Google Maps Guidance Through French Countryside
Folding Travel Map or Google Maps?
There’s something wildly romantic about the idea of driving through the French countryside. The quiet villages dot the landscape like something out of a storybook. While my trip through rural France certainly had its breathtaking moments, it also came with unexpected lessons, some charming, some a bit inconvenient, and some that left me surprisingly introspective. The early stages of this adventure had me wondering if I could do it without Google Maps.
Renting a Car in France: The Freedom and the Challenge of the Open Road
After landing in Paris, I head to baggage claim. Next, I check in at the Sixt Car Rental office, where the attendant directs me to stall #8. My small Peugeot Citroën C3 is parked and waiting for me. I toss my luggage into the trunk and my camera case into the back seat. Suddenly, I feel exhausted yet exhilarated. I’ve been awake for over 24 hours, but still I look forward to the 4+ hour drive through the French countryside to my final destination.
I pull out my paper map and set it on the passenger seat. This map is my guide through the French countryside. After taking a few deep breaths, I calmly exit the rental car parking and navigate my way out of Charles De Gaulle airport.
The freedom of a car in France was unmatched. I could pull over to capture any impromptu photo or take the scenic route through the hills of the Alsace region. The goal is to soak in the slower pace, wander through vineyards, and avoid the usual tourist trail.
Traveling Southeast has me avoiding all Paris exits.
I'm confident in my sense of direction, but I'm already wondering how this paper map will guide me to Chateau Orquevaux. Not long after entering the main highway, I pull over, put on my hazards, and take a deep breath again. I’m reminded of what my children often say, “I can do it.”
As I navigate through the narrow cobblestone streets of Provins, I get distracted by its beauty and ignore the fact that I desperately need a restroom. One curved street leads to another, and soon I find myself at a dead end. I peered through the gate in awe at the castle that stood on the other side. With no restroom in sight, I’m forced to coast down the steep terrain and focus on the task at hand. Remembering my last time in Europe and how the lack of public restrooms can seem inconvenient for an American tourist.
While in Provins, I decided that Google Maps is my better option for traveling the remaining three hours. Google Maps gives me three route options, and of course, I choose the one that takes me through a dozen small French villages. I’m always up for taking the road less traveled.
No more getting sidetracked, or I’ll never make it to the chateau by dark. I continue the scenic drive through the French countryside and make it to the champagne reception with minutes to spare.
No One Warns You About The Bathroom Situation
This might seem like a small thing, but it’s one of the most practical lessons I wish I’d known. Public restrooms are few and far between in rural Europe. Unlike road trips in the United States, where gas stations are frequent and restrooms are expected, in rural France, it’s not that simple.
Villages rarely have obvious public bathrooms. Restaurants might only allow use for patrons, and cafés didn’t always have facilities open. I quickly learned to always take advantage of a bathroom when one was available, even if I didn’t need it at the time.
Tips If You’re Thinking About A Road Trip Through France
•Brush up on basic French phrases, especially those related to food, directions, and politeness.
•Download offline maps—cell service can be spotty in the countryside.
•Embrace the slower pace—the charm is in the details: the old shutters, the quiet churches, the smell of fresh bread in the morning.
Traveling alone through the French countryside taught me more than I expected.
It showed me beauty in solitude, strength in navigating discomfort, and the importance of a well-timed bathroom break. While not every day was picture-perfect; however, every challenge made the journey richer.
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