Gubbio to Metz Road Trip Guide: Stops, Scenery & Tips

Starting in the medieval Umbrian town of Gubbio (43.3515° N, 12.5768° E) and ending in the French city of Metz (49.1193° N, 6.1757° E), this 1,100 km route crosses the Apennines, Po Valley, Alps, and Jura. The drive takes roughly 11 hours without stops, but a three-day journey reveals layers of European history and landscape. The highest point is the Gotthard Pass (2,106 m), where the old road offers breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll encounter Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, and art nouveau architecture.

For the best experience, consider this guide that answers how long to drive Gubbio to Metz and is it worth driving Gubbio to Metz. Our how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities article offers further inspiration.

The route is well-maintained; Italian autostrade have emergency phones every 2 km. In the Alps, expect steep gradients and tunnels. Use headlights even during day. For night driving, Swiss sections are well-lit, but Italian A1 has sparse lighting between Bologna and Florence.

• Toll gates: Italian Autostrada uses Telepass or credit card; French tolls accept chip+pin.
• Speed limits: Italy 130 km/h, Switzerland 120 km/h, France 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain).

Family-friendly stops

• Parco della Città (Parma): playgrounds and a mini train.
• Museum of Transport (Lucerne): interactive exhibits for kids.
• Parc de la Seille (Metz): modern playground and dinosaur statues.

Pet-friendly cafes: Bar Centrale in Como allows dogs inside; in Lucerne, Café du Gondola has a dog menu.

Rest zones for fatigue

• Area di Servizio Chiorri Ovest (Lazio): quiet, shaded parking.
• Raststätte St. Gotthard Süd (Switzerland): panoramic rest area with nap rooms.
• Aire de Langres (France): rest area with clean bathrooms and coin-operated recliners.

The geography shifts dramatically: from Umbrian hills to the Po plain, then Alpine passes, Swiss lakes, and French plateaus. In Switzerland, the view of Lake Lucerne from the A2 is iconic. Near Bellinzona, you'll see three UNESCO-listed castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro).

• Umbria: rolling hills with olive groves and medieval villages.
• Po Valley: flat farmland with poplar rows; stop at Piacenza for local cheeses.
• Alps: granite peaks and pine forest; take the old Gotthard Pass (closed late Oct-May).

Local goods to buy

• Umbrian truffle oil (Gubbio).
• Swiss Tilsiter cheese (near Lucerne).
• French Mirabelle plum liqueur (Nancy).

Roadside stalls near Lake Lugano sell chestnuts and honey. In Metz, the covered market offers local wines and quiche.

The recommended route uses the A1/E35 from Gubbio to Milan, then A2/E35 through Switzerland via the Gotthard Tunnel (or Pass), and finally A5/E25 to Metz. Toll costs: Italian segment ~€25, Swiss vignette €40 (online purchase), French segment ~€15. Fuel costs approx. €130.

• Italian Autostrada: toll booths every 30 km, accept credit cards.
• Swiss motorway: vignette required (valid for 14 months from purchase).
• French A5: toll gates at Langres and Nancy.

Petrol stations are plentiful every 30-50 km on highways; in Switzerland, closed on Sundays except at rest areas. For fuel efficiency, maintain 110-120 km/h on the German-style autobahn sections.