Discover France off the beaten track
Traveling in France isn't limited to its major cities, seaside resorts, or overcrowded tourist hotspots. The country's true treasure often lies elsewhere, in rural areas, charming villages, peaceful countryside, and rugged landscapes where nature still holds sway. harmoniously with man. These French villages, sometimes isolated, often steeped in history, represent the deep soul of the country, the one that you discover by taking the time to travel, by observing the landscapes evolve over the kilometers.
Coach travel is now becoming the most popular way to travel. ideal solution to explore this authentic France. It allows access to rural areas that are difficult to reach otherwise, while guaranteeing comfort, safety and serenity. On board a Francebus coach, the journey becomes a a complete experience. Passengers watch the countryside go by, exchange ideas, share experiences, and relax, while the driver manages the route with precision.
For years, Francebus has been accompanying groups of travelers, associations, schools, companies, and individuals wishing to discover French villages in a different way, far from mass tourism. coach hire This allows you to create a truly tailor-made itinerary, alternating between countryside landscapes, hilltop villages, scenic roads, and gourmet stops. This form of public transport is also part of a more sustainable approach. responsible, limiting the carbon footprint and reducing the congestion of rural roads.
Discovering France off the beaten track also means indulging in the luxury of silence, slower pace, local encounters, village markets, shaded terraces, historic buildings, and unspoiled natural panoramas. The coach then becomes a true link between these hidden treasures, seamlessly and coherently connecting the most beautiful villages in the country. 🇫🇷
Top 10 villages in France accessible by coach
🌄 Roussillon – The fire of the earth in the heart of the Luberon
Roussillon is one of the most spectacular of Provence. What makes it unique in the world are its ochre cliffs, veritable natural sculptures in vibrant colors. The village is built directly into this mineral material with red hues, orange and gold, which gives it an immediately recognizable visual identity.
Upon arriving in coach With Francebus, the panorama gradually unfolds along the route, offering travelers a spectacular rise in emotion. The village is best explored on foot, wandering through a maze of narrow streets lined with artisans' workshops, galleries, and sun-drenched terraces. The famous Ochre Trail offers a complete immersion in this mineral world, where the earth seems to ignite under the Provençal light.
Traveling by coach to Roussillon is ideal for groups, especially thanks to the designated coach parking areas at the entrance to the village, facilitating a smooth and safe visit.
🚍 How to get to Roussillon by coach?
✔ From Gordes (15 minutes)
Access via the D104 or D2, scenic roads suitable for buses.
✔ From Apt
Quick access via the D227 or the D4.
✔ From Avignon
Direction L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue → Gordes → Roussillon.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Roussillon is very well equipped:
- Coach parking near the Ochre Trail
- Secure drop-off zones
- Pedestrian village center, best explored on foot
- Well-designed access for luxury coaches (modern infrastructure)
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Roussillon..
🌄 Eguisheim – Eternal Alsace in all its splendor
With its unique circular plan, its colorful half-timbered houses and flower-filled alleyways, Eguisheim is one of the most emblematic villages of’Alsace. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and voted "Favorite Village of the French", it is very popular with tourist groups, Wine Route tours, senior excursions and travel agencies.
🚍 How to get to Eguisheim by coach?
✔ From Colmar (10 minutes)
Direction Wettolsheim → Eguisheim Very easy access via the D1B.
✔ From Strasbourg / Sélestat
A35 motorway, Colmar Sud exit. Then follow signs for Eguisheim (very clear tourist signs).
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Eguisheim is well prepared for coach tours:
- Dedicated coach parking located near the centre
- Suitable drop-off zones
- The village is pedestrianized, ideal for groups
- Decent maneuverability for a luxury touring bus, even during peak tourist season
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Eguisheim..
🌄 Gordes – The myth of the perched village of Vaucluse
Gordes alone embodies the most emblematic image of the Provençal village. Hanging on cliffside, he dominates the Luberon Valley and offers one of the most impressive panoramas in all of southern France. As they approach by bus, travelers gradually discover the village's imposing silhouette, its ramparts, its dry stone houses, and its castle dominating the whole.
Inside, Gordes is a maze of cobbled alleyways, steep staircases, vaulted passages and sun-drenched squares. Sénanque Abbey, nestled in a nearby valley, completes the experience with its lavender fields iconic.
