When we have been to Venice (3 times) we have tended to go via Germany and Austria although I suspect going through Switzerland, either via France or Germany, might be the shorter route. MSAutoroute says that its 846 miles from Calais to Jesolo going via Troyes, Metz,Basle and Milan. The Municipal at Obernai would make a good over night, just short of half way.
We've been to Venice before and will be going to Lake Garda next year (which is on the way to Venice).
My preferred route is:-
Dunkerque to Lille, into Belgium, turn towards Mons and then onto Luxemburg. Into France, past Strasburg, down the French side of the Rhine crossing into Switzerland. Cross Switzerland passing Lucerne then through the St Gotthard tunnel down to Milan, turn left and a then a straight road to Venice.
Others will have different opinions but this route works for me. If interested I can suggest overnight stops as well.
We're off to Lake Garda in April - going Dunkerque, Inot Belgium, Luxebourg, Then across to Munich and through Austria (Brenner Pass). Depends what you are towing (if anything - we decided toavoid Switzerland ( prob the shortest route) because of the charges and we shall be away for 4 weeks so we have plenty of time. We are stopping a few times - one of which will be close to ULM. Beware of Mappy and Viamichelin routes as both wanted to take us and van over routes where caravans were not recommended or banned altogether - despite telling the software we were towing.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
In the past we've gone from Calais straight down the motorway to Mont Blanc, Milan and acroos to Venice. That was with a trailor tent. This year we bought a caravan, and I was bit wary of Mont Blanc because the approach is fairly steep, and at peak times can be a bit stop/start and I like my clutch!!!! So this year we went Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Brenner Pass Venice. Mileage pretty similar, no tolls (apart from the vigenette for Austria) but not such good roads. Undecided for next year, is it worth the tolls to have better less stressfull roads, and then I've still got Mont Blanc.....
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by adehslev on 23/11/2009
In the past we've gone from Calais straight down the motorway to Mont Blanc, Milan and acroos to Venice. That was with a trailor tent. This year we bought a caravan, and I was bit wary of Mont Blanc because the approach is fairly steep, and at peak times can be a bit stop/start and I like my clutch!!!! So this year we went Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Brenner Pass Venice. Mileage pretty similar, no tolls (apart from the vigenette for Austria) but not such good roads. Undecided for next year, is it worth the tolls to have better less stressfull roads, and then I've still got Mont Blanc.....
I assume you did the Italian leg without going on the Autostrada which is easy enough to do.
The Mont-Blanc for car and tin tent is 44euro 1way or 55.20euro return (which only lasts 7 days). You have obviously got all the other tolls involved as well.
Having been through the Blanc a fair few times would I pay the tolls to go that way NO personally. It takes a fair bit out of the holiday fund for no real benefit.
Having travelled to Italy for the past 15 years or so Calais, Lille, Luxembourg, Metz, Then either toll free via Nancy, Epinal and Col du Bussang, or Peage via Strasbourg and Colmar to Mulhouse. Basle, Milan then the world's your Lobster. Shortest and, if using toll roads, the cheapest.
Quote: Originally posted by Rostrevor on 23/11/2009
Having travelled to Italy for the past 15 years or so Calais, Lille, Luxembourg, Metz, Then either toll free via Nancy, Epinal and Col du Bussang, or Peage via Strasbourg and Colmar to Mulhouse. Basle, Milan then the world's your Lobster. Shortest and, if using toll roads, the cheapest.
I've seen on some Dutch forums that the Col du Bussang is not recommended for caravans. Is it ok in summer but a bit more dodgy winter/early spring?
I have towed up and down it with a range of vehicle from 1600cc to 2700cc without any problem.
From the North it is a reasonably gentle slope to the top then a series of hairpin bends down.
It is a well engineered road on a main route.
There again it is a question of what is acceptable. I have heard people complain about the Fern Pass in Austria. I personally, and I know many others do not find it a problem.
Both Bussang and the Fern Pass are fine as long as you have got a decent match, wouldn't fancy it in a 1.1 fiesta towing a big twin axle van.
Both are perfectly acceptable decent roads, just don't look down if you don't like heights, and a little tip if you are a bit nervous just do them both in daylight and take your time and enjoy the trip. The OMV garage at the south side of the Fern Pass does a great ham and cheese toasty.
Quickest-fly to Venice-sorry had to get that one in!!!
Lat time we went ( long time ago) we went down through Austria and over the Brenner Pass. We lived in West Germany at the time! Good drive, superb scenery too!
A Smart Car towing a twin axle would struggle too!!!!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Like David Klyne we alwayys go by Germany and Austria. Leaving Calais we go into Belgium around Brussels, around Leige. Turn South towards Spa, into Germany stopping 2 or so nights near Bitburg, onto Black Forest for 2 or so nights along to Innsbruck for 1/2 nights and then down the Brenner Mway to Garda for another 2/3 nights and then on to Venice. We like to do sightseeing on the way down and usually go for 2/3 months. All sites we stay at take ACSI Camping Card and are 5 star sites so very good value.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: best (quickest) routes to venice
