Travel Expectations vs. Reality: Road Trip to the South of France (Photos)
From the charm of Annecy to Vrbo struggles in Palavas, our family road trip through the south of France didn’t go as planned.
On paper, this road trip day looked incredible. We’d leave Geneva, wander the canals of Annecy, stop in Vienne, check out Roman ruins, and finish with a sunset walk on the beach in Palavas. I imagined it as the kind of day that would feel full, scenic, and unforgettable.
It was unforgettable, but not for the reasons I pictured.
We had our rental car packed up, itinerary set, and I was especially excited to see Annecy. I had seen photos of its pastel houses and canals and couldn’t wait to experience it in person. Travel days can be unpredictable, though, and this one turned out to be just that.
French Road Trip Expectations vs. Reality
✅ Breakfast at Hotel then Drive to Annecy
We learned our lesson and got to enjoy the hotel breakfast, which was a quaint little European food experience. Feeling cultured and satisfied, we packed up and hit the road shortly after.
Expectation: Walk the Old Town Canals then Drive to Vienne
Reality: Annecy Was a Dream
Annecy was everything I hoped it would be. The canals, the colors, the calm energy of the streets and it was a highlight of the whole trip. I could have happily stayed there all day.
Expectation: Visit Roman Amphitheatre then Drive to Palavas
Reality: My Husband Pisses Me Off
After Annecy, things got less magical. My husband and I got into an argument on the road. By the time we settled back in, I was drained and ended up sleeping through most of the drive to Palavas. Not glamorous, but real.
Expectation: Check in Condo & Go to Beach
Reality: Worst Check-in Experience Ever and No Beach
When we finally arrived in Palavas, we were met with one of the worst check-in experiences I’ve ever had. It took forever, ate into our beach time, and left everyone feeling frustrated.
Expectation: Sunset Beach Dinner
Reality: Pleasant Fireworks Surprise
Dinner was forgettable, but the evening wasn’t a total loss. Right as we were eating, fireworks started over the beach. We hadn’t planned on it, but it gave the night an unexpected magic that our itinerary couldn’t have provided.
Fireworks Show in Palavas-les-Flots
Photo of bright blue fireworks above beach in Palavas les Flots.
What I Learned:
Not every stop will go smoothly, and that’s okay.
Build in extra buffer time for check ins and road delays.
Sometimes the most memorable travel moments are the surprises.
This road trip day was far from perfect, but Annecy became my favorite stop of the trip and the fireworks were the kind of surprise that stays with you. Travel reality rarely looks like the plan, but it still creates the best memories.
More memories coming up on this travel blog series. See you for the next post: beach day on the Mediterranean Sea!
Pin This:
Family road trip through France — from dreamy Annecy to fireworks on the Mediterranean, with a few reality checks along the way.