Blois to Enniskillen Road Trip: Loire to Lough Erne

Depart Blois via the A10 autoroute northbound. After 35 km, take the A28 toward Rouen. This section is tolled (€0.10/km). Near Rouen, merge onto the A16 (free after Rouen) to Calais. The Channel Tunnel terminal is at Coquelles (51.0941° N, 1.8262° E). Book ahead – standard car fare is €90–120. Disembark at Folkestone (51.0838° N, 1.1786° E) and follow M20, M25, M40, M6, and A55 to Holyhead. The Irish Sea ferry from Holyhead to Dublin takes 3.5 hours (prices from €60). From Dublin, take the M4, N4, and N16 to Enniskillen.

• Fuel stops: Service areas every 30 km on French autoroutes. In the UK, motorway services every 20 miles. In Ireland, N4 has few stations; fill at the Applegreen in Kinnegad.
• Toll costs: France €35 (A10/A28), UK £0 (except M6 Toll optional £8), Ireland €0. Total tolls ~€45.
• Driving time: 12–14 hours pure driving; with stops and crossings, plan 2 days.
• Key coordinates: Blois (47.5861, 1.3359), Calais Tunnel (51.0941, 1.8262), Folkestone (51.0838, 1.1786), Holyhead (53.3085, -4.6319), Dublin Port (53.3498, -6.2103), Enniskillen (54.3469, -7.6425).

The route is well-maintained overall. French autoroutes are 2×2 lanes with barriers, well-lit. In the UK, motorways are similar. In Ireland, the N4 is a dual carriageway until Kinnegad, then a narrow two-lane road with soft verges. Watch for livestock on rural Irish roads. Speed limits: France 130 km/h (110 in rain), UK 70 mph, Ireland 100 km/h (80 on rural roads). Night illumination is poor on the N16 outside Enniskillen. Use high beams cautiously for deer.

Family and child suitability: Stop at the Loire Valley's Château de Chambord (15 km from Blois) with interactive displays for kids. In the UK, Twycross Zoo (off M6) has a play area. In Ireland, the Marble Arch Caves (near Enniskillen) offer boat tours for ages 5+.

Fatigue management & rest zones: In France, Aire de repos every 15 km with shaded picnic tables. In the UK, motorway services like Killington Lake (M6) have nap pods (£5 for 30 min). In Ireland, lay-bys on N16 are basic but safe for a short doze. Stop at the Virginia Park Lodge (N4) for a coffee and a 20-minute power nap.

Pet-friendly framework: French and UK service areas permit dogs on leads. The Channel Tunnel accepts pets (€30 each). In Enniskillen, Castle Coole estate has dog-friendly trails. Many cafés in Sligo town allow well-behaved dogs.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: 5 minutes from the A10 near Blois, the village of Candé has a small feudal motte. Near the A55 in Wales, take the B5109 to the abandoned Dinorwic Quarry (now a museum). In Ireland, 5 km off the N16, the stone circles at Carrowmore (County Sligo) predate the pyramids and are rarely crowded.

Discover more about optimizing your route with our guide to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Leaving Blois, you traverse the Loire Valley's Tuffeau limestone, then climb onto the Beauce plain – flat wheat fields. Near Rouen, the Seine valley cuts a chalk gorge. Crossing into Belgium (if you detour via A16), you enter the Flemish lowlands. In the UK, the M6 skirts the Peak District and the Lancashire moors. The A55 along the North Wales coast offers views of Snowdonia. The ferry to Dublin crosses the Irish Sea, often with dolphins. In Ireland, the N16 from Sligo to Enniskillen winds through the Benbulben range – a dramatic escarpment of Carboniferous shale.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route passes near Chartres Cathedral (95 km from Blois), the Loire Valley (Blois itself), the historic center of Bruges (detour +30 km), and the Giant's Causeway (detour +60 km from Enniskillen). These are worth a short diversion.
• Local commerce: In Blois, buy Cour-Cheverny wine. In Normandy, camembert and cider. At Holyhead, Welsh laverbread. In Enniskillen, Fermanagh black pudding and Irish linen crafts.
• Scenic sunset spot: Stop at the Cliffs of Moher (detour 70 km from Enniskillen) for a sunset over the Atlantic. Alternatively, the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain (Stairway to Heaven) near Enniskillen offers golden-hour views over drumlin fields.