Trip to Provence in June

Trip to Provence in June

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si_xsi

Original Poster:

1,193 posts

195 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
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Hi All,

I'm driving down to Provence - Goult to be precise, later in June this year for a holiday. I will probably stay at one of the Formula 1's off the autoroute on the way down, somewhere near Beaune or Macon, to break up the journey a bit. My question relates to the drive home back up to Calais - I've allowed 2 nights from Goult back up to Calais and im keen to explore a different route stopping at some picturesque / interesting places for each of those nights on the way home.

I should mention, I've done the Route Napoleon, Alps, Annecy, Dijon, Reims side before. I was thinking about trying Clemont Ferrand then Le Mans (post 24 hr dates). Something like this:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Calais,+France/M...

I would be interested to learn of any other places people think are worth considering. The other issue I have, is because my car has been supercharged, I can only run it on Shell V Power Super Unleaded, at a push BP Ultimate and Esso super are ok, but branded supermarket fuel is out. With a 250 mile range per tank I need to plan my fuel stops a little!

Thanks

Simon

si_xsi

Original Poster:

1,193 posts

195 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
v8250 said:
If a modern car with an aftermarket supercharger fitted the engine re-map should be of suitable ability[quality] to modulate/adjust detonation to octane of fuel used. If V Power not available, use another brand and add/carry a suitable octane booster to bring back up to the required 99RON or above.

There are plenty of other proper octane boosters out there...

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/fuel-addi...
My car is a 2008 vw golf R32, with an aftermarket supercharger fitted. I'm not so sure whether it's an issue getting up to the higher 99ron, more the quality of fuel. I've just had new pistons fitted because of detonation to one of the cylinders, the garage who did the supercharger said it was due to the tesco super unleaded 99ron I put in. It happened 2 days after filling up and previously had been using Shell, BP, Essex etc with no problems. Therefore because of the Supercharger and remap, the normal tolerance for coping with varying fuels is much less. Shell are renowned for having the most consistent fuels.

When I raised the potential lack of Shell garages on my trip, the garage did mention I could use a fuel additive if I got stuck, but not to drive it hard. Are the instructions on additive to fuel ratio clear?

si_xsi

Original Poster:

1,193 posts

195 months

Friday 25th March 2016
quotequote all
Zed 44 said:
Col du Ventoux. If you like twisties, not to be missed. Sebastion Loeb's Peugeot 208 was set up here prior to demolishing the Pikes Peak hill climb record.

Lucky you, you're only a stones throw away coming or going.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zYHYrPX0Ii-...
Thanks for the suggestion, I did Ventoux 2 years ago, fantastic twisties and view from the top. If others are thinking of it, well worth it.

si_xsi

Original Poster:

1,193 posts

195 months

Thursday 12th May 2016
quotequote all
I'm struggling to plan the route back up from Goult to Calais but specifically where to book to stay for each of the 2 nights I've allowed. Having done the east of France, Annecy, Reims before I'd like to try something different. I have been thinking along the lines of the following route: The first part goes through a national park with a few twisties which appeals. If I allow up to 5-6 hours driving each day (3 days in total) plus allowance for stops, lunch etc, the first night I would be somewhere around Isoire and second night Chartres.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Goult,+France/43...

Any alternative suggestions with regads to routes or hotels where people have stayed are welcome! Thanks