CAEN TO BIARRITZ
Discussion
Funnily enough I did this exact trip on my motorbike last month.
If you're doing the whole lot in one go (7 hours) then you aren't going to be stopping much at all, let alone anywhere interesting.
(We took two days with a night in La Rochelle and avoided motorways where we could and stopped in nice places for lunch - the route had been recced (in a '66 Corvette) a couple of weeks before and was done for the nicest lunchstops and twistiest roads. They were two very long days in the saddle).
If you're doing the whole lot in one go (7 hours) then you aren't going to be stopping much at all, let alone anywhere interesting.
(We took two days with a night in La Rochelle and avoided motorways where we could and stopped in nice places for lunch - the route had been recced (in a '66 Corvette) a couple of weeks before and was done for the nicest lunchstops and twistiest roads. They were two very long days in the saddle).
Dog Star said:
Funnily enough I did this exact trip on my motorbike last month.
If you're doing the whole lot in one go (7 hours) then you aren't going to be stopping much at all, let alone anywhere interesting.
(We took two days with a night in La Rochelle and avoided motorways where we could and stopped in nice places for lunch - the route had been recced (in a '66 Corvette) a couple of weeks before and was done for the nicest lunchstops and twistiest roads. They were two very long days in the saddle).
Thanks, planning to do this in one jaunt but a few WC stops along the way is inevitable with kids in tow. I suppose then we are confined to those horrible service stations!!.......any other useful tips would be appreciated.If you're doing the whole lot in one go (7 hours) then you aren't going to be stopping much at all, let alone anywhere interesting.
(We took two days with a night in La Rochelle and avoided motorways where we could and stopped in nice places for lunch - the route had been recced (in a '66 Corvette) a couple of weeks before and was done for the nicest lunchstops and twistiest roads. They were two very long days in the saddle).
If you're on the Peage the service stations aren't so bad. Clean, at least.
I think you're being incredibly optimistic expecting to do that journey in 7 hours, even without stops. The day, and the time of day will have an impact, but to average over 100kmh is hard work.
I drove from Toulouse to Caen once, leaving at 3am, and set the cruise control at 105mph (175kmh). I only stopped for fuel, and it still took nearly six hours.
I think you're being incredibly optimistic expecting to do that journey in 7 hours, even without stops. The day, and the time of day will have an impact, but to average over 100kmh is hard work.
I drove from Toulouse to Caen once, leaving at 3am, and set the cruise control at 105mph (175kmh). I only stopped for fuel, and it still took nearly six hours.
Doofus said:
If you're on the Peage the service stations aren't so bad. Clean, at least.
I think you're being incredibly optimistic expecting to do that journey in 7 hours, even without stops. The day, and the time of day will have an impact, but to average over 100kmh is hard work.
I drove from Toulouse to Caen once, leaving at 3am, and set the cruise control at 105mph (175kmh). I only stopped for fuel, and it still took nearly six hours.
Thanks. I was going by a on-line route planner which suggested 7 hours, but in reality I know it will be more. The ferry docks in Caen on a Monday afternoon about 3:00pm. BTW, cruise control at 105mph?.....instant fine if caught at that speed!!I think you're being incredibly optimistic expecting to do that journey in 7 hours, even without stops. The day, and the time of day will have an impact, but to average over 100kmh is hard work.
I drove from Toulouse to Caen once, leaving at 3am, and set the cruise control at 105mph (175kmh). I only stopped for fuel, and it still took nearly six hours.
I'd guess on 9 hours with fuel/food/toilet stops.
Having recently done Cherbourg/La Rochelle/Bordeaux, what would concern me most is the start time of 3pm (well it will be more like 3.30pm once off the ferry and through customs) Caen. 7 to 9 hours driving takes a big physical and mental toll. Your concentration levels will drop-off hugely in the evening. If you are able to swap drivers, then I'd look to do so every couple of hours. If you had an early morning start from can it would be different but I'd seriously reconsider doing it in one go.
Having recently done Cherbourg/La Rochelle/Bordeaux, what would concern me most is the start time of 3pm (well it will be more like 3.30pm once off the ferry and through customs) Caen. 7 to 9 hours driving takes a big physical and mental toll. Your concentration levels will drop-off hugely in the evening. If you are able to swap drivers, then I'd look to do so every couple of hours. If you had an early morning start from can it would be different but I'd seriously reconsider doing it in one go.
Edited by TEKNOPUG on Monday 24th July 14:16
TEKNOPUG said:
I'd guess on 9 hours with fuel/food/toilet stops.
Having recently done Cherbourg/La Rochelle/Bordeaux, what would concern me most is the start time of 3pm Caen. 7 to 9 hours driving takes a big physical and mental toll. Your concentration levels will drop-off hugely in the evening. If you are able to swap drivers, then I'd look to do so every couple of hours. If you had an early morning start from can it would be different but I'd seriously reconsider doing it in one go.
Thanks. Will have a sleep on the ferry (8 hour trip), and can share driving with the wife.Having recently done Cherbourg/La Rochelle/Bordeaux, what would concern me most is the start time of 3pm Caen. 7 to 9 hours driving takes a big physical and mental toll. Your concentration levels will drop-off hugely in the evening. If you are able to swap drivers, then I'd look to do so every couple of hours. If you had an early morning start from can it would be different but I'd seriously reconsider doing it in one go.
Top work OP, that sounds like a day and a half!
The route you'll take is all dual carriageway and toll motorway so pretty easy. I've done the run to Bordeaux many times but have always started early and it has taken all day with the inevitable stops. Service stations will be your friend and way better than the stuff we get here in Blighty.
Once you get to Nantes, you're really rolling along, that would be my first target area for a stop.
Enjoy the run (and if you manage to get any sleep on a morning crossing from Portsmouth during school holidays, tell us your secret!)
The route you'll take is all dual carriageway and toll motorway so pretty easy. I've done the run to Bordeaux many times but have always started early and it has taken all day with the inevitable stops. Service stations will be your friend and way better than the stuff we get here in Blighty.
Once you get to Nantes, you're really rolling along, that would be my first target area for a stop.
Enjoy the run (and if you manage to get any sleep on a morning crossing from Portsmouth during school holidays, tell us your secret!)
Plenty of places worth stopping at. To minimise Peage (in the north half at least) go Rennes, Nantes, Niort. It's still autoroute but there are fewer peace sections.
Otherwise, you generally have quite a few places en-route, not least Le Mans, Saumur and Cognac which are some of my favourite spots
Otherwise, you generally have quite a few places en-route, not least Le Mans, Saumur and Cognac which are some of my favourite spots
magooagain said:
I think 7 hours is a tad optimistic. Given the arrival in Caen time. And due to it being the traditional start of the French public traveling to thier holiday destinations.
You could well see heavy traffic and peage que's.
9 or more hours is more like the travel time.
Thanks all. Have now decided (and booked) a hotel for the night half way to save all the stress and a late arrival.You could well see heavy traffic and peage que's.
9 or more hours is more like the travel time.
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