Driving down through France - how bad Paris route

[David W.]

We're driving down to just south of Brive July 4. Rouen route down and around Paris which I know will be congested by Tour de France bikers that day. What is the Paris route like?
Any times of the day to avoid or tips please!


Thanks in advance.
dw

[ILoveMondeo]

Done that route a few times, only once on a weekday, wasn't terrible, busy but not complete gridlock.

My advice would be avoid Rush hours, same as over here if you want to make some progress.

Weekends (sunday especially) were pretty good.

small hours of the morning was fairly obviously completely clear.

[oblio]

We are going down to the SoF later in July and are going the slightly longer route via Reims. Various internet map options has it at c.30 mins longer that's all.

Have done Paris route before but prefer the Reims way tbh...

[Lost soul]

I have done the periphic or what ever its called a few times and its never been that bad , certainly better than the M25

[DJRC]

Paris???? Are you insane?

Avoid it. ALWAYS avoid it.

[turbobloke]

Lost soul said:

I have done the periphic or what ever its called a few times and its never been that bad , certainly better than the M25

Having done the drive towards Le Mans territory twice albeit a few years back I recall negotiating Paris reasonably quickly in spite of being distracted first time by the sight of the Parc des Princes of all things. However if the Tour de France is on at the time of a journey, that sounds like a deal breaker.

[AJS-]

I've done that route a few times as my parents live not too far from Brive. A while since I've done it, but it's not that bad. The pereferique is a bit confusing first few times, try and make a note of what route to follow before hand. From memory it's Versailles, Orly, then you'll see signs to Orleans.

If you're going at a really quiet time, the inner ring road is actually a bit less confusing, and gives you a good view of the Eifel Tower lit up if you go past at night.

You can swing out by Rouen, Dreux and Chartres if you're worried about it or it will mean hitting Paris at peak times. I did this when towing a big trailer, but I wouldn't bother otherwise.

[David W.]

Thanks All, looks like timing is the key!
dw