Why We Never Drive This Route Straight Through
Prague to Paris is a journey that rewards patience. Sure, you could get there quickly, but the towns and cities strung out along the way are too good to skip — and since we’re driving you door to door anyway, there’s no real reason to rush past them. Here are the eight stops we like to weave into this route, each one worth its own hour or two.
1. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
We like to start with Český Krumlov, a town that looks like it stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Tucked into southern Bohemia and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its medieval core is remarkably intact. Wander the winding streets, climb up to the castle, and take in the view over the Vltava River curling below. A plate of traditional Czech food at one of the local restaurants is the perfect way to close out the stop.
2. Linz, Austria
Crossing into Austria, Linz makes for a nice change of pace — an old town with genuine history sitting comfortably alongside a modern arts scene. The Ars Electronica Center is worth a look if you’re curious about where technology and art intersect, and a walk along the Danube is a relaxing way to stretch your legs after the border crossing. Keep an eye out for whatever exhibition or performance happens to be running while you’re in town.
3. Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg is next, and it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Germany. Narrow alleys, ancient stone bridges, and a skyline dominated by the Regensburg Cathedral make the whole UNESCO-listed old town feel like a walk backward through time. Before you leave, grab Bavarian sausages at a local beer garden — it’s about as authentic a lunch stop as this route offers.
Deeper Into French Culture
4. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is where the trip properly crosses into France, though the city itself still carries a strong German influence. The Petite France district, with its canals and half-timbered houses, is postcard material, and the Strasbourg Cathedral’s Gothic façade is worth the neck strain. Stay for an Alsatian meal and a glass of the region’s excellent wine before heading onward.
5. Colmar, France
A short drive from Strasbourg brings you to Colmar, often called “Little Venice” for its own network of small canals. Its half-timbered houses come in every color imaginable, and the markets are worth a browse even if you’re not buying anything. It’s easy to see why painters have been drawn to this town for centuries.
6. Dijon, France
Dijon rewards travelers who come hungry. Known worldwide for its mustard and wine, the city also holds real historical weight — the Palace of the Dukes and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are both worth the stop. Wander through the food markets and sample a few local specialties before getting back on the road.
The Final Stretch to Paris
7. Reims, France
As Paris gets closer, Reims offers one last change of scenery — vineyards stretching out around a city that’s effectively the unofficial capital of Champagne country. Its cathedrals are genuinely impressive, and a tour through one of the historic champagne houses is a fitting way to sample the region’s most famous export before the final leg.
8. Fontainebleau, France
Our last stop before Paris is Fontainebleau, home to a grand château that housed French royalty for generations and a forest large enough to lose yourself in for an afternoon. Take a walk or a picnic among the trees — it’s a calm, unhurried way to close out the drive before the city’s energy takes over.
Eight stops, one continuous road trip — and because we plan this route around flexibility rather than a fixed schedule, every one of these detours can be as long or as short as you’d like, with our English-speaking drivers handling the miles in between.