How Much Does It Cost to Drive to the South of France?

The south of France — the Côte d'Azur, Provence, the Languedoc coast — is one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK families and couples alike. But unlike a quick hop to Normandy or Brittany, the drive is long. Depending on where you're heading, you're looking at 900 to 1,200 miles door to door from most parts of England.

So what does it actually cost? The answer depends on your crossing choice, your route through France, whether you stop overnight, and how much toll road you're willing to pay for. This guide breaks down every cost category so you can budget properly before you set off. For a broader look at overall driving costs, see our driving to France cost overview.

Total Cost Breakdown: London to the South of France

Here's a realistic breakdown of one-way costs for driving from London to three popular destinations in the south of France. These estimates assume a standard family car, autoroute driving in France, and current 2026 fuel and toll prices.

Crossing Options for the South of France

Your choice of Channel crossing affects both the cost and how much French driving you'll face. For a detailed comparison of fares, see our ferry vs tunnel vs flying guide. Here's how the main options compare when heading south:

The Route: Calais to the South of France

If you're crossing at Calais (the most popular option), you have two main routes south. Both use the autoroute network and are well-signed, but they differ in stress levels and timing.

Do You Need an Overnight Stop?

Almost certainly, yes. Calais to Nice is 10–12 hours of driving without stops. Add comfort breaks, fuel stops, lunch, and the inevitable motorway slowdown, and you're looking at a full 13–15 hour day. That's too much for most drivers, especially after an early Channel crossing. Splitting the drive over two days is safer and far more enjoyable.

The best places to break the journey are roughly halfway, around the 4–6 hour mark from Calais:

For budget accommodation, French hotel chains are reliable and excellent value. Ibis Budget, Première Classe, and B&B Hotels all offer clean, simple rooms for around £50–80 per night. Book via their apps for the best rates. For more tips on keeping costs down, read our guide to the cheapest way to drive to France.

Toll Costs in Detail

French autoroute tolls are one of the biggest expenses on a south of France road trip. The tolls are distance-based and operated by private concession companies, so you pay at regular intervals along the route. Here's what to expect for common southern destinations:

These figures assume a standard Class 1 car. If you're towing a caravan or trailer, expect to pay 30–50% more as your vehicle will be classified as Class 2 at the toll barriers. For a full explanation of how French tolls work, vehicle classes, and payment methods, see our French motorway tolls guide.

Is It Cheaper to Fly?

This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on your group size and trip length. Here's a realistic comparison:

Flying: Return flights London to Nice can be found from £30–80 per person with budget airlines. Add car hire at £25–40 per day, parking, and fuel for local driving. For a couple on a long weekend, flying is almost always cheaper and faster.

Driving: For a family of four with two weeks of luggage, bikes, or beach gear, the economics shift significantly. Four return flights alone could be £400–600. Add two weeks of car hire at £350–560, and you're already at £750+. A return drive might cost £600–900 all in, and you have your own car with you the entire time.

The break-even point is typically a family of 3–4 on a trip of a week or longer. Below that, flying usually wins on cost. Above it, driving offers better value plus the convenience of having your own fully-loaded car. For a more detailed breakdown, see our ferry vs tunnel vs flying comparison.

Money-Saving Tips for the South of France Drive

• Travel off-peak: Crossing fares drop dramatically outside school holidays and weekends. A mid-week Eurotunnel in September can be half the price of an August Saturday departure.
• Use supermarket fuel in France: Leclerc, Carrefour, and Intermarché fuel stations are consistently 10–15 cents per litre cheaper than autoroute services. Plan a fuel stop just off the motorway at a supermarket — a 2-minute detour can save £10+ per fill.
• Consider toll-free routes for part of the journey: You don't have to take the autoroute for the entire drive. Mixing motorway and national roads through scenic areas like Burgundy can save £20–30 in tolls at the cost of 2–3 extra hours.
• Book your crossing well in advance: Eurotunnel and ferry prices rise sharply as departure dates approach, especially in summer. Booking 2–3 months ahead typically secures the best rate.
• Fill up before Calais: UK fuel prices are sometimes lower than French motorway prices. Start with a full tank to maximise the distance before your first expensive French fill-up.
• Use a Liber-t toll tag: If you drive to France regularly, a télépéage tag (around €2/month) lets you skip queues at toll booths and occasionally offers small discounts.
• Travel overnight on the ferry: An overnight Portsmouth–St Malo or Portsmouth–Caen crossing saves you a night in a hotel. You arrive in France rested and can drive all day.