Besançon to Davos Road Trip Guide: Route, Stops & Tips

The road from Besançon to Davos is a journey of approximately 310 miles (500 km) that traces the Jura arc into the Swiss Alps. A little-known fact: this route parallels the ancient Roman road connecting Vesontio (Besançon) to Curia (Chur), now a UNESCO-listed palafitte site in the Alps. The drive typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on whether you choose the A1 motorway or the more scenic E27 via Pontarlier.

Best stops Besançon to Davos: plan for at least three stops. How long to drive Besançon to Davos: roughly 6 hours without major delays. Is it worth driving Besançon to Davos: absolutely, for the dramatic landscape transition from limestone plateaus to alpine peaks.

Learn more about how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The route unfolds through four distinct zones: the rolling hills of Franche-Comté, the Jura limestone plateau, the Swiss Mittelland (plateau), and finally the Alpine valleys of Graubünden. Between Lausanne and Montreux, the Lavaux vineyards – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – cling to the shores of Lake Geneva. Further east, the Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge) near Meiringen offers a short detour (5 mins off route).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yes, three are accessible. Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO 2007) are right on the E27 route. The Old City of Bern (UNESCO 1983) is a 10-minute detour from A1. The Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (UNESCO 2008) is near the route’s end, about 30 km north of Davos. These are worth a brief stop.

Local Commerce & Culture: In Franche-Comté, stop at roadside stalls for Comté cheese and dry sausages. Near Vallorbe (Jura), the Grottes de Vallorbe are a 5-minute detour. In Switzerland, buy a piece of Emmentaler cheese at a farm shop near Langnau. In the Bernese Oberland, woodcarvings and cowbells are typical souvenirs.

• Besançon: timepiece market (watchmaking heritage).
• Pontarlier (detour): absinthe distilleries.
• Lavaux: wine tasting at family domains.
• Davos: alpine dairy products, wool clothing.

Fuel and Route Economics: Fuel costs for this route depend on your vehicle’s efficiency. At current prices (€1.80/L in France, CHF 2.00/L in Switzerland), a typical midsize car will spend around €80–100. The topography—ascending from 250m in Besançon to 1560m in Davos—reduces fuel economy by about 10% on the uphill sections. Fill up before entering Switzerland; stations are more expensive there. Fuel station distribution is excellent: every 20–30 km on French motorways, but sparser on Swiss cantonal roads after Interlaken.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: French A36 and Swiss A1 are well-maintained, with smooth asphalt and clear signage. Swiss roads after Spiez become narrower with sharp bends; some sections have no median barrier. Night illumination is limited to urban areas, so plan to drive during daylight. Toll gates: Swiss motorway requires a vignette (CHF 40, valid for a year) – buy at border or online. Speed limits: 130 km/h in France, 120 km/h in Switzerland, but 80 km/h on many alpine passes.

• French motorways: A36 from Besançon to Mulhouse, then A1 toward Basel.
• Swiss leg: A1 Basel–Zürich–Bern, then A6 to Spiez, thenA8/E27 to Interlaken, then A8/E62 to Meiringen, then E35/E41 to Davos.
• Alternative: E27 via Pontarlier–Lausanne–Montreux–Brig–Andermatt–Davos (more scenic, 1 hour extra).

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: The weather shifts dramatically – expect rain in Franche-Comté, often sunny on Swiss plateau, and cool/windy in the Alps. The best sunset viewpoint is on the Susten Pass (N of Meiringen) or while driving along Lake Thun. Mist is common in the Jura valleys in the morning; drive with fog lights.

Family and Child Suitability: The route has many child-friendly stops: the Sealife aquarium at Basel Zoo (2-hour stop), the Chocolate Adventure at Maison Cailler in Broc (detour near Gruyères), and the Jungfrau Park in Interlaken (not the top, but interactive exhibits). At the Aareschlucht, the walk through the gorge is safe for kids (good paths).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Dogs are welcome at most Swiss rest stops, but cafes may require dogs to stay outside. The rest area "Români" on A1 near Oensingen has a dog park. In Davos, many hotels accept pets. During stops, walk your dog along the Lake Thun promenade – dog-friendly.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Take a 5-minute detour to the medieval village of Gruyères (Canton of Fribourg) from the Broc road. Or the ghost hamlet of Cottian in the Jura, accessible via D437 near Montlebon – an abandoned farm with scenic ruins.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Long stretches on Swiss A1 (flat) can cause drowsiness. Recommended rest areas: "La Languille" on A36 near Besançon, "Willisau" on A1 near Sursee (coffee and bakery), and the view point at Brünig Pass (N of Meiringen) – safe parking for a 20-min nap.

Culinary Infrastructure: For a regional lunch, stop at "Relais de la Vallée" in Moutier (Jura) for tartiflette. In Switzerland, "Bergrestaurant Biet" at Brünig Pass offers rösti. Near Davos, try "Berggasthaus Wolfgang" for Alpine macaroni. Roadside bakeries in Emmental sell cheese and bread.

• Rest stop "Oensingen Ost" (A1): clean toilets, picnic area, dog park.
• Rest stop "Spiez" (A6): panoramic view of Lake Thun.
• Rest stop "Wassen" (A2): near the infamous spiral tunnels.