🚍 How to get to Gordes by coach?
✔ From the A7 / Avignon (40 minutes)
Direction L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue → Cavaillon → Gordes Wide departmental roads suitable for coaches.
✔ From Apt or Roussillon
Access via the D2 then the D15, a scenic road but passable for large touring buses.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Gordes is well organized to accommodate groups:
- Main coach parking at the entrance to the village
- Secure drop-off zone near the Belvedere
- The village center is pedestrianized and accessible on foot from the car parks.
- Maneuvers adapted to high-capacity buses, even in peak season (regulated traffic)
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Gordes..
🌄 Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – The absolute masterpiece of the Lot
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and voted "favorite village of the French", Saint-Cirq-Lapopie offers a spectacular panorama on the Lot valley. With its cobbled streets, medieval houses and dizzying viewpoints, The village is a leading destination for cultural tours, tourist excursions, senior groups and travel agencies.
🚍 How to get to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie by coach?
✔ From Cahors (35 minutes)
Direction Saint-Géry → Bouziès → Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Wide road suitable for coaches.
✔ From Figeac (45 minutes)
Direction Boussac → Cajarc → Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Route used by the majority of tourist circuits.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Due to its spectacular topography, the village is entirely pedestrianized; the bus reception area is very well designed:
- Large coach parking area located on a hill
- Dedicated area for quick group drop-off
- Pedestrian access to the centre is provided (shuttle service depending on the season).
- Decent maneuverability for luxury coaches
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie..
🌄 Hunawihr – The perfect marriage of nature and heritage
At the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Hunawihr is a village of rare authenticity, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Known for its fortified church overlooking the vineyards, its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque setting, Hunawihr attracts cultural groups, wine tours, travel agencies and senior excursions.
🚍 How to get to Hunawihr by coach?
✔ From Colmar (20 min)
Direction Bennwihr → Riquewihr → Hunawihr Road suitable for coaches, smooth access via the D1B.
✔ From Sélestat or Strasbourg
A35 motorway, Ribeauvillé / Guémar exit. Then follow signs for Ribeauvillé → Hunawihr
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Hunawihr is well organized to accommodate groups:
- Coach parking at the entrance to the village
- Drop-off zones near the church
- The center can only be visited on foot, which guarantees comfort and safety.
- Accessible for luxury coaches, even in peak season
Discover more information about the village of Hunawihr.
🌄 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Between sky, mountain and turquoise water of the Verdon
Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its star suspended between two cliffs, its picturesque alleyways and its artisanal heritage, notably its earthenware. Located in the entrance to the Verdon Gorges, This Provençal village attracts groups every year in search of authenticity, spectacular landscapes and regional culture.
A preferred destination for travel agencies, company committees, tourist circuits and nature excursions, Moustiers offers an exceptional setting while remaining suitable for the arrival of coaches.
🚍 How to get to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie by coach?
✔ From the A51 (Aix-en-Provence ↔ Manosque / Sisteron)
Exit Manosque Follow direction Riez → Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via the D907 and D952 Wide route, perfectly suitable for tourist coaches.
✔ From Castellane / Verdon Gorges
Follow the D952 towards Moustiers. Scenic route with some narrower sections, but suitable for large touring buses.
✔ From Digne-les-Bains
Direction Riez → Moustiers Smooth route with easy access to visitor parking.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Moustiers being a medieval village with narrow streets, traffic in the center is restricted. Coach arrivals are handled in an organized manner:
- Coach parking at the village entrance: 👉 Faucon Parking or Main Parking. Accessible, secure drop-off zones suitable for groups.
- Pedestrian-friendly city center, allowing for a pleasant visit on foot from the car parks.
The infrastructure allows for the maneuvering and parking of luxury coaches, even in high season – although the management of flows is more regulated in the summer period.
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie..
🌄 Sainte-Enimie – The medieval jewel of the Tarn Gorges
Located in the heart of the Tarn Gorges, one of the most spectacular Sainte-Enimie is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its cobbled streets, its houses of blond stone, its viewpoints and its history linked to the Merovingian princess Enimie make it a destination unavoidable for tourist groups, seniors, travel agencies and nature & heritage tours. Although nestled deep in a canyon, The village remains accessible to coaches thanks to adapted facilities.
