From Caen to Le Mans

[lowdrag]

I've published this so many times, but here goes:-

On leaving the ferry follow the green signs to Falaise

On the ring road of Falaise leave the N158 and follow the D909 towards Putange-Pont-Ecrepin. There is a lovely hotel there right by the river called Le Lion Verd. Good spot for a coffee and a croissant. They speak English.

Continue south to Rânes, over the crossroads and on towards Carrouges on the D909

Follow the D909 until you meet the N12, turn right and go through Pré-en-Pail. There is a service station there if you need fuel.
Go through the town and then follow the D20 left signposted Villaines-la-Juhel. You will travel through a forest with beautiful swinging roads.
Now follow the D13 to Courcité and from there the D16 to Sillé-le-Guillaume and from there the signs to Le Mans.

Of course, you can be extremely boring and take the motorway, missing out all thatmakes France such a great country to travel through. I have been using this route for nearly forty years, and it never fails to please. Great driving roads, never a BiB, and people waving as you go through the towns. On your way home the Lion Verd is a great place to dine before catching the ferry. They used to have lobsters but sadly no more.

Enjoy the route. Take the time to look around you and take in the scenery. It never ceases to please me.

Edited by lowdrag on Thursday 2nd June 14:44

[NoBrakesWC]

if i'm not tired i will try drive that route you have recommended.

[MrC986]

I agree that the non-autoroute way from Caen to Le Mans is great....no autoroute/no tolls, plenty of nice scenery/places to stop for coffee etc. and about 100 miles travel-wise.

[Panamax]

The "old route" used to be packed with Gendarmes in search of Ros Bifs when it was the main route. It's so easy to be tempted to put your foot down when you see a clear stretch. Do they now only populate the Autoroute?

[MrC986]

Panamax said:

The "old route" used to be packed with Gendarmes in search of Ros Bifs when it was the main route. It's so easy to be tempted to put your foot down when you see a clear stretch. Do they now only populate the Autoroute?

Yes, the Gendarmes are still around on the main route in regular places, but if you speed them you take the risk of being caught - I know that as our group were spoken to one year when the lead car was "slightly exhuberant"

[lowdrag]

The regular haunt of the radar traps is north of Le Mans around Yvré l'Eveque. It's in the paper every week where someone has had his licence taken away on the spot.

[Tyre Smoke]

I'd love to do that route in something appropriate, but dragging 8 metres of twin axle caravan behind means the motorway makes much more sense.

Anyone who spots a twin axle Brit reg caravan with a huge Flying Lizards logo on the back, give us a wave as we fly by.

[lowdrag]

You coming over for a beer or two Richard?

[Tyre Smoke]

Love to Tony. When is good for you? We arrive Houx Tuesday first thing.

[The Leaper]

Tyre Smoke said:

I'd love to do that route in something appropriate, but dragging 8 metres of twin axle caravan behind means the motorway makes much more sense.

Anyone who spots a twin axle Brit reg caravan with a huge Flying Lizards logo on the back, give us a wave as we fly by.

Flying Lizards....those were the days. I'll be wearing my FL t shirt in 16 days time!

R

[Tyre Smoke]

[wanacoop]

Great info Lowdrag, thanks.

[Pupp]

Thanks from me also; am assuming a variation of this could get me to Bagnoles Des Lorne, which is where I’m staying Fri night. Map out in a bit

[Sealine South]

Thanks Low Drag - I will try that route on the way down. Just me and my 14 year old son going to the Classic is the old 914

[ch37]

Thanks so much for this, heading over early Wednesday and planning to do this route.

As I'm on my own and not used to driving outside the UK I am hoping to figure out a way to set this route on Waze/Google Maps. Any tips? I imagine heavy use of additional stops/way points.

I'm sailing back at 8am ish on Monday so planning to take the boring route back.

[lowdrag]

Just follow the road signs. It is quite easy except when you go through Pre en Pail and turn left and then right

[clive_candy]

Not heading to LM24 but will use your route for my next trip to the south of France.

Many thanks!

[MGDavid]

I spent an hour or 2 the other night plotting a route from Cherbourg to LeMans and back to Caen.
My route back to Caen is exactly what you have described!

[lowdrag]

I guess the outward route will be by St Lô? Lovely town, completely destroyed in the war and then rebuilt. And a damn good choice of route too!

[petrolpat]

Did this route this year and very nice it was too.