Besançon to Blois Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Essential Stops

Just north of the Doubs River, the A36 motorway quickly gives way to the A6 near Beaune, where the landscape shifts from Jura foothills to Burgundy’s vine-stitched plateaus. This 400 km route takes roughly 4 hours without stops, but the real reward lies in the villages and viewpoints along the way.

The drive crosses three major watersheds: the Doubs, the Saône, and the Loire. Between Besançon and Beaune, the road follows the valley of the Ouche, a tributary of the Saône, offering sudden glimpses of limestone cliffs and medieval hilltop villages. After Beaune, the A6 runs arrow-straight across the Burgundy plain, then dips into the Forêt d’Orléans just north of the Loire.

This guide answers the key questions: how long to drive Besançon to Blois (around 4 hours non-stop), what are the best stops Besançon to Blois, and is it worth driving Besançon to Blois? Spoiler: yes, especially if you follow our advice on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A6 is in excellent condition, with three lanes in many sections. Night illumination is good between Beaune and Auxerre, but patchy beyond that. Beware of fog in the Saône valley early morning. Speed limits: 130 km/h on dry highway, 110 km/h in rain.

• Family stop: Le Pal (near Dompierre-sur-Besbre) is a zoo and amusement park, 20 min off the A6 (exit 20).
• Pet-friendly stops: Forêt d'Orléans has numerous dog-walking trails. The Aire de la Joie (near Briare) has a fenced dog area.
• Fatigue management: Aire de la Loire (after Orléans) has a nap room and shaded parking. The Aire de la Borde (before Blois) is quieter.
• Hidden off-route spot: The ruined Château de la Chassagne in Saint-Aubin (exit 24.1) is accessible via a 5-min drive and offers a haunting view of the Côte d'Or.

The total toll cost for a standard car is around €36 (A36 and A6/A10). Fuel costs for a petrol car average €65 at current prices (1.80€/L). Diesel halves that. The topography is gentle, so fuel efficiency is reasonable — expect ~7L/100km on the A6.

• Fuel stations: frequent on A6, but scarce between Beaune and Auxerre. Fill up in Beaune (exit 24.1) or near Chalon-sur-Saône.
• Toll payment: accept credit cards and toll tags. Avoid exact change lanes; use the electronic payment lanes (télépéage).
• Rest areas: Aire de la Chaponne (20 km before Beaune) has views of the Burgundy vineyards. Aire de Venoy (near Auxerre) has a playground and clean toilets.

For those wondering is it worth driving Besançon to Blois economically, consider that a direct train costs €80+ and takes 5 hours with changes. Driving allows flexible stops and can be cheaper for two or more people. The route is well-lit and patrolled, but watch for speed cameras, especially near Dijon and Orléans.

The first hour from Besançon to Beaune takes you through the Doubs valley, where the river snakes between forested hills. After Beaune, the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards line the road — stop at a local cave for a tasting. The A6 then crosses the Auxerrois wine region, known for Chablis. Near Cosne-sur-Loire, the landscape flattens into the Loire Valley, with poplar groves and grazing cattle.

• Geographic shift: Jura limestone → Burgundy marl → Loire alluvial plains.
• Best viewpoint: Aire de la Côte de Beaune (southbound) overlooks the Corton hill.
• UNESCO sites: The routes of Santiago de Compostela in France include Vézelay (40 min detour from A6 exit 23). Also, the Château de Chambord (near Blois) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Local commerce: In Nuits-Saint-Georges (exit 24), buy mustard from Fallot or cassis from the region. Near Gien, stop at the pottery shops. In Blois, the Saturday market on Place Louis XII sells goat cheese, honey, and wines of the Loire. These things to do between Besançon and Blois add flavor to the drive.