Kilkenny to Blois Road Trip: Best Stops & Driving Guide

At the Nore River in Kilkenny, the 52.6503° N latitude, the journey begins on the M9 motorway heading south. The route to Blois (47.5850° N, 1.3352° E) spans roughly 950 km (590 miles) including a ferry crossing from Rosslare to Cherbourg or Roscoff. The estimated driving time, excluding ferry, is about 10 hours across Ireland, Wales, England, and France. A unique logistical twist: the Irish and UK road signs show distances in miles and yards, while French signs are metric – a quirk drivers must adapt to at the port.

The direct ferry to Cherbourg (Stena Line) lands you near the Cotentin Peninsula. From there, the A13 then A10 autoroutes lead to Blois. For tips on maximizing your journey, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route offers a fascinating blend of Celtic, British, and French landscapes.

From the green drumlins of County Wexford to the chalk cliffs of the Normandy coastline, the route offers dramatic transitions. The Wexford coast near Rosslare features sandy beaches and the Saltee Islands bird sanctuary. In Normandy, the Cotentin Peninsula reveals bocage (hedged fields) and the historic town of Bayeux (home to the Bayeux Tapestry, a UNESCO Memory of the World).

• UNESCO sites near the route: Mont Saint-Michel (off the A84, but a 30-min detour from the Caen area), Palace and Park of Versailles (near Paris), Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (includes Château de Chambord and Blois).
• Best stops for landscapes: The White Cliffs of Étretat (if you take the A28 via Dieppe), the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, and the Sologne forest south of Orléans.
• Local commerce: Farmers' markets in Caen (Wednesday/Sunday) and Tours (Saturday) offer Norman cider, Calvados, goat cheese, and Loire wines.

A cultural highlight: In the Loire Valley, the châteaux (Chambord, Cheverny, Blois) epitomize Renaissance architecture. The town of Blois itself has a charming old quarter with half-timbered houses and a bustling market on place Louis XII.

Fuel costs vary significantly: Ireland petrol prices average €1.70/L, UK around £1.50/L, France about €1.80/L. Plan to fill up in the UK (cheaper) before the Channel. Toll roads in France (A13, A10) cost approximately €45 total for a car from Cherbourg to Blois. The autoroute péage accepts credit cards or cash. Rest areas (aires) occur every 20 km, with fuel stations open 24/7 on major routes.

• Fast-charging for EVs: Many hypermarkets (Leclerc, Super U) have rapid chargers in France. In UK, Motorway Service Areas (MSA) have Tesla Superchargers.
• Paperwork: Bring vehicle registration, passport, and a green card insurance (valid in EU). For UK-flagged vehicles, UK sticker required.
• Speed limits: Ireland 120 km/h, UK 70 mph (112 km/h), France 130 km/h (110 km/h when raining).

Weather impacts: Winter gales can delay ferries; summer brings heavy traffic around Paris. The best time to drive is May-June or September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds. A detailed guide to stop planning can help balance speed with discovery.

Motorways in France are well-maintained with good signage, but fatigue is a risk on long straight sections. The recommended rest every two hours is enforced by many rest areas with picnic tables and playgrounds. Notable family-friendly stops: Futuroscope (near Poitiers, off the A10) has thrill rides and 3D shows. For a quieter break, Parc Floral de la Source in Orléans offers botanical gardens and a small zoo.

• Pet-friendly: Most French motorway rest areas allow dogs on leash; some aires include dog-walking areas. Many hotels in Blois accept pets.
• Safety: French police conduct random breathalyzer checks; carry a reflective vest and warning triangle (mandatory). Emergency number: 112.
• Hidden off-route spots: The village of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault (Indre) is a detour 45 min south of the A10, with medieval ramparts and a lovely square.

For families, the city of Le Mans (home to the 24 Hours race) offers a museum and a fun karting track. In Blois, the Maison de la Magie (magic museum) delights children. Plan for a minimum of 3-4 hours of breaks per full driving day to maintain alertness. See how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for more ideas.