Besançon to Exeter Road Trip: Route Guide & Best Stops

Did you know that the arc of this route roughly traces the ancient Roman road from Vesontio (Besançon) to the port of Gesoriacum (Boulogne), then crosses the English Channel? The modern path via A36, A26, and M20 spans approximately 750 km (470 miles) and, with the Channel Tunnel, takes about 8-10 hours driving plus 35 minutes on LeShuttle.

This road trip crosses four countries: France, Belgium (optional slight detour), UK, and a brief underwater passage. The landscape shifts from the Jura foothills to the chalky plains of Champagne, the rolling hills of Île-de-France, the flatlands of Picardy, and finally the green valleys of Kent and Devon.

Below is a quick reference table for the major legs.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

French autoroutes are well-maintained with good lighting near toll booths and services. The A26 has long straight sections; watch for fatigue. UK motorways have variable speed limits and average speed cameras on the M20 near Ashford. The M25 can be congested; plan for delays.

• Toll gates: Automatic payment with credit card; keep change for older machines.
• Night driving: Well-lit on major routes, but rural sections (A36 near Besançon, A26 through Champagne) can be dark.
• Safety tips: Check tire pressure before departuring; carry a reflective vest and warning triangle (mandatory in France).

Family and Child Suitability

The route offers many kid-friendly stops. In Reims, the Palais du Tau has interactive exhibits. The Cité du Vin in Reims (though in Bordeaux) not relevant, but there's a fun Planetarium near Reims. In Kent, the Port Lympne Safari Park is a 10-minute detour from M20. Near Exeter, Crealy Adventure Park is great for families.

• Besançon: Citadelle de Besançon with a zoo and museums (allow 3 hours).
• Reims: Parc de la Patte d'Oie with playgrounds.
• Folkestone: The Harbour Arm with children's play area.
• Exeter: Royal Albert Memorial Museum has family trails.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Many French rest areas have designated pet zones. Dogs on leash allowed in most aires. In the UK, motorway services generally allow dogs outdoors, but not inside buildings. The Channel Tunnel allows pets in vehicles (€30 one-way).

• Walk stops: Aire de l'Yonne (A26) has a fenced dog area. Medway Services (M2) has a large grass patch.
• Pet-friendly cafes: In Reims, Café du Palais allows well-behaved dogs. Near Exeter, The Plant Cafe at Sandy Park welcomes pets.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 5 minutes off the A36 near Besançon, the village of Ornans (birthplace of Courbet) sits on the Loue river. Near Reims, the ruined Château de Condé (16th century) is a 3-minute detour from the A4/A26 junction. In Kent, the village of Chilham (half-timbered houses) is 5 minutes from M20.

• Ornans: A sharp right after the A36 exit 4; follow D67 for 5 km. Park at Place Courbet.
• Château de Condé: Exit A26 at junction 24; D980 to Condé-en-Brie.
• Chilham: Exit M20 at Ashford; take A28 then A252 a few miles.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long stretches on the A26 near Saint-Quentin can induce drowsiness. Ideal nap spots: Aire de la Haute-Moselle (clean, quiet), Aire de la Somme (has a small park). In the UK, services at Medway have a Travelodge if needed. The LeShuttle terminal has waiting lounges with reclining seats.

• Recommended break: Stop every 2 hours or 200 km. Use aires with walking paths (e.g., Aire de Champagne).
• If too tired, exit at a hotel: Ibis Reims Tinqueux (just off A26), or Holiday Inn Dover (near terminal).

Fuel and Route Economics

As of 2025, fuel prices in France average €1.85/L for diesel and €2.00/L for petrol. For a mid-size car averaging 7 L/100km, the 700 km through France will cost about €90-100. In the UK, fuel costs roughly £1.50/L (€1.75), adding £40-50 for the 350 km leg. Total estimated fuel: €140-€150.

• Topography: The route is mostly flat or gently rolling, with only moderate elevation changes near Besançon (Jura foothills). Fuel efficiency remains steady; use cruise control on A26 and M20.
• Fuel station distribution: Excellent in France (every 20-30 km on autoroutes). In the UK, services are every 25 miles on motorways. Plan a stop near Reims and again before the Channel Tunnel.
• Toll costs: French autoroutes (A36, A26, A16) cost about €35 total. UK motorways are toll-free except for the Dartford Crossing (£2.50) and M6 Toll if you detour. No tolls on M20/M25/M4/M5.

Best Stops Strategy

For insights on finding hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Fuel and rest: Aires de service on French autoroutes (e.g., Aire de la Haute-Moselle, Aire de Champagne). UK motorway services (e.g., Medway, Gordano).
• Accommodation: If staying overnight, consider Reims (halfway point), then a quick night in Folkestone/Canterbury before Devon.

Geographical Shifts and Attractions

Starting in Besançon, the Doubs river valley and Jura mountains give way to the limestone plateaus of the Franche-Comté. As you enter Champagne, endless vineyards stretch under wide skies. Near Reims, the Montagne de Reims regional park offers forested hills and champagne cellars.

• Jura to Champagne: Crossing the A36 near Dole, you'll see the Saône plains. The A26 cuts through the chalky Côte des Blancs, famous for Chardonnay.
• Picardy to the Channel: Flat, open farmland dominates. Near Calais, the landscape flattens into marshlands. The white cliffs of Dover greet you in England.
• Kent to Devon: The M20 passes the Kent Downs (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Then via M25, M4 through Wiltshire, and M5 into Devon: rolling hills, thatched cottages, and the River Exe.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Two major UNESCO sites are easily accessible. The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims (World Heritage since 1991) is a 5-minute detour from the A26. In England, Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey (World Heritage since 1988) lie 25 minutes from the Channel Tunnel exit.

• Short detour: Basilica of Saint-Remi in Reims (also UNESCO).
• Further afield: The Loire Valley châteaux are 2 hours south of the route, but not recommended for this trip.

Local Commerce and Culture

Regional delicacies worth buying: Comté cheese from Jura (buy at a farm shop near Besançon). Champagne from Reims (direct from a grower). In Kent, stop at a farm shop for cherries or cider. In Devon, clotted cream and pasties are a must near Exeter.

• Besançon: Marché Beaux-Arts (Saturdays) for local produce.
• Reims: Rue de Mars for champagne boutiques.
• South of Calais: Cité de la Dentelle for lace souvenirs.
• Exeter: Quayside market for artisan goods.