🚍 How to get to Sainte-Enimie by coach?
✔ From the A75 (Clermont-Ferrand – Béziers axis)
Exit 36 La Canourgue Direction Gorges du Tarn / Sainte-Enimie via the D998 This is the most comfortable access for coaches, with wide and well-maintained sections.
✔ From Florac
Follow the D907 bis along the Tarn. Picturesque route but passable for buses, with caution in some narrow passages.
✔ From Millau
Reaching the gorges via the D907. Very touristy route, exceptional scenery, suitable for minibuses and luxury coaches.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Since Sainte-Enimie is an old village with narrow streets, the organization for groups is well thought out:
- Coach parking located at the entrance to the village (right bank side), with reserved areas
- Drop-off point available for passengers
- The center is entirely pedestrianized, which guarantees a pleasant and safe visit.
- Easy pedestrian access from the car parks, even for senior groups
The infrastructure allows for proper maneuvering of luxury coaches, despite the narrow geography of the gorges.
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Sainte-Enimie..
🌄 Conques – A legendary stop on the Way of St. James in the Lot region
Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and a major stop on the Way of St. James, Conques is one of the heritage gems the most remarkable in the south of France. Its Romanesque abbey church, its medieval alleyways and its timeless atmosphere make it a preferred destination For cultural groups, travel agencies, senior tours and premium tourism programs. Despite its well-preserved setting, Conques remains accessible to coaches, with a well-thought-out organization to welcome group visitors.
🚍 How to get to Conques by coach?
✔ From Rodez (40 minutes)
Direction Marcillac-Vallon → Conques The departmental roads are passable for coaches, although some sections are narrower approaching the village.
✔ From Figeac (45 minutes)
Take the direction Decazeville → Conques Route often preferred for tourist circuits coming from the Lot.
🅿️ Coach parking & logistics
Since Conques is entirely pedestrianized in its medieval center, the reception of buses is very well organized:
- Coach parking located overlooking the village (Foirail car park or main visitor car park)
- Drop-off area available depending on the time of year, with marked pedestrian access
- Walk down into the village via a safe and well-maintained path.
- Long-term parking available for waiting coaches
The infrastructure was designed to accommodate large touring buses, despite the hilly topography.
More information can be found on the official website of the village of Conques..
🌄 Riquewihr – The colorful brilliance of Alsace
In the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, Riquewihr stands out as the’one of the most iconic villages of the Wine Route. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it charms with its perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, its cobbled streets, its medieval ramparts and its unique atmosphere blending heritage, gastronomy and winemaking tradition.
A must-see destination for travel agencies, works councils, tourist groups and cultural tours, Riquewihr combines historic charm and optimal organization for access by coach.
🚍 How to get to Riquewihr by coach?
✔ From Colmar (15 minutes)
Head towards Ingersheim → Bennwihr → Riquewihr. Route suitable for coaches, smooth and direct from the D3.
✔ From Strasbourg (50 minutes)
A35 motorway → Ostheim exit → direction Riquewihr Route well marked, suitable for large capacity buses.
✔ Coach parking
Riquewihr is very well equipped to accommodate groups: Official coach parking at the entrance to the village (P2 or P3 depending on the period) Secure drop-off zone to facilitate passenger disembarkation The village is visited exclusively on foot, which guarantees a smooth and pleasant experience.
✔ Maneuverability & traffic
Buses are not allowed in the old town (pedestrian zone), but the surrounding roads are designed for tourist coaches. Parking is easy even during peak periods (Christmas market, tourist seasons).
Discover more about the village of Riquewihr, in Alsace.
🌄 Collonges-la-Rouge – The red pearl of the Limousin
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Collonges-la-Rouge is a true living postcard. Its red sandstone houses, medieval towers and flower-filled alleyways make it a a must-see destination for groups, travel agencies and works councils wishing to discover one of the most emblematic villages of the Limousin.
Located in Corrèze, in the heart of a preserved hilly landscape, Collonges-la-Rouge is perfectly suited to Coach excursions, combining historical charm and accessibility.
🚍 How to get to Collonges-la-Rouge by coach?
