The best route: Calais to Orleans with a caravan
We've discussed this briefly before, but I can't find the thread - I think it was a discussion as part of something else. It's been ages since we've been down the West side of France, and longer still since we towed a caravan that side. We are far more familiar with the East and the Rhone Valley etc.
I f you are going to Orleans there seems to be two main ways to get there: 1. Head from Calais on the A26 towards St Omer and Arras, then take the A1 to the outskirts of Paris (East of the city on the Périphérique), then pick up the A10 to Orleans. 2. To go West towards Rouen. Having done some work on this with advice from others and with Google maps - it doesn't seem too bad. From Rouen, the option is to 2a. go 'cross country', skirting Evreux, Dreux & Chartres or 2b. stick to the A 13 from Rouen heading S at Mantes-la-Jolie (or one of the other varients)
Which option would you take if you were travelling overnight? Does the Périphérique get impossibly busy at about 3-4am? Is there anything to be aware of by taking a caravan via route 2a or 2b? Any difficult towing roads?
I have mulled this over and over in my mind and can't come to a decision. In the end, I may end up in Calais flipping a Euro for the best route!! There isn't that much difference in mileage 325-330 miles to our first site S. of Orleans. The estimated time differs a little, but it's not earth shattering! Not fussed too much about avoiding motorway tolls for this stretch of our journey, so I am not taking that as a strong consideration.
Any further advice folks, from those more familiar than I in doing this journey?
David