There’s nothing like the thrill of the open road and exploring Europe on four wheels lets you move from country to country with ease. Driving between European cities and seeing the varied landscape makes for a trip like no other and a route from Calais to Switzerland has sights, sounds and tastes that you’ll take home with you.
Want to escape to France this 2023?
Your Switzerland Road Trip
It’s a 506.2-mile journey to drive from Calais to Switzerland but we suggest you take your time and stop off along the way. To save you time putting together an itinerary we’ve rounded up the best places to call in on a Switzerland road trip and how long it will take you to reach each city.
With quick ferry crossings, a journey over the English Channel takes just an hour and a half and after you drive off-board it’s time to see some fantastic French sights on your road trip adventure.
Calais to Arras – 1hr 11m
The stunning sights of Arras date back over two thousand years and at the heart of the city is its beautiful Belfry Tower. Climbing the forty steps to its summit provides panoramic views across the city and every hour its thirty-seven bells play the town festival’s anthem.
Your route from Calais to Arras while driving from Calais to Switzerland will take you just over an hour via the A26 motorway. We’ve also made bringing your car on-board P&O Ferries simple – you’ll just drive onto your vessel after booking a vehicle pass so remember to check out our guide for how to travel with a car to France.
Exploring Arras could take you a day but if you drive on-board with a caravan or motor home, an overnight stay would give you the chance to see other attractions such as the Carriere Tunnels which thousands of Allied soldiers used to shelter during WW1.
Arras to Reims – 1hr 52m
Our next stop on your drive from Calais to Switzerland is world-famous for its Champagne Houses. A visit to these historic sights provide the chance to see unique Roman chalk pits used in the growers’ production and you can also pick up some great souvenirs for wine-loving friends.
To soak up more of this fantastic French town’s culture, we’d also suggest making a visit to Saint Remi Basilica; this marvellous cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you’ve seen the sights of Reims, you’ll be driving onwards to Troyes via the A26 motorway.
Reims to Troyes – 1hr 26m
You can’t mistake Troyes as upon arrival you’re greeted with its vibrantly colourful painted timber houses which were built as early as the 1500s. In town, the spirit of France’s café culture is alive and well so you can take your pick from the huge range of outdoor seated areas. Wandering the cobbled streets around the beautifully preserved old town will feel like stepping back in time so take your time to immerse yourself in the charms of Troyes.
Be sure to fill up on the baked goods that France does so well, Troyes’ brioche is famous across the country for its variety of shapes and delicious flavour. For the final leg of your journey from Calais to Switzerland by car, you will set off from Troyes on the A39 motorway and reach your final destination in just over four hours!
Troyes to Geneva – 4hr 10m
The final stop on your drive to Switzerland is the home of the United Nations and a city that anyone with a passion for food, architecture or outdoor adventure will definitely enjoy.
At the centre of this Swiss city is Lake Geneva, one of the most visited attractions in Switzerland which is also surrounded by the Alps mountain range. For an afternoon day trip to remember, a boat across Lake Geneva gives you the best possible view of the area’s natural beauty. Look out for the Mouettes Genevoises boat landing points that are dotted around Geneva as you can catch a ride from any of these.
To follow this ride with the chance to soak up some of Geneva’s history, our next recommended place to visit in Switzerland is the Musee d’Art et d’Histoire. This Swiss tourist attraction is packed full of archaeological treasures, fine art masterpieces and much more. It’s also really easy to find at just a six-minute walk from St Pierre Cathedral in the centre of the city.
Ready to book your next trip from Dover to Calais? Check out our regular sailings to plan your European road trip with P&O Ferries!
