Bayeux then onto other part(s) of France

I have no specific suggestions for you but want to point out that ViaMichelin.com estimates a pure driving time (no stops, road delays, navigational errors, meal breaks, etc.) of around 12 hours or more for that trip. I think most folks would want to divide that drive over at least three days, if not four, which would suggest stops in places that don't take long to see given that you have only five or six days available.

The Dordogne, in particular, is an area where I'd want a minimum of four full days--and five or six would be advisable. It also involves a diversion from both of the routes suggested by Via Michelin, so including the Dordogne would add significantly to your driving time. If you decide the Dordogne is your top priority, I'd consider using trains to cover most of the distance, then renting a car in Bordeaux or one of the Dordogne towns. The train might well be both faster and less expensive. Driving from Bayeux to Nice by way of the Dordogne would be costly in terms of both tolls and fuel.

Here's the search on Via Michelin that acraven referred to. Your most direct route takes you back to the southwest outskirts of Paris, which will not be fun driving, then through Burgundy to Lyon and through Provence. There's enough along that route, or close to it, to fill a couple of weeks. Your problem will be choosing where to stop and what to see in your 5-6 days. I'd suggest picking a couple of places to stay for one, two, or even three nights, and using those days to branch out and explore. See "Explore Europe" on the menu at top left to learn more about these areas.

What will be your mode of transport, car or train? Using a car you can drive via Caen and Le Mans (historic centre is absolutely worth a visit) to for instance Amboise in the Loire Valley for your first stay. It’s a good base for visiting Château de Chenonceau and the château of Amboise itself and / or Close-Lusé.

From there further via Orléans to the Burgundy region. Auxerre and Vézelay, Semur-en-Auxois are certainly worth a visit and not so far from the A6 toll road. Further south Beaune for it’s famous medieval hospital.

Never visited it but Lyon seems a city well worth visiting or even staying too. From Grenoble you can follow Route Napoleon to Nice if you like very winding but very scenic routes. Or from Lyon to Avignon with a detour to Pont du Gard and if van Gogh is of interest Arles in combination with Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

If you will have a car and want the fast roads, go via Le Mans and be sure to see the fantastic Roman wall remnants along the river, next head to the area around (but not) in Tours to see chateaux of the Loire for a day or two, jog south to Loches which has many charms, and then to Bourges for its cathedral.

If you want a scenic drive on quiet roads, go through Mortagne au Perche and Belleme. Stop in both these towns, park, and walk around. From Belleme, head to La Ferte Bernard for some good restaurants and a walk in the compact old part of this town with narrow canals. On to Loches which takes you through Amboise and near Chenonceaux, two towns with famous chateaux. Loches also has a chateau and a lively town center. Then to Issoudun. The town isn't much, but it has two marvels in its museum (Musee Saint-Roch)--the double sculptures called the Tree of Jesse and an intact apothecary--as well as historic artifacts and a pretty garden. The sculptures and the apothecary remain one of our best memories of our spring 2022 trip.

You'll notice I didn't get you all the way to Nice. It's been a long time since we were that far south in France. Other people have given good advice. If you decide to do the slow scenic route and have any questions about specific towns, I might be able to help. You have so many great choices between Bayeux and Nice.

We love the Loire Valley and think a stop there, especially to see the chateaus, would be well worth it. Amboise is our base….and the chateaus are incredible to see. The daily drives out of Amboise are delightful and it is a great town to come home to each day.

We will be using the train which I unfortunately didn’t include in my original message……….and thanks to everyone for their help!