Epic Roadtrip 2024 - The French Connection.
Some roads stay with you long after the engine cools. France had done that to us. The mountain passes, the endless sweepers through rolling countryside, the kind of tarmac that begs for another gear, another curve, another hour behind the wheel. We had tasted it in 2022, and it had left us wanting more.
This time, we made it a mission: no highways. None. Just the purest driving roads we could find, stitched together into a route where every kilometre mattered. No straight-line efficiency, no rush to the destination—only the joy of the journey.
But France never makes it too easy. Gravinol—the dreaded loose gravel resurfacing—returned to test our patience. You know the drill: slow to a crawl, hold your breath, pray for clean tarmac ahead. And when it’s over? Forget it ever happened. The road always redeems itself.
And then there was the silence. One of France’s greatest secrets isn’t just the roads themselves—it’s the fact that you often have them all to yourself. No traffic, no caravans clogging the bends, no hurried commuters. Just you, the car, and the open road. A perfect ribbon of asphalt winding through mountains, forests, and sleepy villages that feel like they exist outside of time.
And so, we set off. A convoy of engines echoing through valleys, tyres tracing perfect lines through mountain bends. Every stop, a story. Every road, a discovery. The French Connection was calling, and we were more than ready to answer.
Day 1 – Heading to France
The day started at Vichter Landhaus—a simple yet practical meeting point for the group. But before we even covered the first kilometre, trouble struck. One of us ran over a nail just outside the hotel—puncturing a rear tyre on a Porsche 718 GT4. Not just any tyre, but a tricky size to source on short notice.
What followed was a frantic search through garages and suppliers, the clock ticking and the road trip momentarily on hold. The only viable solution? Two brand-new rear tyres. The original model was unavailable, and a matching set per axle was non-negotiable. Not ideal, but it meant we could continue. With fresh rubber and stress levels back to normal, we finally hit the road.
The Ardennes unfolded before us like an ocean of green, rolling hills and dense forests stretching towards the horizon. The roads here were a driver’s dream—sweeping bends, elevation changes, and barely any traffic. The kind of tarmac that rewards smooth inputs and a steady rhythm.
Descending through a series of flowing curves, we entered Luxembourg, where the roads felt precision-engineered. Smooth surfaces, perfect cambers, an open invitation to enjoy the drive. It wasn’t about speed—it was about flow, every bend connecting seamlessly into the next.
Crossing into France, the scenery shifted. Dense forests gave way to open fields and gentle hills. The roads of Lorraine were quiet, forgotten by time. No distractions, no urgency—just the sound of engines and the road stretching endlessly ahead.
By late afternoon, the Vosges Mountains rose in the distance. The air grew crisper, the roads more playful, twisting and turning towards our destination. A final series of bends, the scent of pine drifting through open windows, and then the descent into Saverne.
Our day ended at Logis Hôtel Aux Trois Roses—a warm welcome, a well-earned dinner, and stories of the day’s adventures.
Day 3 – Jura’s Hidden Gems
The morning broke in Les Pontins, the stillness of the Jura Mountains only interrupted by the sound of engines firing up. After a solid night’s rest at Hôtel Jenny, we started the day the Swiss way—fresh bread, cheese, local meats, and maybe a Rösti or Birchermüesli for those who embraced the full experience.
Leaving Les Pontins behind, the road carried us into Delémont, a town where medieval architecture met lively streets. The route led us further into Corban, a postcard-perfect slice of the Swiss countryside—rolling hills, quiet farmsteads, and roads that seemed built purely for driving pleasure.
The Jura continued to unfold as we approached Balsthal, the silhouette of the old castle standing watch over the valley. The roads remained playful, dipping and twisting toward Moutier, where the scenery became a blend of rocky outcrops and dense forests. From there, we pushed on through Monible, enjoying the solitude of lesser-travelled Jura roads.
