Hi After suggestion on the site we are thinking of starting off our Hol's in Argeles sur Mer. As we are comming from Ireland (Via Holyhead) and hope to over night at outside Callais on th s1st night. Whats the best route south and is it possible to do in 1 drive .
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we did a similar journey from Calais a few years ago. It's definitely better to do it over two days. It's a long, mainly m/way journey and you're better off seeing a bit of France and doing it over two days. Don't be a danger to yourself & others by thinking 1000 kms is easy to do in a day!
We went from calais down through the Champagne region to Dijon, then overnighted in a hotel in troyes which is around halfway. We then continued the next day on towards Orange, Montpelier etc. Trywww.viamichelin.comfor your route planner. They even tell you how much the tolls will be and where the Aires (services) are.
I agree it is a long way in one day but then I am assuming that you might be towing something!!! If you are solo, and you don't mind driving it could be done in one day but you would be pretty exhausted when yo get ther. Don't forget you are on holiday and that should start from the minute you leave home.
WE are doing the Cotswolds to Argeles via Dover/Boulogne with an overnight in Orleans [because I will be tired by then and ready for a beer] and a second overnight at Toulouse so we can take the kids to see Carcasonne the next morning before checking in at about 1600 [hopefuly].
We will be avoiding Paris and taking the route through Rouen, Dreux and Evereux
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If you are hoping to do it in one hit best you go Calais Reims Dijon Macon Lyon Nimes Narbonne Perpignan & yer there-toll Autoroute all the way--enjoy--
Another way is to skirt around Paris, on the A4 (Francilienne) then via Nemours, down cross-country via Vierzon to Grannat near Clermont Ferrand, and then on the A75 (free autoroute and then down to Argeles. It's a lovely motorway - but wouldn't suggest a one-nighter (we usually stay around Clermont Ferrand(ish).
Having driven to this area from Calais many times I can endorse Val A's suggested route in previous post, as its much quieter and cheaper (fewer tolls) than the Dijon route. Another bonus is that you experience the awesome drive over the new Millau viaduct.
Again as mentioned previously, another slight variation of this route is to go via Rouen, Chartres and Orleans which avoids the Paris area completely.
If solo the driving time for the 750 or so miles from Calais to Argeles should take about 12 to 13 hours and I would strongly recommend an overnight stop.
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Pff, very long drive. Even when you take the fastest route by motorway, you also should take into account that part of that is in a sometimes very hot part of the country and even the aires are hot, although some in the south have thos spraying-sculptures. The hot temperature on the motorway adds to the fatigue.
The touristic way is much better.
The most interesting route south is via Clermont-Ferrand and the spectacular viaduct at Millau (the highest bridge in Europe). From Paris take the A10, then A71 and A75 to the A9 at Beziers. You could do it in one long day BUT AVOID SATURDAYS!
For an overnight stay near Calais try Camping Bouscarel at Oye-Plage. From A16 into Oye-Plage, turn left at traffic lights in the village centre then right at the junction with the D119. Site is 1km on the right.
Quote: Originally posted by Brian Cole on 19/4/2006
The most interesting route south is via Clermont-Ferrand and the spectacular viaduct at Millau (the highest bridge in Europe). From Paris take the A10, then A71 and A75 to the A9 at Beziers. You could do it in one long day BUT AVOID SATURDAYS!
For an overnight stay near Calais try Camping Bouscarel at Oye-Plage. From A16 into Oye-Plage, turn left at traffic lights in the village centre then right at the junction with the D119. Site is 1km on the right.
Good luck and enjoy!
Millau bridge is indeed a spectacle - as are the volcanoes near Clermont Ferrand - worth going up Puy de Domme to look down into them
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 Route - Journey
