Blois to Metz Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Scenic Drive

This 380-kilometer route follows the A10, A71, A19, and A4 highways, passing through the Loire Valley, Sologne forest, Champagne vineyards, and the Vosges foothills. A little-known fact: the section near Méry-sur-Seine (A5) sits on an ancient Roman road from Lyon to Trier, visible in satellite imagery. The drive takes about 3 hours 45 minutes nonstop, but plan for 5–6 hours with breaks.

To optimize your journey, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The fastest route uses A10 (Paris direction) to A71, then A19 near Orléans, merging with A5 near Troyes, then A4 to Metz. Toll cost: ~€21 for a standard car. Fuel stations are abundant every 30 km on autoroutes, but cheaper options exist at supermarkets in small towns.

• Driving time: 3h45–4h of actual driving; budget 5–6 hours with stops.
• Fuel costs: At €1.80/L, a petrol car (8L/100km) costs ~€55; diesel (6L/100km) ~€41.
• Traffic: Avoid Friday afternoon and Monday morning in summer.

Geography shifts from the lush Loire Valley (start at 60m altitude) to the vast cereal plains of Beauce, then the Champagne chalky hills near Reims, and finally the forested valleys of Lorraine. The Champagne vineyards between Épernay and Reims are a mid-point highlight.

• UNESCO Sites: Along the route, visit the Cathedral of Reims (45 min detour) or the Loire Valley châteaux (e.g., Chambord near Blois).
• Local commerce: Buy Coquillages de la Loire (river snails) at Blois market, Champagne in Épernay, and Mirabelle plums in Metz.
• Best scenic sunrise viewpoint: The A4 bridge over the Meuse valley near Verdun (km 250).

Road quality is excellent on toll roads, with lighting only near urban areas. Low sun in autumn/winter can be blinding eastward. Always keep a safety kit.

• Family stops: Pairi Daiza Zoo (45 min detour near Reims) and Le Moulin de la Bécane (interactive museum, Jouy-aux-Arches)
• Dog-friendly: Rest areas like Aire de Sommesous (A4) have shaded dog runs and water points.
• Fatigue management: Aire de Troyes (A5) provides nap pods and quiet zones. Also, Aire de Saint-Dizier has a free coffee station.