Amiens to Blois Road Trip: Scenic Highlights & Hidden Gems

Driving from Amiens (49.8940° N, 2.2958° E) to Blois (47.5861° N, 1.3373° E) covers roughly 310 kilometers via the A28 and A10 highways, typically taking 3 to 3.5 hours without stops. This route traces the ancient borderlands of Normandy, Île-de-France, and the Loire Valley, passing through landscapes that shift from the chalky plains of Picardy to the rolling vineyards of the Loire. A specific local quirk: near the town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, you'll encounter an unusual roundabout shaped like a giant cheese wheel, a nod to the region's famous Neufchâtel cheese.

For travelers wondering how long to drive Amiens to Blois, the answer is a manageable half-day trip, but the question is it worth driving Amiens to Blois is a resounding yes—if you know where to pause. The highway offers easy access, but the real magic lies in the detours: medieval villages, châteaux, and forests that break the monotony of the autoroute. For tips on uncovering such gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route follows the A28 south from Amiens, merging onto the A10 near Tours and then east to Blois. The A28 is well-maintained and tolled, with rest areas every 20–30 km. Fuel stations are plentiful, but note that prices drop slightly near the Loire Valley. For fuel-efficient driving, maintain 110 km/h on the autoroute; the topography is mostly flat with gentle hills, so cruise control helps save 5-10% on fuel.

Fuel Station Distribution

• Entering A28 at Amiens: Total, Esso, Shell stations near junction 17.
• Midway near Rouen (A28/A13 interchange): multiple options at aire de repos Vallée de la Seine.
• Approaching Tours (A10): frequent stations every 15 km; cheaper than Paris area.
• Last stretch to Blois: stations at Mer and before the city center.

Toll Roads and Payment

• A28 tolls: ~€12 for full stretch (Amiens to Tours).
• A10 tolls: ~€6–€8 (Tours to Blois).
• Payment: credit card or cash; Liber-t tag works.
• Tip: avoid peak hours (8-10am, 5-7pm) to reduce congestion near Tours.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

• A28 surface: excellent, with concrete sections in good repair; some older asphalt near Rouen.
• Lighting: well-lit near interchanges; rural sections dark at night—use high beams when clear.
• Toll gates: automatic barriers; slow down early.
• Emergency phones every 2 km on A28, but less frequent on A10.
• Speed limits: 130 km/h (dry), 110 km/h (rain), 50 km/h in construction zones.

Family and Child Suitability

• Parc de l'Île de la Cousinerie (Baugé-en-Anjou, off D766): large playground, miniature train, and petting zoo. Free parking.
• Zoo de la Flèche (La Flèche, 20 min detour from A11): one of France's top zoos, with safari train and feeding sessions.
• Aquarium de Touraine (Lussault-sur-Loire, near Amboise): 40 tanks, interactive touch pool, ideal for rainy days.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Aire de repos de la Vallée de la Seine (A28): fenced dog area and walking path along the Seine.
• Forêt de Chandelais (off D766 near Baugé): off-leash trails, water access.
• Café du Pont (Langeais): pet-friendly terrace with water bowls and dog treats.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Château de Villandry (5 min from A10 exit 23): famous for its Renaissance gardens and geometric vegetable plots.
• Chapelle de la Madeleine (near Bonneval, off D15): tiny 12th-century chapel with frescoes, rarely visited.
• Manoir de la Plesse (Avrillé, 5 min from A87): ruined medieval manor, overgrown but photogenic.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• Aire de repos de la Thève (A28, km 56): quiet area with shaded benches, ideal for 20-min nap.
• Parking de la Gare de Mer (Mer, free): safe overnight spot; near boulangerie for breakfast.
• Aire du Loir (A10, km 230): 24-hour service station with reclining chairs and quiet room.

The geographical shift is remarkable: from the chalky, dry plateaus of Picardy (open fields and sugar beet) to the lush, hedgerowed bocage of Normandy, and finally to the limestone cliffs and vineyard-covered slopes of the Loire Valley. Near the village of Langeais (47.32° N, 0.40° E), the landscape transforms into terraced vines producing Vouvray and Chinon wines.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (including Blois) is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape.
• Short detour (10 min): Chartres Cathedral (Chartres, 48.447° N, 1.487° E), a UNESCO site, lies 40 km off the A10 near the route.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Amiens: macarons d'Amiens (almond biscuits), buy at Maison Jeanson.
• Neufchâtel-en-Bray: heart-shaped cheese at local fromageries.
• Rouen: falaises de craie (chalk cliffs), artisan cider and Calvados.
• Lisle-sur-Tarn: pottery and ceramic stalls near the church square.
• Blois: Selles-sur-Cher cheese and local goat cheeses at Marché de Blois (Saturdays).

Culinary Infrastructure

• Restaurant Le Moulin de la Sorinière (Mazé-Milon, near A85): traditional Loire cuisine, duck confit, and tarte Tatin. Moderate price.
• Aire de la Beauce (A10, near Allaines-Mervilliers): roadside restaurant with regional platters, open 8am–10pm.
• Bistrot de la Loire (Mer, 1 km from A10 exit 16): fresh river fish and local wines.