Montreux to Exeter Road Trip: Ultimate Guide to Scenic Driving

The road from Montreux, Switzerland, to Exeter, England, spans roughly 900 kilometers (560 miles) and crosses three countries. A peculiar fact: the route follows the ancient Via Francigena pilgrim path near Lausanne and passes through the longest underwater road tunnel in the world—the 24-km Channel Tunnel. This drive is a study in contrasts: Alpine passes, French farmland, and English moors.

Determining whether it is worth driving Montreux to Exeter depends on your appetite for variety. The journey offers a blend of lake views, châteaux, and coastal charm. Average driving time is 9-10 hours without stops, but plan for a full day with breaks. This guide answers how long to drive Montreux to Exeter and highlights the best stops Montreux to Exeter.

For finding unique stops along any route, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route is well-maintained, but mountain passes near Montreux require caution in winter. In France, autoroutes have emergency phones every 2 km. For families, break at Parc Asterix near Paris or the Cité Europe shopping centre in Calais.

• Child-friendly stops: Swiss Vaporama steam train museum (Montreux), Nausicaá aquarium (Boulogne-sur-Mer), Crealy Adventure Park (Exeter).
• Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow dogs on leads; UK requires pet passport and tapeworm treatment.
• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours; ideal rest zones include Aire de la Haute Vallée de la Somme (A16) and Moto Service Area on M5.

Hidden off-route spots: Visit the village of Yvoire on Lake Geneva (detour 15 min), the medieval town of Provins (UNESCO, 1 hr detour), or Dungeness nuclear power station viewing point in Kent (quirky).

The primary highways are the Swiss A9, French A1 (or A6 via Paris), and UK M20/M5. Tolls in France are around €50 total. Fuel prices vary: in Switzerland CHF 1.70/L, France €1.80/L, UK £1.50/L. Plan to refuel near the border for savings.

• Swiss vignette required: CHF 40 for annual pass.
• French toll booths accept credit cards; keep cash for UK tolls (e.g., Dartford Crossing £2.50).
• Channel Tunnel cost from £80 one-way; book in advance for discounts.

Driving on the right (Switzerland/France) then left (UK) requires adjustment. Major rest areas like Aire de l'Arbre (A1) have clean facilities and picnic spots.

From Montreux, the A9 skirts Lake Geneva with views of vineyards and the Dents du Midi. As you descend into France, the landscape opens into the Burgundy region, known for its rolling hills and historic villages like Vézelay—a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• UNESCO sites: Vézelay Abbey, Reims Cathedral (both on route).
• Natural highlights: Jura Mountains, Champagne vineyards, White Cliffs of Dover.
• Local commerce: buy Swiss chocolate at Montreux market, French cheese in Reims, English clotted cream in Devon.

Culinary stops: enjoy fondue in Montreux, try a galette in Burgundy, sample champagne in Reims, and finish with a pasty in Exeter.