Route ideas

[Stuart]

Probably been discussed ad inifinitum, but what route would you recommend for someone travelling down in a classic? PH editor Chris has decided, in his infinite wisdom, that I'm going to be behind the wheel of a Morgan for team PH's antics en Sarthe in 2009. I could just hammer down on the Peage, but wondered if anyone could recommend a vaguely interesting off-Autoroute alternative for me instead? I should land in Calais mid-morning on the Thursday.

All thoughts welcome.

[Nick M]

Autoroute to Boulogne and take the last exit before the peage bridge to pick up the old N138. Head south on that to Abbeville.

From Abbeville you could either do a bit of autoroute (A28) to Rouen, or look for the D928 which follows the path of the A28 and is quite a nice drive - did it one year and there's a mix of long straight bits, swoopy bends and some pretty villages.

Then once you're through Rouen, pick up the N138 and head south to Le Mans via Alencon.

Yes, it's a little predictable, but it's the route which everyone had to take pre-autoroute, so quite 'authentic', as it were

There are myriad other routes you could take, all of which undoubtedly have their merits - depends how much time you're giving yourself I guess.

[Stuart]

Nick M said:

Autoroute to Boulogne and take the last exit before the peage bridge to pick up the old N138. Head south on that to Abbeville.

From Abbeville you could either do a bit of autoroute (A28) to Rouen, or look for the D928 which follows the path of the A28 and is quite a nice drive - did it one year and there's a mix of long straight bits, swoopy bends and some pretty villages.

Then once you're through Rouen, pick up the N138 and head south to Le Mans via Alencon.

Yes, it's a little predictable, but it's the route which everyone had to take pre-autoroute, so quite 'authentic', as it were

There are myriad other routes you could take, all of which undoubtedly have their merits - depends how much time you're giving yourself I guess.

Cheers Nick. As long as I'm there in time to pitch the tent and blow up my airbag before nightfall, I'm cool. The way I look at it, I'll get out of doing the run to Carrefour for beer too!

[markCSC]

Last year we decided to do things differnetly and got lost!!
However we found the most amazing, quite, Police free roads. Instead of taking the N138 at Rouen we went to the East of the A28 and told the sat nav to do "Scenic route".

I think this is the route we took http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&a...

[ellroy]

Every year for the last 7 done the 138 on the way down, just has too be done, part of the magic of Le Mans for me, make sure you stop every so often and watch some fantastic metal flying past when close to Le Mans.

[spoonies]

Highly recommend the 138.

Unknown to me, Tom Tom was set on cycle route for the return last year (to Le Havre) which could have been a problem as I was towing a 7m caravan.
However, even that route is interesting and is used by lots of us brits on the Sunday. Stopped in a fantastic little town for lunch and they'd sold out of nearly all food by Monday lunch due to the race goers.
2 hour journey took nearly 5 hours but its much nicer than the autoroute!
Touville and Honfleur on the way back this year I think.