Montpellier to Besançon Road Trip: Scenic Routes & Hidden Gems

Just north of Montpellier, the A75 autoroute passes within 500 meters of the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct—though you’d never know it from the highway. This three-tiered Roman bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the first major landmark on your journey to Besançon. The drive covers 480 km (300 miles) and takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes nonstop via the A75, A711, A71, and A6 routes. However, savvy travelers know the best stops are off the autoroute, and this guide will show you how to find them.

The route climbs from sea level at Montpellier (10 m) to the Jura plateau around Besançon (250 m), passing through the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne and the wine country of Burgundy. The drive is a masterclass in French geography: within two hours you can go from Mediterranean garrigue to alpine pastures. Use this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

The primary highway for the first two-thirds is the A75 (La Méridienne), a toll-free route except for the Millau Viaduct (€8.70 toll). Once you merge onto the A71 near Clermont-Ferrand, tolls apply until the A6 to Dijon and Besançon. Expect total tolls around €45 for a standard car. Fuel stations are abundant: every 20-30 km along the A75 and A71. However, prices rise near autoroute exits. Fill up at hypermarkets like Leclerc or Carrefour in towns such as Millau, Saint-Flour, or Montmarault for savings of up to €0.15 per liter.

To answer the question “how long to drive Montpellier to Besançon,” plan for 5-6 hours with brief breaks. The route is well-suited for electric vehicles, with fast chargers (Ionity, TotalEnergies) at most service areas every 50 km. Notably, the aire de L'Hospitalet-du-Larzac (A75, km 50) has 350 kW chargers. For diesel cars, the stretch through the Massif Central (especially between Saint-Chély-d'Apcher and Clermont-Ferrand) offers lower elevation changes, reducing consumption.

The route traverses four distinct natural regions: the limestone causses of the Larzac, the basaltic plateaus of the Aubrac, the volcanic Chaine des Puys, and the wine hills of Burgundy. Each offers unique photo opportunities. The Tarn Gorges (30 km detour from A75 exit 47) provide vertiginous cliffs and the medieval village of Sainte-Enimie. For hikers, the Puy de Dôme volcano (detour from A71 exit 4) rewards with panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys.

Local markets punctuate the drive: on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Place de la Préfecture in Millau offers local Roquefort cheese and glove-making artisans. In Clermont-Ferrand, the Saint-Pierre market sells volcanic cheeses like Saint-Nectaire and Cantal. At Dijon, the weekly market on Place de la Libération is a feast for the senses with Burgundy snails, crème de cassis, and mustard makers. Don’t miss the Maison Millière for a tasting.

For those pondering “is it worth driving Montpellier to Besançon,” the answer is yes if you love dramatic landscapes and gastronomic diversity. The A75 section rivals the famous Route des Crêtes, and the A6 through Burgundy is lined with vineyards just waiting for a detour.

The A75 has excellent safety records with wide shoulders and modern barriers. However, the A6 south of Dijon is older with sections that are narrow and winding; speed cameras are frequent. The most dangerous stretch is the descent from the Massif Central (A75 near Massiac) where fog can suddenly appear. Always check Météo France for conditions. Rest areas (aires) are positioned every 20 km on the A75 and A71, with clean toilets and vending machines.

Family-friendly stops include: Aire de Viaduc de Millau (playground and museum), Aire de la Planèze (A75, km 180) with a miniature farm, and the Aire de Pouilly-en-Auxois (A38) with a cable car to a panoramic tower. For pets, service areas like Aire de la Couze (A75) have designated dog zones and water bowls. Most hotels along the route (Ibis Budget, Campanile) accept pets with a small fee.

To combat driver fatigue, the French government mandates rest breaks every 2 hours. Use apps like WayRo to identify hidden gems. The drive features long straight sections on the A71 that can cause monotony. Recommended break at: Clermont-Ferrand (3h parking, L'Orient café), Chalon-sur-Saône (Picardie park), or the Jardin des Plantes in Besançon.