Colmar-sur-Mer to Besançon Road Trip Guide

The route from Colmar-sur-Mer to Besançon follows the historic Route des Alpes, a 112-mile stretch that once carried salt and wine between the Mediterranean and the Jura. The A8 and A39 highways trace Roman roads, passing through the exact geological boundary where the Alps meet the Jura mountains. At milestone 47, just west of Lons-le-Saunier, you cross the watershed line – all rain here flows to the Rhône, not the Rhine.

This drive answers the question of how long to drive Colmar-sur-Mer to Besançon: non-stop it takes 1 hour 45 minutes, but you should allow two to three hours to explore. For those wondering is it worth driving Colmar-sur-Mer to Besançon, the answer is a confident yes – the landscapes shift from lavender plains to limestone cliffs in under an hour.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make the most of this route.

Fuel and Route Economics – Gas prices along the A8 average €1.85 per liter. The cheapest station is at the Leclerc in Lons-le-Saunier (€1.78). Tolls are pay-as-you-go: expect €8.20 on the A8 from Colmar-sur-Mer to junction 8, then €4.30 on the A39 to Besançon. Cash or card accepted at all plazas.

Road Quality – The A8 is well-maintained with three lanes in each direction. The A39 narrows to two lanes after Lons-le-Saunier, with occasional rough patches near the Jura foothills. Roadworks are common between exits 5 and 7; check Bison Futé for live updates.

Rest Zones – Authorized rest areas every 15 km. Notable ones: Aire de la Vallée Heureuse (exit 6, playground, clean toilets), Aire du Jura (exit 9, panoramic viewpoint). Overnight parking is allowed at Aire du Jura but no services after 10 PM.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions – The route traverses the Vercors Regional Park, with the Montagne de la Lance rising to 1,350 meters. Near exit 12, the Grottes de la Balme offer guided tours of stalactite caves. Between exit 3 and 4, the Lavender Fields of Valensole bloom from mid-June to mid-July – pull over at D6 for photos.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Besançon's Vauban fortifications are a UNESCO site. En route, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (exit 8) is a 18th-century industrial marvel. Allow 1 hour to tour the semicircular complex.

Local Commerce & Culture – Farmers markets every Saturday in Lons-le-Saunier (place de la Liberté). Buy Comté cheese, Jura wine, and saucisse de Morteau. The village of Poligny (exit 7) is the Comté cheese capital – visit the Maison du Comté for tastings.

Culinary Infrastructure – Michelin-starred Restaurant Jean-Paul Jeunet in Besançon (€75 menu). Affordable options: Le Comptoir de l’Écureuil in Lons (€12 lunch). For picnics, the Carrefour at exit 5 has a good cheese counter.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics – Summers are hot (30°C), winters mild but foggy in the valleys. The best months are May and September. Autumn foliage peaks in October on the A39 segment.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality – Speed cameras are frequent: fixed ones at exits 2, 5, and 11. Mobile radars operate in construction zones. The accident rate is below national average; black ice possible in December-January on the A39 near Lons-le-Saunier. Keep winter tires from November 1.

Family and Child Suitability – The Aire de la Vallée Heureuse has a fenced playground and baby-changing facilities. The Jura Parc Poligny (exit 7) offers animal feeding sessions. For teens, the Paléopolis dinosaur museum in Ornans requires a 10-minute detour.

Pet-Friendly Framework – Most rest areas allow dogs on a leash. The Aire du Jura has a designated dog exercise area. Hotel Ibis Besançon (near exit 14) accepts pets for €5 extra. Vétérinaire Lons-les-Saunier is open 24/7 at 4 Rue des Chevannes.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones – The longest stretch without services is 28 km between exits 4 and 6. Plan a break every 45 minutes. The Aire de la Vallée Heureuse has a coffee shop and vending machines. Power nap parking at all major rest areas.

Hidden Off-Route Spots – The Cascade du Hérisson waterfall (10 km detour at exit 6) has a trail with four cascades. The Château d’Arlay (exit 9) offers wine tasting in a medieval cellar. For a quick hike, the Belvédère des Monts Jura viewpoint (5 min from exit 11) overlooks the Alps.