Tours to Davos Road Trip: Epic Alps Drive Guide

The drive from Tours (France) to Davos (Switzerland) covers approximately 850 km (528 miles) and typically takes 8-9 hours without stops. The most efficient route follows the A10, A6, and A1 highways via Paris, then the A6 to the Swiss border at Basel, and onward through the A3 and A13 to Davos. A lesser-known fact: the final stretch on the A13 passes directly under the Landwasser Viaduct, a Unesco-listed railway bridge that curves dramatically into a tunnel—a sight many drivers miss if not paying attention.

This road trip traces the transition from the gentle Loire Valley to the rugged Swiss Alps. Unlike the more direct but monotonous motorway, the recommended route includes scenic detours through the Jura Mountains and the Swiss National Park. For insights on discovering similar hidden gems, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey is best spread over two days, with an overnight stop in Basel or Lucerne. The optimal departure time is early morning from Tours to avoid Paris rush hour. The total fuel cost (petrol) is roughly €120-150 (depending on vehicle), and Swiss motorway vignette (€40) is mandatory.

The main highway route from Tours to Davos is a mix of French autoroutes, Swiss motorways, and alpine roads. The French sections (A10, A6) are toll roads with excellent pavement and frequent service areas. Expect toll costs of around €50 from Tours to the Swiss border. Once in Switzerland, the motorway requires a vignette (valid for a year, €40 or CHF 40), which can be purchased at gas stations near the border.

• Tolls: Pay by card or cash (French toll booths accept chip & PIN). Avoid cash lanes if you don't have exact change.
• Swiss vignette: Affix to windshield before entering motorway. Rental cars often come with one; verify.
• Fuel: Gas stations are abundant every 30-40 km on French highways; in Switzerland, they are slightly less frequent in alpine sections. Diesel is cheaper in France.

Route option: For a more scenic drive, exit the A6 at Poligny (D471, D436) through the Jura Mountains to Biel, then join the A1 to Basel. This adds 1 hour but offers stunning forest landscapes and quaint villages like Arbois (Pasteur's birthplace). The main route via the A1 is faster but monotonous after Dijon.

Parking in Davos: Most hotels offer free parking; public garages charge CHF 2-3/hour. The town is walkable, so consider leaving the car parked during your stay.

Road quality is excellent throughout the route, with well-maintained highways and clear signage. However, the A13 through the Alps has winding sections, narrow tunnels, and occasional rockfall warnings. Speed cameras are plentiful in Switzerland; strictly observe limits (120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on cantonal roads). The Swiss police perform random roadside checks; have your license and vehicle documents ready.

• Family-friendly stops: Near Basel, Jurasüdfuss (Tierpark Lange Erlen) is a free zoo with playground. In the Jura, Parcours Ludique (Montcroix) offers treetop adventure. In Davos, the Narrenfelsen (Fool's Rock) hiking trail is easy for kids.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most French rest areas allow dogs on leash; Swiss motorway stops have designated pet areas. In Davos, many hotels accept pets (e.g., Hotel Edelweiss). The Flüela Pass has a gated cattle crossing—watch for cows in late summer.

Fatigue management: The longest stretch without a major town is between Dijon and Basel (200 km). Plan a break at the Aire de Pouilly-en-Auxois (great panoramic view over Burgundy). Other recommended rest zones: Aire de Beaune-Merceuil (wine country) and Raststätte Pratteln (Swiss border, last chance for cheap fuel).

Hidden off-route spots: Just before Basel, take exit 4 towards Riehen to see the Fondation Beyeler (modern art museum) and the Berower Park. Near Davos, the tiny village of Wiesen (15 min detour) offers a beautiful train station with Swiss chalet architecture.

Local commerce and culture: In France, buy a bottle of Crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wine) at a roadside shop. In Davos, the weekly market (Wed & Sat mornings) at the Promenade sells local crafts, cheese, and dried meats. Consider purchasing a Swiss Army knife at a Victorinox store in the town center.

The route's natural highlights are diverse. Leaving Tours, you cross the Loire River—a Unesco World Heritage site for its chateaux. As you approach the Swiss border, the Jura Mountains offer rolling hills, fir forests, and limestone cliffs. The final descent into Davos passes through the Lenzerheide region, with its turquoise lakes (e.g., Lake Heidsee) and dramatic mountain vistas.

• Unesco Sites: The entire Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a listed cultural landscape. In Switzerland, the Old City of Bern (near the route) is also Unesco-listed, known for its medieval architecture.
• Local culture: In the Jura, stop at a fromagerie for Comté cheese (AOP). In Davos, visit the Kirchner Museum (Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's works) and the Schatzalp, a historic hotel turned botanical garden.

Climatic conditions: The route experiences a dramatic shift from oceanic (Tours) to continental alpine (Davos). In summer, expect temperatures of 25-30°C in Tours dropping to 15-20°C in Davos. Winter driving requires snow tires (mandatory in Switzerland from Nov to Apr) and possibly chains in high passes like the Flüela Pass (alternative to A13). Check weather at MeteoSwiss before departure.

Culinary infrastructure: French autoroutes have decent rest stops with Michelin-recommended eateries (e.g., Relais Aire de Bourgogne-Morvan). In Switzerland, try Rösti or alpine macaroni at a Berggasthaus (mountain inn). For a special meal in Davos, book at Restaurant Bündner Stube for local specialties.