Blois to Davos Road Trip Guide: Alpine Adventure

The road from Blois (France) to Davos (Switzerland) spans roughly 750 km, crossing three countries and dramatic shifts in landscape. Did you know that the route passes within a few kilometers of the Jura Mountains' highest point, Crêt de la Neige (1,720 m)? This journey takes you from the gentle Loire Valley to the high Alps, with the A6 and A40 highways forming the backbone. The drive typically takes 7-9 hours without stops, but stretching it over two days reveals the best stops from Blois to Davos. Understanding how long to drive Blois to Davos depends on your chosen route: the faster option via Geneva (A40) or the more scenic via Bern (A6/N12). Both have unique charms and challenges. So, is it worth driving Blois to Davos? Absolutely—the transformation from vineyards to glaciers is unmatched.

For those wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide for insider tips. Our route will take you past world-class vineyards, medieval towns, and breathtaking mountain passes.

Road quality on the main highways is excellent in both France and Switzerland. However, the N28 from Chur to Davos is a winding mountain road with tight curves and occasional rockfall warnings—drive with caution, especially after rain. Tunnels like the Mont Blanc (on alternate route) have strict safety rules. Night driving is safe but reduced visibility in foggy Alpine valleys; headlights mandatory in tunnels. Winter tires are required in Switzerland from Oct to Apr.

• Family Stops: In Dijon, the Jardin des Sciences interactive museum. Near Montreux (A9), the Chillon Castle and mini-train. In Davos, the Kirchner Museum and a family-friendly hike to Flüela Pass.
• Pet-Friendly: Most rest areas in France allow dogs on leash. The Swiss village of Lenzerheide (near Davos) has a dog-friendly walking trail along the lake. Cafés like Bergcafé in Davos welcome pets.
• Rest Zones: Aire de Beaune (A6, km 310) has shaded picnic areas. Raststätte Zurich-Forren (A1, km 680) offers sleeping cabins. For a safe nap, park at Panorama Rest Area (A40, exit 10) overlooking Lake Geneva.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: 5 min from A6 exit 23, the village of Vézelay (Romanesque basilica). Near A40 exit 12, the abandoned Château de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne. Before Davos, the tiny hamlet of Wolfgang (off N28) has a historic chapel and mountain views.

The journey begins in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for châteaux and vineyards. As you head east, the terrain rises through the Burgundy vineyards, then into the Jura Mountains with their rolling forests and limestone ridges. Crossing into Switzerland, the landscape becomes dramatic: the Alps dominate from Interlaken onwards, culminating in the Davos valley surrounded by peaks over 2,500 m. This geological diversity offers some of the most stunning vistas in Europe.

• Natural Attractions: Pont d'Ain gorges (A40 exit 7), Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) view from autoroute, Aareschlucht (near Meiringen, 10 min detour), and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct before Davos.
• UNESCO Sites: Directly on route: Loire Valley (Blois area), Burgundy vineyards (between Dijon and Beaune), and Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (detour from Chur, 30 min). Near-route: Old City of Bern and Lavaux Vineyards.
• Local Commerce: At Beaune (exit 24.1), buy Burgundy wine and mustard. Near Lausanne (A1 exit 16), sample Gruyère cheese. In Davos, look for Walser woodcraft and mountain herbs.
• Culinary Infrastructure: For a regional diner, try Le Bistrot de la Cathédrale in Dijon (bœuf bourguignon). On the A40, Relais de l'Ain (exit 8) serves excellent Jura cheese plate. In Davos, Bündner Stube offers capuns (chard rolls).

The route follows major highways: A10/A6 from Blois to Lyon, then A40/E62 towards Geneva, and finally Swiss A1 via Bern to Chur, then N28 to Davos. Toll costs from Blois to the Swiss border are about €35 for a car (A6/A40). Swiss vignette (annual toll sticker) costs CHF 40 and is mandatory on motorways. Fuel stations are plentiful along French highways (every 30-40 km), but become sparse in the Jura and Alpine sections—fill up in Bourg-en-Bresse or Geneva.

• Fuel Costs: At €1.80/L in France and CHF 1.90/L in Switzerland, the total fuel cost for a gasoline car (8 L/100km) is roughly €115-€130.
• Fuel Efficiency Tips: Use cruise control at 110 km/h on French highways; in the Alps, anticipate 20% higher consumption uphill. Pack light to reduce weight.
• Key Milestones: Blois (km 0), Orléans bypass (km 60), Dijon (km 330), Bourg-en-Bresse (km 480), Geneva (km 550), Bern (km 650), Davos (km 750).