Porsche 911 Road Trip
Taking a 20-year-old Porsche 911 on a 2,450-mile road trip to the French Riviera felt like a gamble before we left. Looking back, it might just have been the best decision we made.
The long drive north from the Riviera to Beaune and back to Derby — motorway miles, good food, a chance meeting with an 80s pop legend and the reality of returning to UK traffic.
A full day driving the Route Napoléon and Gorges du Verdon from Saint-Raphaël — mountain roads, limestone cliffs, sweeping bends and easily the best driving day of our trip.
Saturday markets in Aix, a relaxed drive through Provence, a return visit to Port Grimaud and then our first proper arrival on the French Riviera at Saint-Raphaël.
A long motorway drive from Langres to Aix-en-Provence, passing through Lyon, rolling past vineyards and mountains, and arriving in Provence sunshine ready to explore.
We left Derby at 1:30am and drove through the night to France, swapping the familiar Dover–Calais ferry for the Eurotunnel. By midday we were standing at the historic Circuit de Gueux, before ending a long first day in Langres.
In May 2024 we pointed our 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera south and headed for the French Riviera. What followed was a 2,450-mile road trip through France taking in mountain roads, classic motorsport, too many pastries and a few unexpected moments along the way