Road to Adventure: Unmissable Stops on Your Way to the French Alps

When you’re driving to the Alps, it’s tempting to go straight for the finish line – motorways, toll booths, quick service station stops, and finally that glorious moment when you pull into your chosen ski resort. But if your route takes you through France (or even Switzerland), you’re skipping an opportunity to turn the journey into something far more exciting.

There are dozens of places to stop off on the way to the Alps: towns with centuries-old history, stunning views that demand a photo, and local dishes that taste far better than anything you’ll find at a service station. Add in a few vineyard visits, lakeside strolls, and maybe a castle or two, and you’ve got a mini-holiday before your main trip even begins.

This isn’t just a list of great stops on the way to the Alps; it’s an argument for slowing down, exploring, and making the most of your time on the road. Let’s get started…

Why Stop on the Way to the Alps?

Stopping along the way isn’t about losing time, it’s about gaining experiences.

• Break up the drive – Long stretches of motorway can be tiring, especially in winter conditions.
  
• Discover something new – Some of France’s most beautiful towns and villages sit quietly just off the autoroutes.
  
• Create extra memories – You’ll remember your stop in a medieval market town as much as your first day on the slopes.
  
• Taste the journey – From Champagne to tartiflette, food is a highlight in every region you pass through.
  

If you’re travelling to the Alps with kids, regular stops also help keep everyone happy. Let them run around in a town square for 20 minutes and the next leg of your road trip will be far more peaceful.

Planning Your Route to the French Alps

If you’re starting from the UK, the most common entry points are:

• Calais or Dunkirk – via ferry from Dover
  
• Folkestone – via the Eurotunnel
  

From there, the quickest drive to the French Alps ski resorts is usually via the A26 and A5 motorways down through Reims, Dijon, and on towards Geneva or Chambéry. But fastest doesn’t always mean best.

A few planning tips:

• Speed limits in France are 130 km/h on motorways in dry weather, dropping to 110 km/h in wet conditions. Rural roads are 80–90 km/h. Towns are 50 km/h unless otherwise marked.
  
• Toll roads (autoroutes) are quick but come with fees – budget around €70–€100 each way from Calais to the Alps.
  
• Some incredible towns are only 30 minutes off the main route, so a small detour can reward you with something truly special.
  

Great Stops on the Way to the Alps: North to South

Here’s a route filled with places to stop off on the way to the Alps, starting from Calais and winding down towards the mountains.

1. Reims – Champagne’s Capital

Roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes from Calais, Reims is famous for one thing: Champagne. Whether you book a tour at Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, or a smaller family-run house, you’ll get a taste of the region’s most famous export.

The city’s Gothic cathedral is equally impressive, it’s where French kings were crowned for centuries.

Closest resorts: None nearby, but it’s a perfect first-leg break.

2. Troyes – Medieval Charm

Another hour south from Reims, Troyes is a half-timbered fairy tale. The old town is shaped like a Champagne cork, and wandering its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time.

If you’re on a winter journey, the Christmas lights here are magical.

3. Dijon – A Gourmet Stop

Five to six hours from Calais, Dijon is worth visiting for more than just mustard. Its historic centre is a UNESCO site, with winding lanes and grand squares. The Owl’s Trail walking route takes you past the main attractions in a couple of hours – ideal for stretching your legs.

Closest ski resort: Les Rousses (Jura) – about 3 hours away.

4. Beaune – Wine Country Heart

The unofficial capital of Burgundy wine, Beaune is a small but vibrant town surrounded by vineyards. Visit the Hospices de Beaune – a medieval hospital with a stunning patterned roof – then enjoy a leisurely lunch paired with local Pinot Noir.

Detour time: Less than 30 minutes from the main motorway.

5. Besançon – Riverside Beauty

If you’ve got an extra afternoon, this town on a bend of the River Doubs offers 17th-century fortifications, a lively old quarter, and a relaxed atmosphere. In summer, you can kayak or take a river cruise.

6. Lake Annecy – Alpine Magic

By the time you reach Lake Annecy, you’re close enough to smell the snow. This is one of France’s most beautiful lakes – turquoise waters, mountain backdrops, and an old town laced with canals.

In summer, you can swim, paddleboard, or hire a bike to ride the lakeside path. In winter, it’s quieter but still utterly gorgeous.

Closest ski resorts: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand – 30 minutes away.

7. Chamonix – The Mont Blanc Experience

Even if you’re staying elsewhere, Chamonix is worth a detour. The Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you up to 3,842 metres for stunning views over the Alps.

It’s also a fantastic place for a final meal before your holiday – the town is packed with restaurants serving everything from haute cuisine to hearty Savoyard dishes.

You May Also Like: Chamonix in Winter vs. Summer

8. Swiss Detours – If You’re Coming via Geneva

When your route takes you via Switzerland, you can add:

• Lausanne – A lively city on Lake Geneva with great museums.
  
