Driving Cost from Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine to Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

A picture depicting a gas pump

The High Cost of a Trip Between Bordeaux and Annecy

Traveling from Bordeaux, located in southwestern France, to Annecy, a picturesque town situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is no easy journey. The route presents various options that come with different costs and distances. In this article, we will analyze the different routes and highlight their respective costs in current gas prices.

The Different Possible Routes

Option 1: Via Clermont-Ferrand

The first route we will look at is via the town of Clermont-Ferrand. This route is not the shortest but is the least expensive. The total distance covered in this route is approximately 764 kilometers. The journey starts from Bordeaux, taking the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand, and then traversing the A72 towards Saint-Etienne. Finally, the A43 leads to Annecy.

The distance breakdown for this route is as follows:

  • Bordeaux to Clermont-Ferrand (458 km)
  • Clermont-Ferrand to Saint-Etienne (133 km)
  • Saint-Etienne to Annecy (173 km)

The total journey takes around 7.5 hours, depending on traffic. The main advantage of this route is the cost, which is approximately €65 in gas expenses if we assume the average price is around €1.39/liter.

Option 2: Via Lyon

The second option is via the larger city of Lyon. This route is more popular as it is relatively shorter than the first option, coming in at around 686 kilometers. The journey starts from Bordeaux and takes the A89 and A71 to Vierzon. From Vierzon, the A71 heads to Bourges, and the A77 leads to Nevers. Finally, the A6 and A43 completes the journey towards Annecy.

The distance breakdown for this route is as follows:

  • Bordeaux to Vierzon (344 km)
  • Vierzon to Bourges (68 km)
  • Bourges to Nevers (107 km)
  • Nevers to Lyon (216 km)
  • Lyon to Annecy (51 km)

The total journey takes around 7 hours, depending on traffic. The cost of this route is higher than the Clermont-Ferrand option and comes in at approximately €75 in gas expenses, using the same average price.

Option 3: Via Toulouse and Grenoble

The third option is via Toulouse and Grenoble. This route is the longest but may be suitable for anyone who wishes to visit Toulouse or Grenoble. The distance covered in this route is approximately 962 kilometers. The journey starts from Bordeaux and takes the A62 to Toulouse, then the A61 to Carcasonne, and the A9 to Montpellier. From there, the A709 leads to Nîmes before the A7 takes over to Lyon. Finally, the A43 leads to Grenoble and Annecy.

The distance breakdown for this route is as follows:

  • Bordeaux to Toulouse (250 km)
  • Toulouse to Carcassonne (92 km)
  • Carcassonne to Montpellier (128 km)
  • Montpellier to Nîmes (49 km)
  • Nîmes to Lyon (251 km)
  • Lyon to Grenoble (112 km)
  • Grenoble to Annecy (90 km)

This route takes the longest, around 10 hours, depending on traffic. The cost of this route is the highest, coming in at approximately €100 in gas expenses, using the same average cost.

Of the three routes presented, the one that is the most recommended and convenient is the second option, via Lyon. This route is shorter than the Toulouse and Grenoble route, yet it is still relatively cost-effective compared to the first option. Additionally, Lyon has various attractive sites that could appeal to a traveler, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bordeaux to Annecy is an adventure that requires careful planning, with each route coming with its unique cost structure. The most recommended option is via Lyon, as it strikes a balance between cost and total distance covered, making it a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. Whichever route one decides to take, though, the journey is undoubtedly worth it, full of beautiful scenic views and unique sites that one can only find in France.