Back from the South of France...

[saorbust]

Well we made it. Thanks to those on here for advice re speeds etc. Had a good trip - from London to the South of France in 10 hours, with only one fill up of fuel !

Here's a pic of the car in the sun....

Didn't do a lot - did visit Monte Carlo, which is a lot more crowded than I remember ! Lots of preparations for the GP ongoing now.

Good to be back !

Clarky.

 

[Mr E]

Hi,

I must have missed all the advice, etc....... we're heading off to St Tropez, Frejus, Cannes, Nice and Monaco later this year. We normally go to Landes (south of Bordeaux) so this'll be the first time down the east side of Paris.

What route did you take? Was it mainly the m-ways / toll roads or did you try other roads?

Thanks

 

[saorbust]

Toll Roads ! All the way. Cost approximately 80 Euro's - well worth it. We followed the Nav system - from memory I think it was Paris / Lyon / Marseilles - very clearly signposted and dead easy to do. I don't think I'd go via Paris again - except in the dead of night (which we did) - otherwise very easy indeed.

When are you off ?

 

[Mr E]

Cheers - sounds like the route that we plan to take.

We're off in August for a couple of weeks - we've got friends who live just outside of Frejus (my mother-in-law and daughter have just got back from a break down there) and are quite interested in buying something down there. Hopefully a chance to chill by the pool for a few days and scout a few places out too.

With the kids in the car, we're planning to break off about 2/3 of the way down, and do something similar on the way back. I've done Biarritz to Dieppe in a day, but DVDs only go so far and they are that bit older now.

We're going via Calais - so plan to pick up the motorway system there and follow the satnav down........can't wait

Remembered this - Real Time Traffic very cool site for real-time traffic info, plus a forecast for any day of the year based on previous data.

 

[saorbust]

Nice one.

We used the euro tunnel - just a lot faster ! Had two kids in the back - they had a normal nights sleep whilst the parents did the driving through the night.

You should have a cracking laugh - oh, and btw, TMC works in Monte Carlo !!

Clarky.

 

[marc777]

We've done this drive in August for the past 4 years and have always split it into 2, for the sake of the kids.

Always gone Calais, Troyes, Lyon. And I always drive through Lyon. never be tempted to take the ring road - we did once and it was a LONG way round!

Traffic on the south coast road between Frejus, Les Iassambres and St Tropexz is a NIGHTMARE in August.......it takes an age to get anywhere.

Definately take time out to go to Monaco - recommend the Aquarium for the kids (and adults)


Have fun!

Marc

 

[Mr E]

Thanks for the tips guys....

We're staying in the hills inland so hopefully can keep away from the coast road......and Monaco will be a must. Wifey and I usually spend a few days there in November. Last time we stayed in the Hermitage, spent time in the spa, went to the aquariam, etc. Wifey is a business travel consultant, and the reason for a November trip is that, if you book through someone like Cresta, the Monaco tourist board pays for your return HELECOPTER transfer from Nice! Also, it's half the price to stay, you can eat in restaurants such as Vistamar, La Coupole (Mirabeau) and Quai d'Artiste - all Michelin starred - for under €50 a head!

And the tip for Lyon is much appreciated - I've heard it's a real dog around there........

Cheers! :bannana:

 

[WLeg]

And head up to St Paul de Vence, and have lunch at L'Columbe D'or. One of the best restaurants down there (and some nice art work too).