le mans

[jwyatt]

With only a few weeks to go myself and the assorted group that i am travelling there with set about discussing our route , bearing in mind that one of the group has a 1968 herald which is nowhere near my little SRV8 in performance terms the route we chose had to be a compromise
we are traveling on the 4th going towards le Harve prior to setting the compass south for le mans
i wondered which routes other people may be taking this year or have you got stories of previous years

[Lloyd Barnes]

We went a couple of years back in a 50's Citroen Traction Avant, max speed 55mph flat out. No good on the autoroutes so w just used the French a roads. Absolutely lovely, stopped in various villages on way down from Calais. Can't remember the exact route but your mates slow triumph could be a great excuse to see a bit more on way. We followed coast past Paris Plage (camped there on beach on way back).

[dave.n]

I have been told the TOUR DE FRANCE "circus" hits most routes on the way down, so better take a lk where they are on the times/days you hit the french roads and towns.

[pete knighton]

we are leaving honfleur near le Havre on the 5th around 1ish I am thinking of going on the normal roads not motorways if anyone near there it could be a good convoy down,pete

[jwyatt]

i hope to be there by the evening of the 4th looking forward to a great drive down , hope to see everyone when we all get there

[Purple AK]

Bear in mind that the Le Mans campsites won't be open until at least 14.00hrs on the 5th

[JonnyT]

The fast route is basically the A16 and A28. They are new roads. The old route nationale is therefore pretty much in place by the side of the new road. We have taken it a few times and is a pleasant drive - you get to see much more of the French countryside but not too slow as to impede making reasonable progress (which can be a problem going on some of the real country roads).

[jwyatt]

thanks for the info guys its useful, the motorways are great but they cut out so much of the countryside so the info you have given is of great help