Dijon to Blois Road Trip: Best Stops, Routes & Tips

The route from Dijon to Blois covers approximately 320 kilometers, passing through the heart of the Loire Valley. The fastest option is via the A19 and A71 motorways, taking about 3 hours 15 minutes without stops. However, a hidden gem of this drive lies just off the A19 at exit 5: the medieval village of Saint-Fargeau, where the local Sunday market serves fresh goat cheese from a farm that has operated since the 12th century. This road trip offers a blend of efficient highway driving and detours into France's pastoral soul.

• Highway A19 is toll-free, A71 is tolled (approx €15 total)
• Alternative scenic route via D2 and D940 adds 1 hour but passes through vineyards
• Best stops Dijon to Blois include Auxerre, Bourges, and Château de Chambord

Infrastructure safety is high: the A19 has emergency phones every 2 km and orange light signals for traffic warnings. Speed cameras are frequent, especially around toll plazas. The A71 has average speed cameras covering long sections.

• Rest areas on A19: Aire de la Puisaye (playground, picnic tables) and Aire de l'Eure (pet-friendly walking trail)
• Family stop: Parc Floral de la Source in Orléans (€10 adults, free under 6) with butterfly greenhouse and maze
• Pet-friendly: Les Jardins de la Forteresse in Lorris (free, dogs off-leash allowed in designated area)

Fatigue management: The drive is not monotonous, but the flat Loire section can induce drowsiness. Take a break every 2 hours. The Aire de Briare (exit 18 on A77) has a coffee shop and panoramic view of the Briare aqueduct.

Hidden off-route spots: Just 10 km from the A19, the town of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye hosts the Colette Museum, dedicated to the novelist, in a 15th-century house. Also, the Arboretum des Barres (30 min from A19) boasts a collection of 3,000 tree species with free admission.

For tips on finding hidden gems, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

How long to drive Dijon to Blois? The quickest route on the A19 from Dijon to Blois takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. However, you should factor in time for fuel, food, and sightseeing. Is it worth driving Dijon to Blois? Absolutely, especially if you love wine, châteaux, and medieval towns.

• Fuel stations every 20-30 km on highways; premium diesel €1.80/L avg
• Rest areas (aires) with picnic tables and playgrounds at A19 exit 4 and A71 exit 1
• Distance between major fuel stops: Dijon (A19) -> Joigny (60 km) -> Montargis (50 km) -> Orléans (70 km) -> Blois (50 km)

For electric vehicles, there are fast-charging stations at the Aire de Joigny (exit 18 on A6) and Aire de Saran (A10). Both have at least 4 150kW chargers. Availability is generally good, but avoid lunch hours (12-2pm) when competition is highest.

Road quality is excellent on the A19 and A71, with smooth asphalt and clear signage. The A19 is a newer motorway (opened in 2009) with light traffic. National routes (D940) are well-maintained but narrower.

The drive transitions from the Burgundy vineyards of the Côte d'Or to the flat farmlands of the Loire Valley. Just south of Dijon, the A6 passes through the Auxois hills, with views of the Château de Commarin. As you join the A19, the landscape opens into vast wheat fields dotted with silos.

• Vineyard detour: D974 to Chablis (20 min from A19 exit 19) for a tasting at Domaine de la Cadette
• Forest of Fontainebleau: Detour via A6 exit 15 for a 30-min walk to the Rocher de la Reine
• Loire vineyarded hills: The D952 from Gien to Blois offers panoramic views of the river

Local commerce along the route thrives on farm-to-table produce. In Joigny, the Les Halles market (Saturday mornings) sells Burgundy truffles and Epoisses cheese. In Orléans, the Rue de Bourgogne is lined with chocolatiers and bakeries.

For a unique souvenir, stop at the Poterie de la Loire in Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, where artisans hand-throw pottery using local clay. Prices range from €15-40. Alternatively, the honey farm in Lailly-en-Val (Rucher de la Plaine) sells varietal honey from acacia to chestnut.