17th November - 29th November 2007 Actual
France-Switzerland-Italy-Monaco-France
Dover-Calais-Dijon-Lausanne-Aosta-Torino-Cuneo-Monaco-Nice-Antibes-Cannes-Avignon-Orange-Ardeche Gorge-Millau-Pauillac-Poitiers.
"it's an approx route" Well it certainly was, but no less an adventure!
From Riems to Dijon, down through Switzerland, across the Swiss/Italian alps, down across the French alps into Italy, then onto Monaco-Antibes, up to the Cote de Rhone area, onto the Ardeche Gorge-Ardeche forest, down across the Millau viaduct and back again, around Toulouse, onto Bordeaux country and lovely Pauillac, and finally Poitiers, where the gearbox decided to make a break for freedom.
A really nice tour, stunning scenery and at a leisurely pace enough to enjoy it. This was going to be very different from the LandyRally; the shortened daylight hours, the total lack of campsites open, many hours driven on country roads, adjusting my route daily to take in as many sights as possible.
Even by myself, I found it exciting, pleasurable and a delight to tour this way. 2,460 miles
16th Southampton - Dover
A very late night drive to Dover to catch a 02:00 ferry on the 17th to Calais. Why so early? I wanted to start my holiday ASAP, and the ferries from Portsmouth, hopeless, irregular and expensive.
148 miles
17th Dover - Calais - Dijon
Slept on the ferry, and arrived into Calais at about 04:00, and it felt like it. But, buoyed with enthusiasm and a jest for travel, I was on my way.
Left Calais and headed for Dijon along the A26/E15, an hour down the road, parked up and slept for a few hours in one of the many splendid rest areas on French roads. Travelled along the toll road, mainly to make some miles before I came off at Rimes, which as you know is Champagne country, a beautiful town, drove through it, and around some vineyards, stunning.
Now mid-morning and sunny, but very cold, I decided to take the some country roads to Dijon. Took the D944, onto Chalons-en-Champagne, then took the N44/N67/N74 through some typically pretty French villages; Vitry-le-Francois – St Dizier – Chaumont – Langres, this is the France I've come to see; and onto Dijon.
Visited a few campsites, all closed, sort of knew that before I left, but just wanted to turn up and see, but no luck. So for safety reasons, I joined a toll road and slept in another excellent service area, very comfortable; because the middle seats in the series fold flat, this allows enough space for a double airbed. ZZZZZZZZ
344 miles
18th Dijon - Ivrea, Italy
Left the toll road ASAP after a scrub-up and a fine breakfast, then drove to Nuits-St-Georges, more vineyards and enjoying every minute of it, this is Chablis/Chardonnay country, but being Sunday, even the wine wholesalers were closed.
So pushed on; drove down the D974 to Beaune, a sizeable and historic place and onto Meursault, one of the many villages giving its name to wine. Back to Beaune, and took the D973 to Pouilly-sur-Saone, a stunningly large village on the side of a canal, the streets typically narrow, small shops selling local fresh produce.
After some fresh French bread with brie, does life get any better? Left Pouilly-sur-Saone and took the D973 onto the N73 and decided to take the country route along the D468/D33/D470 to Lons-Le-Saunier. This route was only about 40kms, but this was one of the most stunning of the trip. Snow had arrived in this part of France, the roads were covered in ice and snow, and the villages/landscapes were all Christmas card stuff, very, very pleased with this part of the trip, absolutely beautiful.
So many villages, so many photo scenes, managed to take a few shots, just beautiful. Finally arrived in Lons-Le-Saunier, after spending most of the morning travelling just this short distance, but for me, that what this trip was all about. Needed to make up time if I was going to make Italy by dusk, so I picked up the pace and took the D52/N78/N5 to Les Rousses, this was where I was going to cross the border into Switzerland.
This whole road, although a national road was full of pretty snow covered villages, stunning scenery, and plenty of switchbacks, a great drive in the Series. Crossed the border, and into Switzerland, more switchbacks, and stunning scenery. Just about to hit the toll road to make up time, and at the last minute, remembered that the Swiss toll roads are expensive unless you have Swiss francs, which I didn’t.
Had to take route 1 through Nyon/Lausanne/Montreux and onto Martigny, this was the LandyRally route, but in daylight, it was pretty, but it took forever, and arrived in Martigny late afternoon. Some beautiful sights of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, luckily my camera has a very good zoom, and the views, were breathtaking.