Then came the Pierre-Pertuis Pass, a road steeped in history, originally carved as a Roman trade route. Here, the mountains opened up, revealing stunning valley views with every turn. The rhythm of the drive was perfect—just enough twists to keep us engaged, just enough flow to enjoy the scenery.
The real highlight? The Chasseral Pass. A Jura masterpiece. The road climbed through thick pine forests before bursting into open panoramas stretching across the horizon. On a clear day, the Alps teased us in the distance, towering over the rolling Jura peaks.
By afternoon, we arrived in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking. A visit to the Musée International d’Horlogerie was a must. A place where time itself was celebrated, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship, precision, and innovation.
The evening drive carried us toward Logis Hôtel Les Arobiers in Lamoura. Right on a thoroughfare, its location was less than ideal, but we didn’t need much—just a place to rest before the next day’s drive. And rest we did, after a hearty meal blending the best of French and Swiss traditions—raclette, fondue, and perhaps a game dish or freshly caught fish from the region. Over cold local beers, we recounted the day’s roads, the best corners, and the moments that made it unforgettable.
Tomorrow, the Alps awaited. And with them, an entirely different kind of challenge.
Day 4 – Into the Alps
The morning light crept over Lamoura as we set off from Logis Hôtel Les Arobiers. A hearty breakfast fuelled us for what lay ahead—our first true Alpine day. The Jura was behind us. The high mountains awaited.
The roads began their ascent early, winding towards Chézery-Forens, a peaceful mountain village where the air was crisp, and the valley stretched endlessly below. Soon after, the climb steepened as we tackled the Col de Menthières (1,170m), a quiet yet stunning pass. The higher we climbed, the more the morning mist faded, revealing vast mountain panoramas.
Past the rolling hills of Pougny, the first taste of the Alps truly began. The terrain shifted—softer countryside gave way to sharper inclines and dramatic peaks. Cruseilles marked a perfect lunch stop, offering the regional Alpine cuisine that the area is known for. But no lingering—the best roads were still ahead.
The ascent to Thorens-Glières brought us to the Plateau des Glières (1,445m)—a place where history and landscape collide. A key site of the French Resistance during WWII, its serene beauty contrasted sharply with its past. A brief stop to take in the vast open plateau, then back to the road—the passes calling us forward.
The descent into Magland felt like entering a different world. The roads tightened, the rock faces rose higher, and the scale of the Alps truly began to sink in. The twists and turns sharpened as we reached Passy, where the iconic Mont Blanc massif loomed over us.
With the day winding down, we crossed into Switzerland, following the road into Trient before tackling the Col de la Forclaz (1,527m). A breathtaking final pass, each switchback revealing deeper views of the Rhone Valley and the Trient Glacier. The sun dipped behind the peaks as we descended into Italy, our day concluding in Aosta.
Our stay for the night was at the OMAMA Hotel, a place with a striking and unique interior design. No dinner service, but that hardly mattered—Aosta’s magnificent old center had plenty to offer. We wandered through its historic streets, eventually discovering Osteria dell’Oca. Here, we had the best pizzas of our lives—gourmet pizza, a new concept for us, executed to perfection. A fitting end to a day where every turn, every summit, and every meal left a lasting impression.
Day 5 – Alpine Adventures
We began our day at 9:30 AM in Aosta, Italy, after a hearty breakfast at our hotel. Eager to explore more of the Alps, we set off towards Morgex, ready for a day packed with legendary mountain passes.
Our first significant ascent was the Colle San Carlo, standing at 1,951 meters. The lush greenery and picturesque views made for a delightful drive. As we navigated the winding roads, the crisp mountain air invigorated our senses, and the serene beauty of the Aosta Valley unfolded before us.
Continuing our journey, we approached the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard at 2,188 meters. This historic pass, used since Roman times, marks the border between Italy and France. We paused to absorb the panoramic vistas and capture photographs of the iconic landscape before descending into Savoie.
