Tracker Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Like many others, we follow the well proven non toll road route via Rouen, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Pamplona, Zaragosa, Teruel, Valencia and it works well - or it did the last time we used it in 2010. I just wonder whether any of our regular multi-trip specialists have found a better/easier route with more dual carriageway, and whether it might be worthwhile paying a few Euros to get past major towns by toll road by pass both in France and in Spain where there is that alternative? PS - why does the font change colour half way through when it is all written and posted at the same time - or is it just my screen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Thats the way we went last year and returned as well...used tolls in Spain as cheap. will be going same route again mid March all being well...unless of course there is a chance of bumping into you down there! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-02-03 2:07 PMThats the way we went last year and returned as well...used tolls in Spain as cheap. will be going same route again mid March all being well...unless of course there is a chance of bumping into you down there! :D Do they charge tin cans like your van less than proper coachbuilt motorhomes like most of us have? I look forward to meeting you too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 I could not face a life sentence in Spain to be honest.... As would strangle you on sight with by bare hands (preferably after chasing you around a bull ring) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 I am also heading South in mid March, probably via the route mentioned, although we sometimes divert a bit and go via Pau, Haro etc. We come back the Med. side. If we all meet can I stand and watch the fight? H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 I dont think you would find much fun watching two old men trying to fight, unless they put bricks in thier handbags. >:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-02-03 3:08 PMI could not face a life sentence in Spain to be honest.... As would strangle you on sight with by bare hands (preferably after chasing you around a bull ring) Such hostility does not become you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave225 Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 We use the same route. However be aware that the dastardly French are making the road from Bordeaux to Bayonne toll. We saw the barriers being built last Autumn. Whether it is going to be the whole stretch or just part I do not know.. There is an alternative N road but it was a nice cheap way to go....up till now. Do not use the autoroute from Bordeaux to Pau as it is very expensive, in case you were thinking of using the tunnel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 3, 2013 Author Share Posted February 3, 2013 It looks from this as if charges will start in May 2013, but if anyone can translate it might not be so? http://www.a63-atlandes.fr/contenu/f-1b824d1420c0001b/Preparer-son-trajet-sur-l-A63.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Dave225 - 2013-02-03 3:45 PM We use the same route. However be aware that the dastardly French are making the road from Bordeaux to Bayonne toll. We saw the barriers being built last Autumn. Whether it is going to be the whole stretch or just part I do not know.. Yep...... we noticed them on the way down *-).................expect they'll be open for business soon >:-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesFrance Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 You could avoid the traffic light misery of Bayonne/Biarritz by turning off to Dax then St Jean Pied de Port and over the low pass to Roncesvalles, then joining the Zaragosa road just south of Pamplona so you miss that also. There is a municipal camping in the centre of St Jean which we have stayed on many times out of season when it is closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickydicky Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 hi we have done the same route previously,but the last couple of times we have gone from bordeaux to mont de marsen,pau and then the somport tunnel.we find this quite a bit easier as there doesn't seem to be as much traffic and of course,no toll roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickydicky Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 hi we have done the same route previously,but the last couple of times we have gone from bordeaux to mont de marsen,pau and then the somport tunnel.we find this quite a bit easier as there doesn't seem to be as much traffic and of course,no toll roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Some interesting alternatives there, thanks guys. However both seem to have a lot of twisty single carriageway 'D' roads and I do have to wonder whether it might be just as easy to stick to the N10 and then up the A15 dual carriageway from Donostia to Pamplona. If Bayonne to Donostia on the old road is too busy it might be worth a few Euros to pick up the toll road as there does appear to be several junctions for access? When on a long haul we tend to find a few extra miles on dualed roads is worth it for the relaxation factor and steady predictable progress? On the other hand a good bit of twisty scenic mountain road does add a bit of fun to the drive - as long as it isn't subject to snow, accidents, roadworks or diversions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 I'm looking again at the middle of France and wondering about the pros and cons of the alternatives from Rouen to Tours? The Easterly route via Dreux and Chartres or the Westerly via Alencon and Le Mans? Any observations and preferences please? I think on balance it probably is not worth going from Chartres to Orleans and the A20 motorway from Vierzon to Limoges then across to Angouleme - unless anyone knows different? So many roads!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manu Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Hey Rich....came back from Benidorm late November via the Somport from Zaragoza end, lots of long term roadworks improving road widths both sides of tunnel & very slippery with mud and rain just starting to ice over. How are ya....just thought i'd give you the heads up....off again August time ! Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 Cheers Phil - we're off down Sarf in about three weeks hopefully and you won't catch me in Spain in August as it's just too darned HOT!! I think we'll give Somport a miss for now!! Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Tracker - 2013-02-04 7:57 PMI'm looking again at the middle of France and wondering about the pros and cons of the alternatives from Rouen to Tours?The Easterly route via Dreux and Chartres or the Westerly via Alencon and Le Mans?Any observations and preferences please?I think on balance it probably is not worth going from Chartres to Orleans and the A20 motorway from Vierzon to Limoges then across to Angouleme - unless anyone knows different?So many roads!!when doing my homework this time last year for our trip, this route seemed to be popular with many...I stuck with your original route as Brian Kirby had advised me on this route and loked more sensiable anyway....I cant see how there can be much in it.have ordered the bull whip by the way..as have decided to thrash you to deathinstead, strangulation to quick and you deserve to suffer.....look forward to the meet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-02-04 9:09 PM have ordered the bull whip by the way..as have decided to thrash you to deathinstead, strangulation to quick and you deserve to suffer.....look forward to the meet! Oh you are an old sweetie aren't you just!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bojitoes Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 We stopped in aire at blois the other week then went via leclercs at amboise on road through farmland and small villages for about 30 miles, it came out on poitiers ring road. Excellent road will definitely try to find/use again Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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