At this point, I decided to drive the road to Italy along the E27 through the Grd St-Bernard tunnel (unfortunately the pass was closed), and so into Italy, down through more pretty villages and arrived at a campsite in Aosta, unfortunately closed. So pulled-over, read some maps, and decided to pick up a toll to Torino, found a rest place, cooked dinner, and enjoyed a good night’s slept.
289 miles
19th Ivrea, Italy – Brignoles, France
Leaving Ivrea, I decided to take a different route, besides I’ve already driven up to and through Val d’Isere in daylight. So after studying the maps for a while, I decided to go south and around Torino on the toll road, just to make some initial miles.
Got passed Torino before the rush hour thankfully, a couple of tips here;
1. Stay in the middle lane, if you choose to stay in the inside lane, your will be cut-up more times than a wedding cake.
2. If you’re overtaking slower traffic, do not indicate to pull out, this only gives the driver in the lane you want to join, the opportunity to put their foot down and close the gap.
Having carved my way through the traffic, I carried along the A5/E25 and onto the A6/E717 and headed towards Cuneo, a scenic small town, and continued along the E74/S20 into the Italian Alps, absolutely beautiful. A stunning drive, plenty of switchbacks, through lots of pretty villages nestled in the mountains, all the way up to around 1900m, and came to a toll-free tunnel into France.
This road then continued again through some stunning scenery, more alpine villages, the bigger ones being; Tende and Saorge, this great drive is down through a gorge, with very high sides, and overhanging rocks, very picturesque. The road split up and I continued along the E74/S20 back towards Italy, dropping down now out of the Alps, and again through some very pretty villages, plenty of campsites and all closed.
Dropped down all the way to the coast at Ventimiglia, and headed towards France again, and Menton, along the coast road to Monte-Carlo. Nice sunny, warm weather, even took a jumper off, and drove into the port at Monaco, parked up and had lunch.
First time I’ve been here, and surprised how enclosed it felt, obviously some stunning boats and buildings, very clean and twisty streets, not an easy drive in a series, but pleasurable. Actually drove across the starting grid twice, before I recognised it, even with the grid markings, it’s so small; the width, the climb up to the first corner, the car park near the marina where they drive through, it just seemed too small for F1 cars. It must be one of the greatest sporting events ever to watch live!
And so onto Beaulieu and Villefranche, as the road is high up in a cliff face and you drive high above the coast going through a odd tunnel, your able to see some very beautiful little coves with some very expensive property, marinas everywhere.
Fought my way through Nice, following the coast road, through Antibes, this part of the coastal road was at sea level, loved Antibes, unfortunately, like so many tourist areas, they’ve ruined it by building a couple monstrous buildings which I presume are flats, right on the seafront.
And on to Cannes, starting to get dusk now, the idea being drive on to St Tropez and find a campsite, but from experience so far I knew it was doubtful, so I drove inland a bit and picked up the A8/E80 toll road towards Orange, found yet another splendid rest area just outside Brignoles.
Freshened up, and had a nice meal, studied maps and fell asleep.
263 miles
20th Brignoles – Orange
Woke up and had another fine breakfast, before studying the maps again, can’t believe this is only the 4th day! The series has travelled so well and so far in such a short time, and at a leisurely pace.
The area around St Tropez is like a national park area, but I wanted to spend time there, and this trip was more of a reconnaissance trip for further trips into different areas. So buoyed with that itchy feet feeling I get, and a 2nd mug of tea, I was off towards the Cotes-du-Rhone area.
Carried along the A8 towards Aix-en-Provence, and then joined the A7 towards Salon-de-Provence, some outstanding scenery along the way, including some superb bridges. Then I decided to come off and see some countryside, came off the A7 at Cavaillon, a beautiful place, typically French, outdoor cafes and loads of shops, got some stores and carried on.
Took the D938/D31/D49 to Carpentras, yet another beautiful town, just shows you, you don’t have to go far from the toll roads in France to come across stunning scenery. Mid-morning now, and followed the D7 towards the Cotes-du-Rhone area, and in particular Sablet, one of the most famous villages in the region.
I then proceeded to spend the rest of the day in this area, visiting vineyards and spitting more decent wine out then ever before, and having an absolutely brilliant time. The villages of the area; Sablet/Seguret/Vaison-la-Romaine/Vacqueyras/Gigondas all of them very picturesque and I would live in any of them.
