Country route from Caen to Le Mans
Discussion
I've used this route for over forty years and many have reported just how good it is. So, if you don't want to take the A28 or the Route National, here it is
I've published so many times, but here goes:-
On leaving the ferry follow the green signs to Falaise
On the ring road of Falaise leave the N158 and follow the D909 towards Putange-Pont-Ecrepin. There is a lovely hotel there right by the river called Le Lion Verd. Good spot for a coffee and a croissant. They speak english.
Continue south to Rânes, over the crossroads and on towards Carrouges on the D909
Follow the D909 until you meet the N12, turn right and go through Pré-en-Pail. There is a service station there if you need fuel.
Go through the town and then follow the D20 left signposted Villaines-la-Juhel. You will travel through a forest with beautiful swinging roads.
Now follow the D13 to Courcité and from there the D16 to Sillé-le-Guillaume and from there the signs to Le Mans.
Of course, you can be extremely boring and take the motorway, missing out all that makes France such a great country to travel through. I have been using this route for nearly forty years, and it never fails to please. Great driving roads, never a BiB, and people waving as you go through the towns. On your way home the Lion Verd is a great place to dine before catching the ferry. They used to have lobsters but sadly no more.
Enjoy the route. Take the time to look around you and take in the scenery. It never ceases to please me.
I've published so many times, but here goes:-
On leaving the ferry follow the green signs to Falaise
On the ring road of Falaise leave the N158 and follow the D909 towards Putange-Pont-Ecrepin. There is a lovely hotel there right by the river called Le Lion Verd. Good spot for a coffee and a croissant. They speak english.
Continue south to Rânes, over the crossroads and on towards Carrouges on the D909
Follow the D909 until you meet the N12, turn right and go through Pré-en-Pail. There is a service station there if you need fuel.
Go through the town and then follow the D20 left signposted Villaines-la-Juhel. You will travel through a forest with beautiful swinging roads.
Now follow the D13 to Courcité and from there the D16 to Sillé-le-Guillaume and from there the signs to Le Mans.
Of course, you can be extremely boring and take the motorway, missing out all that makes France such a great country to travel through. I have been using this route for nearly forty years, and it never fails to please. Great driving roads, never a BiB, and people waving as you go through the towns. On your way home the Lion Verd is a great place to dine before catching the ferry. They used to have lobsters but sadly no more.
Enjoy the route. Take the time to look around you and take in the scenery. It never ceases to please me.
Last year was my first year (Cherbourg - Le Mans) and I was determined not to do motorways and tolls if I could help it.
SatNav set to avoid motorways and tolls and I "map recce'd" this route onto my Le Mans on-a-page document:
N13 – N174 – D974 – D674 – D407 – D524 – D924 – D22 – D976 – D218 – D13 – D16 – D5 – D304 – D197 – D338
It was longer in time but very enjoyable.
Suppose the really nice weather and a convertible helped (apart from the rain in Cherbourg when we docked!)
Doing Calais this year with a friend, hope he's up for scenic driving! We are doing an overnight stop this time as well though.
SatNav set to avoid motorways and tolls and I "map recce'd" this route onto my Le Mans on-a-page document:
N13 – N174 – D974 – D674 – D407 – D524 – D924 – D22 – D976 – D218 – D13 – D16 – D5 – D304 – D197 – D338
It was longer in time but very enjoyable.
Suppose the really nice weather and a convertible helped (apart from the rain in Cherbourg when we docked!)
Doing Calais this year with a friend, hope he's up for scenic driving! We are doing an overnight stop this time as well though.
Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff