viaduct is a marvel of engineering with a 270m high deck.
• Italian port of Savona is well-connected to Genoa and the A6 highway; expect possible queues at the Ventimiglia border crossing in summer.

The French autoroutes are well-maintained, with emergency call boxes every 2 km. Speed cameras are frequent; maximum speed is 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain, 80 km/h on some A75 sections). In Italy, the speed limit is 130 km/h on A8. Toll booths accept credit cards and cash; avoid the telepass lane if you don't have a transponder.

For families, rest areas with playgrounds and picnic tables are common. Notable kids' stops: Le Pal Animal Park near Moulins (A71, exit 21), Vulcania theme park near Clermont-Ferrand, and Aqualand in Saint-Cyprien (A9). Pet-friendly framework: most French hotels accept dogs, but check in advance. Many rest areas have designated pet walking zones. Always carry a leash and water.

• Fatigue management: take a 15-minute break every 2 hours. A75 has scenic viewpoints (e.g., Col de la Fageole) perfect for short stops.
• Hidden off-route gems: The medieval village of Saint-Flour (A75 exit 78) and the perched village of Grignan (near Montélimar).
• Climatic conditions: Southern stretch (Montpellier to Savona) can be very hot (30-35°C) in summer; northern section (Nantes to Clermont) is cooler. Best in spring/fall for comfortable temperatures and clear skies.

From the flat marshlands of the Vendée (Marais Poitevin) to the volcanic ranges of Auvergne (Chaîne des Puys), then the limestone gorges of the Tarn and the lavender fields of Provence, the route is a geological encyclopedia. The Chaîne des Puys is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering hiking trails with views of 80 dormant volcanoes. Another UNESCO site, the Pont du Gard, is only a short detour from the A9 near Nîmes.

Local commerce thrives in the villages along the way. In Clermont-Ferrand, try the Saint-Nectaire cheese; in Millau, sample Roquefort; in the Luberon, buy lavender honey. For wine lovers, the Côtes du Rhône vineyards near Orange are a must-stop for a tasting.

• Marais Poitevin (Venise Verte) - boat tours through canals
• Puy de Dôme - accessible by train or foot, panoramic view
• Millau Viaduct - visitor center and bridge walk
• Gorges du Tarn - canoeing, swimming, dramatic cliffs
• Pont du Gard - Roman aqueduct, swim allowed in river
• Lavender fields of Valensole (July, best at sunset)