Introduction: The A31 Corridor Through Champagne and Lorraine
At Dijon's northern fringe, the A31 motorway begins its 265-kilometer journey northeast toward Metz. This route follows the ancient Roman road connecting the capitals of Burgundy and Lorraine. The driving time without stops is about 3 hours, but the real value lies in the diverse stops between Dijon and Metz.
Wondering how long to drive Dijon to Metz? Count 2 hours 45 minutes of pure highway, plus time for breaks. Is it worth driving Dijon to Metz? Absolutely—the route traverses the Burgundy Canal valleys, the Langres Plateau, and the Côtes de Meuse, offering vineyards, medieval towns, and World War I history.
| Segment | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dijon to Langres | 85 km | 55 min |
| Langres to Chaumont | 35 km | 25 min |
| Chaumont to Toul | 100 km | 1 hr 10 min |
| Toul to Metz | 45 km | 30 min |
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality
The A31 is well-maintained, with modern LED lighting near exits. Emergency phones every 2 km. Speed cameras are frequent, especially around Nancy. Section A31/A33 is known for dense traffic during holidays.
- Emergency phones: orange posts every 2 km
- Rest areas with EV charging: Aire de Choignes, Aire de Saint-Jean
Family and Child Suitability
Stop at Aire de Voie Sacrée near Verdun: has a WWII museum, playground, and family restrooms. The Aire de la Forêt de Haye includes a children's play structure and shaded picnic area.
- Playgrounds at specific rest areas
- Interactive museum at the Mémorial de Verdun (1 km detour)
Pet-Friendly Framework
Most rest areas have pet toileting zones. The Aire de la Meuse offers a dedicated fenced dog area. Hotels like ibis Metz Centre accept pets.
- Dog parks at Aire de la Meuse and Aire de Tronville
- Pet-friendly restaurants in Toul: Café de la Paix
Fatigue Management and Rest Zones
Strategy: stop every 90 minutes. Recommended stops: Langres (historical walk) and Toul (waterfront break). The Aire de la Voie Sacrée has a 24-hour café.
- Stop 1: Langres (55 min from Dijon) – walk the ramparts
- Stop 2: Aire de la Forêt de Haye (midway) – nap pods
- Stop 3: Toul (15 min from Metz) – relax by the Moselle
Hidden Off-Route Spots
Detour 10 km east of exit 7 to the Lac de la Madine for a secluded beach. Near Bar-le-Duc, the Ornain River gorges offer quiet hiking. The village of Bure (exit 5.1) has a medieval church.
- Lac de la Madine: swimming, sailing
- Forêt de la Reine: rare orchid fields in spring
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
Natural Landscapes and Attractions
The route skirts the Langres Plateau, a karst region dotted with lakes and forests. Near Domrémy-la-Pucelle, the Meuse Valley offers hiking trails. The Barrois region (between Bar-le-Duc and Saint-Mihiel) features limestone cliffs and the Lac de la Madine for swimming.
- Langres: fortified hilltop town, panoramic views
- Lac de la Madine: 6 km from A31 exit 9, beach and water sports
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
While not directly on the highway, the route offers access to two UNESCO sites: the Great Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (35 min detour from Dijon) and the Palace of Tau in Reims (1 hour detour). The fortified churches of the Meuse region are candidates.
- Arc-et-Senans: 18th-century industrial architecture
- Reims Cathedral: Gothic masterpiece, 80 km from Châlons-en-Champagne
Local Commerce and Culture
Markets in Langres (Saturday) and Metz (Sunday) sell local produce: Époisses cheese from Burgundy, Mirabelle plums from Lorraine. The A31 corridor is dotted with roadside sellers of fresh bread and wine.
- Langres: Friday market on Place de la Mairie
- Vaucouleurs: medieval architecture, Joan of Arc heritage
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
Fuel and Route Economics
Major fuel stations along A31 include Total and Esso at Langres (exit 5) and Toul (exit 10). Expect diesel prices around €1.80/L. The entire route is tolled: toll costs from Dijon to Metz total about €18.70 for a standard car.
- Burgundy Canal rest area (km 50): picnic tables, toilets
- Aire de la Meuse: panoramic view of the Meuse River
- Aire de Chalindrey: playground, pet area
Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics
Best traveled May–October. Winter brings fog on the Langres Plateau (altitude 470m). The route passes through rolling hills of Champagne vineyards near Bar-sur-Aube and the forested hills of Lorraine. For tips on finding best stops between cities, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
- Spring: wildflowers along the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne
- Autumn: golden leaves in the Lorraine Regional Natural Park
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Dijon to Metz?
Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes without stops, but plan 3.5–4 hours with breaks.
What are the best stops between Dijon and Metz?
Langres, Bar-le-Duc, Toul, and the Lac de la Madine are top picks.
Are there tolls on the A31?
Yes, the total toll cost is about €18.70 for a car.
Is the route suitable for pets?
Yes, many rest areas have pet zones and hotels accept pets.
What scenic landscapes can I expect?
Rolling Burgundy vineyards, the Langres Plateau, and the Meuse River valley.
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