Alkmaar to Besançon: Epic Road Trip Guide Through Netherlands, Belgium & France

On the A1 highway near Amsterdam, you cross the IJsselmeer at Hoorn, where the Zuiderzee Works transformed a sea into a lake in 1932. This engineering marvel sets the tone for a journey that evolves from Dutch polders to French Jura foothills. The route spans roughly 750 km (466 miles) and takes about 7 to 8 hours of pure driving, but smart stops make it a full-day adventure. For tips on finding unique stops, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Primary highways: A1 (NL), then E19/A2 via Antwerp, into Belgium A7/E19, then A4/E411 through Luxembourg? Actually the fastest route is A2/E25 from Maastricht into Liège, then A26/E25 through Belgium, then A4/E25 into France near Reims, then A26, A5, A36 to Besançon. Yes: A2, E25, A26, A5, A36. Expect some tolls in France (about €35-40). Fuel costs approximately €100-120 for a petrol car (€1.75/L avg).

Road safety: Dutch highways are well-lit and monitored. Belgian A2/E25 has variable speed limits (120 km/h, often reduced to 90 near construction). French autoroutes have sections with 130 km/h, but reduce to 110 in rain. Toll gates require exact change or credit card – keep €20 in coins. Night driving well-lit except for rural sections of A36 near Besançon.

Family-friendly stops:

• Parc d'Avroult near A26 exit 18 – playground and picnic areas.
• Cité du Vin in Reims (A26 exit 22) – interactive wine museum, child-friendly.
• Parc de la Citadelle in Besançon – zoo and park.

Pet-friendly framework: Many French autoroute rest areas have designated dog walking areas. Café des Sports in Reims (2 Rue de la Gare) allows dogs. In Besançon, Parc de la Gare d'Eau has off-leash areas. Keep dog on leash at toll booths.

Hidden off-route spots: 5 min from A26 exit 45, the village of Montfaucon-d'Argonne has an abandoned 18th-century church ruin. Near A36 exit 4, the grotte d'Agro (cave) is free to explore. Another gem: the village of Champlitte (A31 exit 6) with a medieval bridge.

Fatigue management: Rest zones with parking for naps: Aire de Retzwiller (A36, km 20, shaded area), Aire de Valmy (A26, km 185, quiet), and Aire de Châlons-en-Champagne (A5, km 170, with cafe). Recommended: stop every 2 hours for 15 min.

Leaving Alkmaar, you cross the flat polder landscape of North Holland, dotted with windmills and drainage canals. Near Hoorn (exit 9 on A7), the IJsselmeer appears – a former inland sea now a freshwater lake. South of Amsterdam, the landscape transitions to more wooded areas as you approach the Belgian border.

In Belgium, the Ardennes foothills start around Liège. The A26 cuts through the Forest of Retz in France, a vast beech forest. Approaching Reims, you enter Champagne vineyards – the Route du Champagne is a 5-min detour at exit 22 on A26. Near Besançon, the landscape becomes hilly with limestone cliffs and the Doubs River valley.

Natural attractions along the way:

• IJsselmeer viewpoint near Hoorn (A7 exit 9).
• Ardennes forest walks near Bastogne (A26 exit 55).
• Champagne vineyard panoramas from Hautvillers (just off A26 exit 21).
• Citadel of Besançon – a UNESCO site overlooking the Doubs.

Local commerce: In Alkmaar, buy cheese at the Waagplein market. Near Reims, purchase Champagne direct from growers (e.g., G.H. Martel at exit 22). Around Besançon, look for Comté cheese and saucisse de Morteau at roadside farm shops. A notable stop: Marlenheim in Alsace (detour 20 min) for Alsatian wines.

From Alkmaar, take A9 to A1 direction Amsterdam, then A1 to A2 south. Cross into Belgium near Breda. The A2/E25 continues past Antwerp (ring road) and Liège. After Liège, the E25 becomes A26 in France. Near Reims, switch to A5 south. At Langres, take A31 briefly then A36 east to Besançon. Total drive time: 7h30 without heavy traffic. Peak hours around Antwerp (7-9am, 4-6pm) add 30-60 min.

• Tolls: French A26 (€12.30), A5 (€18.90), A36 (€8.40) – total ~€39.60 for a car.
• Fuel stations: Well-spaced; every 30-40 km on French autoroutes. Fuel cheaper in Luxembourg (detour via A3) but adds 30 min.
• Electric vehicle charging: Fast chargers at rest areas every 50 km on French A5/A36.
• Road surface: Excellent on Dutch and French motorways. Belgian A2/E25 has some uneven patches near Liège.