Blois to Exeter Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Practical Guide

Your drive from Blois (47.6°N, 1.33°E) to Exeter (50.72°N, -3.53°W) spans about 850 km (528 miles) and crosses three countries: France, the UK (via ferry), and a brief transit through the Channel Tunnel if you choose that option. The route primarily uses the A10 near Blois, then the A11 and A28 towards the coast, before crossing the English Channel via ferry from Caen or Le Havre to Portsmouth, then the A3/M3 and A303/M5 to Exeter.

Estimated driving time (excluding ferry) is around 9–10 hours, but with ferry crossing (2–6 hours depending on service) and border formalities, budget at least 14–16 hours total. One quirky local fact: just south of Blois, the Loire River is often called the 'last wild river in France' due to its untamed sandbanks, a contrast to the manicured English countryside you'll encounter near Exeter.

Below is a quick logistical snapshot of the route.

Geographical Shifts and Scenic Highlights

The route begins in the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage region (the valley itself is a UNESCO site, but not a single monument). As you drive north, you transition from the Loire's sandy banks to the rolling hills of Normandy (Pays d'Auge), known for lush pastures and half-timbered farms. After the ferry, the South Downs in England offer crisp chalk landscapes before the Somerset levels and ultimately the red sandstone cliffs of Devon.

A must-see natural stop: The Étang de la Ribalbinette (near Lisieux) – a peaceful pond with walking trails, perfect for a short stretch. In England, stop at St. Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve near Winchester for panoramic views of the Itchen Valley.

• UNESCO sites along the route: Loire Valley (Château de Chambord just 20 min east of Blois) and Stonehenge (short detour from A303).
• Climatic quirk: The route experiences a 'rain shadow' effect; the French side is often sunnier, while the UK's west-facing slopes near Exeter receive more rainfall (annual 1000 mm). Plan for rain in Devon.

Culinary Stops and Local Delicacies

For a true taste of the region, try a 'tarte Tatin' diner in Lamotte-Beuvron (A10 exit), where the inverse apple tart originated. In Normandy, stop at a 'crêperie' for galettes (buckwheat pancakes) – recommended: Crêperie du Roy in Alençon.

In England, the A303 offers several gastropubs: The Trusty Servant in Winchester serves game pies. Near Exeter, the Welcome Stranger in Topsham (A30) is renowned for Devon cream teas served with scones and clotted cream.

• Best roadside market: Marché de la Thibaude (A11 exit 26) on Friday mornings, selling local cheese and cider.
• Farm shops on the A303: Dibley's at West Camel – try their apple juice and cheddar.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel costs for a standard saloon car (7 L/100km) total around €100–€120 (gasoline) for the French portion and £50–£60 for the UK leg. Diesel is slightly more economical. Fuel stations are abundant: every 20–30 km on French autoroutes (often with 24h automated kiosks), but on UK motorways they are spaced at 30-mile intervals (look for MSA signs).

To optimize fuel efficiency, maintain a steady 110 km/h (68 mph) on French highways and 60 mph (97 km/h) on UK motorways. The French portion is mostly flat, but the Exeter section approaches the Devon hills, which may increase consumption by 5–10%.

• Best fuel stop in France: Station at A28/A11 junction near Alençon – low prices and a café.
• Best fuel stop in UK: Shell on A303 at Ilminster – often cheaper than motorway services.

Ferry vs. Channel Tunnel

The ferry from Caen (Ouistreham) to Portsmouth operated by Brittany Ferries is the most direct, taking 5–6 hours. Book ahead for cabin spaces if travelling overnight. Alternatively, the Channel Tunnel from Calais to Folkestone is faster (35 min crossing) but adds ~2h driving through the Paris region to reach Calais. Factor in round-trip cost and tolls.

Tolls on French autoroutes: Blois to Caen costs about €30 (A10/A28). UK motorways are toll-free except for the M6 Toll (not on route).

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

French autoroutes are well-maintained, with good lighting at toll plazas but none between exits. UK motorways have overhead lighting at interchanges. The A303 near Stonehenge is a dual carriageway with occasional roundabouts – watch for tourists braking suddenly for photos.

Night driving is safe but beware of deer on Normandy backroads (particularly dawn/dusk). The UK section near the M5 has speed cameras; keep to 70 mph (112 km/h). No tolls in UK.

Family and Child Suitability

For children, the 'La Cité de la Mer' in Cherbourg (if taking western ferry) is a submarine museum. On the UK side, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (short detour from M27) is great for both kids and adults.

Playgrounds: The Aire de la Girafe (A28 near Mamers) has a large play area. In England, the Haynes International Motor Museum (A303 near Sparkford) includes a hands-on exhibition.

• Interactive farm: Parks' Farm (A30 near Honiton) allows feeding lambs and pony rides (seasonal).
• Animal sanctuary: Exeter's own Wildlife Haven – rehabilitation centre for otters and birds of prey, open to visitors.

Pet-Friendly Framework

French autoroute service areas allow dogs on leads, but only designated picnic areas have grass. In the UK, many service stations (e.g., Fleet Services M3) have pet exercise zones. Cafés: The Heron pub in Mayenne (near A28) welcomes dogs with water bowls and dog treats.

Recommended walking stops: Forêt de Bercé (near Le Grand-Lucé) – 10-min detour, leash required; on the UK side, Wareham Forest (A31) has a dog-friendly walking trail.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Plan to stop every 2 hours. Ideal nap spots: Aire de la Fôret (A28 near Alençon) – shaded parking with benches; in the UK, the M3 services at Farnborough (Londis café) – quiet corner for a quick rest.

If needed, the 'Aire de la Vigie' (A10 near Vendôme) has dedicated rest cabins for a small fee. In Exeter, the M5 Exeter Services is well-lit but can be noisy – better to use Morrisons' car park in Pinhoe for a quieter stop.

• Safe sleeping tip: Park at a 24-hour supermarket car park (e.g., Carrefour in Le Mans or Sainsbury's in Honiton) – with security cameras, but avoid overnight unless indicated.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 5 minutes off the A11 near Bellême is the 'Village of Le Theil' with a narrow 12th-century bridge over the Huisne river; perfect for a photo break. In England, the 'Ashford Hangers' (SSSI) near Petersfield (A3) offers a network of holloways – deep sunken lanes with ancient yew trees.

• Abandoned structures: The ruins of Château de la Fresnaye (near A28 exit 14) – a burned-out mansion surrounded by wild gardens.
• Secluded beach: If you take the longer route via Poole, Shell Bay at Studland is a quiet beach (but busy in summer).