Metz to Mulhouse Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Route Guide

The 280-kilometer drive from Metz to Mulhouse follows the A4 and A36 motorways, passing through the historical region of Lorraine into Alsace. Notably, near the town of Lunéville, the landscape shifts abruptly from open plains to the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. This road trip reveals a forgotten slice of French history: the Dukes of Lorraine once controlled the route, and their legacy lingers in roadside châteaux.

Driving from Metz to Mulhouse typically takes 2 hours and 45 minutes without traffic. The fastest path is via the A31 to Nancy, then the A33 to Lunéville, before joining the A4 east toward Strasbourg and finally the A35 south to Mulhouse. but this guide explores why you should slow down and take the scenic D-sections.

Here is a quick reference table for the route:

The route traverses three distinct landscapes: the Lorraine plateau, the Vosges foothills, and the Alsatian plain. Between Nancy and Lunéville, the landscape is flat farmland dotted with medieval villages. Near Sarrebourg, the terrain rises, and forests of beech and pine dominate. The descent into Alsace reveals vineyards and half-timbered towns.

• Natural Attractions: The Saverne Pass (Col de Saverne) offers panoramic views; stop at the Rocher de Dabo for a 360° vista of the Vosges.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Strasbourg's Grande Île (45-min detour) and the Strasbourg Cathedral are UNESCO-listed. Also within a 30-minute detour: the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (listed).
• Local Commerce: In the village of Marmoutier, the weekly market sells Mirabelle plum products. Near Obernai, roadside stalls offer kougelhopf cakes and Alsatian wines.
• Culinary Stops: Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Saverne serves choucroute; Winstub du Sommelier in Colmar offers tarte flambée.

The main arteries are the A4/E25 and A36/E60 motorways, both well-maintained toll roads. Tolls cost approximately €0.10 per kilometer, totaling around €28 for the full trip. Fuel stations are abundant every 20-30 km on the autoroute, but prices rise near tourist zones like the Alsace Wine Route. For fuel efficiency, expect petrol consumption of 7-8 L/100 km; diesel 5-6 L/100 km.

• Estimated fuel cost (petrol): €35-€40
• Diesel estimate: €25-€30
• Topography affects consumption: the climb into the Vosges adds 5-10% extra fuel use.
• Cheapest fuel stations: Leclerc hypermarkets in Nancy and Colmar.

Night illumination is excellent on the A4/A36, with full lighting in urban sections. Safety cameras are common; adhere to speed limits (130 km/h dry, 110 km/h wet). Emergency call points every 2 km. For those pondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider exiting at Sarrebourg or Saverne.

Road surface quality is high on autoroutes, but sections near the Vosges can be winding and slippery after rain. Night driving is safe with proper illumination; however, deer crossings are common in forested areas between Sarrebourg and Saverne. Pets are welcome at most rest areas; the Aire de Saverne has a designated dog walking area and a pet-friendly cafe.

• Family Stops: The Parc de l'Orangerie in Strasbourg has a playground and boat rides. The Cité du Train in Mulhouse is a massive railway museum loved by children. The Europol Zoo in Colmar (small but interactive) is another good option.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: The Abbaye de Senones, 5 minutes from the A4 exit 12, is a ruined abbey in a silent valley. The Château du Haut-Barr, also 5 minutes off the A4 near Saverne, offers ruins and a dramatic bridge.
• Fatigue Management: The Aire de Lunéville Sud rest area has shaded picnic tables and a short walking trail. The Aire de Rosheim (A35) is a well-equipped area with private sleeping cabins available for rent.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Many rest stops have waste bag dispensers. In Colmar, the Jardin d’hiver cafe welcomes dogs with water bowls.