Colmar to Lincoln Road Trip: Castles, Wine, and Hidden Gems

Few road trips blend continental charm with insular character as seamlessly as the drive from Colmar, the Alsatian wine capital, to Lincoln, the medieval hilltop city in eastern England. This 950-kilometer route, typically taking 9-10 hours of pure driving, crosses three countries and connects two distinct worlds.

A historical curiosity: the A26 motorway in France, which you'll follow for a significant stretch, was originally named the Autoroute des Anglais, built in part with British tourism in mind after World War I. That legacy continues today, as you'll encounter more British-registered cars the closer you get to Calais.

The route uses the A35, A4, A26, and A16 in France, then the M20, M25, and A1 in the UK. The Channel Tunnel crossing takes about 35 minutes from Coquelles to Folkestone. For those wondering how long to drive Colmar to Lincoln, plan at least 10-12 hours with minimal breaks, but a full day or two is recommended to enjoy the highlights.

French autoroutes are well-maintained and signposted, with speed limits of 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain). The UK motorway limit is 70 mph (112 km/h). Safety cameras are common in both countries. In France, must-have in-car equipment includes a reflective vest, warning triangle, and breathalyzer (though the breathalyzer fine is rarely enforced).

• For families: The Aire de Troyes (near the A26) has a large play area and picnic tables. The Aire de l'Aa (near Calais) offers a mini-golf and petting zoo.
• Pet-friendly stops: Many French aires have designated dog walking areas. In the UK, all motorway service areas like Moto or Welcome Break allow dogs on leads inside.
• Fatigue management: Plan to stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest points are Reims (3h from Colmar), Arras (2h from Reims), and a break before the Tunnel.

For hidden off-route spots, consider the following detours:

• La Coupole, a massive WWII V2 rocket bunker near Saint-Omer, less known than the Blockhaus d’Eperlecques.
• The Forêt de Retz, south of Soissons, contains the ruins of the Abbaye de Longpont, a Cistercian monastery.
• In Kent, the village of Elham has a quirky handmade signpost forest in a private garden (ask permission at the nearby pub).
• North of London, the town of Woburn has a deer park and a safari park that’s open year-round.

Understanding fuel costs and tolls is essential for budgeting this trip. France’s autoroutes are mostly tolled, while UK motorways are free. The total toll cost from Colmar to Calais is approximately €75-85, depending on your vehicle class and the exact exit points.

• Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful along French autoroutes (every 10-15 km), but service areas (aires) with full amenities are spaced every 30-40 km. In the UK, motorway services are every 20-30 miles.
• Fuel prices: As of mid-2025, diesel in France costs about €1.80/L, in the UK around £1.55/L. Consider filling up just before the Tunnel to save slightly.
• Toll payment: French tolls accept credit cards, cash, and electronic badges (Liber-t). The UK segment has no tolls except the Dartford Crossing (free overnight, small charge during day).
• Channel crossing: Book Le Shuttle in advance for the best rates (from £85 one-way). Eurotunnel’s Flexiplus allows any departure time.

For those wondering is it worth driving Colmar to Lincoln, the answer is a resounding yes if you enjoy scenic variety and cultural transitions. The journey offers everything from the Vosges foothills to the Champagne plains, the Somme battlefields, and the rolling hills of Lincolnshire.

For deeper advice on finding hidden stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first leg from Colmar to Reims traverses the Champaigne region, famous for its rolling vineyards and chalky soil. The A4 motorway cuts through the Montagne de Reims, a forested massif that hides numerous champagne producers.

• Stop at Hautvillers, the village where Dom Pérignon is buried. The abbey offers a panoramic view of the Marne Valley.
• The Ardennes section features dense forests and the Meuse River valley. Detour to Charleville-Mézières, known for its Place Ducale and puppet museum.
• Near Calais, the landscape flattens into the Marais Audomarois, a network of marshes and canals. Take a short boat tour at Saint-Omer.
• In England, the North Downs beyond Folkestone give way to the Weald, then the Midlands. Lincolnshire’s Wolds are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Local commerce varies dramatically. In Alsace, shop for Christmas markets (even off-season, the streets retain their charm) and pottery from Soufflenheim. In Champagne, direct purchases from growers (récoltants-manipulants) offer better value than big houses. The Ardennes are known for smoked ham and cheese from Chimay Abbey. In England, Lincolnshire specialties include Lincolnshire sausages and stuffed chine (a salt-cured belly pork).

Towns like Arras (with its twin squares) and Amiens (with the largest gothic cathedral in France) are worth longer stops. In the UK, the historic town of Stamford on the A1 is a near-perfect example of 17th-century architecture.