so we are looking to visit this site for 10 days in late June/early July 2017 . I have looked at all western channel crossings and it looks like Newhaven-Dieppe with a 5.00am arrival is our best bet.
I am happy to do 500-600 miles in a day ( done it before) we are towing a fairly large single axle van with a Volvo V70.
Having read several topics it looks like Dieppe via Rouen/Chartres/Orleans/Clermont Ferrand is the best bet my question is where do we come of the A75 and head east route planners suggest N102/N88//102 D1 but it does look a challenging route to say the least
My other option is to come off at Clemont head east on the A89 to Lyon then head south which looks a quicker option but with associated costs which I would consider.
many thanks in advance for anyone's advice
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But from Cardiff to the Ardeche it's not 500 or 600 miles - it's 700 miles. After very little sleep on the ferry that deserves an overnight somewhere in mid France.
The route you mention via Chartres then on N102 after Clermont is perfectly OK and not particularly challenging, but you won't do motorway speed .
You will average a max of 50mph towing. Even on autoroutes, when you factor in short loo stops, eating stops and hold ups.
Dieppe to L'Ardechois is 853kms, 530miles. You're looking at 12 hours solid driving then setting up at the other end, and that's if you don't get stuck in traffic. A midway stop will make for a much less stressful trip, honestly.
We have done the journey to the Ardeche many times over the years, using both the route through Lyon, and Clermont Ferrand and the N102 - but couldn't imagine doing it in one day. It isn't a 'just off the motorway' site and the last stretch, however you do it, is a long and winding road. The N102 is a perfectly good road, but winding and narrow in some places, with long up and down hills. The other way, across the plateau from the Rhone Valley is equally winding. To think about setting up when you arrive after a gruelling day of travel (possibly in very hot temperatures, or torrential rain - we've had both) doesn't bear thinking about.
I would factor in an overnight stop - and enjoy the journey, and the subsequent holiday, more!
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And don't forget the Volvo v7 will most probably be restricted to 90 kph whilst towing in France. Check out the weight restrictions on the Caravan Club website.
Personally I would always have an overnight stop .
DaveS1
Many thanks for the info that everyone has given, I may be should have said that part time - well probably twice a month I drive a Mercedes Vito and covered car trailer to Europe delivering some very expensive cars and doing 700ks in a day is not unusual.
I am however a virgin to this part of France and as a rule before any trip I try to look over the whole route for any issues hence my request.
I am aware of the regulations on towing in France, luckily we hit around 3300kgs including a full tank. Currently Im sat in a service area near Macon heading for Geneva having left the UK yesterday evening and driving down from Dunkirk at 90kph is mind numbing !!
Looking at the last 2 hours drive to the site made me think whilst it may be 6 pm and light would I really want an hour of hair pin roads after a long day in saddle so to speak !
Quote: Looking at the last 2 hours drive to the site made me think whilst it may be 6 pm and light would I really want an hour of hair pin roads after a long day in saddle so to speak !
Exactly! We certainly didn't! We varied our route, so rarely stayed at the same place twice, but we usually tried to get as far as we could for about 5.00 pm and then find somewhere to stay overnight, so that we had an easy journey the following morning.
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Quote:
Looking at the last 2 hours drive to the site made me think whilst it may be 6 pm and light would I really want an hour of hair pin roads after a long day in saddle so to speak !
The advice from Val is good and your comment above is sound. Whether you go via Clermont Ferrand or Lyon you will use the N102. Personally I would go via Lyon on the A6/A7 as this gives the shorter route to the site. The road is narrow in places but do-able. It has many bends and low walls on the verges plus rocky cliff faces. You will porbably not get out or 3rd gear in many places. It needs good concentration and forwward planning to spot oncoming traffic.
The site is quite remote necessitating the use of the same road every time you go out. However we really loved the site and all it had to offer.
Ha! now Harry's post raises the issue of which 'L'Ardechois' you were referring to. I made the assumption you were talking about Vallon Pont D'Arc, (which is where we've stayed many times) but it sounds as if Harry is referring to L'Ardechois at Ollieres sur Eyrieux from his description of how to get there and I suspect, now, that this is the site you mean.
From the Rhone Valley to L'Ardechois at Vallon, the easiest route is via Bourg St Andeol, and Saint Remeze, and from the N102 via Aubenas, Vogue and Lagorce. This is the easier of the two sites to get to, and the latter stretch isn't bad - just not something you want to do in the evening. The site at Ollieres is a more challenging route......... good luck especially if you choose to do it at 6.00 pm!
Hi Harry, there is also L'Ardechois at Vallon Pont d'Arc - exactly the same name as t'other in St Saveur de Montagut. We met people there who had booked the wrong site - they ended up at Vallon but loved it there.
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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: Getting to L`Ardéchois Ardeche
