The A6 Motorway: Everything You Need to Know About the “Autoroute du Soleil” 

A6 Motorway: Key Information

Built between 1953 and 1971, the A6 motorway is one of the busiest in France. Stretching 445 km, it links the capital to Lyon and serves as a gateway to the South, the Côte d’Azur, and the Mediterranean. Together with the A7, it forms the famous “Autoroute du Soleil”, dotted with numerous service areas and several tolls.

For a smooth journey on the A6, find all the essential information you need, including a list of motorway service areas and tolls, easily located using the Bip&Go app. With a Bip&Go electronic toll subscription, your Paris-Lyon journey on the A6 becomes smoother and more enjoyable.

What Towns Does the A6 Motorway Pass Through?

The A6 starts in the commune of Wissous, south of Paris, and ends in Lyon. It passes through Nemours, Auxerre, Avallon, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Belleville-sur-Saône, and Villefranche-sur-Saône. The route features numerous service areas and several tolls.

What Are the Main Service Areas on the A6?

Below is a list of the main motorway service areas along the A6 from Paris to Lyon:

• Les Lisses (29 km);

• Achères-la-Forêt (57 km);

• Villiers (65 km);

• Nemours (74 km);

• Liard (91 km);

• Parc Thierry (102 km);

• Les Châtaigniers (117 km);

• La Réserve (123 km);

• La Racheuse (132 km);

• La Biche (148 km);

• Les Bois Impériaux (158 km);

• Venoy Chablis (167 km);

• La Grosse Tour (174 km);

• La Couée (187 km);

• Montmorency (198 km);

• La Chaponne (213 km);

• Époisses (221 km);

• Ruffey (233 km);

• Fermenot (242 km);

• Le Chien Blanc (255 km);

• Le Chaignot (269 km);

• La Garenne Est (280 km);

• La Forêt (286 km);

• Beaune-Tailly (311 km);

• Le Curney (323 km);

• La Ferté (342 km);

• Jugy (352 km);

• Farges (364 km);

• Mâcon-Saint-Albain (375 km);

• Crêches (397 km);

• Dracé (408 km);

• Pâtural (419 km);

• Villefranche - Limas Est;

• Les Chères Ouest (436 km).

Where Are the Tolls on the A6?

The A6 motorway has two main tolls: Fleury toll (at km 50) and Villefranche-Limas toll (at km 427).

Where Can You Find Electric Charging Points on the A6?

If you’re driving an electric vehicle between Paris and Lyon, you can recharge at the following service areas:

• Beaune-Tailly (311 km);

• Villabé A6 shopping centre, just off the motorway;

• E.Leclerc Beaune shopping centre;

• Mâcon-La-Salle, on the Lyon-Paris route.

What is the Traffic Like on the A6 Motorway?

The A6 is often busy near Paris and Lyon, with up to 70,000 vehicles per day at peak times. Traffic is frequently heavy in the evenings between the Paris city gates and Évry-Courcouronnes.

Congestion can also occur between Wissous and Savigny-sur-Orge. The A6 sees increased traffic at the start of holiday periods and at the end of school breaks heading towards Paris. In the Lyon area, the busiest section is around the Fourvière Tunnel.

How Does the Bip&Go Badge Save you Time?

By subscribing to Bip&Go electronic tolling, you get access to the Bip&Go app and your own windscreen badge. This brings several benefits to streamline your journey, such as:

• Driving through tolls without stopping;

• Avoiding long queues;

• Paying tolls automatically without opening your window.

In addition, the Bip&Go app offers even more services. It helps you find motorway service areas on the A6 and check live traffic updates. 

Discover our electronic toll subscriptions for individuals!