New A69 in France opens in November: what you’ll pay with a motorhome or caravan

New motorway between Toulouse and Castres

Anyone holidaying in the French region of Occitanie will soon be able to use the new A69. The motorway covers a distance of 53 kilometres between Verfeil, east of Toulouse, and Castres. According to concession holder Atosca, the road will open on 6 November 2026.

The construction of the A69 was far from smooth sailing. Environmental activists protested against the project for years, citing concerns over the impact on nature and the landscape. Now that the opening is approaching, a new bone of contention has emerged: the toll prices. Even regional politicians who strongly supported the motorway feel the tariffs are too high.

Barrier-free toll payments

The A69 operates a péage en flux libre (free-flow tolling system). This means you won’t encounter traditional toll booths along the way and don’t need to stop to pay. Overhead gantries register your vehicle via its number plate or a toll badge. Great for traffic flow, but you do need to remember to arrange payment yourself if you aren’t using a badge.

How it works:

• With a suitable toll badge: the toll is debited automatically.
• Without a toll badge: pay within 72 hours via Atosca’s official website or at a participating payment point featuring the Nirio logo.
• Late payment: a surcharge may apply. According to the announced rules, this surcharge is €90, reduced to €10 if paid within the designated 15-day window.
• Non-payment over an extended period: after two months, the fine can rise to €375.

Take care with hire cars: the payment obligation is tied to the vehicle registration plate. You should therefore check in advance how your rental company handles tolls. Also, stay alert to fraudulent messages regarding unpaid tolls. Do not click on payment links in text messages or emails; always use the official payment options.

Overview of A69 toll rates (Verfeil – Castres, 53 km)

Is the A69 worth the toll?

The new motorway is expected to shorten the travel time between Toulouse and Castres by around twenty minutes. Anyone passing through or visiting a campsite in the area can weigh up for themselves whether that time saved is worth the extra cost.

An alternative remains: the existing route via the national road is free. This could be a great choice if you’re not in a hurry and would rather save your money for a café terrace, a market visit, or an extra night at the campsite.

The high rates are not just a point of discussion for holidaymakers. Local officials have also voiced criticism. A previously proposed reduction in tolls has not been incorporated into the announced rates for now, as an amendment to the concession contract failed to receive a favourable opinion from the French Council of State.

Our advice: if you’re driving through this region soon with a motorhome or caravan, factor the toll into your travel budget and check the current rates and opening date right before you leave. That way, you won’t be caught off guard. Saving a few minutes is nice, but €25.80 for a return trip with a caravan could easily be spent on something else.

Would you take the A69 to reach your destination faster, or would you prefer the free route?