Blois to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Essential Road Trip Guide

The direct drive from Blois to Garmisch-Partenkirchen covers about 830 km. Remarkably, you cross four wine regions: Loire, Alsace, Baden, and Franconia. The fastest path uses the A10, A6, A5, and A8 autoroutes, but the scenic route through the Black Forest adds only 45 minutes.

A little-known fact: near the village of Herbolzheim in the Black Forest, the A5 crosses the former border of the Free Republic of Schwarzenberg, a short-lived post-WWII neutral state. This is a great conversation starter for passengers.

Fuel costs for a typical diesel sedan average €95-110, depending on prices. France has higher fuel duty than Germany, so fill up after crossing the border near Kehl. The route has excellent station coverage: rest areas every 20-30 km on French autoroutes, and every 15 km on German autobahns.

• Topography: flat from Blois to Reims, rolling hills through Champagne, then flat Alsace plain, steep climbs in the Black Forest (A5 has gradients up to 6%), and finally the Bavarian pre-alps with tunnels.
• Tolls: French autoroutes cost about €35 total (A10, A4, A35). German autobahns are toll-free for cars.
• Best fuel stations on route: Total at Orléans (A10 exit 14), Aral at Offenburg (B3 near A5), Shell at Ulm (A8 exit 62).

For those wondering how long to drive Blois to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, expect 9-10 hours of driving, plus 1-2 hours for breaks. Is it worth driving Blois to Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Absolutely—the changing scenery from Loire châteaux to Alpine peaks is unmatched.

The route passes through three distinct landscapes: the limestone plateaus of Touraine, the Vosges foothills, and the Bavarian Alps. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way include the Loire Valley (Blois to Sully-sur-Loire), Reims Cathedral (short detour), and the historic centers of Strasbourg and Baden-Baden.

• Natural highlight: the Rhine rift valley between Strasbourg and Freiburg, visible from the A5 with the Vosges on one side and the Black Forest on the other.
• Sunset spot: the rest area at Baden-Baden (A5) offers panoramic views of the Murg valley.
• Local products to buy: Alsatian kougelhopf at roadside boulangeries, Black Forest ham, and Bavarian Obatzda cheese.

To find more unique stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. For example, the village of Riquewihr in Alsace, just 5 minutes from the A35, is a walled medieval town with half-timbered houses and local wine cellars.

Road quality is excellent. French toll roads are smooth; German autobahns have sections with no speed limit (A8 near Ulm), but sudden congestion near Stuttgart. Toll gates are well-lit. Night driving is safe, but watch for deer in the Black Forest (A5 between Appenweier and Offenburg).

• Best stops for families: Europa-Park near Rust (A5 exit 54), a huge theme park, and the Cité du Train museum in Mulhouse.
• Pet-friendly spots: Alsatian vineyards allow dogs on leashes; rest area Baden-Baden has a dedicated dog park with water stations.
• Fatigue management: recommended nap spots include the Champagne rest area (A4, km 157) with quiet parking and picnic tables, and the Ulm service area (A8, Blautal) with shaded benches.

Things to do between Blois and Garmisch-Partenkirchen without major detours: visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pirmasens (Germany) – yes, there's a replica. Other hidden gems include the abandoned Hohenfels Castle near Sigmaringen, visible from the B32.