St. Moritz to Blois: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 850 km route from St. Moritz (1,822 m) to Blois (73 m) drops over 1,700 meters, crossing three countries. The drive typically takes 8–10 hours without stops, but the journey deserves at least two days to appreciate the Alpine passes, Black Forest valleys, and Loire châteaux. The most iconic segment is the descent from the Julier Pass (2,284 m) into the Swiss Engadin valley, where hairpin turns offer views of glacial lakes.

From St. Moritz, the Engadin Valley showcases Alpine meadows and the turquoise Lake Silvaplana. The Flüela Pass (2,383 m) offers dramatic switchbacks. Enter Germany via Waldshut-Tiengen; the Black Forest delights with rolling hills, cuckoo clocks, and cherry schnapps. In Alsace, the Route des Vins features half-timbered villages like Riquewihr. The Loire Valley opens with châteaux—Chambord and Chenonceau—and local markets selling goat cheese and wine.

• Must-see: Lake Lucerne viewpoint near Flüelen (A2 exit).
• Local commerce: Swiss chocolate in Zürich, Black Forest ham in Triberg, Alsatian flammkuchen in Strasbourg, Loire wine in Amboise.
• Hidden off-route spot: Gorges de l'Areuse (Switzerland) for a short hike.

The best route follows the A13/E43 from St. Moritz to Chur, then A3/E60 to Zürich, A1/E60 to Basel, A5/E35 to Strasbourg, and finally A10/E5 to Blois. Tolls apply in Switzerland (vignette required, €40/year) and France (approx. €30 total). Fuel costs average €1.80/L in Switzerland, €1.70 in Germany, €1.60 in France.

• Swiss vignette mandatory for motorways; buy at border or online.
• French tolls can be paid by credit card or automatic pass.
• Electric vehicle charging stations abundant on German autobahns.
• Rest areas every 20–30 km in France; fewer in Swiss Alps.

Swiss Alpine roads require winter tires (mandatory Oct–Apr) and chains in snow; check conditions on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Autobahn sections in Germany have no speed limit but adhere to recommended 130 km/h. French motorways are tolled and smooth.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours at designated rest areas (e.g., Aire de la Méditerranée near Mulhouse with playgrounds).
• Family-friendly: Europapark Rust (Germany) off A5; Zoo de Beauval (France) near Blois.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest stops have dog areas; the Swiss Hotel & Restaurant Association lists pet-friendly lodgings.
• UNESCO sites: Old Town of Bern (detour), Strasbourg Grande Île, Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes.