8 Best Towns to Stay Without a Car in France

You don’t need to drive to explore France beyond Paris. These towns are all reachable by train or regional bus and are compact enough to enjoy on foot.

You won’t waste time figuring out car rentals or worrying about parking. You can slow down, skip the stress of driving, and still see something special.

1. Annecy

Annecy feels built for wandering. The train station drops you close to the old town, where canals weave through pastel buildings and cobbled streets.

The lakefront is five minutes from the center. You can take boat rides, rent a bike for the lakeside path, or just walk. No car needed – and parking is a nightmare anyway.

See also: 10 top things to do in Annecy

2. Avignon

High-speed trains pull into Avignon’s modern station from Paris in under three hours. From there, a short local ride or taxi brings you to the walled city.

Everything inside is walkable: the Palais des Papes, the Pont d’Avignon, the main squares and cafés… For day trips, buses and trains go to Arles, Nîmes, and even the lavender fields in season.

3. Colmar

Colmar’s old town is so compact that you can walk across it in ten minutes. The train station is just a 15-minute walk from the center.

Stay here for the timber-frame houses, canal-side views, and local food. If you want to see nearby villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr, small-group tours run daily from town.

4. Aix-en-Provence

Aix is a stylish southern city with markets, fountains, and sun-soaked squares. It’s reachable by TGV, and the center is pedestrian.

Many of the best restaurants, museums, and shops are within a 10-minute walk. Regional buses connect you to nearby towns and sights. The vibe is easygoing and car-free.

5. Amboise

This small Loire Valley town has a royal château, a weekend market, and a riverside promenade. The train station is a short walk from town.

Stay here instead of Tours if you want somewhere quieter. You can book château tours or vineyard outings that include transportation. No need to rent a car for the valley experience.

6. Bayeux

Bayeux is a perfect Normandy base if you’re coming to see the D-Day beaches. Trains arrive from Caen or Paris. The medieval town center is walkable, and you can visit the famous tapestry and cathedral without going far.

Many D-Day tours pick up directly from hotels in Bayeux. It’s built to host visitors without cars.

7. Arles

Arles has Roman ruins, Van Gogh spots, and Provençal markets, all walkable from the train station. It’s quieter than nearby Avignon but equally rich in atmosphere.

You can take local buses or tours to the Camargue or Saint-Rémy. The city feels laid-back and easy to navigate on foot.

8. La Rochelle

La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast has history, food, and sea air. The old port area is pedestrian and lined with seafood restaurants.

You can walk to the beach, visit the towers, or hop on a ferry to Île de Ré. The train station is right near the center. An ideal car-free summer destination.