Eguisheim to Metz: Ultimate Alsace-Lorraine Road Trip Guide

Driving from Eguisheim to Metz covers roughly 170 kilometers (106 miles) via the A35 and A4 autoroutes, typically taking 1 hour 50 minutes without traffic. This journey traces the ancient Via Domitia, linking the Alsatian wine route to the Lorraine plateau.

The first 30 kilometers from Eguisheim to Colmar feature gentle vineyard slopes before ascending the Vosges foothills near Sélestat. From there, the A35 cuts through the Saverne Gap—a narrow valley carved by the Zorn River—before merging onto the A4 near Strasbourg. The final stretch to Metz rolls across the Lorraine plain, where the horizon opens wide.

Whether you're asking is it worth driving Eguisheim to Metz? Absolutely—this corridor offers a condensed tour of eastern French geography, from wine country to industrial history. For tips on unearthing lesser-known stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Route Quick Facts

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Autumn fog is common near Saverne (October–November), reducing visibility to 100 m at sunrise. Summer thunderstorms can cause sudden downpours on the A4 near Haguenau. The best sunset viewpoint is from the A35 rest area near Heiligenstein (km 55), where the sun sets behind the Vosges.

• Wind alerts: Gusts > 70 km/h possible in the Saverne Gap during winter.
• Seasonal beauty: Apple blossom in April near Obernai, golden vineyards in September.

Family and Child Suitability: The A35 rest area at Kintzheim (km 75) has a playground and picnic tables. The Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse (detour 20 min south of Eguisheim) is a large car museum with interactive exhibits. Near the A35 exit 22, the Eco-Musée d'Alsace offers farm animals and traditional houses.

• Rest stops with activities: Aire de Brumath (A4) has a small botanical garden.
• Interactive museums: Maison de la Nature in Saverne (entrance fee €6).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most Aire de services (motorway rest stops) allow dogs on a leash. The Aire de Saverne (A4, km 46) has a designated dog walking area with waste bags. Many Alsatian winstubs are pet-friendly; check with Auberge de l'Ill in advance. In Metz, the Jardin Botanique permits leashed dogs.

• Recommended pet rest: Aire d'Obernai (A35) has a large grassy field.
• Pet-friendly cafes: Café de la Paix in Saverne (terrace accepts dogs).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan to stop every 1.5 hours. The A35 has a rest area at Molsheim (km 78) with shaded parking and a coffee vending machine near the Aire de Molsheim. For a nap, the Aire de Brumath (A4, km 56) has a 'Relax and Sleep' pod rental (€5 for 30 minutes). Safe parking overnight: Aire de Saverne is well-lit with security cameras.

• Best coffee: Relais Aire de Vendenheim (in-house espresso bar).
• Quick nap spots: Aire de Kochersberg (A35, quiet zone).

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Within 5 km of the main highways, the ruined Château du Haut-Barr (exit 42, then 3 km) offers a 360° view accessible by a short hike. The abandoned Narbonne-Saverne aqueduct near Phalsbourg (A4 exit 44, then 2 km) is a 19th-century leftover. The tiny village of Dabo (5 km from A4 exit 43) has a charming chapel on a sandstone rock.

• Directions to Haut-Barr: From exit 42, follow D45 for 3 km.
• Parking: Free at base of castle.

Fuel and Route Economics: The A35 has fuel stations every 15–20 km, with cheaper gas near Nancy and Metz due to competition. Expect petrol costs around €1.85/L; a full tank (50 L) costs ~€92. This topography consumes moderate fuel except on the A4 incline near Phalsbourg, where efficiency drops by about 8%. Using cruise control at 110 km/h rather than 130 km/h saves approximately 2 liters over the journey.

• Cost breakdown: Tolls ~€12, fuel ~€15 (based on 7 L/100km).
• Eco stations: Relais d'Achen (A4, km 48) offers biofuel.
• Tunnel tolls: None on this route.

Road Quality and Safety: The A35 and A4 are well-maintained with modern asphalt. The Saverne Gap (A4 between Saverne and Phalsbourg) has sharper curves and reduced speed limits (90 km/h). Night illumination is good except on the A35 north of Strasbourg. The A4 has emergency phones every 2 km. Tollgates on the A4 require payment by card or cash; no electronic tags necessary.

• Construction zones: Currently (2025) near the A35/A4 interchange at Vendenheim.
• Speed cameras: Fixed radars at A35 km 22 (northbound) and A4 km 54.

Geographical Shifts: The route transitions from the Vosges vineyards (Eguisheim to Colmar) to the rolling hills of the Kochersberg (Strasbourg area), then the heavily forested Vosges du Nord (Saverne Gap), and finally the open farmland of the Lorraine plateau. The most dramatic view is at the Col de Saverne viewpoint (exit 44, A4), where the Vosges suddenly drop into the Alsace plain.

• Notable panoramas: Mont Sainte-Odile (detour 10 min from A35).
• River crossings: Zorn near Saverne, Seille near Nancy.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Two UNESCO sites lie within 30 km of the route. Strasbourg's Grande Île (a short detour at exit 3 A35) is a UNESCO site since 1988. Metz's Place Saint-Louis and the historic center are part of the UNESCO creative cities network (2019) but are not inscribed sites themselves. The closest official UNESCO object is the Upper German Raetian Limes near Saverne, but its remains are minimal.

Culinary Infrastructure: Alsace offers winstubs serving choucroute and tarte flambée. Look for Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern (detour 15 min from Colmar). On the A4, the area around Phalsbourg has bouchons with Lorraine quiche and Mirabelle plum tarts. Near Metz, try Quiche Lorraine Original at its birthplace in Nancy (30 km detour).

• Regional specialties: Alsatian Munster cheese, Lorraine madeleines, Bergamot candies from Nancy.
• Recommended stops: Relais de Saverne (Aire de Saverne) for fresh Kouglof.

Local Commerce & Culture: Weekly markets in Obernai (Wednesday) and Wasselonne (Saturday). Look for ceramic stalls in the village of Soufflenheim (detour 5 km from A35). Metz's covered market (Marché de la Cathédrale) sells regional products like mirabelle jam.