Road trip ideas

ROCKYJET · 07-19-2010, 05:31 PM

I've not actually posted in this section yet but Ive been lurking around here for a while so hi to all!

I'm planning my first road trip to France next month.

Will be taking my missus so guess I need a few nice stops other than the many petrol stations

It will only be for a week so would massivley appreciate on where to go and what to look out for!

cheers

m1bjr · 07-19-2010, 06:02 PM

Orleans
La Rochelle

Dave_3 · 07-19-2010, 06:03 PM

When I popped over to Le Mans last week from near Zurich, I programmed the Sat Nav to avoid motorways [I had a highly-strung Lotus 7 in tow

].

Far more charming way to cross France, and as the A roads are relatively wide, well maintained and empty - not really that much slower in progress, but a lot more fun. In fact, some of the distances between points went down 50-100 Kms using A roads. Just a nicer way to travel - some of the old village centres are very sleepy and laid back. Driving over the large areas covered with golden wheat fields is very relaxing.

I was aiming for a stop over in Auxerre, but as we approched it I tried the old sat nav, looking for a hotel in the area with parking. Ended up staying in a lovely hotel in Chablis, car parked up in the court yard. Good job Sat nav. Lots of vineyards ....

You'll see a lot more of France. Certainly beats tramping up boring, straight, featureless motorways with all the others.

Just be careful about fuel on Sundays, the French in the backwaters have automated petrol stations that only really like French credit cards.

D.

ROCKYJET · 07-27-2010, 05:38 AM

Thanks both

Those areas may fit the bill as its not too far. Its my missus 1st road trip and she doesnt like it when I gun it to hear the exhaust at the best of times!

Cheers for the heads up on the automated fuel pumps. I remember reading something about that in Evo.

I was speaking to someone else this weekend and they mentioned, whatever you do, make sure you behave on the autoroutes. Most here are probably aware that they can stop and fine you on the spot but Ive been told that in less built up areas, some actually put you in the slammer for the night and fine you the day later!

Captain Chaos · 07-27-2010, 06:56 AM

Have family in Perpignan, very nice and also rather warm right now! Easy reach of Barca if you fancy a Tapas for lunch, too.

Mind you, it's about as far away as you can go, wouldn't leave much time for owt else..

dimisa1977 · 07-27-2010, 06:58 AM

Sounds like a ton of fun, drive safe

07-19-2010, 05:31 PM	#1
ROCKYJET New Member 6 Rep 22 Posts Drives: M3 E92 DCT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Road trip ideas I've not actually posted in this section yet but Ive been lurking around here for a while so hi to all! I'm planning my first road trip to France next month. Will be taking my missus so guess I need a few nice stops other than the many petrol stations It will only be for a week so would massivley appreciate on where to go and what to look out for! cheers
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07-19-2010, 06:02 PM	#2
m1bjr LSD - No, you're not seeing things 72 Rep 3,302 Posts Drives: Baby F36 Gran Coupe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Plymouth UK iTrader: (4)	Orleans La Rochelle
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07-19-2010, 06:03 PM	#3
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	When I popped over to Le Mans last week from near Zurich, I programmed the Sat Nav to avoid motorways [I had a highly-strung Lotus 7 in tow ]. Far more charming way to cross France, and as the A roads are relatively wide, well maintained and empty - not really that much slower in progress, but a lot more fun. In fact, some of the distances between points went down 50-100 Kms using A roads. Just a nicer way to travel - some of the old village centres are very sleepy and laid back. Driving over the large areas covered with golden wheat fields is very relaxing. I was aiming for a stop over in Auxerre, but as we approched it I tried the old sat nav, looking for a hotel in the area with parking. Ended up staying in a lovely hotel in Chablis, car parked up in the court yard. Good job Sat nav. Lots of vineyards .... You'll see a lot more of France. Certainly beats tramping up boring, straight, featureless motorways with all the others. Just be careful about fuel on Sundays, the French in the backwaters have automated petrol stations that only really like French credit cards. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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07-27-2010, 05:38 AM	#4
ROCKYJET New Member 6 Rep 22 Posts Drives: M3 E92 DCT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks both Those areas may fit the bill as its not too far. Its my missus 1st road trip and she doesnt like it when I gun it to hear the exhaust at the best of times! Cheers for the heads up on the automated fuel pumps. I remember reading something about that in Evo. I was speaking to someone else this weekend and they mentioned, whatever you do, make sure you behave on the autoroutes. Most here are probably aware that they can stop and fine you on the spot but Ive been told that in less built up areas, some actually put you in the slammer for the night and fine you the day later!
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07-27-2010, 06:56 AM	#5
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Have family in Perpignan, very nice and also rather warm right now! Easy reach of Barca if you fancy a Tapas for lunch, too. Mind you, it's about as far away as you can go, wouldn't leave much time for owt else..
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07-27-2010, 06:58 AM	#6
dimisa1977 Major 53 Rep 1,139 Posts Drives: BMW Specialist (exhaust) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW [0.00] 2008 BMW [0.00]	Sounds like a ton of fun, drive safe
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