Ah, Provence. Immaculate valleys flanked by sunflowers in bloom, vast vineyards and the picturesque countryside unfolding before your eyes.

If you’re heading on vacation to your luxury villa in France, there’s only one way to explore the wider region, and that’s by car. Nothing beats a rural road trip in France, to alight the senses and evoke the inner wanderlust. After all, France is one big open road, inviting you to explore it’s hidden gems and quaint villages along the way.

Going off grid is one of the best ways to get off the beaten path and experience the real side of the country. So, if you’re looking for a rural road trip, here are three of the best to add to your list:

The coastal drive from Cannes to Monaco takes less than an hour, and brings together all that’s great about the south of France. Windswept views, miles of turquoise ocean, and sandy beaches that rise up to greet you, with plenty of beaches to visit along the way. This also happens to be a prime destination for first-class St-Tropez villas, just take a turn down any given road and you’ll find stunning properties of the rich and famous. If you stop at only one place along the way, make it Juan les Pins. This little alcove has châteaux’s, beaches and the world-famous Cap Eden Roc, for mixing with the beautiful people.

As you near Monaco, the roads get smaller and property more expensive! Monaco’s charming streets must be travelled at least once, if not just for the Formula 1 experience (these are the same roads used for the racing event). If you have the time and interest, it’s only half an hour further to the Italian border.

A day trip to Mercantour National Park is a great way to experience the French Alps in all their glory.

Start on the southern coast of Nice and head up towards the charming town of Vence. This is worth stopping off for a strong espresso and gander around it’s quaint and quiet roads. Back in the car, and the journey via Carros and Levens will take a further hour. What is most magical, is watching how the scenery changes, from luscious greens to rugged mountains as you edge towards this barren range. It’s curious how you can spend the morning by your luxury villa on the Cote d’Azure, and be on the mountains by lunchtime!

Explore the west coast of the French Riviera in all its rural glory. There are plenty of great day trips you can take from your luxury home rental and be back in time for tea.

Starting at Biarritz, you have the option to go by the wild Atlantic coast (perfect for some water sports action), or travel inward and experience the local landscape. Taking this route takes you past forests, wildlife and quiet country roads, before hitting the expansive Landes de Gascogne Natural Park – a sanctuary for ecotourism.

As you approach the famous wine region, sprawling châteaux’s and immaculate vineyards start to appeal, signalling your entry to the famous Bordeaux region. Voila!

For luxury villa rentals in some of the most glamorous locations in the world, be sure to visit Global Luxury Villas.