Bordeaux to Mulhouse Road Trip: A Complete Guide

Did you know that the A89 highway linking Bordeaux to Mulhouse passes through the ancient Massif Central, where volcanic peaks rise over 1,800 meters? This geological backbone shapes both the route's scenic drama and its driving quirks.

The direct distance is 800 km (500 miles), but the recommended route via the A89 and A6 adds twists through valleys and plateaus. Expect a drive time of 8 to 9 hours without stops, though you'll want to spread it over at least two days.

For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, we've got you covered.

From Bordeaux's vineyards to the Jura mountains, the scenery is diverse. The A89 climbs through the Dordogne valley, with limestone cliffs and medieval villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda. Further east, the Chaîne des Puys volcanic range (a UNESCO World Heritage site) offers lunar-like craters.

Local commerce thrives at weekly markets: in Clermont-Ferrand, the Saint-Pierre market sells Cantal cheese and Puy lentils. In the Jura, buy Comté cheese and Vin Jaune from Arbois.

• Bordeaux: Cité du Vin – interactive wine museum.
• Brive-la-Gaillarde: foie gras and truffle stalls.
• Mulhouse: Cité de l'Automobile – world's largest car museum.

The A89 has many tunnels and bends; keep headlights on in tunnels. Rest areas (aires de repos) are every 20–30 km, many with picnic tables and clean toilets. Excellent family-friendly stops include:

• Aire de la Corrèze (A89): children's playground, mini-golf.
• Aire du Cantal (A75): panoramic view of Puy Mary.
• Aire de la Loue (A36): hiking trail to the Loue waterfall.

For fatigue management, take a 15-minute break every two hours. The route has multiple “Villages Étapes” (e.g., Ussel, Le Puy-en-Velay) where you can stretch and grab coffee.

The primary corridor is the A89 (La Transcorrézienne) from Bordeaux to Clermont-Ferrand, then the A6 (Autoroute du Soleil) toward Lyon, and finally the A36 (La Comtoise) into Mulhouse. Toll costs for a standard car total approximately €60–€70.

Fuel stations are abundant along the motorway, but prices increase near scenic areas like the Corrèze viaducts. Plan refueling at hypermarket stations like Leclerc or Carrefour, often 10–15 cents cheaper per liter than motorway stops.

• Toll payment: credit cards and electronic toll badges accepted; avoid cash-only lanes.
• Speed limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 50 km/h in towns.
• Winter tires required by law from November 1 to March 31 in mountainous zones (e.g., Massif Central).