Reims to Besançon: Champagne, Cheese, and Vineyards on the A26-A5

The drive from Reims to Besançon covers about 390 kilometers via the A26 and A5 highways, typically taking 3 hours and 40 minutes without stops. One surprising fact: the route crosses the TGV high-speed rail line near Chaumont, a concrete viaduct that appears as a sudden futuristic monolith in the middle of rolling farmland.

Rather than a simple point-to-point transfer, this journey offers a gradual transition from the open plains of Champagne to the forested hills of the Jura. The A26 cuts through vineyards that produce the world’s most famous sparkling wine, while the A5 slips past the historic city of Langres and its formidable ramparts.

For travelers wondering is it worth driving Reims to Besançon—absolutely, because the middle leg hides exceptional medieval villages, cheese dairies, and viewpoint hikes. Use the technique described at how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to plan your breaks.

From Reims, the landscape is dominated by the Montagne de Reims, a low mountain covered in vineyards that produce the grapes for Champagne. The A26 wraps around this hill, offering glimpses of the vine rows climbing the slopes. Once past Châlons-en-Champagne, the terrain flattens into the vast Champagne crayeuse, a chalky plain used for cereal crops.

Near Troyes, the landscape shifts into the Pays d'Othe, a region of rolling hills and forests. The A5 tunnels through the Bois de la Dame, a dense deciduous woodland. This area is famous for its bouchère de Chaource cheese and the production of Andouillette, a coarse-grained sausage.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral (start of route)
• Palais du Tau, Reims (adjacent to the cathedral)
• Saint-Remi Basilica, Reims (9th-century abbey)
• On the route: the medieval city of Troyes (not a UNESCO site but its old town is a protected heritage zone)
• Near the end: the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (25 km detour from A36, world heritage)

Culinary Infrastructure

Reims is the birthplace of Champagne, with many Maisons offering tours (e.g., Pommery, Taittinger). In the Marne valley along the way, you can taste the local biscuit rose de Reims. Troyes is known for its chaource cheese and prunelle de Troyes (sloe liqueur). In Langres, the local cheese of the same name is soft, washed-rind, and pairs perfectly with the local dry white wine from the Coteaux du Vendômois.

The A26 and A5 are well-maintained highways with high safety standards. However, the A26 near Rethel can be windy and subject to crosswinds from the open plains. The A5 from Troyes to Langres has long straight sections that may induce hypnosis. Adhere to the 130 km/h speed limit (110 km/h in rain).

For families, the best stop is the 'Aire de la Vanne' (exit 21 on A26), which has a children's playground and picnic tables. Another kid-friendly halt is the 'Aire de Semoutiers' on A5, with a small petting zoo.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Most Aires have designated dog-walking areas (often unpaved strips near parking)
• Hotels in Reims (e.g., Novotel Reims Tinqueux) accept pets for a small fee
• Besançon has a dedicated dog park at Parc de la Gare d'Eau
• Tip: Pack a water bowl because many service stations have limited hydration options for animals

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• The village of Essoyes (15 km from A5 exit 24): birthplace of Renoir, with a museum and vineyard walks
• The Lake of Der-Chantecoq (20 km detour from A26 near Saint-Dizier): largest artificial lake in France, great for birdwatching
• The medieval village of Pesmes (10 km from A36 after Besançon): a 'Plus Beaux Villages de France' with a river beach

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan to stop every 2 hours. The ideal pattern: Reims → Aire de la Montagne de Reims (15 min) → Troyes (1 hour stop for lunch) → Aire de Langres (30 min, visit the fortress briefly) → Besançon. The total driving time is under 4 hours, so one proper meal stop in Troyes suffices. Short breaks at scenic Aires break up the monotony.

Fuel costs for this drive are moderate; expect to spend around €45 for a standard gasoline car (1.6L) based on current French fuel prices (€1.75/L). Toll fees total approximately €28 for the entire route, with booths accepting credit cards and Liber-t tags.

There are multiple rest areas along the A26 and A5, with the most notable being the 'Aire de la Montagne de Reims' near the first sharp hill after Reims, offering panoramic views of the vineyards. On the A5, the 'Aire de Langres' provides a direct view of the Langres fortress.

• Highway tolls: €8.50 (Reims to Troyes) + €11.20 (Troyes to Chaumont) + €8.30 (Chaumont to Besançon) = €28
• Fuel consumption: approx. 8 L/100 km, total ~31 L, cost ~€54
• Number of service stations: 12 major (with fuel, restrooms, cafés)
• Most expensive fuel: Aire de la Montagne de Reims (€1.80/L)