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Electric Car Road Trips: 5 Routes in France to Take in 2026
May 19, 2026
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Electric car road trip: 5 inspiring routes to explore in France
In 2026, taking a long trip in an electric car is no longer an adventure: it has become a travel method in its own right. France is now crisscrossed with ultra-fast charging stations (Electra, Ionity, Fastned, Tesla Supercharger). On major highways, you’ll find a charging station every 50 to 80 km, and the 20- to 25-minute stop to recharge 80% of the battery has become a new ritual. Here are 5 tested itineraries to help you plan your next EV road trip, including distances, must-see stops, and charging tips for Electra’s fast-charging stations and their partners.
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Route 1: A breath of fresh air just 2 hours from Paris: Fontainebleau, Chevreuse Valley, Giverny. These iconic destinations
Distance: approximately 280 km loop. Recommended duration: a 2- or 3-day weekend. For whom: couples or families looking for a short getaway without leaving the greater Paris area.
This route proves that you can get away without going far. Start at the Château de Fontainebleau and its legendary forest, then head west to the Chevreuse Valley and its regional nature park. On Sunday, head up to Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens.
When it comes to charging, the western part of the Île-de-France region is very well equipped: several Electra stations line the A13 highway, allowing you to recharge enough for several hundred kilometers in about twenty minutes while you have lunch. You’ll find other Electra stations throughout the Paris suburbs, particularly south of Paris to head back toward Fontainebleau.
Our tip: leave Paris with a full battery, recharge for the first time on Saturday at lunchtime, and take advantage of a second recharge on Sunday morning before heading home. Check the Electra station map to view locations in real time.
Itinerary 2: The French Riviera by Electric Car: Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cassis, Marseille
Distance: approximately 250 km as the crow flies (Nice → Marseille), 400 km including detours via Saint-Tropez and the Calanques. Recommended duration: 5 days. For whom: lovers of the Mediterranean, hilltop villages, and swimming.
Depart from Nice and its Promenade des Anglais, heading west via the Corniche or the A8. First stop in Saint-Tropez and its legendary port, then a detour to Cassis and its Calanques (special mention for En-Vau). Arrive in Marseille to finish at the Vieux-Port and the Panier district.
The Electra network is extensive across the PACA region: stations in Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille (notably near Saint-Charles Station and the Old Port), Toulon, Hyères, Salon-de-Provence, and several rest areas along the A8. On the French Riviera, the Mediterranean beckons while an ultra-fast charging station tops up your battery.
Our tip: recharge during lunch or a beach nap. A 25-minute session is enough to get back on the road with an 80% charge. During peak season, the Electra app shows you the availability of charging stations in real time.
Itinerary 3: Wild Brittany: Saint-Malo, Pink Granite Coast, Crozon, Quiberon
Distance: about 700 km total. Recommended duration: 4 to 5 days. For whom: lovers of wide-open spaces, sea spray, and seafood.
The grand tour of Brittany begins in Saint-Malo, the pirate town. Head to the Pink Granite Coast (Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h) and its sculpted rocks, then head west toward the Crozon Peninsula and Pointe de Penhir. Next, head down to the Gulf of Morbihan and the Quiberon Peninsula.
When it comes to charging, Brittany is well-equipped. The ultra-fast Electra station at Rennes Airport, opening in late 2025, features 8 charging points up to 300 kW: an excellent starting or ending point. You’ll also find Electra and partner stations in the region around Saint-Brieuc, Brest, and Vannes to break up your journey.
Our tip: Brittany is more rural than the other routes, so plan your charging stops in advance. An app like Chargemap or ABRP, paired with the Electra app, will help you avoid any range anxiety. Check out our electric car travel guide for tips on optimizing your stops.
Route 4: Auvergne Volcanoes and the Allier Gorges
Distance: approximately 350 km loop starting from Clermont-Ferrand. Recommended duration: 3 to 4 days. For whom: adventurers, lovers of volcanic landscapes and hiking.
Starting from Clermont-Ferrand, head up toward the Puy de Dôme and cross the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Descend through the Sancy Massif, the highest peak in the Massif Central, and complete the loop through the Allier Gorges between Langeac and Brioude.
What makes this route unique: the elevation gain. Expect 10–20% higher battery consumption on the uphill sections, but also improved range on the descent thanks to regenerative braking. As for charging, Clermont-Ferrand is well-equipped (over 50 fast-charging stations in the city and on the outskirts), and the Electra station at the Manzat rest area (A89, Bordeaux-Clermont direction) is an excellent refueling point with 12 charging stations.
Our tip: leave Clermont-Ferrand with a full battery, and plan your loop so you end each day near an Electra or partner station. Regenerative braking will let you enjoy the descents of the Sancy.
Route 5: The Alsace Wine Route: Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim
Distance: approximately 300 km total. Recommended duration: 3 days. For whom: lovers of heritage, flower-filled villages, and wine.
Depart from Strasbourg, with its cathedral and Petite France, then head down the Wine Route: Obernai, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, before arriving in Colmar and its Petite Venise. 170 km of half-timbered villages, vineyards, and winstubs.