Next stop; Chateauneuf-du-Pape where else, more vineyards, more vineries, more stunning scenery and as for the village, one of the most scenic yet. Its narrow streets, lovely shops and cafes, I would certainly move here tomorrow if I could.
The whole area is a wine lover’s paradise. I will back soon. Getting dark, and yes no campsites open, so joined the A7 near Orange, and found a rest area, freshened-up, ate a wonderful meal with fresh bread, and studied maps before falling asleep.
99 miles
21st Orange - Toulouse
Got up early, and had another good breakfast, studied maps, left the toll road at Bollene and continued on my journey. One of the extra tasks travelling by yourself is running around the front of your vehicle, pay the toll or take the ticket, then back around again, hop in and carry on your way.
I took the D994 to Pont-St-Esprit, yet another pretty village, and onto the D290 towards the Ardeche Gorge, if you don’t know about this area, visit it ASAP, it’s absolutely stunning, and the whole gorge would not be out of place in a dinosaur movie. Stunning views down to the river that runs through it, as the road drops down there are many campsites only to be outnumbered by kayak/canoe rental shops.
Though in the summer months, I imagine the roads are a nightmare. Finally, leaving this beautiful area, picking up the D111/D104/D109 to Mende, along what can only be said as “the road of the trip”, amazing!
The road climbs up to about 1200m, but the scenery, the very small villages, the very narrow empty roads, along with the mist and light rain, gave it an almost “lost world” feel. Absolutely barren, eerie and prehistoric, a great drive, fantastic! In the old series at one point, doing just enough to keep ahead of a lorry which was beginning to look like a scene from duel. The drive took most of the day, although it’s only a short distance.
Picked-up the N88 towards Mende, onto the A75/E11 a toll road, and headed south towards Millau, and that famous viaduct, what a phenomenal structure, and it’s cheap, only 5.40 Euros each way. Decided to turn around and cross it again, what an amazing feat! Came off the toll again, and picked up the N88 towards Laissac and on to Rodez, another historic pretty town, carried on the N88 towards Albi, A very nice town, all light up for Christmas.
Starting to get dark and needing fuel, I stopped and refuelled, and studied some maps. It was at this point, I decided to change a major part of my initial route, for no particular reason, other than I’ve been to Andorra and that part of Spain, but with the lack of campsites open, I decided to pick up a toll road (surprise surprise) and headed to towards Bordeaux.
It was getting late, about 18:00 which was late for me at least, to be driving, but despite that I needed to get north of Toulouse, I didn’t fancy driving through the rush hour, so I drove longer than any other day to do so.
Finally pulled into a rest area about 20:00, had some food, and went to bed. The longest day in terms of hours, and miles, but such a great drive, it didn’t matter.
418 miles
22nd Toulouse - Pauillac
Awoke early, had a superb fried breakfast and a misty, but uneventful drive along the A62/E72 towards Bordeaux. Skirted around Bordeaux and picked up the D2 towards Pauillac, this is it!
This relatively small area still produces about 75% of all the red wines in the world, amazing! But when you actually see the area, you begin to understand why; the history, the Chateaus, the vineries, the vineyards, lane after lane sending you off to different Chateaus, most of which you can drive up to and have a tasting session. Lovely! Spitting it out, of course! More waste of wine!
A very, very enlightening wine region, not being a wine connoisseur, I just enjoyed meeting people and talking about wine, and winemaking. But for me one village name stood out; Margaux, this wine is a classic wine, and I loved visiting the village and the vineries near by.
All this villages in this Medoc region are all part of a well known tourist route, so they’re very well kept, pretty and still French, not some part of American globalism. Vive Le France!
Stayed in the area all day, but it started to rain late afternoon, so I decided to stay in Pauillac, a lovely seaside town, not a lot open but very pretty. Got a decent, but cheap meal, studied some maps, and fell asleep.
172 miles
23rd Pauillac - Poitiers
Awoke, skipped breakfast and got under way. The idea being to refuel, and take the toll for a short distance, before coming off and joining the N10, towards Poitiers. The N10, like most national roads in France are very good, but the really plus being fuel is around 12 cents cheaper a litre than on the toll roads, and the scenery is much better, and it gives you to slow down and see the real France.
