Exeter to Sion Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The A38 and A30 in Devon are known for their narrow, winding sections near Dartmoor—a stark contrast to the straight, flat autoroutes of the Rhône Valley. This route spans roughly 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) along the A38, M5, M25, M20, and then through France (A16, A26, A5, A6) into Switzerland (A1, A9) to Sion. Estimated driving time is 12–14 hours without breaks, but with recommended stops, plan for 2–3 days. Minor keyword: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

This guide covers logistics, landscapes, safety, and hidden gems. Below is a quick reference table for key segments.

The drive begins in the rolling hills of Devon, transitions to the chalk cliffs of Dover, then the flat plains of northern France. South of Reims, the landscape becomes more undulating with vineyards. The Jura mountains surprise with dense forests, and finally the Rhône valley opens to alpine views near Sion. UNESCO sites: the entire historic center of Reims (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Tau) and the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces near Lausanne (a short detour on A9).

• Exeter to Dover: Hilly countryside, then flat Kent farmland. Best sunrise stop: Castle Hill, Sidmouth (A3052).
• Dover to Reims: Flat till Arras, then chalk hills. Sunset spot: viewpoint near Laon (A26).
• Reims to Dijon: Vineyards and rolling hills. Stop at Aire de la Côte des Bar for panoramas.
• Dijon to Sion: Jura forests and Alpine valleys. Lake Geneva views at Aire de Lavaux.

Local commerce: in Devon, purchase clotted cream and cider. In Champagne, buy local champagne from growers (signs along A26). In Jura, find Comté cheese and Jura wine. In Sion, the local Valais wine (Petite Arvine) and rye bread are must-tries. Roadside stalls are common in the Swiss Alps for cheese and sausages.

Fuel economy varies: in the UK, expect 8–10 L/100km for a typical car; in France, autoroutes allow higher speeds (130 km/h) reducing efficiency slightly. Petrol stations are abundant along the M5 and French autoroutes, but between Dijon and Sion, especially in the Jura mountains, stations are spaced 30–50 km apart. Plan to fill up before entering mountainous sections.

• Estimated fuel cost: ~€180–220 for the whole trip (diesel) at current prices (€1.70/L).
• Tolls in France: approximately €80–100 for the entire French portion (A16, A26, A5, A6).
• Swiss motorway vignette required: CHF 40 (valid for a year).

Road quality is excellent on motorways. In the UK, sections of the A38 near Devon have poor lighting and occasional potholes. French autoroutes are well-lit and maintained. Swiss A9 is modern but has tunnels and bridges. Night driving is safe on all these roads, but watch for wildlife in the Jura region.

• Key rest areas: Exeter Services (M5), Folkestone Services (M20), Reims-Champagne TGV, Aire de Dijon-Sud, Resting area at Montreux (A9).

Infrastructure safety: UK roads have hard shoulders; French autoroutes have emergency phones every 2 km; Swiss roads have tunnels with fire equipment. Night illumination is good throughout, but in the Jura, some tunnels have poor lighting. Always carry a reflective vest and warning triangle (required by law in France and Switzerland).

• Family stops: The Big Sheep (Devon, A39), Cité des Enfants in Reims (indoor science museum), Aquarium de Touraine (near A10 detour), Swiss Vapeur Parc (Le Bouveret, A9).
• Pet-friendly: Bosphorus Bridge dog park (near Ashford, M20), Aire de la Canche dog walking area (A16), Montreux lake promenade (A9).

Fatigue management: best rest zones for a nap include the M5 Exeter Services (sofas and quiet rooms), Aire de Reims-Champagne (designated rest area with trees), Aire de Dijon-Sud (quiet parking). In Switzerland, the Aire de Châtel-Saint-Denis (A12) has picnic benches and shade. Hidden off-route spots: the abandoned village of Champillon (A26, exit 22) — a 5-minute drive to a ghost hamlet with ruins. Also, the ruined Château de Belvoir (A36, exit 3) in the Jura.

Frequently asked questions:

• Best stops Exeter to Sion: Reims for champagne, Dijon for mustard, Montreux for lakeside.
• How long to drive Exeter to Sion: 12-14 hours pure driving, plan 2-3 days.
• Is it worth driving Exeter to Sion: Yes, for the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.
• Things to do between Exeter and Sion: Visit Stonehenge (detour near A303), explore the White Cliffs of Dover, taste champagne in Épernay, visit Dijon's Palais des Ducs, walk in Lavaux vineyards.