best route to central france

[petemoore808]

hi all

i am driving over to 'the sanctuary' near bourges in central france and was wondering what would be the best route to take. I believe the toll roads can work out very expensive, also i have seen that the ferry routes all vary considerably in cost.
any info would be much appreciated.

cheers

pete

[MANAGER]

You tight 'rse.
If you don't have a sat-nav, then at least buy a map.
You'll be wanting one of us to drive you next.

Dover/Calais/Paris/Bourge


Try out this route planner.
Route planner. Road Maps Town Plans Driving Directions and Route Planning for Europe

Not only can toll roads be expensive, but it is also possible to recieve an on-the-spot speeding fine, as you are timed between toll booths.
Anyway, the N roads don't take much longer and are more scenic, half the fun of getting there.

[Wooly]

Originally Posted by petemoore808

hi all

i am driving over to 'the sanctuary' near bourges in central france and was wondering what would be the best route to take. I believe the toll roads can work out very expensive, also i have seen that the ferry routes all vary considerably in cost.
any info would be much appreciated.

cheers

pete

Dover. Use Ferrysavers.com to find the best ferry price. Either to Boulogne, Calais or Dunkerque. Take toll road to Paris (use map book to determine which one, either way you should be entering Paris area on the A1). Follow signs around Peripheque for Bordeaux. Exit Paris on A10, stay on A10 when it splits with the A11. At Orleans take the A71. Stay on this road till Bourges. On the way back follow signs around Peripheque for Lille, then the signs to either Boulogne, Calais, or Dunkerque.
In my opinion, if you want to avoid the toll roads you need your head examined. They cost money, but in terms of speed and safety they are by far the best option. Make sure you have a map book and plan the route carefully. The tips above will get you there, but the map will be needed for the fine detail.
When in Paris if you follow the Bordeaux signs you will get through OK, keep your wits about you though as the French drivers can often seem a bit scary. If going for the first time travelling at night is easier. Hope this helps, if you want any more info PM your phone number and I'll give you a ring.

[the bear]

go on the toll roads!!! been going over frogland for 12 years can you peal a orange in your pocket

[MANAGER]

The only time my wife has ever driven abroad we were on a French toll road.
The only cars about were ours...............and a drunken French driver in front, going all over the place.
This was a good 15+ years ago.

It's a damn sight easier driving in France than in the U.K. but I'm not too happy about the 6 lane traffic light grand prix in Bordeaux , the Paris perifique is okay, as long as there is only one navigator in the car.


Bon vacance!

[the bear]

think the chap may be a skint flint even the fluffing deisal is cheaper over there!!!!!!

[carp junkie]

Originally Posted by the bear

think the chap may be a skint flint even the fluffing deisal is cheaper over there!!!!!!

the fuel in the sevices aint much cheaper than the uk these days it seems the french are being heavily taxed now

[cypry returns]

Hi

I have the France map for the TomTom One if you want to borrow it

regards john

[richk]

Take the Tolls as the cost of it is easily recovered in Cruising on Clear Motoways without traffic jams, stopping and starting etc so therefore your not burning Fuel. Also not using the Tolls can prove to be a lot more expensive if you make one wrong turn or come to a route thats closed or diversions etc as the French dont care if they re route you 50 miles out of your way!

But dont get caught speeding! its an on the spot fine and they do time you between Tolls but there is also Radar Traps but the French hate them so if you see drivers on the opposite side flahing their Headlights its to warn you that they have clocked a trap on your side further up! All they ask is that you return the favor and dont take a Radar Detector with you as you can get into serious trouble just for having one in a Glovebox not turned on! They are a BIG BIG NO in France.

[skilledhandz]

Dover to Bolougne works out around 50-60 quid with the fast ferry.Then take the N40 or 42 (cant remember the number but there is only one) to St Omer then take the A26 until you reach the Paris turn off.

[davec]

would certainly recommend the dover bolougne crossing with speed ferries, they are very good. cost me 57 quid in a vivarro van and 3 of us in it, its quick and easy