Rouen to Colmar-sur-Mer Road Trip Guide

The drive from Rouen to Colmar-sur-Mer covers roughly 170 km (106 miles) via the A13 and A29 autoroutes, with an estimated driving time of 1 hour 50 minutes under normal conditions – a short hop that belies the route's sensory wealth. This stretch crosses the rolling Pays de Caux plateau before descending to the Alabaster Coast, where chalk cliffs meet the English Channel. The journey begins at the heart of Normandy's capital, under the Gothic spire of Rouen Cathedral, and ends at the tranquil Atlantic resort of Colmar-sur-Mer, known for its Belle Époque villas and long sandy beach.

• Key highway: A13 from Rouen to Beuzeville, then A29 to exit 27 (Colmar-sur-Mer).
• Alternative scenic route: D982 coastal road (longer by 40 min but offers cliff views).
• Coordinates: Rouen (49.4432° N, 1.0993° E) to Colmar-sur-Mer (49.3306° N, 0.0454° E).
• Historical tidbit: Colmar-sur-Mer's name derives from the medieval port of Colmare, mentioned in 11th-century Norman charters.

The direct autoroute option (A13–A29) is tolled, with a total cost around €8 for a standard car. Fuel stations are abundant along the A13, including major brands (Total, Shell) at about 20 km intervals. The route is fully paved and well-maintained, with emergency phones every 2 km. Traffic is lightest mid-week, 10:00–15:00. The coastal D513 becomes crowded in summer, especially around Deauville.

• Toll stations: accept credit cards, cash, or electronic toll badge.
• Average fuel price: €1.85/L (diesel) as of 2025.
• Electric vehicle charging points: available at A13 rest areas (Tesla Supercharger at Bourneville, others at 50 kW).
• Overnight parking: Colmar-sur-Mer has free parking zones (Plage parking, 300 spots).

The Pays de Caux offers vast fields of wheat and flax, punctuated by deep, wooded valleys called 'vallées'. Approaching the coast, the landscape transforms into dramatic chalk cliffs (Falaise d'Aval at Étretat, 30 km off-route). The region is a haven for agritourism: cider farms, cheese dairies (Pont-l'Évêque AOP), and Calvados distilleries dot the rural roads. The town of Pont-l'Évêque is the cheese capital, with a Monday market.

• Natural attractions: Étretat cliffs (30 min detour), Honfleur's old port (15 min detour), Marais Vernier nature reserve.
• Local products: Camembert, cider, calvados, salt meadow lamb.
• Shopping hours: markets 8:00–13:00; shops closed 12:00–14:00 in smaller towns.
• UNESCO sites: Rouen Cathedral (World Heritage as part of 'Routes of Santiago de Compostela'), Honfleur's wooden church (Sainte-Catherine).

The A13 is a dual carriageway with speed cameras (130 km/h sections, 110 km/h in rain). Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers; children under 10 must use approved child seats. Rest areas (aires) every 15–20 km offer picnic tables, toilets, and vending machines. For families, the 'Aire de la Vallée de la Seine' at Bourneville has a playground, and 'Aire de Beuzeville' has a pet exercise area.

• Recommended break: 90 min driving limit; stop at Aire de la Vallée de la Seine (km 55) for 30 min.
• Pet-friendly stops: many aires allow dogs on leash; Honfleur's Vieux Bassin has water bowls outside cafés.
• Child attractions: Deauville's beach and boardwalk (carousel, pony rides), Colmar-sur-Mer's aquarium (Aquarium du Grand Large).
• Hidden off-route spots: the ruined abbey of Grestain (near Pont-l'Évêque, free), the Villers-sur-Mer fossil cliffs (1h walk).
• Local commerce: along D513, roadside stalls sell fresh seafood (oysters from Courseulles), a must-buy.
• Infrastructure safety: emergency call boxes every 2 km; breakdown services (SOS Autoroute) within 20 min.

For more on discovering hidden gems along this route, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.