DRIVING FROM CALAIS

Calais to Combloux is 552 miles by autoroute, i.e. 7½ hours driving plus stops. The total cost of tolls is about 73 euros each way (21+46+2+4).

The A26 autoroute runs direct from Calais docks, or from the tunnel you turn right onto the A16 and right again for the A26 towards PARIS-REIMS.

After about 40 kms you pick up a ticket at the Péage (toll). Calais to Reims is 270 kms and there are service stations and/or resting areas every few kms. About 20 kms short of Reims you pass through a toll station. You can pay tolls by credit card through certain (left hand) gates.

The autoroute by-passes Reims, so after continuing for about 20 kms, pick up another Péage ticket for the A4 towards METZ-NANCY.

(or if you want an overnight stop turn left towards Reims and take exit 26 for Tinqueux, where you can find Formule 1 etc.)

About 24 kms after this, turn right through Champagne country towards Troyes (on the A26 again), where you keep left to link into the A5 towards Dijon - which in its turn runs into the A31 at Langres. Reims to Dijon is 280 kms.

Look out for the Geneva exit near Dijon. This is the A39, through the Juras to Bourg en Bresse. Dijon to Bourg is about 140km.   (ignore your sat-nav if it wants to turn off the A39)
(After about 110 kms, the Aire du Poulet de Bresse is an easy place to find an overnight which is less than 2 hours from Combloux.)
Just before Bourg the A39 joins into the A40.

Watch out for the turn off to Geneva about 25 kms after joining the A40. Then you climb through the mountains, with spectacular views and viaducts and four tunnels in the 78 kms to the next toll gate - which costs about 46 euros. From here the road descends towards Geneva, and joins into the route from Geneva towards Chamonix. (.. continue)