South of France: planning the perfect road trip

Hit the road this summer with our ultimate road trip! Instead of spanning the whole of the United States, spending a fortune, and using up a lifetime's worth of carbon footprints, we've got something a little closer to home. The south of France is not all oysters and St Tropez, and doesn't have to break the bank. A car hired between four will set you back about 150 Euros (£130) each for a period of two weeks, and with a car you have the freedom to discover the secret hidden gems that public transport has yet to hear of (all the better for us - busloads of tourists spoil the view). Explore the stunning turquoise pools surrounding Cassis, party like there's no tomorrow in Montpellier, and uncover Toulouse's underground graffiti scene. Picture yourself driving though vast sun-drenched vineyards, listening to top summer hits (you'll notice we've included a special summer soundtrack to tap your feet to and get you in the mood...) And the best thing is you're never far from a cool city, a historical site, a farmers' market, an award-winning restaurant, a great beach to relax on, or a stunning mountain to climb! The south of France has it all, and here's how to find it...Allons-y!

Words by Zoë Tabacek