Salamanca to Limoges: A Deep Dive into France's Route 20

The drive from Salamanca to Limoges traces a route that has been traversed for centuries, from Roman legions to modern pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Historically, the Via de la Plata connected Salamanca to the northern Iberian plateau, while the French RN20 follows an ancient path to Paris.

Today, the most direct route covers about 750 kilometers (466 miles) and takes approximately 8 hours without stops. The highway network includes the A62 in Spain and the A20 in France, seamlessly crossing the border near Hendaye and Irun. A unique driving quirk: Spanish toll roads usually require cash or a credit card at booths, while French autoroutes use automatic ticketing and take international credit cards easily.

Fuel stops: Plan to refuel near Burgos (Spain) and after Bordeaux. Diesel is cheaper in Spain. Toll costs: approx. €35-€40 for the French A20 portion. Tolls accept credit cards but keep some euro cash for Spanish tolls on older sections.

• Spain (A62/A63): tolls by booth, cash/credit card. Rest areas with services every 30-40 km.
• Border crossing: Hendaye/Irun, simple passport check (Schengen). No customs delays usually.
• France (A20): automatic toll stations, Blue Card or international credit card works. Aires (rest areas) have fuel, food, toilets every 20 km.

For detailed tips on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route crosses from the arid, wheat-covered plains of Castile and León into the green, rolling hills of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and then into the Limousin region near Limoges. The contrast is stunning: golden fields dotted with medieval windmills give way to vineyards and sunflower fields in the Gers, then to the dense forests of the Massif Central.

• Natural attractions: The Eyre Valley (Landes) with its pine forests and the Dordogne River valleys are visible from the A20.
• Local commerce: In Spain, stop at a venta (roadside inn) for jamón ibérico. In France, the aires have regional products like foie gras and walnuts.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Near the route, Burgos Cathedral (Spain) and the Cathedrals of Saint-Étienne in Bourges (detour) are within reach. The route itself parallels the UNESCO-listed Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

Road quality is excellent on both sides, with smooth asphalt and clear signage. Speed limits: Spain 120 km/h, France 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain). Note that in Spain, using mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited and fines are high.

• Pet-friendly: French aires often have dog areas. In Spain, many ventas and rest stops allow pets in outdoor seating.
• Child-friendly: Keep kids entertained with stops like the Futuroscope theme park near Poitiers (just off A10, slight detour). Also, the Poitiers animal park is a hit.
• Fatigue management: Recommended stops: Burgos for a coffee and a walk through its cathedral square; Sauveterre-de-Béarn for a picnic by the Gave d'Oloron; and Limoges town center for a final stretch.

Hidden off-route spot: The village of La Bastide-Clairence (Basque Country) features arcaded houses and art galleries, just 10 minutes off the A63. Worth a 30-minute detour to stretch legs.