Taking a French Riviera road trip in a Tesla Model 3 was an unforgettable experience. Cruising along scenic coastal routes and through charming towns like Nice and Saint-Tropez, I was amazed at how seamlessly an EV fit into this iconic region.
Charging was effortless, with stations conveniently located along the way, allowing me to enjoy the views and vibrant atmosphere with little worry. That said, it wasn’t without its fun.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share my personal experience, challenges, and tips for navigating the French Riviera with an electric car, focusing on charging options, must-see destinations, and why this road trip is worth every mile.
Starting the Adventure: From Carcassonne to the Coast
This section of my six-country European EV road trip picks up after collecting my Tesla Model 3 rental from Europcar in Toulouse and after spending the night in nearby Carcassonne.
Thanks to jet lag and worrying about paying for someone else charging session, I was up before sunrise, which turned out to be a blessing. I took a peaceful stroll to enjoy the iconic castle views that Carcassonne is famous for.
Afterward, I returned to my hotel to check out and moved my car closer to the castle, where I finally managed to get a charger to work—though only one of the four available ports was functional. I wasn’t off to a good start with the electric vehicle chargers in France but was confident my luck would change.
I soaked in the stunning views before enjoying a breakfast of chocolate croissants and café au lait. Then, it was back to the car to hit the road.
From Carcassonne, I headed south to Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that left me in awe. Wandering around this marvel of engineering, I couldn’t help but reflect on its incredible history and significance.
The Pont du Gard, built in the 1st century AD, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Roman engineering. It once carried water over 50 kilometers to Nîmes and stands as one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.
Unfortunately, the charger I was searching for that was listed in Charge Map in the parking lot was nowhere to be found—just an empty pad where it might have been. No charging this time.
Continuing on, I passed through the scenic town of Avignon, known for its castle-like city walls lining the Rhône River.
Here, I encountered my first supercharger of the trip—a brand-new V4 charger. It featured mostly pull-through stalls, a common trend in Europe to accommodate non-Tesla EVs with differently placed charge ports.
The charger was conveniently located next to a shopping complex with a massive grocery store. Exploring grocery stores in different countries is one of my favorite activities—they’re a treasure trove of snacks and an interesting glimpse into local life. I picked up a freshly baked éclair and some fresh juice before continuing on.
From there, I headed to the coast, setting myself up for a scenic drive the following day.
Charging Let Down in Sainte-Maxime
I had specifically booked a Best Western hotel in Sainte-Maxime that advertised EV charging, but my experience was disappointing. Upon check-in, I was told there was an additional fee to park in the secure area with the charger, and on top of that, the charging rate was €0.50 per kWh more than what I had paid at the supercharger earlier in the day.
Combined with the high parking fee, it simply wasn’t worth it. Instead, I parked for free on the street.
While the stay was fine, I could have chosen nicer and cheaper accommodations without the misleading EV charging. Lesson learned, and hopefully, this helps someone else in the future.
The French Riviera and Monaco: A Scenic Journey
Day three of my European EV road trip was all about scenic drives. With the jet lag wearing off, I found it to be a more relaxing and enjoyable day behind the wheel.
I left my hotel on the shores of the Mediterranean and began my journey west along the French Riviera toward Monaco. Despite some rain, the route was absolutely stunning, offering countless opportunities for photo stops.
Between Sainte-Maxime and Nice, I made sure to pause at the picturesque village of Saint-Raphaël and the dramatic red cliffs of the Esterel Massif. Each stop showcased the region’s charm and beauty.
Frend Riviera Road Trip Must Do – The Corniches
As I approached Nice, I realized I hadn’t yet decided which scenic route to take to Monaco—whether to stick to the coastal roads or explore the hillside villages for a different perspective.
There are three scenic roads connecting the two cities:
- The Grande Corniche (upper)
- Moyenne Corniche (middle)
- Basse Corniche (lower)
In the end, I opted for the Grande Corniche, a historic road built by Napoleon, as it promised the best views. Driving an electric car along such a storied route felt uniquely fitting—and as you can see from the photos, it did not disappoint.
The Grande Corniche offered breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean, winding roads that hugged the cliffs, and a sense of history that made the drive unforgettable. It’s no wonder this route has been featured in countless movies and travel guides.
Exploring Monaco: Challenges and Rewards
After a short hike to the Tête de Chien viewpoint near La Turbie, I was treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Monaco and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. This spot is a must-visit for its sweeping vistas and a chance to take in the grandeur of the city from above.
From there, I began my descent into Monaco through a seemingly endless spiral tunnel. The drive felt like I was heading straight into Middle-earth, only to emerge suddenly into a futuristic cityscape with sleek skyscrapers and dazzling lights—a stark and thrilling contrast.
My plans for Monaco included taking advantage of free chargers at the famous Monte Carlo Casino while playing a hand of blackjack or two.
Unfortunately, this plan fell apart. The parking garage was gated off, and an attendant informed me it was full. After circling half a dozen times, waiting for a spot to free up, I gave up. Since I wasn’t able to charge at my hotel the night before, I had to make a call. Street chargers were available in Monaco, but all were occupied as well.
With my charge dipping lower, I decided to move on and head toward Milan. You can pick up the rest of my European EV road trip report in my write-up on my time driving through northern Italy.
EV Charging in France: What You Need to Know
Charging an electric vehicle in France is generally straightforward, but it’s not without its quirks. According to ChargeMap, France has over 80,000 public charging points, making it one of the most EV-friendly countries in Europe.
Most major towns and cities have reliable charging infrastructure, but rural areas can be hit or miss. Tesla superchargers are particularly reliable and are often located near amenities like shopping centers and restaurants.
However, not all advertised chargers are functional, as I discovered in Carcassonne and Pont du Gard. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan and to check recent user reviews on apps like ChargeMap or PlugShare before relying on a specific charger.
Why Rent an EV for Your French Riviera Road Trip?
Renting an EV for a road trip along the French Riviera offers a unique and sustainable way to explore this stunning region.
My Tesla Model 3 rental from EuropCar was not only efficient but also added a modern twist to the historic routes I traveled. The instant torque made driving through mountainous terrain a breeze, and the regenerative braking was a bonus on downhill stretches.
If you’re on the fence about renting an EV, consider this: you’ll save on fuel costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a quieter, more comfortable ride. Plus, with the ever-expanding charging network in France, it’s easier than ever to plan an EV road trip.
Final Thoughts on My French Riviera EV Adventure
The French Riviera is a dream destination for road trippers, and exploring it in an electric vehicle adds an extra layer of adventure. From the historic Grande Corniche to the glamorous streets of Monaco, every mile was filled with breathtaking scenery and memorable experiences.
While there were a few hiccups with charging along the way, the overall journey was smooth and rewarding. If you’re considering an EV road trip in France, I hope my experiences inspire you to take the leap.
For more tips and insights, check out my posts on European EV Road Trip Plan, EV Road Trip Through the Swiss Alps, and 24 Hours in Bilbao. And if you’re ready to book your own adventure, don’t forget to explore my affiliate links for car rentals and accommodations. Happy travels!
- Need a Ride? Search for Tesla Rentals with EuropCar
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