So on I travelled onto Angouleme following loads of Lorries, avoiding the toll, as I was, but it is a very good road, plenty of stops and nice scenery. Followed the N10 up to Poitiers, I wasn’t really bothered too much to see anything before Poitiers which I’ve heard is a historic, but pleasant town.
But I was to stay in Poitiers longer than I had wished for, as I approached one of the many traffic light sets on the N10, the gearbox made a crunching sound, a quick check and yes, only 1st and reverse gear.
Well it could have happen in the Alps, on some back road in the middle of nowhere, or if I’d stuck to my initial route, Andorra/Spain and then I would have had trouble.
As it was, I had the right kind of breakdown cover; The RAC European breakdown cover is the best! Make no mistake, if you travel around Europe, know matter how good your vehicle is, get it covered, it can save lots of money and hassle!
172 Miles
23rd -27th Poitiers
The RAC towed it to a garage to estimate the damage, then paid for a taxi and hotel, while sorting the garage out.
After spending 4 full days in Poitiers, it's a very nice place, people very friendly, historic and loads of students, plenty of cafes/restaurants but not cheap, but still a homely place.
Stayed at the IBIS hotel in the centre, a comfortable hotel with friendly staff and hot showers, very nice.
10 miles
28th Poitiers – Southampton
As it turned out, they could not repair it in time for my return. So the RAC helped again, by sorting out not 1, but 3 hire cars to enable me to return to the UK.
Leaving the hotel by taxi, picked up the 1st hire car, then to the garage to unload some equipment, and wine, drove all the way to Calais, swapped hire cars near Calais, caught the 19:30 ferry to Calais, thanks to Seafrance, changed cars again in Dover and finally got home about midnight.
A long day, very tired, but home now and awaiting the Landy, which will follow soon.
545 miles
Positives: Had a great time, thoroughfully enjoyed myself, would definately do it again even if I go alone. I would do a similar trip but earlier in the year, when the days are lighter and at least some campsites are open. Finding the rest areas on toll roads are excellent, if needed. And finally; getting the RAC European comprehensive breakdown cover (see links page).
Negatives: Travelling alone, some company is welcome from time to time (though it has to be said, you rarely travel alone in a series, because there's a queue of traffic behind you!) :). Travelling about one month to late in the year. Running around the front of the vehicle to obtain a toll ticket, or pay.
France-Switzerland-Italy-Monaco-France
Dover-Calais-Dijon-Lausanne-Aosta-Torino-Cuneo-Monaco-Nice-Antibes-Cannes-Avignon-Orange-Ardeche Gorge-Millau-Pauillac-Poitiers.
"it's an approx route" Well it certainly was, but no less an adventure!
From Riems to Dijon, down through Switzerland, across the Swiss/Italian alps, down across the French alps into Italy, then onto Monaco-Antibes, up to the Cote de Rhone area, onto the Ardeche Gorge-Ardeche forest, down across the Millau viaduct and back again, around Toulouse, onto Bordeaux country and lovely Pauillac, and finally Poitiers, where the gearbox decided to make a break for freedom.
A really nice tour, stunning scenery and at a leisurely pace enough to enjoy it. This was going to be very different from the LandyRally; the shortened daylight hours, the total lack of campsites open, many hours driven on country roads, adjusting my route daily to take in as many sights as possible.
Even by myself, I found it exciting, pleasurable and a delight to tour this way. 2,460 miles
16th Southampton - Dover
A very late night drive to Dover to catch a 02:00 ferry on the 17th to Calais. Why so early? I wanted to start my holiday ASAP, and the ferries from Portsmouth, hopeless, irregular and expensive.
148 miles
17th Dover - Calais - Dijon
Slept on the ferry, and arrived into Calais at about 04:00, and it felt like it. But, buoyed with enthusiasm and a jest for travel, I was on my way.
Left Calais and headed for Dijon along the A26/E15, an hour down the road, parked up and slept for a few hours in one of the many splendid rest areas on French roads. Travelled along the toll road, mainly to make some miles before I came off at Rimes, which as you know is Champagne country, a beautiful town, drove through it, and around some vineyards, stunning.
Now mid-morning and sunny, but very cold, I decided to take the some country roads to Dijon. Took the D944, onto Chalons-en-Champagne, then took the N44/N67/N74 through some typically pretty French villages; Vitry-le-Francois – St Dizier – Chaumont – Langres, this is the France I've come to see; and onto Dijon.
