Paris August exodus

[jimbouk]

I'm looking to drive to Chatel in Eastern France at the end of July, I'm aware of the traditional mass exodus at the start of August, but wondered which weekend will be the worst this year as 1st of Aug is on a Thursday, will the weekend after be the worst? Regardless I have to travel on both, but will have young children in the car and need to chose how many hotel stops enroute.
Sadly the days of doing it nonstop powered by loud music and red bull and at high speed are over.....