Davos to Metz Road Trip: Alpine Escape to French Charm

Driving from Davos to Metz means descending from the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps to the rolling hills of Lorraine. A lesser-known fact: near the Rhine crossing at Basel, the route passes the Three Countries Bridge, a pedestrian-only arch bridge linking France, Germany, and Switzerland. This journey covers roughly 450 km on the A13, A3, and A35/E25 highways, taking about 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check Wayro's guide.

As you leave Davos, the landscape shifts from Alpine meadows to the Rhine Valley's orchards. Around Basel, the terrain flattens into the Alsace plain. The Vosges Mountains appear as a blue ridge near Strasbourg. For natural beauty, stop at the Röstigraben viewpoint (near the A3, exit 17) for panoramic shots of the Alps.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Place Stanislas in Nancy (30 min detour).
• Local delicacies: Buy Alsatian bredele cookies at roadside stands near Sélestat.
• Hidden off-route spot: The abandoned Chartreuse de Molsheim monastery (5 min off A35, exit 10).

Cultural stops include the Musée Würth in Erstein (free, modern art) and the Maison du Pain in Metz (bread museum. For more local color, visit the Friday market in Obernai (A35 exit 13), where artisans sell hand-painted pottery.

The journey begins on the A13 in Davos, transitions to the A3 near Chur, then follows the A35/E25 through Basel into France. Key highways include the A13 (Swiss) and A35 (French). Toll gates appear only on the French side after the border: the A35 between Strasbourg and Metz is toll-free, but the A4 from Strasbourg to Metz incurs a small fee (approx. €5). Fuel stations are frequent in Switzerland (every 30-40 km) but thin out in the Vosges region. Premium diesel is recommended for steep Alpine gradients.

• Estimated fuel cost: €60-75 (gasoline) for the whole trip.
• Fuel efficiency tip: Maintain 100 km/h on the A35 to save 10% fuel.
• Station density: 1 station every 20 km on Swiss side, every 50 km on French side after Strasbourg.

Road quality is excellent throughout: Swiss highways are smooth and well-lit (LED lighting at tunnels), while French A35 is well-maintained but dimly lit after 10 PM. Speed cameras are common in Switzerland (radar at the A13/A3 junction). Safety tip: watch for deer crossings near the Alsace vineyards, especially at dusk.

• Family-friendly: Europa-Park (Germany, 20 min detour from A5) or the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse.
• Pet-friendly: The Aire de la Hardt rest area (A35, km 45) has a designated dog park and waste bags.
• Fatigue management: The Aire de la Plaine du Rhin (A35, km 30) offers shaded parking with picnic tables for a nap.

Rest zones are spaced every 40 km on the A35. The Aire du Kochersberg (A35, km 60) has a coffee kiosk open 24/7. For a unique treat, stop at the roadside stand at Rue de la Gare, Dinsheim (A35 exit 11) for fresh mirabelle plums in season.