Rouen to Blois Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

Driving from Rouen to Blois is a 260-kilometer route that traverses the Seine Valley, the plains of Eure-et-Loir, and the northern edge of the Loire Valley. The journey typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours via the A13 and A10 motorways, but the real reward lies in the detours.

The route passes through the historic region of Perche, known for its rolling hills and hedgerows, and crosses the Loire River near Blois. One little-known fact: the A28 between Alençon and Le Mans was built along an ancient Roman road, the Via Agrippa, which once linked Lyon to the English Channel.

For those wondering how long to drive Rouen to Blois, the direct motorway route is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, to truly experience the region, plan for at least 5–6 hours with stops. This guide will show you is it worth driving Rouen to Blois—absolutely, if you know where to pause.

The main artery from Rouen to Blois is the A13 autoroute south to Évreux, then the N12 to Chartres, followed by the A11 to Vendôme. After Vendôme, the D957 is a scenic departmental road. Tolls apply on A13 and A11; expect about €20 total for a car. Fuel is readily available at motorway service areas like Aire de Brionne (A13) and Aire de La Touche (A11).

• Fuel stops: Total stations at Évreux (Exits 16-17), Chartres (Exit 3), and Vendôme (N10).
• Electric vehicle charging: Tesla Superchargers at Chartres (Champhol) and Blois (Carrefour).
• Road quality: Excellent on autoroutes; D957 is well-maintained but winding in sections.
• Best time to drive: Avoid 8-9 AM and 5-6 PM weekdays to miss rush hour in Rouen and Blois.

The A13 and A11 have good signage and frequent rest areas (aires) every 15–20 km. Speed limits are 130 km/h on autoroutes, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, and 90 km/h on departmental roads. Radar traps are common near Chartres.

For families, consider a stop at the Parc Ange Michel in St-Martin-de-Landelles (off A84). The park combines zoo, gardens, and a small amusement area. Another option is the Cité de l'Écrit et des Métiers du Livre in Montmorillon, an interactive museum about books.

• Child-friendly stops: La Coccinelle at Nozay (near Le Mans) has go-karts and miniature golf; ZooParc de Beauval near Blois is world-renowned.
• Pet-friendly: Most autoroute rest areas allow dogs on leash; the Crématorium des Landes in Évreux has a designated pet corner.
• Fatigue management: Plan a break every 2 hours. The Aire de la Vallée de l'Eure (A13) has a picnic area with views of the river.

South of Rouen, the Seine Valley gives way to the chalk plateaus of the Pays d'Ouche. Detour off the A13 onto the D438 near Bourgtheroulde to see the medieval Château du Champ de Bataille, surrounded by formal gardens. Further south, the Perche Regional Natural Park offers beech forests and apple orchards.

Chartres is a must-stop for its UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The stained-glass windows, dating to the 13th century, are best viewed at midday when sunlight streams through the rose window. Local markets on Saturdays sell Pâté de Chartres and goat cheese from the Perche.

• UNESCO sites: Chartres Cathedral (1979), Loire Valley (2000, including Château de Chambord near Blois).
• Local produce: Cider from Normandy, Sables de Varennes biscuits from Vendôme, and Vouvray wine.
• Hidden gem: The Château de Cheverny, 15 km south of Blois, is less crowded than Chambord and has a beautiful kennel of hounds.