The Cost of a Trip Between Bienne, Berne, and Putanges-le-Lac, Normandie

If you're planning a trip from Bienne or Berne in Switzerland to Putanges-le-Lac in Normandie, France, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost of getting there. The different possible routes come with different costs, so it's important to understand the expenses involved before hitting the road. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between these three locations and explore the different routes you could take.

Possible Routes and Costs

There are a few different routes you could take to get from Bienne or Berne to Putanges-le-Lac, but we'll focus on three of the most common: the shortest, the cheapest, and the fastest.

Shortest Route

The shortest route between these two locations is to take the A1 highway until you reach Geneva, then switch to the A40 until you hit Bourg-en-Bresse. From there, take the A39 to Dole, then switch to the A36 and finally the A6 until you reach Paris. From Paris, take the A13 to Caen and then the D42 to Putanges-le-Lac.

While this route clocks in at just over 800km, it's important to note that it includes a lot of tolls. The A1 highway between Bienne and Geneva has a toll of around CHF 7.50, and the A40 from Geneva to Bourg-en-Bresse will set you back another €26.40 (CHF 29.30). The A39 from Dole to Beaune adds another €20.60 (CHF 22.80) in tolls, while the A13 from Paris to Caen costs €21.50 (CHF 23.80). All in all, you can expect to pay around CHF 85 in tolls for the shortest route.

Cheapest Route

The cheapest route between these two locations involves taking national roads instead of highways. From Bienne or Berne, head to Pontarlier and cross the border into France. From there, take the D67 to Besançon, then the N57 to Vesoul and the D6 to Gray. From Gray, take the D70 and then the D974 to Saint-Lô, and finally the D962 to Putanges-le-Lac.

While this route is around 100km longer than the shortest route, it comes with significantly lower tolls. In fact, there are no tolls on this route at all. However, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, as taking national roads is generally less fuel-efficient than taking highways. Assuming your car gets around 7L/100km and gas costs around CHF 1.50 per liter, you can expect to pay around CHF 120 in gas for this route.

Fastest Route

The fastest route between these two locations is a combination of highways and national roads. From Bienne or Berne, head south on the A5 until you reach the A36 near Mulhouse. Follow the A36 to Beaune, then take the A31 to Dijon and the A39 to Dole. From Dole, take the D673 and then the N274 to Alençon, and finally the D962 to Putanges-le-Lac.

This route is around 900km long, but it will get you to your destination faster than the other routes. However, it's also the most expensive, with tolls costing around €60 (CHF 66.50) in total. Including gas, the total cost of this route is likely to be around CHF 200.

Recommended Route

Of the three routes we've explored, the cheapest route is likely to be the best option for most travelers. While it's a bit longer than the other routes, it comes with significantly lower tolls and is likely to be the most fuel-efficient option. Plus, taking national roads can give you a chance to see more of the French countryside on your way to your destination.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Bienne, Berne, and Putanges-le-Lac, Normandie, it's important to understand the costs involved in getting there. Depending on the route you choose, you could end up spending a significant amount on tolls and gas. While the shortest and fastest routes might seem tempting, the cheapest route is likely to be the best option for most travelers. All in all, expect the trip to take around 9-10 hours depending on traffic and other factors.