Travelling abroad for the first time

topcat30
topcat30 Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited April 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi,

We are travelling abroad for the first time in July.  We are crossing to Dover to Calais and travelling down to the Languedoc Region, Torreilles, staying in Les Tropics. 

As it’s our first time I would like to pass over the Millau Viaduct, all the routes are taking me through Paris.  Obviously, I wish to avoid this.  Has anyone any suggestions on the best route to take?

Also, we would like to stop overnight somewhere after the Millau Viaduct.  Again, any suggestions for a stopover would be appreciated.

Thank You

Chris

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #2

    Routes don't take you through Paris unless  you choose to go through Paris. 

    You can go east of the city via Reims and Dijon, as far south as Chalons sur Saone, then across towards Clermont Ferrand for the Millau road. Or you can go west of Paris via Rouen and Chartres and then again towards Clermont Ferrand and then Millau. A big fold out map is useful. 

    Enjoy your planning and take care. 

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited April 2016 #3

    Presumably as Toreilles is only a couple of hours from Millau you mean close to Millau in which case Les Rivages in Millau is a good site.

    As eurotraveller says a good map will show you the two routes he mentions but if I am in any doubt when planning my trips, and Michelin doesn't help by insisting on taking me towards the Paris ring road, I tend to use Bing maps where you can drag the route
    about to see alternatives.

  • Hakinbush
    Hakinbush Forum Participant Posts: 286
    edited April 2016 #4

    Google "Via Michelin" they have some great route planners,giving mileage, cost's even motorway or non motorway routes..

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #5

    Agree with 'eurotraveller', two years ago we took the Rouen/Chartres route from Calais and if deciding on the eastern route I would certainly skirt Paris by heading towards Reims.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #6

    We avoid Paris and have used both routes mentioned above many times but favour the west one via Rouen, Chatres, Orleans, Clermont Ferrand.  You don't ,mention dates or ferry times as this will affect recommendations for sites; for example, it is very ambitious
    to hope to reach Millau in one day from Calais!  The site in Millau mentioned is excellent but you have to reclimb the hill to go over the bridge!  Just south of Clermont Ferrand there are a number of sites  about 2 hours north of Millau from which you will
    easily reach Languedoc the next day and go over the bridge.  Make sure you don't speed in the tunnel just south of the Caylar services as there is a speed camera there!

  • topcat30
    topcat30 Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited April 2016 #7

    Thanks eurotraveller, Longtimercaravanner, Hakinbush, DaveFL2 & comeyras for the great advice
    Happy The Michelin route planner is great.

    I will check out all the sites Cool

    We are going on the 22/07/2016 & the crossing time is 02:20.

    I will keep an eye open for the speed camera Tongue Out

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #8

    22 Jul is a Friday.  You will find that the whole of France/Holland/Belgium will be heading south on the Sat so get as far south as you can without killing yourself on the Friday (past Orleans will ease your Saturday trip!).  I would still recommend 2 nights en route arriving your site on Sunday - you are on holday after all - especially if you have children with you?.  Stopping for overnight stops at about 4 pm will ensure you get a site and a good rest.  You may find time rather than a fixed destination will rule when you stop.Wink  Worth investing in the CC France Site Book before you go, loads of overnight stops included for your route.

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