[normski]

There must be someone out there that can help me with this one. I would really like to drive down to the south coast of Portugal. I don't mind where I cross the chanel or where I eventually arrive in France/Spain, I just need some help from someone who has perhaps done something similar. I obviously know that the journey is going to take some time so I am keen to find somewhere to stay en-route. i did try the RAC route finder but was a little put off when it sent me through Belgium which seems to me to be the wrong side of France. I would appreciate any info you could give.
Thanks

[Shropshire Lad]

Driving through Europe

Hi Normski,
As far as the ferries are concerned you have the choice of a short crossing or a long one. The shorter the crossing the longer the drive when you get over there.
In my opinion the best route-planner is Vamichelin which will give you a choice of fastest or cheapest routes with mileages, times, and likely costs. If you Google with Viamichelin you will find it.

For the ferries, Google with "A ferry to" that will take you to a site where you can get a quote for most of the crossings.

At first sight the long crossings look very expensive, but by the time you add the costs of Fuel, motorway tolls, and hotels to the short crossings, there is not a lot of difference. It depends how much you like driving.

Have fun !

[barryk]

Travel through France

I would cross to either Le Harve or Cherbourg and drive down through Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers and spend the first night in La Rochelle which is a beautiful old port with supurb seafood restaurents. Be careful though you may want to stay an extra day!
From there I would take the E602 onto E05 (A10) to Bordeaux which is close to my favorite vineyards at St Emillion!
Better still go via the ferry at Royan and go down N215 to Bordeaux or even better,the D101 to Houtin and then the D3 to Carcans and onto Lege Cap - Ferret but then you miss out Bordeaux.

From there it's into Spain and enjoy your holiday.

Of course you can use teh different routes there and back for variety

Regards Barryk

[Igloo124]

Long or short ferry?

If you want a short-ish ferry crossing, I'd agree with going to Cherbourg/Le Havre/Caen. If you want a longer crossing, you could take the ferry to Santander - longer on the boat and more expensive, but balance versus cost of French tolls, petrol, overnight accommodation etc.

[Shropshire Lad]

Originally Posted by Igloo124

If you want a short-ish ferry crossing, I'd agree with going to Cherbourg/Le Havre/Caen. If you want a longer crossing, you could take the ferry to Santander - longer on the boat and more expensive, but balance versus cost of French tolls, petrol, overnight accommodation etc.

As an alternative, you also have Portsmouth-Bilbao, either with P & O, or the new service with Acciona, but the latter is seasonal, as is the Plymouth-Santander service with Brittany Ferries.

Of the three shorter choices, Cherbourg-Caen-Le Havre, the latter is the cheapest, because it is operated by LD Lines. All the Brittany Ferries routes tend to be more expensive.

The VERY cheapest crossing is usually Speedferries, Dover-Boulogne service, but the problem with all the very short crossings is that you are on the ferry such a short time that you get virtually no rest from driving.
If you have a long drive on the continent (Algarve) an overnight crossing is the best, because you do get a chance to have a nap :)