The Nationale 7 - iconic route for a road trip towards the sun

It largely coincides with the blue road that vacationers stormed in 1936 on the occasion of the first paid holidays. Some would see the sea for the first time! The roofs of the cars were laden with mattresses, bundles, baby carriages... But you might not know, stretching 996 km, the RN7 inspired the game of Mille Bornes. Indeed, from Paris it reaches Menton on the Franco-Italian border. Its route winds through the regions of Burgundy, Auvergne, the Rhône Valley, and the Côte d'Azur. You might ask where exactly it starts in Paris. At Notre Dame, its kilometer zero!

After leaving the capital, you are on your way to your first stop, Fontainebleau. Its Renaissance-style royal castle is associated with the historical figure of Francis I, recognizable by his aquiline nose and his grandeur. The Capetian rival of Charles V who ruled over Gaul knew how to surround himself with geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci and he was the one who enabled the Reformation.

Apart from the castle, the estate spans over 20,000 hectares and who knows, you might have already tried climbing there! A forest served multiple purposes. Besides being a reserve of wood or a hunting ground, it also harbored numerous botanical species. Did you know? Fontainebleau formed the first world nature reserve even before Yellowstone National Park.

Perhaps you are unaware, but stretching for 996 km, the RN7 inspired the game of Mille Bornes.

The painters from the Barbizon School, known as the pre-impressionists, worked towards the defense of this environment! Do not hesitate to visit the rooms of the old Ganne inn in Barbizon. On the walls, you can still make out the scenes sketched by the painters. They aimed to free themselves from their Parisian masters and were passionate about nature. Corot and Millet remain its most notable representatives.

Then you will make a stop in Montargis, sometimes called the little Venice due to its countless bridges—130 in total—and its water alleys before heading to Nemours and its fortress dating back to the 12th century. Your journey will then continue with Nemours, whose canal bridge is a curiosity and which has an excellent collection of enamels and mosaics.

Soon, the Loire Valley with its hillsides and fine wines begins to take shape. I suggest you make a stop at Pouilly-sur-Loire. This port of river shipping which also includes priories and Romanesque churches is a must-visit, why? There lies the Relais aux 200 bornes, a small museum dedicated to the national route 7. This tiny institution appeals to car nostalgics: Panhard, 4 CV... You will then reach Nevers, renowned for its ducal palace and its cobalt blue pottery.

Blois.

In Blois, you will linger at the Royal Castle, the favorite residence of Francis I. It features architectural elements ranging from the Middle Ages to the classical period. Besides the polychromes, do not miss the ceremonial staircase. This structure, nestled in an octagonal wing overlooking a courtyard, will amaze you when you learn how it was conceived. The king who used it had to be visible from the outside as he ascended to his apartments!

Moreover, the city is home to a museum unlike any other: The Foundation of Doubt. If I say to you: "everything is art". These painting-writings by Ben catch your attention! How did the Swiss artist become known? Simply by gathering eclectic objects in a shop in the 60s. He wanted to bring art closer to life. The formula charmed César or Yves Klein, and the Fluxus movement was born.

Now set your course due South. Here we are crossing Burgundy. Along the Nièvre, we catch sight of the Magny-Cours race track, and perhaps you will choose to take a walk in Villeneuve-sur-Allier for its Balaine arboretum, an English garden with exotic species.

Nevertheless, do not miss Moulins, from which the Dukes of Burgundy commanded. The town has retained its medieval appearance with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. This architectural style, which emerged in the 12th century, aspired towards God, hence the verticality and the quest for light. Take the opportunity to sit at the terrace of the Grand Café, a 1900s brasserie!

Then the landscape becomes more hilly and wooded of the Massif Central. Make a stop at Lapalisse, dominated by the silhouette of its castle. Then head to Roanne, a mandatory gastronomic stop. You will have previously reserved your table at Troisgros. For example, you could dine on monkfish with red fruits and lingonberries in a magical light setting.

In Saint-Etienne, interior design enthusiasts will delight in the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which features 1500 design pieces. Who hasn't dreamed of visiting a chocolate factory? I suggest you head to Tain l'Hermitage for the Valrhona Chocolate City!

Lyon.

Since you are so close to Lyon, dedicate a day to explore it. Both its ancient heritage: the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, and its medieval architecture will delight you. Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the traboules. These are passages that connect the city to Old Lyon. Have lunch in a Lyonnais bouchon featuring cassoulet and finish your loop by visiting the Gallo-Roman city of Vienne.

Already, the South shows its face, you hear the cicadas, the lavender fields are fragrant in the air. Let’s make a stop at Montélimar, for example. I remember eating the nougat leftovers for the shops at Maxim's! Now here’s Orange, which has gained international reputation due to its Chorégies held every summer. Its particularly well-preserved ancient theater can hold 10,000 music lovers!

All children know the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon," which is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the movie Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, the car breaks down right near the bridge!

Aix-en-Provence and the Montagne Sainte Geneviève inevitably bring us back to Cézanne, the impressionist painter who captured its light from his studio on the heights. Moreover, this mountain is a paradise for climbers and hikers. Strolling in Aix along the Cours Mirabeau, stopping in front of its 40 fountains that litter the alleys, is delightful.

If you are looking for solitude, head to the Massif des Maures. The wild lands of Provence that connect Hyères to Fréjus are covered with cork oaks and chestnut trees!

From the Esterel mountains, one can see the Bay of Cannes, which features nearly 50 beaches. The French Riviera literally takes our breath away. Let's now follow the Gulf of Jouan where Napoleon I launched his Hundred Days campaign in 1815, and head towards Antibes. There, you cannot miss the Picasso Museum.

Nice.

In Nice, you will stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and admire the neo-baroque styled Negresco Hotel. Did you know that it follows a specific color code? The facades are white, the shutters red, the dome pink, the furniture green... The once Italian city will make you choose between the National Museum of Chagall, the most French of Russian artists, or Matisse.

Whether you prefer to ascend the heights of Nice and see monumental sculptures, I understand well. So, I advise you to visit the Maeght Foundation in Saint Paul de Vence. It was Sert, the Catalan architect, who designed the garden where you will find the works of Miro and Calder's stabiles!

From the Esterel mountains, you can see the Bay of Cannes, where nearly 50 beaches line up.

Monaco.

Close your tour by heading to Monaco. The city-state in the hands of the Grimaldi family is not only home to skyscrapers or a race track. You will discover the outlines of its monumental palaces and a Belle Epoque casino where the James Bond "Never Say Never Again" was filmed!