Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Cambrai, Hauts-de-France to Firminy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Are you ready for an adventure? Great news! We’ve got the perfect road trip for you. Starting in Cambrai, located in Hauts-de-France, you’ll embark on a journey that’ll take you all the way to Firminy, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Covering approximately 679 km, this trip will take you through beautiful, scenic roads to amazing destinations. If you’re a history or nature enthusiast, this road trip is definitely perfect for you. Get ready to immerse yourself in culture as we show you the top museums, parks, and landmarks you should add to your must-visit list.

Did you know that one of the highlights of this trip is the city of Saint Ciergues? It marks the halfway point of your journey. It’s a charming little village, with a population of about 52 people that is located near the Rhône river. It has a rich history, from its medieval castle ruins to its ancient church with well-preserved frescoes.

This road trip stretches over a distance of approximately 679 km. It can be covered in about 8 hours and 30 minutes with no stops. However, we recommend that you take your time and enjoy the beauty of the places you’ll be visiting. So, we suggest that you plan on taking 3 to 5 days to make the most of your journey. All set? Ready to pack your bags and hit the road?

Here are our top five places to visit:

1. The Louvre–Lens Museum, Lens

The Louvre-Lens Museum is a must-visit if you’re in the Hauts-de-France region. It’s located in Lens, a city famous for its coal mining past. The museum was inaugurated in 2012 and has since gained popularity for its unique architecture and impressive collection of works of art. It’s the perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in culture, as you discover some of the most famous works of art in the world.

Point of interest recommendation: After your visit to the Louvre-Lens Museum, we recommend that you take a walk around the city center. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you’re a fan of architecture, don’t miss the chance to see the Art Deco-style building called the Galerie des Fontaines.

2. Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat, Saint-Genest-Malifaux

The Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat is located in Saint-Genest-Malifaux, in the heart of the Loire region. It’s a beautiful area, covering over 700 km² of forested hills. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, as you discover the flora and fauna of the area. The park has plenty of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the countryside.

Point of interest recommendation: If you visit the park, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at the Château de Virieu. It’s a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. Take a guided tour of the castle and discover its rich history.

3. Le Corbusier’s House, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez

If you’re an architecture enthusiast, a visit to Le Corbusier’s House in Saint-Priest-en-Jarez is a must. The house was built in 1916 and is an early example of Le Corbusier’s work. It showcases his innovative style and use of materials, which revolutionized the way buildings were designed.

Point of interest recommendation: Just outside of Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, you’ll find the Gorges de la Loire. Take a walk in the breathtaking scenic area with your family and friends.

4. Musée des Confluences, Lyon

The Musée des Confluences is a science and anthropology museum located in Lyon. It’s a modern architectural masterpiece that features a collection of over 2 million exhibits. The museum has plenty of interactive exhibits and is the perfect place to learn about the history of humankind, the natural world, and the universe.

Point of interest recommendation: After your visit to the museum, we recommend that you take a walk around the Lyon botanical garden. The garden is located just a few minutes’ walk from the museum and features over 20,000 different species of plants.

5. Saint-Etienne Art Modern Museum, Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne Art Modern Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It’s located in Saint-Etienne, a city known for its industrial heritage. The museum showcases modern and contemporary art from all over the world. The collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Jean Dubuffet, among others.

Point of interest recommendation: Once you’re done exploring the museum, head to the Saint-Etienne cathedral. It’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture and dates back to the 12th century.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks. Our top five places to visit on your road trip from Cambrai to Firminy. We hope that you’ll have a great time discovering the beauty of the Hauts-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions. This road trip will take you through beautiful scenery and will give you the chance to explore some of the most impressive museums, parks, and landmarks in France. Bon voyage!