Visited a few campsites, all closed, sort of knew that before I left, but just wanted to turn up and see, but no luck. So for safety reasons, I joined a toll road and slept in another excellent service area, very comfortable; because the middle seats in the series fold flat, this allows enough space for a double airbed. ZZZZZZZZ
344 miles
18th Dijon - Ivrea, Italy
Left the toll road ASAP after a scrub-up and a fine breakfast, then drove to Nuits-St-Georges, more vineyards and enjoying every minute of it, this is Chablis/Chardonnay country, but being Sunday, even the wine wholesalers were closed.
So pushed on; drove down the D974 to Beaune, a sizeable and historic place and onto Meursault, one of the many villages giving its name to wine. Back to Beaune, and took the D973 to Pouilly-sur-Saone, a stunningly large village on the side of a canal, the streets typically narrow, small shops selling local fresh produce.
After some fresh French bread with brie, does life get any better? Left Pouilly-sur-Saone and took the D973 onto the N73 and decided to take the country route along the D468/D33/D470 to Lons-Le-Saunier. This route was only about 40kms, but this was one of the most stunning of the trip. Snow had arrived in this part of France, the roads were covered in ice and snow, and the villages/landscapes were all Christmas card stuff, very, very pleased with this part of the trip, absolutely beautiful.
So many villages, so many photo scenes, managed to take a few shots, just beautiful. Finally arrived in Lons-Le-Saunier, after spending most of the morning travelling just this short distance, but for me, that what this trip was all about. Needed to make up time if I was going to make Italy by dusk, so I picked up the pace and took the D52/N78/N5 to Les Rousses, this was where I was going to cross the border into Switzerland.
This whole road, although a national road was full of pretty snow covered villages, stunning scenery, and plenty of switchbacks, a great drive in the Series. Crossed the border, and into Switzerland, more switchbacks, and stunning scenery. Just about to hit the toll road to make up time, and at the last minute, remembered that the Swiss toll roads are expensive unless you have Swiss francs, which I didn’t.
Had to take route 1 through Nyon/Lausanne/Montreux and onto Martigny, this was the LandyRally route, but in daylight, it was pretty, but it took forever, and arrived in Martigny late afternoon. Some beautiful sights of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, luckily my camera has a very good zoom, and the views, were breathtaking.
At this point, I decided to drive the road to Italy along the E27 through the Grd St-Bernard tunnel (unfortunately the pass was closed), and so into Italy, down through more pretty villages and arrived at a campsite in Aosta, unfortunately closed. So pulled-over, read some maps, and decided to pick up a toll to Torino, found a rest place, cooked dinner, and enjoyed a good night’s slept.
289 miles
19th Ivrea, Italy – Brignoles, France
Leaving Ivrea, I decided to take a different route, besides I’ve already driven up to and through Val d’Isere in daylight. So after studying the maps for a while, I decided to go south and around Torino on the toll road, just to make some initial miles.
Got passed Torino before the rush hour thankfully, a couple of tips here;
1. Stay in the middle lane, if you choose to stay in the inside lane, your will be cut-up more times than a wedding cake.
2. If you’re overtaking slower traffic, do not indicate to pull out, this only gives the driver in the lane you want to join, the opportunity to put their foot down and close the gap.
Having carved my way through the traffic, I carried along the A5/E25 and onto the A6/E717 and headed towards Cuneo, a scenic small town, and continued along the E74/S20 into the Italian Alps, absolutely beautiful. A stunning drive, plenty of switchbacks, through lots of pretty villages nestled in the mountains, all the way up to around 1900m, and came to a toll-free tunnel into France.
This road then continued again through some stunning scenery, more alpine villages, the bigger ones being; Tende and Saorge, this great drive is down through a gorge, with very high sides, and overhanging rocks, very picturesque. The road split up and I continued along the E74/S20 back towards Italy, dropping down now out of the Alps, and again through some very pretty villages, plenty of campsites and all closed.
Dropped down all the way to the coast at Ventimiglia, and headed towards France again, and Menton, along the coast road to Monte-Carlo. Nice sunny, warm weather, even took a jumper off, and drove into the port at Monaco, parked up and had lunch.
First time I’ve been here, and surprised how enclosed it felt, obviously some stunning boats and buildings, very clean and twisty streets, not an easy drive in a series, but pleasurable. Actually drove across the starting grid twice, before I recognised it, even with the grid markings, it’s so small; the width, the climb up to the first corner, the car park near the marina where they drive through, it just seemed too small for F1 cars. It must be one of the greatest sporting events ever to watch live!
