Colmar to Nottingham: Epic Road Trip Guide

The first thing to know about driving from Colmar to Nottingham is that you'll cross exactly five international borders: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the UK (via Channel Tunnel). The A35 from Colmar to Strasbourg, then the A4/E25 towards Luxembourg, and eventually the A1 in France leading to Calais—this is your main artery. Total driving time is around 10-11 hours without breaks, but with stops, plan for two full days.

The route covers 830 km (516 miles) from Colmar's half-timbered houses to Nottingham's sandstone castle. A historical oddity: the section near Reims follows roads once used by Roman legions. For those wondering how long to drive Colmar to Nottingham, expect approximately 7 hours from Colmar to Calais and then 3 hours from Calais to Nottingham including Channel crossing.

The best route hugs motorways: from Colmar (A35) to Strasbourg, then A4/E25 via Metz to Luxembourg, then A26/E17 to Reims, then A1/E402 to Calais. The Channel Tunnel takes 35 minutes between Calais and Folkestone. From there, M20, M25, M1 lead to Nottingham.

• Tolls: French sections (A35, A4, A26, A1) are tolled; expect around €40 total. Luxembourg and Belgian sections are free. UK motorways are free except a few bridges.
• Fuel stops: Every 30-40 km on French autoroutes; less frequent in Luxembourg but cheaper fuel.
• Fuel efficiency: Diesel recommended; average consumption ~6.5L/100km for a midsize car. Total fuel cost approx. €100-€120.

Departing Colmar, the Vosges foothills give way to the Alsace plain. By the time you reach Reims, the landscape flattens into the Champagne vineyards. This shift from mountains to rolling hills is dramatic. The best way to see these shifts is to take a short detour: when near Épernay, exit onto the D951 to drive through the Avenue de Champagne.

Local commerce to explore:

• Champagne houses in Reims (Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot) offer cellar tours.
• In the Ardennes near Sedan, seek out the local patisseries for 'gâteau mollet'.
• Near Calais, look for roadside stalls selling 'ficelles' - thin pizzas from the Nord region.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) is a short 5-minute detour from the A4. In Luxembourg City, the old town fortifications are also UNESCO listed, but this adds about 20 minutes to the route. The entire Champagne region is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, so you are driving through it.

Road quality is excellent on French motorways—smooth asphalt, clear signage, and good lighting near toll plazas. In Belgium, surfaces are slightly rougher. In the UK, motorways are well-maintained but busy around Birmingham. Safety tip: French bridges have gusty winds, especially near Calais; reduce speed if windy.

Family-friendly stops:

• Parc Astérix (near Paris, exit from A1) – large theme park with Gallic-themed rides.
• Cité de l'Automobile (Mulhouse, near Colmar) – classic car museum for kids and adults.
• National Space Centre (Leicester, UK) – interactive space science.

For dog owners, many rest areas along French A1 have designated dog walking zones. In UK, service stations like 'Leicester Forest East' have pet-friendly areas. Pet-friendly cafes: Café des Sports in Reims (inside, but well-behaved dogs allowed).

Fatigue management: Plan for a nap or break every 2 hours. Ideal spots: Aire de Lorraine (A4, rest area with quiet zone). Another safe parking spot is the 'Aire de la Haie Griselle' on A1, just before Calais—has a 24-hour security patrol.