Driving trip to France - any tips?

[lordbluf]

Hi,

Taking the current Ladybluf to the champagne region of France for the weekend next month. Any got any tips for taking the Lambo abroad - Eurotunnel vs Ferry? Ive heard of some people f**k up the front of the bumper due to the sudden gradient changes getting on/off ferries etc?

Also, any tips on where to stay in Paris and then Reims? Any nice roads to have squirt on...? Are the French Police strict on speeding?

Thanks in advance, Lord.

[jleroux]

the staff at the chunnel seem much more alert to the possible risks than the staff on the ferries, IME. worse case you can just insist you go on the bottom deck of the train and it's all flat then.

Jonny

[SimonSays]

When you book online, just tick the box for "cars over 1.80m", that way you'll book a slot on the lorry train, which is flat and wide. Price is the same.

[DrYazz]

lordbluf said:

Hi,

Taking the current Ladybluf to the champagne region of France for the weekend next month. Any got any tips for taking the Lambo abroad -

Drive on the right

[Shmee150]

Don't go over 175kph, that's when the confiscate your car.

Fines start at 147kph (130kph speed limit), and then increase up to about 750€ before your car is taken.

[nickster]

keep a wad of 50 euros notes on you.

Even if you stick to the speed limit,if you're in a nice car,they will nick you anyway.

Once you get used to this 'taxation',just get on with it and you'll be on your way quick smart.

Its simply not worth going to a police station for 4 hours,till they decide you can go,for the sake of 50 euros.

[blueST]

A few PHers recommended this hotel to me for our honeymoon. It's outside Reims, in Epernay but was very nice. Has secure parking http://www.villa-eugene.com/

Oh, and don't forget to go to the abandoned GP circuit on outskirts of Reims.

[DrYazz]

nickster said:

Even if you stick to the speed limit,if you're in a nice car,they will nick you anyway.

This is incorrect.

I have driven thousands of miles in the F355 in France, at a steady 80mph (just under 130 km/h) and have never ever had any issues with La Police.

[nickster]

DrYazz said:

nickster said:

Even if you stick to the speed limit,if you're in a nice car,they will nick you anyway.

This is incorrect.

I have driven thousands of miles in the F355 in France, at a steady 80mph (just under 130 km/h) and have never ever had any issues with La Police.

Good for you.

I respectfully put it to you yazz that my 5 tickets are evidence to the contrary.

[lordbluf]

blueST said:

A few PHers recommended this hotel to me for our honeymoon. It's outside Reims, in Epernay but was very nice. Has secure parking http://www.villa-eugene.com/

Oh, and don't forget to go to the abandoned GP circuit on outskirts of Reims.

Many thanks blueST - a great shout - looks very nice - shall probably go for that 2nites and a nite in Paris (anyone else googled a nite in Paris and get something completely different?)

Thanks all for comments - looked at booking car online via eurotunnel but doesnt offer a length option..?

[Davel]

I wonder if, when they take the reg number, it gives them the vehicle details.

We've booked the tunnel too, but with a Vogue so not worried about ramps etc.

[kryten22uk]

lordbluf said:

Thanks all for comments - looked at booking car online via eurotunnel but doesnt offer a length option..?

Not length, height. That said, I've been on Eurotunnel a few times and never pre-booked non-standard ticket and they have ALWAYS drawn me out of the car-queue and directed me onto the lorry carriage. They're very good at this.

[jleroux]

kryten22uk said:

lordbluf said:

Thanks all for comments - looked at booking car online via eurotunnel but doesnt offer a length option..?

Not length, height. That said, I've been on Eurotunnel a few times and never pre-booked non-standard ticket and they have ALWAYS drawn me out of the car-queue and directed me onto the lorry carriage. They're very good at this.

+1

[Original Poster]

lordbluf said:

blueST said:

A few PHers recommended this hotel to me for our honeymoon. It's outside Reims, in Epernay but was very nice. Has secure parking http://www.villa-eugene.com/

Oh, and don't forget to go to the abandoned GP circuit on outskirts of Reims.

Many thanks blueST - a great shout - looks very nice - shall probably go for that 2nites and a nite in Paris (anyone else googled a nite in Paris and get something completely different?)

Thanks all for comments - looked at booking car online via eurotunnel but doesnt offer a length option..?

When I googled "a night in Paris" it came up with a load of hotels...Not what I was looking for at all!

[Davey S2]

There is a ton of stuff about this in the Roads forum.

[ChrisFitz]

lordbluf said:

Hi,

Taking the current Ladybluf to the champagne region of France for the weekend next month. Any got any tips for taking the Lambo abroad - Eurotunnel vs Ferry? Ive heard of some people f**k up the front of the bumper due to the sudden gradient changes getting on/off ferries etc?

Also, any tips on where to stay in Paris and then Reims? Any nice roads to have squirt on...? Are the French Police strict on speeding?

Thanks in advance, Lord.

just back today from exactly that.
Went P'mouth -> Le Havre with LD Lines on some Oz mega fast boat.
When get to queue up onto ferry pulled us over into different queue. Have a plank of wood ready with a rubber strip on top and placed this over the ramp onto the ferry. Kneeled down and told us when we're clear.
Even got our own private bay at the end on the lower deck just to ourselves so could open the doors!
Couldn't have been more helpful both ways....


C

[anonymous-user]

I've stayed here before.... rather lovely!

http://www.lescrayeres.com/uk.html

[Cactussed]

Take the train. Its just far easier and quicker.
As for where to stay and eat, hang on a sec...

[Cactussed]

I ate here.
Amazing. Really. Better than Gordon Ramsay and the Waterside Inn.

http://www.chateau-de-courcelles.fr/

AND

You can stay there as well