When it comes to charging, Alsace is very well equipped. The ultra-fast Electra stations in the Strasbourg area (particularly to the south, near Geispolsheim) deliver up to 300 kW. You’ll also find partner stations (Atlante, Fastned, Ionity) in Mulhouse and the Haut-Rhin to complete the journey with complete peace of mind.
Our tip: plan to charge your car upon arrival in Colmar (long-term parking), then enjoy a full day exploring the old town on foot. And of course, designate a designated driver for the wine tastings.
The Perfect Electric Road Tripper’s Kit
A few essentials make life easier. First, a reliable route planner: A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) remains the gold standard, but the Electra and Chargemap apps cover the basics in France. A multi-network card eliminates the need to switch between operators.
As for physical equipment: a Type 2 cable is still useful for charging at your destination (hotels, vacation rentals, public parking lots), even though most fast-charging stations include their own CCS cable. Also, consider bringing a household plug adapter as a backup.
As for the budget,the Electra+ Smart subscription at €4.99/month with no commitment offers a discount of €0.20/kWh on every charge via the Electra network, in all countries where we operate. An investment that quickly pays for itself on a road trip of a few thousand kilometers.
How much will an EV road trip really cost in 2026?
At ultra-fast charging stations while roaming, expect to pay an average of €6 to €9 per 100 km at the standard rate, compared to €12 to €18 for a combustion-engine vehicle on an equivalent trip. The difference is even more pronounced if you have a suitable subscription.
With Electra+ Smart and its €0.20/kWh discount on every charge from the Electra network, the cost per kilometer drops even further. On a 2,000-km road trip across France, you’ll save several hundred euros compared to filling up with gas, not to mention the driving comfort.
Good to know: at home, expect to pay about €2.50 to €3 per 100 km during off-peak hours. The more you charge before leaving, the lower your overall cost. To compare options, check out the details of Electra’s rates.
By 2026, France will be crisscrossed with ultra-fast charging stations. Going on a road trip in an electric car is no longer a technical challenge; it’s a new way to travel: quiet, economical, and one that encourages real breaks. Today’s electric cars travel 400 to 700 km between charges, mobile apps (Electra, ABRP, Chargemap) plan stops down to the second, and the in-car experience rivals the train in terms of comfort. Budget-wise, charging at a fast-charging station costs €6 to €9 per 100 km with an Electra+ Smart subscription, compared to €12 to €18 for an equivalent tank of gas, with a reduced carbon footprint thanks to France’s energy mix.
Charging on the Electra network: the new Electra+ offers
Our network includes over 4,000 ultra-fast charging points across 644 stations in 10 European countries. We are the leader in ultra-fast charging in Belgium, the second-largest operator in France, and were voted Europe’s most reliable network by Chargemap. When you charge frequently at our Electra fast-charging stations, two no-commitment subscriptions lower the cost per kilowatt-hour.
Electra+ Essential: €1.99/month with no commitment, a €0.10/kWh discount on every charge at the Electra network.
Electra+ Smart: €4.99/month with no commitment, a €0.20/kWh discount on every charge on the Electra network.
Rates and discounts are the same in all countries where we operate. For a multi-day road trip, this ensures you get the most out of every charging session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Car Road Trips
Which electric car should you choose for a road trip?
Opt for a vehicle with at least a 400 km WLTP range and compatibility with 150 kW or higher CCS fast charging. Most 2026 models meet these specifications, from compact cars (Renault Mégane E-Tech, Peugeot e-3008) to family SUVs (Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6).
How many stops should you plan for a 500 km trip?
On average, 1 to 2 stops of 20 to 25 minutes are sufficient for a 500 km highway trip, starting with a full battery. This aligns with the breaks recommended by Road Safety every 2 hours of driving: a useful balance between comfort, safety, and range.
How can you avoid long lines at charging stations during peak season?
Three tips: use the Electra app to check real-time availability, schedule your charging during off-peak hours (before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m.), and always have a Plan B with an alternative station nearby. Most Electra stations have multiple charging points available simultaneously, which significantly reduces the risk of waiting.
Do cold or hot temperatures affect range on a road trip?
Yes, to a moderate extent. Expect a 15–25% reduction in range in extreme cold (heating, less efficient battery) and a 5–10% reduction in extreme heat (air conditioning). Newer vehicles equipped with heat pumps minimize these losses. Remember to precondition the battery before a fast charge to optimize charging speed.
Can you take an EV road trip with a rental car?
Yes, most rental companies (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) offer EVs with a multi-network charging card provided. Check the expected battery level upon return and plan to recharge before returning the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
By 2026, taking an EV road trip in France has become accessible and comfortable. The five itineraries presented here cater to every preference, from a weekend getaway in nature to a 700-km grand tour. The Electra network and its partners guarantee ultra-fast charging every 50 to 80 km on major highways, and the Electra+ Smart subscription offers a discount of €0.20/kWh on every charge. With a little planning, taking a long trip in an EV has never been easier.
To find Electra stations near you, download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Use the code PLUS2 to get your first monthof Electra+ free.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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