Dijon to Besançon Road Trip: A Complete Guide

The 85-kilometer drive from Dijon to Besançon via the A36 autoroute typically takes 50 minutes to an hour without traffic, but the route offers far more than a quick commute. This stretch of highway cuts through the gentle rolling hills of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, where vineyards give way to limestone cliffs and dense forests. A fascinating historical detail: the A36 was built in part atop the ancient Roman road Via Agrippa, which connected Lyon to the Rhine, and you can still see traces of Roman milestones near the town of Arc-et-Senans.

This guide will help you decide is it worth driving Dijon to Besançon by uncovering best stops Dijon to Besançon and answering how long to drive Dijon to Besançon. For more tips on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A36 toll road runs between Dijon and Besançon with a toll cost of approximately €5.60 for the full journey. Several rest areas (aires) punctuate the road, including Aire de Labergement-lès-Seurre and Aire de Chaux-des-Crotenay. Fuel stations are available at these aires and at exits near Dole and at the Besançon-Viotte exit. The speed limit on the A36 is 130 km/h (80 mph) in dry conditions, dropping to 110 km/h (70 mph) in rain.

For GPS coordinates, starting point in Dijon: 47.3220° N, 5.0415° E. End point in Besançon: 47.2400° N, 6.0219° E.

• Toll cost: ~€5.60 (payable by credit card or cash at manned booths)
• Fuel station stops: Aire de Labergement-lès-Seurre (Total), Aire de Chaux-des-Crotenay (Shell)
• Best rest areas: Aire de la Loue (picnic area with view of Loue River)
• Traffic alerts: Check Bison Futé for roadworks, especially near Dole junction (A36/A39)

Recommended intermediate stop: Dole (exit 5) has a historic old town and a market on Saturdays. Another option: Arc-et-Senans (exit 4) for the Royal Saltworks. Driving the A36 is largely efficient, but allow extra time for sightseeing.

As you leave Dijon, the landscape transitions from the Côte de Nuits vineyards to the vast plain of the Saône River. Near Dole, the forest of Chaux—one of France's largest deciduous forests—appears to the east. Approaching Besançon, the road winds through the Jura foothills, with limestone cliffs and the meandering Doubs River becoming visible.

Key natural attractions: The Loue River springs near the village of Ouhans (a 15-minute detour from the A36) features a dramatic resurgence in a limestone cliff. The source of the Loue is a popular hiking spot.

• Best photo stop: Belvédère de la Roche d'Ully, overlooking the Loue valley (D101, 10 km off A36)
• Geological highlight: The Reculée de Noroy, a blind valley formed by limestone erosion (D117, 8 km from A36 exit 3)
• Flora and fauna: Look for wild orchids in the Côteaux de l'Albanais protected area

Local Commerce and Culture

Local markets are hubs of regional life. Dole's Saturday market at Place de la Mairie sells Burgundy cheeses (Époisses, Comté), charcuterie, and wines. In Arc-et-Senans, the Royal Saltworks offers artisanal salt products, and nearby woodworking artisans sell carved items in Salins-les-Bains. For souvenirs unique to the area, seek out Besançon's crystal glassware from the historic Cristalleries de Saint-Louis (founded 1586).

The A36 is a well-maintained modern highway with good lighting at interchanges and emergency call boxes every 2 km. Major hazards include sudden fog near the Doubs River valley and occasional wildlife crossings (deer and wild boar) near the forest of Chaux, especially at dawn and dusk. Speed cameras are common: fixed cameras at km 25 (near Auxonne) and km 50 (near Dole).

• Child-friendly stops: Aire de la Loue has a playground, picnic tables, and a botanical trail with signage in French and simple English.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most aires have designated dog exercise areas; the Aire de Labergement-lès-Seurre has a fenced dog run. Leash required.
• Fatigue management: Plan a break every 2 hours. The Aire de Chaux-des-Crotenay offers a quiet chapel and walking path for a quick stretch.

Hidden off-route spots: The ruined Château de Montrond (13th century) near Port-Lesney is a 10-minute detour from exit 4. Local tip: follow the D467 to the village of La Chapelle-sur-Furieuse for a peaceful cemetery with Romanesque church. For the best view of Besançon approaching from the west, take the D683 panoramic route (adds 15 minutes) instead of the A36 final stretch.