Help with a trip to the Alps

[SwampySi]

Hi all,

Looking to plan my first trip into Europe to see the french Alps and wondered if anyone who had been already was willing to share their route? (.itn or google maps routes would be ideal)

Looking at maybe a 3-4 nigh trip driving initially from the North east to Dover to get the ferry over then on from there.

Any help appreciated.

[tfwebdesign]

This took us a week in my Westfield

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=218387468207...

[G Man]

Swampy
We have all the routes and mountains but need more info, do you want to use the peage cause that will cost but buy you time down in the Alps, is it high passes or great roads you want ?
You would be better off Calais, Lux, Vosges or Black Forest, Andersmatt Loop, Furka, Grimsel pass etc and back
Here are the high mountain passes http://g.co/maps/k8wk

My less than 50 euro hotel with breaky that are nice
http://g.co/maps/9mcr

[SwampySi]

I'm in the early stages of planning.. probably looking at april/may next year. initial plan is to drive down to Dover from Newcastle and then ferry into France, after that I'm open to advice on what are the best places to see.

Ideally looking for good sweeping roads (probably going to be 3-4 cars max, 3 TVRs), would like to do some of the high pass routes but not sure on the weather that time of year. Looking for about 3-4 hours a day driving with a few nice scenic spots to stop off at throughout the day.

I'm really wide open to ideas from people who have been before.

[G Man]

SwampySi said:

I'm in the early stages of planning.. probably looking at april/may next year. initial plan is to drive down to Dover from Newcastle and then ferry into France, after that I'm open to advice on what are the best places to see.

Ideally looking for good sweeping roads (probably going to be 3-4 cars max, 3 TVRs), would like to do some of the high pass routes but not sure on the weather that time of year. Looking for about 3-4 hours a day driving with a few nice scenic spots to stop off at throughout the day.

I'm really wide open to ideas from people who have been before.

The first 4 hrs in europe are crap just jump on the motorway and do some miles, WW1 trenches at Cambrai (canadian war site) worth a visit. Troyes a nights stay, same at Mulhouse Andermatt

B500 is a classic road south if you go the german route ( which I prefer)
Hotels here sort of gives you the route http://g.co/maps/gmmu

[SwampySi]

Thanks..

4 hours isn't a definite.. if we need to push on more in the early days to get to the good stuff then that's fine.

[G Man]

SwampySi said:

Thanks..

4 hours isn't a definite.. if we need to push on more in the early days to get to the good stuff then that's fine.

Do you have a garmin gps ? If so I have the routes

[SwampySi]

I don't but I can convert them to google maps

[Greeny]

April/May is too early, most of the highest passes will be closed. Early June best, then you can drive through corridors of snow across the top of the mountains

[SwampySi]

Change of plan, since it will be a bit early i think we'll skip the Alps and drive down to Monaco instead..

[Greeny]

Don't get me wrong, you can still have a fantastic drive at that time of year, just stick to the 'basic' Route Napolean, still a great drive, just not as hardcore as the 'Grande Route des Alpes'

[chilistrucker]

SwampySi said:

Change of plan, since it will be a bit early i think we'll skip the Alps and drive down to Monaco instead..

can i ask what car you'll be going in, and does it "sound" well?
if it does, beings your in monaco, you are not far from the ventimiglia, there are some cracking tunnels to drive along here, if you have the right exhaust
also, if you fancy it, come home over the milau, well worth it.
also, on your route down to the alps, if you are sticking to motorway to get there quicker, the drive to macon, is BORING,from macon it picks up, then after bourg en bresse, if you go via the white motorway, to the mont blanc, you will see some stunning scenery, don't forget your camera. i've driven this route a fair few times on my lorry over the last 15 years, and it still leaves me open mouthed.

[chilistrucker]

just spotted the "tvr"bit.
ventimiglia, would be great in these