As Americans head to Europe this summer, many will attempt to cram multiple countries into one itinerary. A road trip gives you more flexibility and access to places that are harder to reach by train or plane. Even for locals, traveling by car can be a fun alternative.
“I favor driving, flexibility and accessibility,” says Jane Bertch, founder of the Paris-based cooking school. The Paris Kitchen and author of “The French ingredient.” “Stay off the highways and stop in small villages for lunch and shopping. I love buying food and wine as souvenirs, and not having to deal with luggage on a train or plane is a plus.
If you're looking for a trip covering three countries in 10-12 days, I've designed an itinerary you can use below (This Google map contains all the driving instructions you will need).
If you're used to driving in the United States, driving in Europe may seem more relaxed. The rules of the road are largely the same in mainland Europe, with the exception of the UK and Ireland, where you drive on the left.
Keep in mind that speed limits are in kilometers per hour, not miles. Even after almost 10 years of living in Europe, I still have to do the math in my head. The easiest way to understand it is to multiply the number by 0.60; it's 0.62, to be exact, but you should go for the simpler math to avoid speeding tickets (they'll find you!). The Netherlands and Belgium have speed cameras that capture the average speed of a journey rather than a moment on the road, so set your cruise control and don't worry about people passing you.
Renting a car is easy in Western Europe. Most major brands in the United States – Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise – are available at most major airports. I stick to these brands because I can earn my air miles and solve all the problems at the company level in my country.
As for the driving license, I have rented cars from Austria to Greece and I have never been asked for a license. International driving license. However, if you are stopped, having one could help you avoid a ticket. They only cost $20 with a simple application process through AAA.
Roads and parking spaces are often much smaller in most countries in Europe than in the United States, so be careful about the size of the car you rent. You can get a small SUV, but I wouldn't recommend anything larger than a Volkswagen Tiguan or BMW X3. Also, if you can't drive a manual car, specify an automatic car in your reservation, as manual vehicles are still quite common in Europe.
Electric vehicles are more common in Western Europe than in the United States, and there are many charging stations along highways, parking lots, and in most urban neighborhoods. If you choose to rent an electric car, plan your stops based on your charging time. It's also a great way to explore a small town. Grab your lunch and go for a short walk while your car charges. Use apps like PlugShare to find charging stations, which displays the availability and type of supported chargers.
Google Maps works in both Europe and the United States, so it's a great tool for road trips. Another tip is to pay for your parking in advance when visiting big cities. For example, when I drive in the Netherlands I use a website called Parkbee. Amsterdam is known for its high parking fees, but I always find parking spaces for 20 euros per day. In France, Onepark offers a similar service.
After a few days strolling along the city's picturesque canals and admiring the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, collect your rental car at Schiphol Airport and head south to Brussels, which should take less three hours.
Stop in Gouda, Netherlands
Gouda is known for its cheese but also for its history; the city is over 750 years old. The charming city center, warm waffles and mouth-watering cheeses present a more laid-back side of Holland without the mass tourism in Amsterdamthe city center of.
Discover the many kaasboerderij (cheese farms) on the outskirts of Gouda. One of my favorites is Kaasboerderij De Twee Hoeven.
Brussels is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, its gastronomy and, of course, its chocolates.
A stop at Grand Place (where you can also find several parking lots) is a must. Next, stroll to Sablon, known for its art galleries, chocolate shops and weekend antiques market.
Once your car is parked, explore the city by metro, tram or bus and head towards Saint-Gilles and Ixelles. These local favorite neighborhoods are full of cozy cafes and a lively restaurant scene where you can eat Belgian classics, a pot overflowing with mussels accompanied by French fries. The Quincialallerieor a crispy gray shrimp croquette Fernand Obb. You can also experience world cuisines ranging from Vietnamese to Congolese cuisine, reflecting the diversity of the city's population.
Take the time to discover the charming, well-preserved medieval town of Wallonia, in the south of Belgium. Take a boat trip along the Meuse with a view of the gentle hills of the Ardennes, discover the Citadel of Dinantand stock up on local artisan chocolates and cheeses.
It takes less than three hours to drive from Brussels to Champagne. Base yourself in Reims, where you can walk or take public transport by bus or tram to reach many champagne producers.
Having a car will allow you to explore other picturesque Champagne-producing towns like Aÿ-Champagne, Bouzy, and Avize, as many of these smaller towns do not have a train station or have only limited hours. These municipalities have independent producers whose products are difficult to find outside France. Just make sure someone agrees to be a designated driver.
“If you're on a wine trip, be sure to spit because the legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol (the standard in the US is 0.08%). Depending on the size of the glass and your height, even one drink could put you over the limit,” explains Caro Feely, co-founder and director of Château Feelya wine estate and guest house in the south of France.
Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon, with its cozy taverns known as Bouchon Lyonnaise, serving local dishes such as pâtés and sausage-stuffed brioches and wines from the Côte du Rhône, has a totally different from that of Paris with a less touristy atmosphere and restaurants. and bars aimed at local customers. As in other cities, there are many parking lots where you can reserve a space in advance.
Fans of French cuisine should include a stop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a gastronomic hotspot with several restaurants, for oyster shells, decadent cheeses, charcuterie and wine.
For stunning views of the city, take a funicular to the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Known for its mustard, the Burgundian capital has a picturesque city center that is worth the detour. With its cobbled streets and Gothic architecture, it's a good place for a short break.
You can return your rental car in Lyon and take the TGV (fast train) to Paris, which will take two hours. But if you're looking for more adventure, return to Paris and head to Auxerre, a small town in Burgundy, for a little break.
Also take advantage of the car to get to the tourist places on the outskirts of Paris with a little more ease, such as Versailles or the Parc du Bois. The latter is home to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, which not only houses magnificent works of art, but also buildings and gardens designed by Frank Gehry that are equally impressive.
Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel and food writer, digital content creator, and author of “The Foodie Traveler's Guide to Puerto Rico.” She divides her time between Brussels, DC and Western New York. Follow her on Instagram @diningtraveler.
