We've not bothered with that one, we use the Atlas Routier et Touristique, it's 1/250 000 scale which is a good and readable scale, plenty of detail. As long as the map is to the same scale or larger (e.g. 1/200 000), then it should be OK.
Our current atlas (2022), has plasticised pages, much more robust than the old paper one.
I wouldn't want a smaller scale atlas, the detail gets lost.
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 13/1/2023
We rely on ACSI and our Satnav which takes us directly to the site.
Driving a large motorhome, even one that's intended for lorries and set for the size of the vehicle, I don't trust it because it will still insist on taking us down some roads and tracks that are unsuitable or go into a monumental sulk and just give up, metaphorically saying "You're on your own mate"! I do find it a useful guide but that's as far as I trust it.
As for the ACSI instructions, I often find them a bit vague which is being kind. Some of them are absolutely spot on however.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have the Michelin Atlas and quite honestly find it invaluable. Coming across a 'Route Barree' sign can be a challenge for a SatNav, but when you can see a little yellow road across the bridge you are looking at through the windscreen, and you can see that it leads you back to the route you are on several kilometres down the road, a new route becomes very easy! It was also invaluable when we came across floods, and managed to negotiate a route through and around the floods
Our TomTom Go Camper allows us to input size, weight of the combination and we have never had an issue. Also it updates itself regularly even if the road is temporary blocked.
We also use the Michelin Atlas and, as Val says, it is ideal for finding alternative routes. I also like to be able to pin point where I am in the landscape - if there's some interesting looking place I can see, I can find out what it is. We tend to use a satnav for the final approach to a site, although, in France, signage is pretty good and it's rarely necessary.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by MrWez on 12/1/2023
We've not bothered with that one, we use the Atlas Routier et Touristique, it's 1/250 000 scale which is a good and readable scale, plenty of detail. As long as the map is to the same scale or larger (e.g. 1/200 000), then it should be OK.
Our current atlas (2022), has plasticised pages, much more robust than the old paper one.
I wouldn't want a smaller scale atlas, the detail gets lost.
My atlas of choice is the AA Big Easy Read France with a scale of 1/190 000, but it is a bit big and unwieldy. The worst thing is that the regularly used pages quickly come loose on the normal version (after a year or two's use) and also start to tear out on the spiral bound version.
Presumably this wouldn't be an issue with the plasticised pages?
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 14/1/2023
Our TomTom Go Camper allows us to input size, weight of the combination and we have never had an issue. Also it updates itself regularly even if the road is temporary blocked.
Our SatNav is the TomTom Truckers edition it is set up for our motorhomes specifics, it still tries to take me along routes I consider unsuitable, they may be wide enough for me to travel along but not if I were to meet something coming the other way or pass walkers/cyclists. It's for this reason we use the atlas, keeps us on the more suitable roads.
I'd also check out the route to my location using Google Maps too, especially if it was off the beaten track a bit (such as some campsites and France Passion locations).
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 14/1/2023
My atlas of choice is the AA Big Easy Read France with a scale of 1/190 000, but it is a bit big and unwieldy. The worst thing is that the regularly used pages quickly come loose on the normal version (after a year or two's use) and also start to tear out on the spiral bound version.
Presumably this wouldn't be an issue with the plasticised pages?
I know what you mean, the Routier et Touristique edition we have is much more robust, the plasticised pages don't tear (or at least haven't so far), the spiral binding is a large plastic binding, it makes turning the pages easier so it stops the pages snagging too.
We were used to the large A3 sized atlas previously, what we have now is slightly larger than A4 sized (same map scale, just more pages), the Wonderful Mrs Wez who is in charge of the navigating was a bit unsure about it at first but soon got used to it.
Some interesting comments. We bought the Michelin Atlas Routier France Pro 1cm-2.5km.
It was in Waterstons Sale last year.
The one I initially referred to is supposed to have all the Aires marked. We tend to use apps to locate them, but many are not where they say they are.
There are some of us, especially oldies, who love maps and were taught in school how to use them. We're still using our 2014 Michelin which has so many written notes and personal comments that are so useful. It never got us lost. It's so interesting to see just what is around you in the wider area.
However, nowadays that is alongside the car satnav, GPS, Google maps, Osmand etc. which are also useful. The younger generation brought up on these alone are missing out. A grand daughter went to Italy recently but could not place on a traditional map, where she had been!
We Love using maps!
Our first trip into Europe was in1976 on a motorcycle and for some reason we still have all the maps.
Like as you say you there are pencil marks in various places, no idea why or what they mean.
I did use a sat nav when I worked, but only to find a street in various cities.
We have the detailed Michelin atlas, a few years old but great for exploring. I like the way they put green edges on scenic roads.
We were brought up with maps but satnav is useful.
I still use a map of all of France to get general directions as to which roads we wish to take, it gives the big picture.
My wife used to be a health visitor pre satnav. She used a map,and A to Z books. In rural Shropshire she would sometimes have to phone and get directions to a farm or rural house.
We travelled all over West Germany in the late 70s and early 80s using the trusty BAOR road maps (freebies) and ADAC maps- purchased!
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------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 14/1/2023
Sounds like that will be my next purchase then, thank you.
Found the 2023 version for £14.99 from Wordery, with free p&p, £5 cheaper than Amazon, so bought it on pre-order. Despatched today so should be with me this week. Excited to get the atlas now and start looking at some routes without the pages falling out! Thanks all.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Michelin France Camping Car Atlas
via mobile 14/1/2023 at 10:48am
