Route - Calais to South of France

Ray Grant
Ray Grant Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited January 2020 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Travelling to the south of France later this year. Valras Plage, Herault.

So, looking on line there are a number of routes from Calais. The most direct and quickest take you through Paris on the Perifique I think it is called. Any advice. Should I take the longer route and miss out Paris, or is the road not to be feared?
I have already booked the ferry so cannot change start point.
Thanks. Ray.

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #2

    It depends... How much of a hurry are you in, and how economical do you want to be? 

    The quickest, all motorway route via Paris is workable at certain days and times, ,but will cost you 109 euros each way in tolls. On the other hand ViaMichelin.com will show you a completely toll free route via Rouen, but suggests that it will take 5 hours longer. 

     

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #3

    The Peripherique can be very, very busy. Up to you but I’d look at a less stressful route, especially as you’re caravaners.
    M25 on steroids! 😱😱😱

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #4

    The Francilliene isn't much better, but probably preferable to the Periphique. Autoroutes can get quite boring. Using the N roads, whilst slower are cheaper. Of course the A75 south of Clermont -Ferrand is a freebie so long as you don't get giddy on the Millau bridge.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #5

    Ray

    It will be a more relaxing drive if you avoid Paris completely. Since the A75 opened (some years ago now) many have travelled via Rouen from which you have a choice of toll or non toll roads depending on how much of a rush you are in. It is also a good route to get you to your destination. You can of course go straight down the middle of France from Calais via Lyon but not only is this route expensive but south of Macon it can be pretty busy. I have created this webpage to illustrate the two routes if it is of any help, see here. http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/the_route_south_2.html

    David

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