Reims to Torquay Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems & Scenic Drives

The A4 motorway from Reims to Paris becomes the A1, then the A16 to Calais—a 310-mile stretch that can be covered in about 5.5 hours of driving time, not including the Channel Tunnel crossing. This route traces the footsteps of Roman legions and medieval pilgrims, yet remains surprisingly overlooked by road trippers rushing to the south.

What makes this journey special is the contrast: you begin in the chalky vineyards of Champagne, cross the rolling plains of Picardy, dip under the English Channel, and emerge into the lush Devon countryside. The key is to not just drive, but to savour the transitions.

Fuel costs vary considerably between France and the UK. As of early 2025, petrol in France averages €1.80/L, while in the UK it's about £1.50/L. Tolls on the French motorways (A4, A1, A16) total around €35 for the 190-mile stretch from Reims to Calais. The Channel Tunnel is approximately £80 one-way for a standard car, booked in advance.

Driving on the left in the UK requires adjustment. Most rental cars are manual; request an automatic if needed. Speed limits: France 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways, UK 70 mph (113 km/h) on motorways. Note that French radars are strict—keep to limits.

• Best fuel strategy: Fill up near Reims (cheaper supermarkets like Leclerc), then top up near Calais (slightly more expensive). In UK, Costco and supermarkets offer best rates.
• Toll payment: Carry chip-and-PIN card or cash. French toll booths accept international cards, but have backup cash.
• Channel crossing: Eurotunnel Le Shuttle departs every 30 minutes, 35-minute crossing. Book at least 24h ahead for best prices.

French motorways are well-maintained, with rest areas every 25 km. Many have playgrounds, picnic tables, and clean toilets. Aire de la Fontaine (A1, near Lille) has a large play area and a convenience store. In England, motorway service areas like Membury (M4) offer Starbucks, restaurants, and baby changing facilities.

Fatigue management: Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours. Ideal stop halfway: Arras (France) for a coffee in the Grand Place, or Canterbury (UK) for a stroll. For pet-friendly stops, many French rest areas have designated dog walking zones; in England, services like Leicester Forest East have special pet areas.

Hidden off-route spots: The white cliffs of Équihen Plage near Boulogne-sur-Mer offer a quiet viewpoint before the tunnel. In Devon, the village of Brixham, with its colourful harbour, is a 20-minute detour from Torquay.

The route from Reims crosses the chalky Champagne region, where endless vineyards stretch to the horizon. The Montagne de Reims is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with hiking trails through beech forests and ancient Roman roads. Stop at the viewpoint of Hautvillers for a panorama of the Marne valley.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way include the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims (where French kings were crowned) and the historic centre of Troyes, a short detour south. In England, the Jurassic Coast (Torquay to Studland) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 185 million years of geological history.

For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider local markets: Reims's Marché du Boulingrin (Sundays) and the covered market in Arras, a detour off the A1, selling cheeses and crafts.