Bilbao to Tours Road Trip: Guide to France via Spain

The 750-kilometre route from Bilbao to Tours is a masterclass in contrasts. You depart the Cantabrian coast's green hills and cross the Basque Country into the flat farmlands of southwestern France. The journey, entirely on tolled autoroutes (A63, A10, A28), takes about 7-8 hours drive time without stops.

A lesser-known fact: near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the road briefly enters the Irati Forest—one of Europe's largest and best-preserved beech-fir forests, straddling the Franco-Spanish border. This is where the GR10 long-distance hiking trail begins, but few drivers know the pull-off for a short walk.

Leaving Bilbao, you traverse the Basque green curtain—rolling hills dotted with white farmhouses. The Nive River valley near Cambo-les-Bains offers a first taste of French Basque Country. Further south, the Pyrenean foothills create dramatic backdrops visible from the autoroute.

• Biarritz côte: Surf beaches and cliffs, best viewed from Pointe Saint-Martin
• Landes forest: Europe's largest pine forest, stretching 100km south of Bordeaux. Pull over at Biscarrosse for lake views.
• Loire River valley: Conclude with châteaux ruins and vineyard terraces near Tours.

Commerce thrives in market towns. In Bayonne, the covered market sells Espelette peppers and Bayonne ham. Bordeaux's Marché des Capucins offers fresh oysters and local wine. Near Poitiers, Futuroscope theme park draws families, while local producers sell goat cheese and honey at roadside stalls.

The route splits into three main segments. From Bilbao to the French border (Irún) is about 20 minutes on the AP-8 (toll about €6.50). After crossing into France, the A63 takes you to Bordeaux (toll €23.70 as of 2025). The final leg on A10 and A28 to Tours costs roughly €15. Total tolls: around €45, but cheaper routes exist via N10 (adds 1 hour).

• Bilbao – Irún: 20 min, AP-8 toll
• Irún – Bordeaux: 2h30, A63 toll €23.70
• Bordeaux – Tours: 3h, A10/A28 toll €15

Fuel prices drop noticeably once you cross into France. Expect €1.55/L for petrol in Spain vs €1.45/L in France. Refuel at Auchan hypermarkets near Bordeaux or Poitiers for the best rates. For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, leverage apps like Gasoil Now and rest area forums.

The autoroutes are well-maintained with high safety standards. Radar traps are common, especially around Bordeaux ring road (A630). French highway code requires a reflective vest and warning triangle. In Spain, children under 1.35m must use approved child seats. Speed limits: 120 km/h in rain, 130 km/h dry.

• Bayonne: Pet-friendly municipal park (Parc Caradoc) with fenced area.
• Bordeaux: Family stop at Jardin Public with playground and pond.
• Poitiers: Lemon Park (Parc de la Légèreté) has pet-friendly trails.

For fatigue management, official rest areas (Aire de service) appear every 10-15 km. Top rated: Aire de Tarnos (A63) with panoramic views of the Adour estuary, and Aire de Saintes (A10) with children's playground. Take a 20-minute break every 2 hours. Consider swapping drivers at Futuroscope if traveling with kids.