La Bresse from the Netherlands: a journey worth making
From the Netherlands, La Bresse is a full day’s drive, but it is a destination that many Dutch families choose for their summer holidays or spring getaway. The Hautes-Vosges offer a complete change of scenery: deep forests, mountain lakes, farm restaurants, clean air. Here is how to organise your journey in the best possible conditions.
From Amsterdam (approximately 6h30 to 7h)
The classic itinerary from Amsterdam takes the A4 towards Brussels, then the A3 or E40 towards Liège, the Luxembourg A3 towards Luxembourg City, and finally the French A31 towards Metz, Nancy, and Épinal. From Épinal, the RN66 takes you directly to Remiremont and La Bresse in 40 minutes.
Total distance: approximately 670 km. Duration: 6h30 to 7h excluding stops.
An alternative goes via Cologne (A3) and Strasbourg (A35), then the RN66 from Mulhouse. This route is slightly longer (720 km) but allows you to drive through Alsace, which is pleasant.
From Rotterdam (approximately 6h to 6h30)
From Rotterdam, take the A16 towards Antwerp, then the E19 or Belgian A1 towards Brussels and Liège. The rest of the route follows the one described from Amsterdam via Luxembourg.
Distance: approximately 620 km. Duration: 6h to 6h30.
From Utrecht (approximately 6h30)
Similar itinerary to Amsterdam, via the A2 towards Brussels. Allow approximately 650 km.
Coming by train from the Netherlands
The train is a viable and comfortable option. From Amsterdam Centraal or Rotterdam Centraal, Thalys or Intercity Direct trains reach Brussels in 1h30 to 2h. From Brussels, a TGV or Eurostar can reach Strasbourg or Paris.
From Strasbourg, a TER regional train heads towards Mulhouse with possible connections towards Remiremont. From Remiremont station, a taxi or car hire gets you to La Bresse in 30 minutes.
Total train journey: 5 to 7 hours depending on connections. Book tickets in advance on the SNCF website or via NS International for the best fares.
Recommended stopovers en route
If you are travelling with children or wish to split the journey over 2 days, here are some pleasant stops:
Ghent (Belgium): 2 hours from Amsterdam, Ghent is a magnificent city for a lunch break or overnight stay. Canals, medieval architecture, excellent food.
Luxembourg City: roughly halfway, the Luxembourg capital deserves a 2 to 3-hour stop to visit the fortifications and Unesco-listed historic centre.
Strasbourg (Alsace): if you choose the Cologne route, Strasbourg is a charming stop 4 hours from Rotterdam. The Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Petite France quarter are unmissable.
Practical tips for Dutch visitors
Fill up in Belgium or Luxembourg, where fuel is often 10 to 20 cents cheaper per litre than in the Netherlands or France. Motorway tolls on the A31 (Lorraine) and A36 (Alsace) are modest: budget 10 to 15 euros for the French stretch.
France is in the Schengen Area: no border checks. Your Dutch driving licence is valid. French speed limit reminders: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on expressways, 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain).
GPS and apps such as Waze or Google Maps work well throughout the journey. Download the offline map for Alsace-Lorraine if you are concerned about losing signal in the mountains.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Amsterdam to La Bresse?
Allow approximately 6h30 to 7h from Amsterdam, covering 650 to 680 km. The most direct route goes via Brussels, Liège, Luxembourg, Metz, and Épinal.
Can you get to La Bresse from the Netherlands by train?
Yes, it is possible with changes: Thalys or Intercity to Paris or Strasbourg, then TGV to Mulhouse or TER to Remiremont. Expect a total journey of 5 to 7 hours.
What is the best stopover on the route from the Netherlands to La Bresse?
Strasbourg is an excellent halfway stop from northern Netherlands (Rotterdam, Amsterdam). The city is magnificent and you will be there after 4 to 4h30 of driving.
Are there recommended service stations on the journey?
The A1 motorway (Belgium), then the A4 (Luxembourg) and A31 (Lorraine) are well served with rest areas. Fill up in Belgium or Luxembourg where fuel is often cheaper.
Do Dutch visitors need a vignette or badge to drive in France?
No, France does not require a motorway vignette. Motorway tolls are payable on French motorways (A31, A36). Bring cash or a bank card for toll booths.