My UK to South of France Road Trip — In Style, With My Dog & My AMG

This year, I decided to do something I’d never done before, drive from the UK all the way to the South of France. Not only was it my first road trip abroad, but I also had my dog (Sox) in tow. And of course, we didn’t just do it in any car, we went in serious style. My Mercedes AMG was put to the test, and let’s just say, she delivered.

If you’ve ever thought about doing the drive but weren’t sure where to start, here’s everything you need to know: route, tips, packing, and all the realness in between.

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The Route

We kept it simple and smooth for our first time driving through Europe:

• Day 1: Leeds → Folkestone → Dijon (via Eurotunnel)
• Day 2: Dijon → Cannes

That gave us the perfect balance: long drives, but not exhausting, with a comfortable overnight stop.

Travelling with My Dog

Let’s start here, because if you’re a dog mom, this will be your biggest question.

What you need for your dog:

• A valid Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
• Proof of rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Tapeworm treatment (required within 5 days of returning to the UK) Visit a vet as soon as you arrive to your destination and book an appointment.
• Travel-safe harness and bed for the car
• Water bowl, food, snacks and a comfort toy/ blanket
• Calming tablets (if your dog is anxious whilst travelling)
• Pet-friendly hotel booking for the overnight stop

Shop here

Sox settled really well in the back seat after taking some calming tablets. We stopped every few hours for little walks and water, and I kept the car cool and comfy.

My AMG Was That Girl

Not to be dramatic, but my car became the third main character on this trip. The comfort, performance, and space were next level. The boot fit everything—including the dog stuff, my work kit and let’s not talk about how many outfit options I packed “just in case.” On the motorways through France? She glided.

Everything you need for your car:

@irams.jpeg

Driving from the UK to the South of France – Cannes🚘 #southoffrance #roadtrip #travellingwithmydog #roadtripwithmydog #vlog #cannes

♬ original sound – irams.jpeg

Day 1: Leeds to Dijon (via Folkestone)

We left early from Leeds to make our Eurotunnel crossing at Folkestone. Upon arrival you must go to the pet check in reception to check in your pet. They go through all the paperwork here along with scanning your pets microchip. It’s a smooth process as long as you have all the correct documents. After this we took Sox for a walk in the designated play area for dogs. It was a really nice space for her to run around before the next leg of the journey. There are also shops to grab a bite to eat and the rest is super easy. Just drive onto the train, stay in your car, and within 35 minutes you’re in France! (Just don’t forget to drive on the right once you leave the train).

From Calais, we drove just under 6 hours to Dijon, the cutest little city in Burgundy. It’s known for mustard, yes, but the architecture, cafes, and pet-friendly vibes were everything.

Top tip: Book a hotel with secure parking. It’ll give you peace of mind when you’re carrying luggage and walking your dog late at night.

Day 2: Dijon to Cannes

After a relaxed breakfast and a quick wander, we set off for the last half of the journey: Dijon to Cannes. It’s around 6 hours, but we broke it up with scenic stops (and the odd service station croissant run).

By the time we arrived in Cannes, the sea breeze, palm trees, and golden hour made it all so worth it. It felt like a scene from a movie, and I’ll never forget that feeling pulling into the Côte d’Azur with my dog’s head out the window like she owned the place. It was all a little emotional.

Car Necessities

• Dog passport & paperwork folder
• My passport
• Sunglasses
• Road snacks (for you and the pup)
• Lightweight layers – the weather changed fast from cloudy Leeds to sunny France
• SPF (Yes you can catch rays in the car)
• Phone charger
• Music playlist
• Lots of water bottles and wet wipes
• Hand Sanitiser

The Return Journey

On the way back we switched things up:

• Day 1: Cannes→ Troyes
• Day 2: Troyes → Calais (via Eurotunnel) → Leeds

Day 1: Cannes to Troyes

Leaving Cannes is always bittersweet. After a dreamy few days filled with sunshine, sea views, and all the glam of the film festival, it was time to say goodbye, but not before one last road trip adventure. We packed up the car, made sure Sox was comfy in the back, and hit the road towards Troyes for our first stop on the journey home. It was a long 8 hour stretch (including a few stops) but we made it.

Troyes was such a cute surprise. We arrived just in time for a slow evening stroll through its fairy-tale streets, those timber-framed buildings are straight out of a storybook. It was exactly what we needed after a busy few days in the South of France: peaceful, quiet, and just enough charm to ease us back into real life. The hotel we chose also had a spa so I managed to enjoy a quick steam and dip in the pool to loosen up my muscles ahead of the long drive home.

Where we stayed: Hotel La Licorne

Day 2: Troyes to Leeds (via Calais)

The next morning, we set off early for Calais, making good time for the train. This took us around 3.5 hours with 1 small stop at the petrol station. From there, it was back over the Channel and the final leg of the drive up to Leeds. It was a long 5 hour journey, but there’s something I love about road trips – snacks on hand, and nothing but time to chat, reflect, and disconnect from the online world.

By the time we got home, we were knackered but so content. There’s really no better feeling than returning home after a trip that filled your cup. Cannes, you were magical- as always. Until next time.

@irams.jpeg

Travelling home with my dog FRANCE 🇫🇷 – UK 🇬🇧 #roadtrip #eurotunnel #france #cannes

♬ original sound – irams.jpeg

Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.

It was one of the most freeing, luxurious, and grounding experiences I’ve had. Driving through the French countryside, stopping when we wanted, and not worrying about airport chaos or luggage allowance, it was chef’s kiss. And the bond I felt with my husband and dog after two days of navigating service stations and snacking together in the car? Unmatched.

Tips for First-Time Road-Trippers:

• Bring Euros in cash just in case your card doesn’t work or for places where card payments aren’t accepted.
• Download offline maps before you go. WiFi isn’t always your friend.
• Book your hotels in advance and confirm they’re dog-friendly.
• Don’t overpack…(I say this knowing I absolutely did).

Would you ever do a road trip with your dog? Let me know in the comments.