Off to France/Italy

[FrancoTam]

I'm off to the south of France starting our journey tomorrow.

We are going to Casis first(near Marseille) then driving along the cost through Monaco(for lunch as its all we can afford). We are going to carry on along the cost(visiting porta fino) and making our next camping stop on the Italian cost somewhere. Then our third stop is up by the Italian lakes(probably lake Maggiore) so we can do some amazing driving around the Alps.

We are hoping to do day trips at various points e.g. Gorge du verdon, Millau bridge, lake Garda.

This post isn't supposed to be look at me I'm off on holiday, its just this is what I bought the car for and I'm so excited! Just wandering if any of you had done a similar trip and had some advice to offer me? Also anyone else over there at the same time?

[julianc]

Four years ago we did nearly 4 weeks in Europe in the Tamora. Drove down to a villa near Cannes for a week (also spent a day in Monaco), then to Lake Maggiore for a week, then Grindelwald in Switzerland for a week. Fabulous holiday.

I'd recommend driving the Grand Corniche - take the motorway into Italy from Southern France then take the coastal road back to Nice. A great drive through many beautiful villages.

There's also a great restaurant on the south eastern side of Lake Maggiore (at Ranco) called Il Sole - a bit expensive, but the food was fantastic. The owner was an ex-racing driver and his son raced bikes. They gave us a great welcome and we spent a while talking about the Tamora.

There are many great roads on your journey, you'll have a fabulous time - enjoy!

Julian

[W111AAM]

I off in the Tamora a week Sunday. Travelling through France, stopping in Epernay and then Lake Annecy before having 9 nights in Riva, Lake Garda. Then driving back up through Germany, lap or two of the Nurburgring before back to Calais! Can't wait.

Have a safe trip. Maybe we'll pass each other on route!!!

What sort of spare stuff have you packed, just in case? I'm currently considering what's important to take with me? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[grumbledoak]

Just did a little trip around there in the T350.

Highlight would probably be the day spent doing alpine passes: up Stelvio into Switzerland, sharp right, the back into Switzerland via the Munt La Schera tunnel (hint: leave a gap in front of you, then go!) and back and forth for a couple of passes before stopping in Ballagio on lake Como.

Low point would be the Andouilette in France (see my other thread).

The car behaved impecabbly, barring an "EFI fault" restarting at the top of Stelvio (half-expected, cancelled, and all ok). The only spares we took with us were a bottle of water and half a bottle of oil, neither needed. And the small rucksack full of crap you need legally, also un-needed.

Have a great time. Expect the locals to take photos.

[icraigmy]

Have a great time Andrew and I hope the Tam does you proud.

[rowlster]

Interesting topic - i'm also off next Sunday (the 13th) for two weeks on a very similar trip in the t350. A few days on the french riveria, then over the border to italy around san remo, through genoa and portofino and down to the cinque terra. We'll then head back via a couple of days at lake maggiori. The main thing left to decide is where to stop off over night on the way back to calais from lake maggiori - i need to do a bit of planning with a map to work that out, and any suggestions on how to maximise driving fun would also be gratefully received.

I think I'll probably be too far behind you to see you FrancoTam, but will keep a look out for any other TVRs along the way!

I was going to take usual legal bits and pieces, spare fuses and small tool kit including alan key and pliers for any minor problems (and full european recovery to the Uk for more major ones)

Edited by rowlster on Wednesday 2nd July 13:51

[FrancoTam]

Thanks for the advise guys, I'm sure I'll have a great time as long as the car behaves this year(head gasket went 2 days into trip last year).

I'm taking with me the usual european bits(spare light bulbs, high vis jacket, warning triangle and first aid kit). I'm also taking a spare 100amp fuse and fuse holder(car is completely imobalised if this goes), spare blade fuses, 2ltr of oil, spare coolant(make sure you get the right one, blue or red).

If all of that isn't enough then Richard at Dulfords is lending me a few other bit e.g alternator belt etc.

William, let me know if your up for meeting up, if not enjoy your time away!

[FrancoTam]

Quick question, what tire pressures should I be running over there, both loaded up with camping gear and unloaded? Thanks

[TVR_owner]

FrancoTam said:

Quick question, what tire pressures should I be running over there, both loaded up with camping gear and unloaded? Thanks

I would run 24 psi as normal. Try and get hold of a throttle cable before you go.

[geordieexpat]

hi all

Yeah try and get some spares to take with you just in case. I live in SW france and there is nothing there for TVR repairs.....

I'll be at home in france from sat till tues, then toulouse airport and off to work, so I'll keep and eye for any TVR's in the region of Haute Garonne

Derrick
Sagaris owner

[T40ORA]

TVR_owner said:

FrancoTam said:

Quick question, what tire pressures should I be running over there, both loaded up with camping gear and unloaded? Thanks

I would run 24 psi as normal. Try and get hold of a throttle cable before you go.

I agree. But that's when the tyres are hot, so check after an hour of driving.

Enjoy Andrew. BTW....my engine has been ordered!

[GMS 500]

I got back from doing this 2 weeks ago... you'll have an amazing time!
Some of my photos (stelvio etc) are on this thread;

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[custardkid]

if your going to lake Maggiore, i can recomend the campsite in Magozzo its small with pitches right on the lake:
custard

[tuscan4000]

From Portofino to Garda Lake there's a long trip and many roads! Along this path I can suggest you SS62 called "Cisa" from Livorno to Parma (I've did it with a Porsche 997 GT2 and a Maserati Coupé GS, never with a TVR!).

If you are looking for very funny roads you should go to Tuscany near Siena.