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A10 autoroute
l’Aquitaine
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Route information
Part of E 5 E 50 E 60 E 606
Maintained by Vinci Autoroutes
Length 557 km (346 mi)
Existed 1960–present
Major junctions
North end A 6 near Paris
 
South end A 630 near Bordeaux
Highway system
Autoroutes of France

The A10 autoroute, also known as l’Aquitaine, is the longest main highway in France. It is about 557 kilometers (346 miles) long. This important road connects the capital city of Paris in the north to Bordeaux in the southwest. Along its path, it passes through or near major cities like Orleans and Tours. The A10 first opened in 1960. It is also part of several larger European road networks, including E5, E50, E60, and E606.

What is an Autoroute?

An autoroute is a special type of highway in France. It's designed for fast and smooth travel over long distances. These roads usually have multiple lanes in each direction and are separated from other traffic. They are similar to what some countries call motorways or expressways. The A10 is a key part of France's road system, helping people and goods move across the country.

The Journey of the A10

The A10 autoroute starts near Paris, connecting with the A6. As it heads south, it passes through many different regions of France.

Key Cities Along the Route

  • Orleans: The A10 reaches Orleans, a historic city on the Loire River, after about 100 kilometers. Here, it connects with the A71, which goes towards central France.
  • Tours: Further south, the A10 reaches Tours, another important city in the Loire Valley. Near Tours, it connects with the A28 and A85 autoroutes.
  • Poitiers: The highway continues towards Poitiers, a city known for its history and the Futuroscope theme park.
  • Niort: After Poitiers, the A10 passes near Niort, where it connects with the A83.
  • Saintes: The road then goes by Saintes, a city with ancient Roman ruins. Here, the A837 connects to the A10, leading towards the coast.
  • Bordeaux: Finally, the A10 reaches its end near Bordeaux, a large city famous for its wine. It connects with the A630, which is a ring road around Bordeaux.

Tolls on the A10

Like many autoroutes in France, the A10 is a toll road. This means drivers pay a fee to use it. There are several toll booths along the route, such as the Péage de Saint-Arnoult near Paris, the Péage de Monnaie near Tours, and the Péage de Virsac closer to Bordeaux. These tolls help pay for the road's upkeep and construction.

European Connections

The A10 is not just a French road; it's also part of the larger European E-road network. This means it's a section of international routes that connect different countries across Europe. For example, parts of the A10 are also known as:

  • E5
  • E50
  • E60
  • E606

These European route numbers help drivers navigate across borders.

Who Maintains the A10?

The A10 autoroute is managed and maintained by a company called Vinci Autoroutes. They are responsible for keeping the road in good condition, managing the tolls, and ensuring safe travel for everyone.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Autoroute A10 para niños

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