Fun fact: the Michelin Guide was created in 1900 to help French drivers find restaurants and mechanics as they drove about the country. Later, they added a rating system to the guide, with up to three stars. I long wondered why a tire company would get into evaluating restaurants. It later made sense when I realized the company wanted people driving around France so they would buy more tires.
With just shy of 700,000 miles of paved highways, France has long been a country built for a road trip. Michelin historically offered green guides, printouts that helped travelers around different regions of France. Michelin created ViaMichelin, a digital road planner that helps anyone get around the country.
I’m not sure yet where I will go, but there is so much to see and do in France that it wouldn’t be possible to see it all, even over multiple trips. However, the information in the guides is very thorough, and I look forward to piecing together a road trip through various parts of France. The French drive on the same side of the road as Americans, and I’m looking forward to preparing for a road trip in this fascinating country.
