En route: the best pit stops along the Route du Soleil in France
Our favorite route in Europe? (because in Kaapstad of course there is also the wine and/or garden route) That is not that difficult: the Route du Soleil! Fixed routine every year: from home on the way to the French coast. Completing that ride in one go is for the brave dodos among us (got the T-shirt, not doing it again) but we much prefer to find one or two addresses halfway for a better pit stop. And if they're as enjoyable as the stops on this list, we'll stick around for a day or two. The address deserves it. Look, read, and book now for the next sunny route.
Also looking for a stop near Paris? You can find it here!
Just off the highway and in no time are you immersed in Burgundy? The hotel exudes modern classic. Done rightSpacious rooms, high ceilings, velvet curtains, and a cheerful stripe in the bathroom tiling. Details that will make you happy. From your window, you look out over the garden.Inside you will find a cozy library, a wine bar, and a restaurant where Burgundian cuisine is at its best. The chef cooks according to the season's inspiration. A leisurely meal is certainly possible, but a quick bite and then a nap is just as enjoyable. Whether you're heading south or heading back home, this is a break at its finest.
Hotel Bellevigne approximately 10 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Nuits-Saint-Georges.
A luxurious stopover on the road, near Beaune, and completely dedicated to slow living, good food, and everything beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful. A small note: by luxury, we also mean digging deep into your pockets, and there's a minimum stay of two nights. For those who are up for it, this wonderful stopover is a bull's-eye.
The House of Pommard – approximately 10 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Beaune (exit Beaune-Centre / Beaune-Saint-Nicolas).
The charming medieval village of Couches, surrounded by vineyards, forms the backdrop for La Maison 1680. Owners Béatrice and François have made their mark in the luxury hotel and fashion industry and thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant Parisian lifestyle. Yet, the dream of creating a place that truly reflects them remained dormant. et here: La Maison 1680. On weekends, François cooks: dishes inspired by his mother Marie-France's family recipes, enhanced with flavors from his travels. Expect a set menu of €55 per person (reservations required). There is no set menu during the week. guest table, but if you contact us in advance, you can often still arrange something tasty.
House 1680 About 30–35 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Chalon-sur-Saône Sud. Note: Children aged 13 and over are not permitted.
En route, yes, and that's precisely when it's so convenient to book all your destinations in one place. Book your entire trip in one place. Did you know that through Booking.com you can book not only accommodations, but also flights, attractions, rental cars, and airport taxis?
The looks aren't what draws you to Georges Blanc. No, you go there for the food. The chef of the same name—or rather, the hotel that bears his name—guarantees a culinary experience that will make your stomach rumble even before you sit down at the table. His Bresse chicken is legendary. Unparalleled, both in flavor and in the amounts of butter and cream. Not frugal, but finger-licking delicious. And then there's breakfast: "extensive" is a understatement. Everything your heart desires appears on the table and is Minute Chef-prepared. The rooms are a bit dated? Oh well. We'll take it for granted.
Hotel Georges Blanc & The Willows About 15 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Mâcon Sud.
Nestled in the cobblestone streets of Lyon, you'll find L'Académie Hôtel, housed in a beautifully renovated 15th-century building. The centuries have shaped the hotel's authentic character. The rooms and suites are a delightful blend of modern and historic, with subtle nods to the academics who shaped our world. Ha! Hence the name. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and in the evening? Stroll into the city and grab dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants around the corner.
The Academy Hotel 5-10 minutes from the A7 motorway. Nearest exit: Lyon-Centre / Perrache.
In Lyon you can't just sleep in, you can also have a bite to eat or stroll through the city. You can find all our Lyon tips here.
And Lyon doesn't stop there. We have two more wonderful addresses in store for you: Hotel de Verdun and Hôtel Fort St Laurent. The former is a small, tasteful hotel housed in a former mansion dating back to 1882. The latter, Fort St Laurent, has reinvented itself time and again over the centuries: fully renovated, with high ceilings, stonework, and exposed beams that create a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Both offer a fantastic breakfast, but in the evening, you can head out into the city for dinner.
Hotel De Verdun 1882 & Hotel Fort St Laurent 5–10 minutes from the A7 motorway. Nearest exit: Lyon-Perrache.
In southern Burgundy, you'll find Marie-Eugénie and Dominique's 18th-century Bressan farmhouse. The cozy B&B has four rooms and a stylish, contemporary living room overlooking the verdant garden. Every evening, Marie-Eugénie's kitchen opens its doors to her generous breakfast. guest tableThink Bresse chicken, cheeses, and wines from Burgundy and the Jura will be uncorked. Please let us know in advance if you'll be joining us for dinner.
In the small village of Chiddes you will find La Vallee des Elements between Paris and Lyon (a bit closer to Lyon) and La Vallee des Elements, run by Dutch people (which is just very relaxing when you are tired from the journey), is a perfect no fuzz pit stop, especially for those with kiddos. There are nice bedrooms, a lovely swimming pool, everything just looks wonderful very French and the breakfast is something to write home about.
The Valley of the Elements Approximately 50 – 55 minutes from the A6 motorway. Nearest exit: Nevers-Sud (A77 / junction with the A6 towards Paris).
For the final leg of your journey – with about three hours left on the clock towards Saint-Tropez or Nice – Le Moulin d'Aure is a wonderful stop. This hotel is a perfect blend of Provence and Italy (and yes, just to be clear: it's actually in France). Think shady olive groves that offer respite from the Provençal sun, rustic furniture, and a refreshing outdoor pool. The culinary scene is also in high gear. The restaurant focuses on Mediterranean flavors, prepared with fresh ingredients from the local market and olive oil from the hotel's own olive grove.
Hotel Moulin d'Aure approximately 20 – 25 minutes from the A7. Nearest exit: Avignon Sud or Cavaillon.
Taking a short detour or not driving all the way to the deep south of France? Uzès is your answer. A city to fall in love with. and here you can read exactly why.
At Les Cabottes, you step into a different kind of hotel. Tiny houses that are surprisingly comfortable, a holiday home or rooms that have recently been lovingly renovated, and everything feels like a little cocoon. That's how you get into that holiday mood. slow modeWould you like your meals taken care of? Just let us know. And breakfast? You'll receive that in a lovely picnic basket, filled with fresh ingredients.
Cabottes approximately 20–25 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Chagny.
La Cuverie de Vosne is located in the heart of Vosne-Romanée. The style of La Cuverie de Vosne is reminiscent of a modern farmhouseWhat the team has created? A charming mix of everything you need: an organic and local grocery store, a coffee shop, a wine bar, and four rooms for overnight stays. The little ones haven't been forgotten either: they can enjoy the playground.
The Cuverie De Vosne About 5 – 10 minutes from the A6. Nearest exit: Nuits-Saint-Georges.