8 Towns in France Where You Don’t Need a Car
Not everyone wants to deal with renting a car in France – and the good news is, you don’t have to. These towns are all reachable by train or bus and small enough to explore on foot. You can enjoy great food, real sights, and a slower pace without ever getting behind the wheel.
1. La Rochelle
This coastal town has everything within walking distance. The train station is near the old port, where seafood restaurants line the docks and ferries leave for Île de Ré.
You can walk to the beach, visit the medieval towers, or just wander the narrow streets near the harbor. In the summer, the center is pedestrian and full of life. A hassle-free base for a few days by the Atlantic.
2. Aix-en-Provence
Aix’s center is all about wide squares, fountains, and cafés. It’s reachable by TGV (high-speed train), and a short bus ride gets you into town from the station.
Once you’re there, you can walk to the markets, museums, and main restaurants within 10 minutes.
Local buses also run to nearby villages and countryside spots, so it’s a strong option for a car-free stay in Provence.
3. Colmar
Colmar’s old center is one of the most walkable in France. The train station is about 15 minutes on foot from town, and once inside the historic zone, you won’t need transport at all.
It’s small enough to cross in ten minutes but packed with Alsatian architecture, small museums, and winstubs (local eateries).
If you want to see nearby villages like Riquewihr or Eguisheim, small-group tours leave from Colmar daily.
4. Annecy
Annecy is easy to reach by train and easy to explore without a car. The old town starts right near the station, with canals, cobblestones, and pastel buildings everywhere you look.
The lake is five minutes away. You can walk the waterfront, rent a bike, or take a boat ride. The streets are compact, and parking is notoriously difficult – best to stay car-free here.
5. Avignon
High-speed trains from Paris stop at Avignon TGV station, and a short connection or taxi gets you to the walled city center.
Once there, you can walk to everything, from the famous Palais des Papes to the Pont d’Avignon and all the surrounding squares and cafés.
Regional buses and organized tours also leave from town if you want to visit lavender fields, Nîmes, or Arles.
6. Arles
Arles is compact and full of atmosphere. Roman ruins, markets, and Van Gogh landmarks are all within walking distance of the station. It’s quieter than Avignon but still rich in sights and local life.
Day trips to the Camargue, Saint-Rémy, or even Les Baux are possible by local bus or guided tour. That makes Arles a strong base for car-free exploring in this part of Provence.
7. Amboise
This Loire Valley town is smaller than Tours but better for travelers without a car. The train station is nearby, and the town center is all walkable – with its royal château, riverside promenade, and weekend market.
You can book château or wine tours that start in Amboise and include transport, so you don’t need to rent a car to experience the best of the region.
8. Bayeux
Bayeux works especially well for travelers visiting the D-Day beaches. It’s a stop on the Paris-Caen train line, and the medieval town is small enough to explore on foot.
You can walk to the cathedral and tapestry museum easily. Most D-Day and WWII history tours pick up directly from hotels in Bayeux, so it’s well set up for visitors without a vehicle.