Nottingham to Sion Drive: Ultimate Cross-Country Guide

This 1,100 km route begins at Nottingham's medieval castle and ends at Sion's Valère Basilica, crossing four countries. The A1(M) south from Nottingham carries you past the remnants of Sherwood Forest before merging onto the M25 near London. A precise fact: the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone sits exactly 330 km from Nottingham, a drive that typically takes 3.5 hours in light traffic.

The route uses the A1(M) (UK), M25, A20/M20 to Folkestone, then the Channel Tunnel (Le Shuttle) to Calais. From Calais, take the A16, A1 (France), A26, A5, A31, and finally the A9 into Switzerland. Toll roads: most French motorways are tolled except near cities. Expect tolls around €50 total. The A9 in Switzerland requires a vignette (annual pass €40).

• Fuel: 6-8 stations per 100 km in France; fewer in Switzerland near mountains.
• Currency: UK pounds, euros in France, Swiss francs in Switzerland. Keep cash for tolls and remote stations.
• Time: total drive time 9-10 hours plus stops and tunnel crossing (35 min train).

French motorways are well-maintained with excellent lighting near towns, but remote sections (e.g., A5 between Troyes and Dijon) are poorly lit. Watch for speed cameras. In Switzerland, tunnels are strict with speed limits and emergency lanes. Always keep headlights on in Swiss tunnels.

• Family spots: Nausicaá aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer (1 km off A16). At Reims, the Palais du Tau museum. In Dijon, the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne.
• Pet-friendly: Many French rest stops have designated dog walks. Café des Sports in Troyes allows dogs on terrace.
• Fatigue: Best rest zones are Aire de Sommesous on A26 (quiet, shaded), Aire de Pouilly-en-Auxois on A6 (panoramic view, coffee).

how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities – learn how to spot unmarked viewpoints and village detours. Example: just off A26 exit 13, the village of Laon with its Gothic cathedral is a hidden gem.

Hidden off-route: The deserted village of Gigny-sur-Saône (5 min from A6 exit 27) features an abandoned 12th-century priory. Another: the rock-cut church of Saint-Émiland (A6 exit 24, 3 km).

As you drive south from Calais, the flat plains of Picardy gradually give way to the rolling hills of Champagne. The A26 cuts through vineyards near Épernay, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Champagne hillsides). Further south, the A5 crosses the Morvan hills, a lesser-known green gem. Approaching Switzerland, the Jura mountains rise sharply, offering dramatic vistas of alpine peaks.

• UNESCO Sites: Champagne region (short detour), Lateran Palace? No. Only Champagne along route.
• Local commerce: At roadside stalls near Reims, buy biscuit roses de Reims. In Burgundy, look for Dijon mustard and pain d'épices. At Swiss border, pick up Alpine cheese or dried meats.

For a scenic sunset, pull off at the Jura crest near Les Rousses (A40 exit 13) around 7pm in summer. The view over Lac Léman toward Mont Blanc is worth the 15-minute detour.