And so onto Beaulieu and Villefranche, as the road is high up in a cliff face and you drive high above the coast going through a odd tunnel, your able to see some very beautiful little coves with some very expensive property, marinas everywhere.
Fought my way through Nice, following the coast road, through Antibes, this part of the coastal road was at sea level, loved Antibes, unfortunately, like so many tourist areas, they’ve ruined it by building a couple monstrous buildings which I presume are flats, right on the seafront.
And on to Cannes, starting to get dusk now, the idea being drive on to St Tropez and find a campsite, but from experience so far I knew it was doubtful, so I drove inland a bit and picked up the A8/E80 toll road towards Orange, found yet another splendid rest area just outside Brignoles.
Freshened up, and had a nice meal, studied maps and fell asleep.
263 miles
20th Brignoles – Orange
Woke up and had another fine breakfast, before studying the maps again, can’t believe this is only the 4th day! The series has travelled so well and so far in such a short time, and at a leisurely pace.
The area around St Tropez is like a national park area, but I wanted to spend time there, and this trip was more of a reconnaissance trip for further trips into different areas. So buoyed with that itchy feet feeling I get, and a 2nd mug of tea, I was off towards the Cotes-du-Rhone area.
Carried along the A8 towards Aix-en-Provence, and then joined the A7 towards Salon-de-Provence, some outstanding scenery along the way, including some superb bridges. Then I decided to come off and see some countryside, came off the A7 at Cavaillon, a beautiful place, typically French, outdoor cafes and loads of shops, got some stores and carried on.
Took the D938/D31/D49 to Carpentras, yet another beautiful town, just shows you, you don’t have to go far from the toll roads in France to come across stunning scenery. Mid-morning now, and followed the D7 towards the Cotes-du-Rhone area, and in particular Sablet, one of the most famous villages in the region.
I then proceeded to spend the rest of the day in this area, visiting vineyards and spitting more decent wine out then ever before, and having an absolutely brilliant time. The villages of the area; Sablet/Seguret/Vaison-la-Romaine/Vacqueyras/Gigondas all of them very picturesque and I would live in any of them.
Next stop; Chateauneuf-du-Pape where else, more vineyards, more vineries, more stunning scenery and as for the village, one of the most scenic yet. Its narrow streets, lovely shops and cafes, I would certainly move here tomorrow if I could.
The whole area is a wine lover’s paradise. I will back soon. Getting dark, and yes no campsites open, so joined the A7 near Orange, and found a rest area, freshened-up, ate a wonderful meal with fresh bread, and studied maps before falling asleep.
99 miles
21st Orange - Toulouse
Got up early, and had another good breakfast, studied maps, left the toll road at Bollene and continued on my journey. One of the extra tasks travelling by yourself is running around the front of your vehicle, pay the toll or take the ticket, then back around again, hop in and carry on your way.
I took the D994 to Pont-St-Esprit, yet another pretty village, and onto the D290 towards the Ardeche Gorge, if you don’t know about this area, visit it ASAP, it’s absolutely stunning, and the whole gorge would not be out of place in a dinosaur movie. Stunning views down to the river that runs through it, as the road drops down there are many campsites only to be outnumbered by kayak/canoe rental shops.
Though in the summer months, I imagine the roads are a nightmare. Finally, leaving this beautiful area, picking up the D111/D104/D109 to Mende, along what can only be said as “the road of the trip”, amazing!
The road climbs up to about 1200m, but the scenery, the very small villages, the very narrow empty roads, along with the mist and light rain, gave it an almost “lost world” feel. Absolutely barren, eerie and prehistoric, a great drive, fantastic! In the old series at one point, doing just enough to keep ahead of a lorry which was beginning to look like a scene from duel. The drive took most of the day, although it’s only a short distance.
Picked-up the N88 towards Mende, onto the A75/E11 a toll road, and headed south towards Millau, and that famous viaduct, what a phenomenal structure, and it’s cheap, only 5.40 Euros each way. Decided to turn around and cross it again, what an amazing feat! Came off the toll again, and picked up the N88 towards Laissac and on to Rodez, another historic pretty town, carried on the N88 towards Albi, A very nice town, all light up for Christmas.
