Toll roads in France. Caen to Le Mans.

[nick_j007]

Hi all.

Driving solo from Caen to Le Mans for a track day with LOT on the bank holiday Monday.

I'll be driving down alone and was wondering about toll charges and what to expect?

I shall pay cash to them as I go. What sort of change will I need ready please and any other tips to help ease my journey re the toll roads or indeed anything else you want to offer me!

Last time I did all this was few years ago and had my OH as copilot! Plus I speak a no French.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

[horacethefrog]

E9.70 and you can pay by credit card but they all have manned booths. All the info you need is here

[.Mark]

Depends how much of a rush you are in, the drive you mention is lovely avoiding the tolls - it's what we always do.

[nick_j007]

Thanks both. Part of me thinks to stick to the main toll roads and allow the sat nav to get me there via fastest route, the other likes the idea of the scenic route but fears getting lost or taking too long.

[.Mark]

You can make good progress on the N roads, and iirc there is only 1 way from Caen to Le Mans, you'd have to really try to get lost.

[nick_j007]

.Mark said:

You can make good progress on the N roads, and iirc there is only 1 way from Caen to Le Mans, you'd have to really try to get lost.

N roads are they the minor ones (sorry!)
If I set my sat nav to shortest it'll pick them up?

Now you're thinking here's someone that really could get lost!

[.Mark]

nick_j007 said:

.Mark said:

You can make good progress on the N roads, and iirc there is only 1 way from Caen to Le Mans, you'd have to really try to get lost.

N roads are they the minor ones (sorry!)
If I set my sat nav to shortest it'll pick them up?

Now you're thinking here's someone that really could get lost!

iirc the N is the equivalent to our A - but just 1m time better. I think the sat nav would likely take you down the lanes if they are more direct. I always did it without sat nav. Best thing from Caen is to pick up the road sign for Le Mans note the road number and go for it. One thing I learnt from many driving trips to France is that the road signs can be a bit hit and miss, so unless you see a sign specifically directing you off the road you are on just keep going straight.

[nick_j007]

Many thanks Mark

[.Mark]

Enjoy, if you decide to go that route.