Routes to Southern France via Germany.

[Stealth997]

Hi - We're making a trip to Southern France next year. Rather than drive through France we'd like to go through Germany. I've never driven in Germany but I hear there are some beautiful places to see (Black Forest?) and of course I'd like to have a blast on the Autobahn!

Can anyone recommend a good route that takes advantage of some autobahns and some nice scenery? A couple of nice hotels on the way would be good too!

Thanks and Merry Xmas!

[dcb]

Stealth997 said:

I've never driven in Germany but I hear there are some beautiful places to see (Black Forest?) and of course I'd like to have a blast on the Autobahn!

Can anyone recommend a good route that takes advantage of some autobahns and some nice scenery? A couple of nice hotels on the way would be good too!

It depends how fast east you want to go.

Suggest Calais - Brussels - Aachen
- Cologne - Frankfurt - Karlsruhe
- Basle - Geneva - Grenoble - south of France

I'd recommend a trip through the Alps to any driver.
Even from the motorway, the views are stunning.

[Stealth997]

Thanks DCB. Cologne was on our list so that looks like a plan.

[VTECMatt]

I'm not sure I would do Germany - South of France, split it into to two trips, it's only 4 hours from Calais to Germany, take in the Nurburgring at the same time.

Far better heading straight down to the coast along the Route Napoleon into the Alps and back much better driving roads or straight to Alps on to the Northern Lakes then to the South Coast.

Have fun.

[quattrophenia]

I am heading for France next year, and from what friends who regularly drive in France say, a good fast worry free run on the French motorways. My only concern is, if Hamilton can get a ban for 120MPH, then the rest of us can also.
Are the French cops getting tougher on speeders or do they just have something against British formula 1 drivers!.
Is it still 'safe' to speed in France?, I thought all they do is fine you. I don't mind paying a few hundred quid fine for a high speed thrash (saves on the track fees), but it's not worth losing the old green slip for!

Edited by quattrophenia on Friday 28th December 17:32

[Stealth997]

VTECMatt said:

I'm not sure I would do Germany - South of France, split it into to two trips, it's only 4 hours from Calais to Germany, take in the Nurburgring at the same time.

Far better heading straight down to the coast along the Route Napoleon into the Alps and back much better driving roads or straight to Alps on to the Northern Lakes then to the South Coast.

Have fun.

Hi - thanks for the heads up. We could skip Germany on this trip, I just thought that the roads would be good there. How long do you reckon it would take to go Calais -> Nice on your route? Could I do it in one hit? We need to come back via Geneva (we're seeing friends) so I was planning on Genoa to Mt Blanc tunnel.
Thanks!

[dcb]

quattrophenia said:

My only concern is, if Hamilton can get a ban for 120MPH, then the rest of us can also.

Quite.

quattrophenia said:

Is it still 'safe' to speed in France?

Depends. Over 160 kmh in a 130 kmh section seems to be the point
at which Les Gendarmes take in interest.

Much more than that and the locals won't be expecting it
and you will be putting yourself in danger, never mind
the wrong side of Les Rozzers.

I've never really understood this fascination with
speeding in France. If you want to go over 160 kmh,
I strongly recommend driving in Germany.

You can go as fast as you like and it's legal ;->

My personal best past a German copper is 130 mph.
He wasn't bothered.

[VTECMatt]

Stealth997 said:

Hi - thanks for the heads up. We could skip Germany on this trip, I just thought that the roads would be good there. How long do you reckon it would take to go Calais -> Nice on your route? Could I do it in one hit? We need to come back via Geneva (we're seeing friends) so I was planning on Genoa to Mt Blanc tunnel.
Thanks!

Yes not much longer it was hard work and we did rushe through Route Napolean which is a bit of a shame. I kept mostly to the limits on the Autoroutes too.