Starting to get dark and needing fuel, I stopped and refuelled, and studied some maps. It was at this point, I decided to change a major part of my initial route, for no particular reason, other than I’ve been to Andorra and that part of Spain, but with the lack of campsites open, I decided to pick up a toll road (surprise surprise) and headed to towards Bordeaux.
It was getting late, about 18:00 which was late for me at least, to be driving, but despite that I needed to get north of Toulouse, I didn’t fancy driving through the rush hour, so I drove longer than any other day to do so.
Finally pulled into a rest area about 20:00, had some food, and went to bed. The longest day in terms of hours, and miles, but such a great drive, it didn’t matter.
418 miles
22nd Toulouse - Pauillac
Awoke early, had a superb fried breakfast and a misty, but uneventful drive along the A62/E72 towards Bordeaux. Skirted around Bordeaux and picked up the D2 towards Pauillac, this is it!
This relatively small area still produces about 75% of all the red wines in the world, amazing! But when you actually see the area, you begin to understand why; the history, the Chateaus, the vineries, the vineyards, lane after lane sending you off to different Chateaus, most of which you can drive up to and have a tasting session. Lovely! Spitting it out, of course! More waste of wine!
A very, very enlightening wine region, not being a wine connoisseur, I just enjoyed meeting people and talking about wine, and winemaking. But for me one village name stood out; Margaux, this wine is a classic wine, and I loved visiting the village and the vineries near by.
All this villages in this Medoc region are all part of a well known tourist route, so they’re very well kept, pretty and still French, not some part of American globalism. Vive Le France!
Stayed in the area all day, but it started to rain late afternoon, so I decided to stay in Pauillac, a lovely seaside town, not a lot open but very pretty. Got a decent, but cheap meal, studied some maps, and fell asleep.
172 miles
23rd Pauillac - Poitiers
Awoke, skipped breakfast and got under way. The idea being to refuel, and take the toll for a short distance, before coming off and joining the N10, towards Poitiers. The N10, like most national roads in France are very good, but the really plus being fuel is around 12 cents cheaper a litre than on the toll roads, and the scenery is much better, and it gives you to slow down and see the real France.
So on I travelled onto Angouleme following loads of Lorries, avoiding the toll, as I was, but it is a very good road, plenty of stops and nice scenery. Followed the N10 up to Poitiers, I wasn’t really bothered too much to see anything before Poitiers which I’ve heard is a historic, but pleasant town.
But I was to stay in Poitiers longer than I had wished for, as I approached one of the many traffic light sets on the N10, the gearbox made a crunching sound, a quick check and yes, only 1st and reverse gear.
Well it could have happen in the Alps, on some back road in the middle of nowhere, or if I’d stuck to my initial route, Andorra/Spain and then I would have had trouble.
As it was, I had the right kind of breakdown cover; The RAC European breakdown cover is the best! Make no mistake, if you travel around Europe, know matter how good your vehicle is, get it covered, it can save lots of money and hassle!
172 Miles
23rd -27th Poitiers
The RAC towed it to a garage to estimate the damage, then paid for a taxi and hotel, while sorting the garage out.
After spending 4 full days in Poitiers, it's a very nice place, people very friendly, historic and loads of students, plenty of cafes/restaurants but not cheap, but still a homely place.
Stayed at the IBIS hotel in the centre, a comfortable hotel with friendly staff and hot showers, very nice.
10 miles
28th Poitiers – Southampton
As it turned out, they could not repair it in time for my return. So the RAC helped again, by sorting out not 1, but 3 hire cars to enable me to return to the UK.
Leaving the hotel by taxi, picked up the 1st hire car, then to the garage to unload some equipment, and wine, drove all the way to Calais, swapped hire cars near Calais, caught the 19:30 ferry to Calais, thanks to Seafrance, changed cars again in Dover and finally got home about midnight.
A long day, very tired, but home now and awaiting the Landy, which will follow soon.
545 miles
Positives: Had a great time, thoroughfully enjoyed myself, would definately do it again even if I go alone. I would do a similar trip but earlier in the year, when the days are lighter and at least some campsites are open. Finding the rest areas on toll roads are excellent, if needed. And finally; getting the RAC European comprehensive breakdown cover (see links page).
Negatives: Travelling alone, some company is welcome from time to time (though it has to be said, you rarely travel alone in a series, because there's a queue of traffic behind you!) :). Travelling about one month to late in the year. Running around the front of the vehicle to obtain a toll ticket, or pay.