driving friday 11am - will be make it?

[kennyboy]

I'm trying to sort Le Mans for my stag do very last minute.

one of our lads arrives at heathrow from a business trip at 11am on the Friday.

We'll then be driving to Le Mans.

What time do you think we could realistically espect to be parked up and ready to start drinking? Assume we're staying within 15km of Le Mans.

Really want to enjoy Arnage on the Friday night before we get our heads down.

[kevin ritson]

Via Dover? M25 can get busy but around 90 minutes to a couple of hours to the port, crossing depends on what you can get but from half an hour to 90 minutes plus check in, say half an hour, so that's between 2.5 and 4.5 hours, then add an hour for French time.

Driving to Le Mans: autoroute all the way will take around 4 hours (not worth trying to beat the clock with a high police presence), so at a rough guess you'll arrive between 6:30 and 8:30pm. Budget for the latter - plenty of time for beer

[kennyboy]

Cheers Kevin - so 8pm would be a good target.

Couples more questions if poss:

1. If we went n138 we'd be slower would we, though presumably no/less gandarme?
2. Would we be quicker getting with the cars using the chunnel? A mate said to me we can get on at folkstone or something and get to calais that way.

[burriana]

And use the Chunnel - a train every half hour so if you miss one, you can get another!

[kennyboy]

Q2 answered - thanks Al.

[t1grm]

N138 is slower but more scenic. Assuming you're in a hurry then stick to the A28. Both roads will be mobbed with le plod so you take your chances if you put your foot down.

IMHO the mad blat down is a thing of the past unless you're happy to shell out for the fines and/or have a mate to drive you when they take your license.

Edited by t1grm on Monday 4th June 15:27

[kennyboy]

Thanks t1grm

[chrisbr68]

Agree with all the above and arriving nearer 8 is more likely I think.

Just dont get caught speeding, although it is tempting to try it on!

[jimblive]

We got a 10am ferry on the Friday from Dover in 2005 and rolled into BSJ at around 6 - 6.30 on the Friday evening, we went on the N138.

[kennyboy]

Thanks lads....looks like we could make it in time for all the fun then.

[K321]

whats on at arnage on friday night?

i am taking channel at 6pm, and hope to be there before midnight

[fatboy18]

BEER, BEER, BEER OH I FORGOT TO MENTION BEER .......Whats that?

Who mentioned CRISPS