Our route then led us towards Val-Cenis, where we traversed the Col du Mont-Cenis, situated at 2,083 meters. The pass offered sweeping views of towering peaks and shimmering lakes. Knowing its rich history as an ancient passage, we felt a connection to the travelers of bygone eras who had crossed this very route.
We proceeded to Briançon, crossing the Col de Montgenèvre at 1,860 meters. This pass is renowned for its historical significance as a major Alpine crossing, linking France and Italy. The charming villages and breathtaking scenery made this segment particularly enjoyable.
After a brief respite, we embarked on the ascent to the majestic Col du Galibier, one of the highest Alpine passes at 2,642 meters. The challenging climb, with its numerous hairpin bends, was rewarded with awe-inspiring views from the summit. We took our time to savor the expansive panorama, knowing we stood where many Tour de France legends had battled gravity.
Our journey continued over the Col du Télégraphe, located at 1,566 meters. This pass provided splendid views of the Maurienne Valley and is known for its strategic importance. The well-maintained roads and stunning vistas delighted every driving enthusiast among us.
The final pass of the day was the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, standing at 2,067 meters. Known for its challenging route and the surrounding rugged mountain terrain, the road meandered through untamed landscapes, offering unparalleled views of the Alps.
As the day drew to a close, we arrived at our destination, Les Cèdres, Hôtel – Restaurants – Spa in Évian-les-Bains, France. The breathtaking views of the Alps from the hotel made for a perfect ending to the day. Over a well-earned dinner of traditional raclette, we reflected on the day’s adventures. Stories of tight hairpins, sweeping descents, and perfect driving moments filled the evening, a fitting way to close one of the most exhilarating days of the trip.
Day 6 – Vercors Expedition
As the morning sun cast a golden glow, we ignited our engines at Les Cèdres, Hôtel – Restaurants – Spa in Évian-les-Bains, anticipating the day’s adventures. After a hearty breakfast, our Porsches roared to life, eager to conquer the mountain roads ahead.
Our journey commenced with smooth, winding roads through picturesque valleys, serving as a perfect warm-up for the challenges to come. The serene landscape gradually gave way to more rugged terrain as we navigated through charming towns, each offering glimpses of local life and stunning vistas.
Ascending towards the Col de Menée, situated at 1,402 meters, the real adventure began. The pass welcomed us with sharp hairpin turns and breathtaking views. The adrenaline was palpable as we maneuvered through each curve, the majestic vistas over the valleys below amplifying the thrill.
Descending into the valley, we traversed regions renowned for their vineyards and Roman history. Passing by picturesque towns and ancient ruins, we appreciated the blend of history and natural beauty as we continued our journey.
Our route led us to the Col de Rousset at 1,254 meters, a pass featuring a series of exhilarating tunnels and sharp bends. The drive was thrilling, with each turn revealing new, stunning landscapes. The challenge of the road and the panoramic views made this segment unforgettable.
Delving deeper into the Vercors Massif, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenery, we found the roads here to be a driver’s paradise, with flowing curves and scenic vistas. The beauty of the natural park surrounded us, making every kilometer a joy to drive.
We took a detour to witness the Gorges de la Bourne, located near La Chapelle-en-Vercors. This dramatic gorge offered spectacular views and is one of the most scenic routes in the Vercors region.
Our journey continued over the Col de la Machine at 1,011 meters. This pass is renowned for its roads winding along cliffs and numerous hairpin turns. The drive offered spectacular panoramic views over the Vercors plateau, making it one of the most memorable segments of our trip.
As we headed towards Chambéry, we conquered the Col de Porte at 1,326 meters. Known for its ski resorts in winter and lush greenery in summer, the drive featured steep climbs and a variety of tight bends, a fitting end to our mountain adventure.
