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Embark on a captivating 15-day round-trip motorhome journey from Bordeaux, winding through the heart of France and back to the city of wines. Our fully pre-planned Vineyards to Valleys route covers 2,416 km of stunning landscapes, offering a perfect blend of cultural wonders, family-friendly attractions, and natural marvels. Designed to engage every member of the family, this itinerary balances world-class gastronomy with interactive history.
| Trip Detail | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Start & End | Bordeaux, France (Roundtrip) |
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Total Distance | 2,416 km |
| Best For | Families, History Buffs, Wine Enthusiasts |
| Ideal Season | Spring (May-June) & Autumn (September-October) |
France is a premier destination for campervan and motorhome travel, and a circular route starting and ending in Bordeaux maximizes your vacation time while minimizing logistical headaches. Roundtrip itineraries naturally eliminate one-way rental drop fees, leaving more of your travel funds for fine dining and memorable experiences. The 2,416 km distance spread over 15 days encourages slow travel—a core philosophy at RV PLANET. Instead of rushing from point to point, you have the flexibility to linger in a medieval village, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional market, or let the kids burn off energy at a local amusement park. The well-maintained French road network and abundant camping infrastructure make navigating this diverse region both safe and highly rewarding.
To truly appreciate the transition from coastal vineyards to lush inland valleys, this route is best experienced in distinct stages. Rather than a rigid daily schedule, think of your journey as a flowing narrative through southwestern and central France.
Note: For the comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary including precise routing and stopovers, unlock the full plan inside RV PLANET.
This itinerary is rich in layered experiences. By grouping your sightseeing into themes, you can ensure that every family member finds something to love along the 2,416 km route.
Transport your family back in time at VESUNNA, the spectacular Gallo-Roman Museum in Périgueux. Designed around well-preserved ancient ruins, its interactive exhibits bring the past to life. Later in the trip, shift gears at L'Aventure Michelin. This captivating museum offers a tireless adventure into the world of automobiles and mobility, engaging both kids and adults with its hands-on approach to local industry and innovation.
Step into a storybook at The Castle of Val. With its medieval charm, imposing towers, and breathtaking landscape, it is the perfect setting to let your family's imagination run wild. Beyond the castles, the route is packed with natural features, hiking areas, and opportunities for horseback riding and canoeing, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the French countryside.
When the kids need a break from history, the route offers access to amusement parks, aquariums, and wildlife watching. For the adults, the journey is a culinary dream. Traditional markets overflow with local cheeses and produce, while traditional restaurants and fine dining establishments offer the perfect way to end a day of exploration. Renting bikes to pedal through botanical gardens or along riverbanks is a highly recommended way to experience the local flavor.
Yes, 15 days is the sweet spot for a 2,416 km journey. It averages out to roughly 160 km per day of driving. This allows you to break camp leisurely in the morning, enjoy a scenic drive, and arrive at your next destination with plenty of daylight left for exploring museums, castles, or hiking trails.
The "Vineyards to Valleys" route is uniquely tailored for families and multi-generational travelers. The curated mix of wine tasting and fine dining alongside amusement parks, science sites, and interactive museums ensures that adults and children remain equally engaged.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, the vineyards are either blooming or harvesting, and the summer crowds at major tourist attractions have thinned out. Plus, motorhome rental rates are generally more favorable than in peak July and August.
When planning your Bordeaux roundtrip, selecting the right motorhome is crucial. For a family of four or more, a Class C (Coachbuilt) motorhome with an over-cab bed offers the best mix of living space and drivability on French roads. If you are traveling as a couple, a nimble campervan might be preferable for navigating historic town centers.
Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Bordeaux, you will avoid the one-way drop fees that can sometimes inflate travel costs. When setting your budget, remember to account for fuel across the 2,416 km distance, as well as tolls on the French autoroutes (though taking the scenic departmental roads is free and far more picturesque). Accommodation costs can be managed by mixing stays at private, amenity-rich campgrounds with nights at municipal sites or designated motorhome parking areas (aires de camping-car).
For live pricing, specific vehicle availability in Bordeaux, and seasonal rates, utilize the search tools provided below.
France’s vineyards, valleys, and vibrant history are waiting to be explored at your own pace. Secure your ideal motorhome and turn this dream itinerary into a reality. Head over to RV PLANET to finalize your booking and access the complete day-by-day Vineyards to Valleys route plan today!
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Indie Campers FR - 26 E (Bordeaux), Avis Explore-26 E (Bordeaux), Anywhere Campers - 26 E (Bordeaux) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $950–$1,200 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $600–$950 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $250–$400 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $750–$1,000 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, current average European fuel prices, and a mix of municipal and private campground stays during the shoulder season. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Ease into the rhythm of southwestern France, balancing world-class vineyards with ancient Gallo-Roman discoveries.
Navigate deeper into the heartland, exploring fairytale castles and rolling green landscapes at a relaxed family pace.
Discover the fascinating local industries and dramatic natural features of central France, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Wind your way back toward the Atlantic influences, enjoying traditional markets and fine dining before completing the loop.
Total cost for this 15-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 2,416 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Bordeaux → Bordeaux pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Bordeaux pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Family 6 Indie Campers FR - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.4 m | Auto Transmission |
| B 6 - Classic - Bunk Avis Explore-26 E |
Class SI - Semi-integrated | 6 | 7.0 m | Manual Transmission |
| Caravan 6 berth - Manual Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Manual Transmission |
| Caravan 6 berth - Automatic Anywhere Campers - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family 5 Indie Campers FR - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 5 | 7.4 m | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Bordeaux → Bordeaux route.
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