There comes a time with most teenagers when the thought of spending two weeks with Mum and Dad outweighs the good vibes generated by the thought of a free holiday, especially when they have been used to the freedom of having their own transport at home. Understandably most insurers are wary of extending cover to young drivers abroad, especially in a country whose accident rate is so much higher than in the UK. When I read last month about Ze Bus, it struck me that it could be the answer to the prayers of teenagers and parents alike, giving parents time to themselves and teenagers a chance to go off exploring.

Those of you who have back-packed around Australia will know what I mean when I say that Ze Bus is France's answer to the Oz Experience: a hop-on, hop-off bus suitable for single travellers or groups of friends. Although there is no age limit it will presumably appeal to the younger end of the market, who are happy to stay in Youth Hostels.

All the trips are circular routes and can be joined at any of the cities – ideal for being dropped off and picked up by parents who are staying put at the rental property. Accommodation is in youth hostels at a price of between 10 and 22 Euros per night and can be booked through Ze Bus. The Wine and Surf Tour goes from La Rochelle right down to San Sebastien, taking in wine tasting and great beaches, including Pyla where you will find the highest sand dune in Europe. Although it can be done in just three days it obviously makes sense to do it at a more leisurely pace. This is the cheapest of the three routes at a price of 99 Euros.

The highlights of the Western Tour at 199 Euros include Paris, the D Day beaches of Normandy, Mont St Michel, the megaliths of Carnac, La Rochelle, and the Loire Valley. If you are in a rush it is possible to do this route in four days but again there are so many places of interest en route that it would not be doing it full justice to do it at break-neck speed.

Ze Full Tour combines both the Wine and Surf and the Western tours and costs 299 Euros.

For the adrenalin junkies Ze Bus even goes to Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls Festival. So when your teenager starts on the "It's nothing personal and I would like to come to France with you BUT…" you can have your answer ready!