Our journey culminated as we arrived at Hôtel-Restaurant Bois Joly. The place was pumping with energy, and dinner on the terrace was excellent, offering stunning views. The perfect way to unwind after a demanding day on the road. However, getting here came with a final, unexpected challenge—the last few kilometers were the worst part of the route, as the entire area was littered with speed bumps, which our cars did not appreciate.
As we parked for the night, we looked back on a day filled with exhilarating drives, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie of the road. The Vercors had delivered. And tomorrow, another chapter of our epic road trip awaited.
Day 7 – The Jura and Vosges Expedition
The day began crisp and clear as we fired up our Porsches outside Hôtel-Restaurant Bois Joly. After a hearty breakfast, our convoy was eager to tackle the winding roads and mountain passes that lay ahead.
Our route led us through the picturesque Jura region, where we navigated through dense forests and serene valleys. Each twist and turn revealed new vistas, setting the stage for the day’s adventures.
Our first notable stop was the Cascades du Hérisson, a series of seven stunning waterfalls along a 3.7 km stretch of the Hérisson River. The trail, approximately 7.4 km round trip with a 250-meter elevation gain, offered breathtaking views and a refreshing break from driving.
Continuing our journey, we ascended into the mountains, where the roads became more challenging with sharp hairpin bends and steep climbs. The adrenaline surged as we maneuvered through each curve, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Jura.
We passed through charming villages like Chiprey, where time seemed to stand still, and the tranquil valleys provided a serene backdrop to our drive. The roads here were a driver’s delight, offering a mix of smooth curves and technical sections that tested our skills.
A highlight of the day was traversing the Col de la Schlucht, situated at 1,139 meters. This renowned pass, connecting the regions of Lorraine and Alsace, is famous for its scenic beauty and has been featured multiple times in the Tour de France. The ascent offered panoramic views of the Vosges Mountains, making it a memorable segment of our journey.
As we delved deeper into the Vosges, the roads continued to challenge and exhilarate us. The sense of freedom and connection with nature was palpable as we navigated through lush forests and past glistening streams.
The final leg of our journey led us to the Route des Vins d’Alsace, where we reflected on a day filled with adventure and excitement. Upon arriving at Hotel Restaurant Au Riesling, we found the atmosphere a little strange, as if we were intruding, but the beds were comfortable, and the food was good. Over dinner, we reminisced about the incredible drives, stunning scenery, and the camaraderie of the open road. The blend of challenging routes and breathtaking landscapes made this seventh day an unforgettable chapter in our epic road trip.
Day 8 – The Last Drive Through Alsace
The morning air was crisp as we started our engines in Zellenberg, surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the Route des Vins d’Alsace. After a final Alsatian breakfast, we were ready for the road ahead.
Our journey began with a smooth cruise north along the Route des Vins d’Alsace, a ribbon of tarmac winding through sun-drenched vineyards and historic villages. The early hours meant the road was ours alone, the gentle morning light casting long shadows over half-timbered houses and grape-laden hillsides.
As we pushed on, the scenery began to shift. Vineyards gave way to dense forests, and the roads began to playfully twist and climb. Every bend revealed a new vista—golden fields, dark woodlands, and the occasional glimpse of distant peaks.
The pace remained effortless, the rhythm of the road dictating the drive. Passing through the heart of Alsace, we soaked up the last of its picturesque charm, knowing that beyond these hills lay the open Autobahns—our final stretch.
From here, the B-roads faded into fast-flowing tarmac, and the journey took on a different character. The roads straightened, the landscape opened, and we let the cars stretch their legs. The final kilometers blurred past as we left behind the vineyards and valleys, heading toward the inevitable conclusion of our journey.
By the time we 
reached our destination in Wallhalben, the road had given us its last gift—a quiet moment to reflect on the past days. At Landgrafen-Mühle, we celebrated the trip in true road trip fashion—with stroies long into the night and surprisingly good Pizza. The perfect way to close an unforgettable adventure.
The next morning, we set our navigation for home and took to the Autobahn.
The trip was over. But the roads? They never really end.
