Do you normally go 'non-toll' or is this a change? Non-toll routes don't suit everyone - you have to accept that it will take longer, take more following a map. You don't just get on the autoroute just outside Calais and get off again just outside Grimaud!
You could do the route we call 'down the Seine' ---- Calais to St Quentin on the autoroute, because it's a pain otherwise, then St Quentin to Soissons, Soissons to Troyes via Chateau Thierry, Montmirail, Sezanne, Romilly sur Seine, then skirt Troyes, and then via Bar sur Seine, Chatillon sur Seine, Saint Seine sur l'Abbaye and skirt Dijon, then head towards Beaune but on the N road, not the autoroute, then head towards Chagny and continue to use the N road parallel to the autoroute from Chalon sur Saone south. South of Lyon (use the autoroute to get through Lyon) take the old N7 and continue south.
It's about twenty years since we did that route all the way from Calais south, so I can't vouch for it still being a real alternative, or whether it's now so full of traffic humps, chicanes, traffic lights, and speed restrictions that it will take you the whole holiday to get there.
I try not to use tolls where possible. Unless it is going to save me a lot of time or stress.
We usually go Abbeville, Rouen, Cleremont, Millau.
Stopping off a couple of times on the way down.
I have done the Reims Macon Dijon Lyon rout about ten years ago. Ideally I would like a fairly scenic route.As long as it doesnt take the whole holiday to get there.
Like you said Val.
You can use what you call your usual route via Clermont and Millau down to Montpellier - and from there it's an easy drive across the Camargue on the road passing Aigues Mortes, then the D58 onward to Arles, and a direct road to your destination from there. It can all be nearly toll free if you wish.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Stopovers almost anywhere you wish on that route. Will you perhaps get to Olivet at Orleans on day one? And after that as far down the A75 as you feel like. Take a good site guide. And take care.
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: Martigues - Best route - Stop overs
