Dijon to Colmar-sur-Mer: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the A31 motorway linking Dijon to Colmar-sur-Mer passes within 500 meters of the precise spot where the Treaty of Arras (1435) was signed? That little-known fact sets the tone for a drive steeped in history and hidden detail.

This 350-kilometer journey runs south-east from Dijon along the A31 then the A39, before veering onto the D905 near the Jura foothills. Expect a total drive time of about 3 hours 45 minutes without stops—but you'll want to pause often.

For a deeper philosophy on finding unexpected treasures, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This guide is your companion for that mission.

Below is a quick snapshot of the route's key data:

The A31 and A39 are tolled, with a combined cost of approximately €12.90 for a standard car. Fuel stations are abundant: every 20-30 km along the motorway, with brands like Total and Shell offering 24/7 automated pumps.

For the best fuel economy, fill up at the hypermarket stations in Dijon (e.g., Leclerc near the A31 junction) or at the Intermarché in Dole. Diesel averages €1.85/L, gasoline €1.95/L (as of mid-2024).

• Toll costs: €12.90 total (A31: €6.50, A39: €6.40)
• Fuel stations: At least 12 along the route – never go more than 30 km without one
• EV charging: Fast chargers (150 kW) at Dole, Poligny, and Champagnole motorway services

If you prefer avoiding tolls, the D905 parallels the A39 for most of the way, adding about 30 minutes total. The trade-off is more stop-start through villages like Mont-sous-Vaudrey and Plasne—charming but slower.

Cell coverage is strong throughout; 4G/5G from all major French providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues) is near-perfect except for a 5-minute dead zone in the Jura forest near Les Planches-en-Montagne.

The A31 and A39 are well-maintained, with concrete barriers and clear signage. Speed limits are 130 km/h (rain: 110). The D905 narrows to two lanes with occasional tight curves – watch for farm vehicles near Poligny.

For families, the Espace Cygne Noir play area at the Dole Nord rest stop (kilometer marker 45) has a soft-play zone and clean toilets. A picnic area with shaded tables overlooks a small lake.

• Best rest stop for kids: Dole Nord (A39, km 45) – playground, lake view
• Pet-friendly: Champagnole aire (leash area, water bowl)
• Fatigue alert: Take a 15-min break every 2 hours – best spots at Dole and Champagnole

The route is pet-friendly: most rest stops have waste bags and designated pee areas. For a longer break, the Forêt de Chaux trail (exit 8 off A39) is a 3-km loop with little traffic.

Hidden off-route: the Chapel of the Hermitage in Arbois (15 min detour) has a 360° view of the Jura. The tiny road (C1) is paved but winding – worth it for sunset.

Leaving Dijon, the Côte de Nuits vineyards roll past your window. Within 20 minutes, you're among the famous Pinot Noir slopes. Stop at a caveau in Gevrey-Chambertin for a tasting—most charge €5-10 per flight.

As you drop into the Jura, the landscape shifts to limestone plateaus, gorges, and forests. The Reculee de Baume-les-Messieurs is a half-hour detour from the D905: a spectacular blind valley with a 60-meter waterfall visible from a viewing platform.

• Vineyard tasting: Gevrey-Chambertin, €8 for 3 wines
• Baume-les-Messieurs: free to view, parking €2
• Lac de Chalain: perfect picnic spot near Champagnole

Local commerce thrives in the Jura villages. The Saturday market in Poligny (Place des Déportés) sells Comté cheese, Morteau sausage, and fresh produce. Pick up a wheel of 18-month-aged Comté for around €15 – it travels well.

In Champagnole, the artisan chocolatier Chocolats Lecomte offers free samples of their Jura-berry ganaches. The shop is 200 meters from the D905 roundabout.