• Gruyères – Cheese lovers’ heaven.
  
• Montreux – Lakeside elegance with mountain views.

Family-Friendly Stops on the Way to the Alps

If you’re driving to the Alps with kids in tow, keeping the journey interesting can be just as important as finding a family-friendly ski resort. Luckily, there are plenty of places to stop off on the way to the Alps that offer space to run around, fun attractions, and easy access from the main route.

• Parc de la Patte d’Oie, Reims – Just a few minutes from the city centre, this park has fountains, lawns, and playgrounds where younger travellers can burn off some energy before you get back on the road.
  
• Nigloland Theme Park, Dolancourt – About an hour from Troyes, this family-friendly amusement park is great for breaking up a long drive, with rides for all ages and plenty of places to eat.
  
• Lac Kir, Dijon – Only 10 minutes from the city centre, this lakeside spot is perfect for a picnic and has cycling paths and pedal boat rentals in warmer months.
  
• Lake Annecy Beaches – In summer, stop for a paddle or a quick swim; in winter, let the kids enjoy the lakeside promenade while you take in the stunning views.
  
• Merlet Animal Park, near Chamonix – Just 30 minutes from the main road, this mountain wildlife park is home to ibex, marmots, and chamois, making it a hit with younger travellers.
  

Adding one or two of these great stops on the way to the Alps can make the journey feel like part of the holiday rather than just a long transfer. They’re all close enough to the motorway to keep you on schedule, but interesting enough to make a real difference to everyone’s mood.

Seasonal Guide to the Stops

These places to stop off on the way to the Alps have something to offer year-round.

• Winter: Christmas markets in Troyes, Reims’ Champagne cellars, snowy walks in Chamonix.
  
• Spring: Vineyards begin to bloom, lake waters start to warm up.
  
• Summer: Lake Annecy swimming, Burgundy wine tours, kayaking in Besançon.
  
• Autumn: Harvest festivals in wine regions, crisp mountain air without the ski crowds.

Suggested Road Trip Itineraries

If you’ve got a couple of days to play with, here are three ideas:

Two-Day Champagne & Burgundy
Day 1: Calais → Reims → overnight in Troyes
Day 2: Dijon → Beaune → arrive in the Alps by evening

Three-Day Scenic Route
Day 1: Calais → Reims → Besançon
Day 2: Lake Annecy → overnight in Annecy
Day 3: Chamonix → ski resort

Summer Lake & Mountain Tour
Day 1: Calais → Dijon → Beaune
Day 2: Lake Annecy swimming → Montreux → Geneva
Day 3: Drive into the French Alps for hiking or mountain biking

Driving Tips for the French Alps

• Snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory in some mountain areas from November to March – check local rules.
  
• Speed limits drop in wet weather – and yes, police do enforce it.
  
• Take breaks every two hours – not just for safety, but to enjoy the towns you pass.
  
• If you’re tired, don’t push it – book an overnight stay in one of these stops.
  

Which Ski Resorts Are Closest to These Stops?

Seasonal Surprises and Spontaneous Detours

When you’ve got a little more flexibility in your schedule, it’s worth remembering that many of these towns host local events that can make your road trip even more special. From open-air summer concerts in Annecy to weekend food markets in Beaune and vineyard tours in Burgundy timed with the harvest, the drive to the French Alps can become a journey of seasonal surprises. 

Even small villages just 30 minutes off the main route can offer unexpected highlights – perhaps a hidden bakery serving fresh pastries straight from the oven, or a tiny viewpoint offering stunning views you’ll be talking about long after you reach your ski resort. The joy of driving to the Alps is that you can be spontaneous, pulling off the road whenever something catches your eye.

Travelling with Alps2Alps

If you love the sound of these stops but don’t want the hassle of navigating or parking, our private transfers can include scenic detours, and our shared ski transfers are an affordable way to reach your ski resort without the stress of driving.

Our drivers know the safest and most scenic ways to get to the French Alps, and can point out hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

Why It’s Worth It

Taking time to explore isn’t just about adding kilometres to your trip, it’s about adding stories, flavours, and moments that will stay with you long after the snow has melted.

Whether it’s sipping Champagne in Reims, tasting mustard in Dijon, or breathing in the mountain air at Lake Annecy, these great stops on the way to the Alps turn your journey into part of the adventure.

So next time you’re driving to the Alps, don’t just aim for the slopes. Take the scenic route, make a few detours, and see where the road takes you.

Book your Alps ski transfer today and start planning your alpine road trip, with as many unforgettable stops as you can fit in.

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Kaspars Simanis, Product Manager

Kaspars, product manager at Alps2Alps, is an experienced strategist with a strong focus on travel, mobility and customer engagement. With a creative mindset and a dedication to delivering exceptional experiences, Kaspars plays a key role in shaping how we connect with skiers and adventurers across the Alps. When not crafting innovative campaigns, you’ll find Kaspars out on the slopes.