Access by coach is simple and well organized:
✔ From the A20 motorway (Paris-Toulouse axis)
Exit Brive-la-Gaillarde Sud or Nespouls Then direction Meyssac / Collonges-la-Rouge This route offers smooth access and is suitable for large capacity vehicles.
✔ Designated areas for coaches
Dedicated coach parking areas are located at the entrance to the village. As the village is entirely pedestrianized, passengers can disembark safely and then reach the centre on foot in a few minutes.
✔ Maneuverability
The main roads leading to the village are wide and well-maintained enough to allow access by luxury coach, even for large groups.
Discover more information on the official website of Collonges-la-Rouge.
Tips for journeys in the mountains or countryside
Exploring rural areas, winding roads, mountainous terrain, or isolated spaces requires a serious preparation, especially for a group. Francebus supports travelers in these environments by guaranteeing safety, comfort and serenity. Journeys to rural or hilltop villages sometimes involve narrow roads, steep inclines, sharp turns, or limited parking. That's why the experience of a professional driver is essential.
When planning a coach trip in mountainous areas, it's important to anticipate stops, passing places, and timetables. In the mountains, the light changes rapidly, the weather can change in minutes, and some villages have traffic restrictions. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of rural areas, Francebus adapts its routes and consistently chooses the safest roads.
Another major advantage of the coach is the management of rest and comfort time. Unlike a convoy of individual cars, a coach allows you to travel together, to recover, to rest after a visit, and to store handcrafted purchases or luggage without constraints. When the route includes country roads, the coach becomes a true mobile refuge, a transitional space where everyone can find refreshment, water, comfort, and a calming environment between visits.
It's also important to allow enough time in the villages. The beauty of rural areas lies as much in what you see as in what you experience. The pace should be relaxed, without logistical pressure. Francebus often advises slightly extending the stages to fully enjoy the landscapes, the encounters with the locals, and those timeless moments unique to countryside getaways.
| Type of journey | Practical advice | Francebus Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain villages ⛰️ | Expect narrow roads, sharp turns, steep inclines and rapid weather changes. | Experienced Francebus drivers trained in driving in mountainous terrain. |
| Rural villages 🏘️ | Access sometimes limited, narrow historic centers, regulated parking. | Use of minibuses or midibuses for better maneuverability. |
| Long inter-regional journeys 🛣️ | Anticipate rest times, passenger comfort and the total duration of the journey. | Air-conditioned luxury coaches with comfortable seats. |
| School or community groups 👨👩👧👦 | Respect for driving times, increased safety, smooth organization of ascents and descents. | Complete coordination by Francebus for safe and supervised transport. |
| Day trips ☀️ | Plan flexible schedules to fully enjoy the villages and avoid rushing against the clock. | Customized itineraries and breaks adapted to the group. |
| Difficult weather conditions 🌧️❄️ | Slippery roads, fog, reduced visibility in the countryside and mountains. | Well-maintained vehicles, drivers trained for complex conditions. |
Bus options suitable for small groups by Francebus
Not all villages can accommodate large coaches, especially in typical alleyways or narrow historic centers. That's why Francebus offers a wide range of vehicles suitable for exploring the narrowest or most isolated villages in France.
For small groups, such as families, groups of friends, professional teams or small associations, Francebus provides a fleet of various vehicles :
- 19-seater minibus, perfect for country lanes and narrow access points.
- 35-seater midibuses, ideal for more accessible villages but requiring excellent maneuverability
- Luxury touring coaches, designed for larger groups wishing to combine comfort, safety and panoramic views
The main advantage of the coach hire Francebus resides in the flexibility Each group benefits from a vehicle suited to its route. No need to worry about maneuverability, logistics, or parking issues. Francebus coordinates everything, from vehicle selection to route optimization.
For rural travel, minibuses are often considered the best compromise. They allow access to historic centers while maintaining the comfort of public transport. They open up access to hilltop or isolated villages, where larger buses couldn't go. On the other hand, for long journeys between several regions or for larger groups, the luxury coach remains unbeatable in terms of comfort, visibility, and capacity.
Francebus also advises choosing a vehicle based on the duration of the excursion. For a full day trip through the countryside or mountains, seat quality, air conditioning, storage space, and overall space become crucial. That's why every vehicle offered by Francebus is recent, well maintained and optimized to offer a pleasant experience From beginning to end.
