Driving advice

Jen1977 wrote on Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:07pm:

Hi

We are travelling from Portsmouth to Le Havre and then driving down to San Juan De Los Terreos at the end of March.

Read more...

Neither my husband or myself have ever driven abroad and are very nervous.  Can anyone recommend the easiest route preferably sticking to motorways.  We are taking five days to drive so that we can have plenty of stop overs and see some of France and Spain so also need to arrange some accommodation that will allow a small dog to stay.

Any advice would be very welcome and greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

Jen and Andy

Tony and Sue wrote on Sat Feb 24, 2018 6:52pm:

Hi Jen and Andy

Suggest you have a look at the 2 sites below. French route shows from Channel Tunnel but Le Havre is on the map. We take 3 overnight stops (2 in France and 1 in Spain) as we have found this is relaxing and lessens the cost of overnight stops. Don't worry about driving in both France and Spain you...

Read more...

... will be amazed at the good condition of roads and how empty most of the roads are.

I would suggest using these routes rather than motorway all the way as you can reduce the toll costs by following the suggested routes that avoid many of the tolls. The maps also show various hotel options. We use a combination of Booking.com and Gite de France to book overnight stops (as they both allow per friendly searches). French motorways have good "Aires" that have toilets and picnic areas and are good for dog exercising.

The websites also cover what is needed in cars to stay legal in both countries.

One other point is to note that fuel in France is cheaper off motorway, most of the towns you pass will have supermarkets with fuel facilities and you can save money by using these. Fuel in Spain is cheaper than France (and the UK).

I assume you know about the requirements for travelling with pets. When you get here we can let you know the vets we use in Aguilas if you need one for your return (assuming you are heading back to the UK at some stage). Note that the pet passport requirements are that the tape worm treatment has to be given no more than 5 days before crossing to the UK.

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm

BobL wrote on Sat Feb 24, 2018 3:26pm:

Hi from Mojacar Playa. Why not use the various Google maps with your start and finish & allow Toll Roads/ Motorways. Then have that route transferred to your Smartphone. The voice will then direct you every step or turn of the way. We have done this route a number of times in our motorhome ...

Read more...

...although we punch.in the 'avoid Toll roads' option.Another hint us to simply list the towns along your way and, if in doubt,  keep heading to the next.Enjoy your trip. We envy you.Bob and SandraPuerto Lumbreras & Mojacar Playa

Jen1977 wrote on Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:07pm:

Hi

We are travelling from Portsmouth to Le Havre and then driving down to San Juan De Los Terreos at the end of March.

Read more...

Neither my husband or myself have ever driven abroad and are very nervous.  Can anyone recommend the easiest route preferably sticking to motorways.  We are taking five days to drive so that we can have plenty of stop overs and see some of France and Spain so also need to arrange some accommodation that will allow a small dog to stay.

Any advice would be very welcome and greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

Jen and Andy