January route to Alicante via France

[Lenny HB]

I don't like the western route everyone seems to favor, also south of Bordeaux it is now a toll road.
Main reason I don't like it is, most of the N10 is a dual carriageway with a hard shoulder but over 3.5t no overtaking and an 80kph limit & it is rammed with trucks. Not so bad if you are under 3.5t.

We much prefer the A20 which is a free motorway from Verzon to just south of Brive and nowhere near as many trucks.

 

[MichaelT]

I don't like the western route everyone seems to favor, also south of Bordeaux it is now a toll road.
Main reason I don't like it is, most of the N10 is a dual carriageway with a hard shoulder but over 3.5t no overtaking and an 80kph limit & it is rammed with trucks. Not so bad if you are under 3.5t.

We much prefer the A20 which is a free motorway from Verzon to just south of Brive and nowhere near as many trucks.

Do you pay the toll after brieve or do the laborious non toll bit?

 

[Lenny HB]

Do you pay the toll after brieve or do the laborious non toll bit?

Me pay a toll! You must be joking, anyway it's a nice drive.

 

[gus-lopez]

also south of Bordeaux it is now a toll road.

I turn left at Bordeaux & along to Langon then down through the forest ,Pau, all the way to the Somport Tunnel.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

The somport tunnel you need snow chains or tyres November to March I would check it out.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

I turn left at Bordeaux & along to Langon then down through the forest ,Pau, all the way to the Somport Tunnel.

Another road I don't like and avoid the French side to the Somport.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

When we go down in January we will go down the western side Dieppe, Limoge over to Angouleme down to Bordeaux then A10 none toll drop of to Dax then use the toll to Irun €10 approx of at the first junction at Irun then none toll to Victoria Gasteiz then look at the weather to decide which way to go Portugal or Spain.

 

[busby]

We are heading that way early January but doing Portsmouth to Santander, we have driven down through France many times but it’s funny that after doing so we seem to book the direct ferry the year after. Mainly because after 4 days of doing 300 miles a day you start to wonder if it’s worthwhile as to me it’s not enjoyable and if you avoid paying tolls it’s even worse.
Having said that when we do go through France we stick to the West coast and cross the border at Irun.

Usually takes us 4 or 5 days to reach Spain..never ever use a toll..love driving through small towns and villages and stopping on Aires.
Nice steady 50 mph or there about...try and vary route as much as we can but after doing it twice a year for 20 odd years not easy..We are all different so whatever suits you..BUSBY.

 

[busby]

Do you pay the toll after brieve or do the laborious non toll bit?

I enjoy the non toll road through Cahors.BUSBY.

 

[busby]

The somport tunnel you need snow chains or tyres November to March I would check it out.

Only need to carry them or have appropriate tyres..Very seldom gets blocked..BUSBY.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[JockandRita]

Another road I don't like and avoid the French side to the Somport.

No, I'm not keen on it either.
It's me that does the route planning, and I remember the first year with the Iveco based Flair, I specifically went that way to see how she coped, compared to the slower Fiat based Hymer. Rita who doesn't drive the MH said to me, "What the hell have we come this way for?" The Spanish side of the Somport Tunnel is a much better road.

This winter, I am seriously considering going down the Western Non Toll Route, (A71/A75 to Beziers), which I normally do on the way back in March/April time. I've got the right classification of tyres, (3PMSF), and the French tend to keep their Autoroutes clear when it snows.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[gus-lopez]

The somport tunnel you need snow chains or tyres November to March I would check it out.

I carry chains permanently.

Another road I don't like and avoid the French side to the Somport.

Yes I will admit it is single lane & twisty but the french side scenery is stunning. & if bored on a decent day you can go over the top.

The Spanish side of the Somport Tunnel is a much better road.

Very true & probably why the French have been fighting to ensure there side doesn't get a motorway through it.

 

[andyman]

No, I'm not keen on it either.
It's me that does the route planning, and I remember the first year with the Iveco based Flair, I specifically went that way to see how she coped, compared to the slower Fiat based Hymer. Rita who doesn't drive the MH said to me, "What the hell have we come this way for?" The Spanish side of the Somport Tunnel is a much better road.

This winter, I am seriously considering going down the Western Non Toll Route, (A71/A75 to Beziers), which I normally do on the way back in March/April time. I've got the right classification of tyres, (3PMSF), and the French tend to keep their Autoroutes clear when it snows.

Cheers,

Jock.

Hi Jock, Roughly how many hours traveling does it take from Calais to Benidorm on your route above.
I’m still not sure what route to take when we leave on the 5th Jan.
Got to make my mind up soon.

 

[quickweh]

A old guy @tonka on here put this western route info on here works well.

My often used, mostly toll free, route into Spain and to Benidorm in particular. https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/resources/tonkas-western-route-to-spain.9

 

[Mikeco]

Hi Jock, Roughly how many hours traveling does it take from Calais to Benidorm on your route above.
I’m still not sure what route to take when we leave on the 5th Jan.
Got to make my mind up soon.

We will be leaving from St Malo on Jan 4 and will head for the Camping Car Park place at St Jean D Angely, then La Rouletta campsite at Urrugne, after that we may do the trip to Benidorm in the day or stop at Teruel on the way. So it’s either 3 or 4 days for us .

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[andyman]

We will be leaving from St Malo on Jan 4 and will head for the Camping Car Park place at St Jean D Angely, then La Rouletta campsite at Urrugne, after that we may do the trip to Benidorm in the day or stop at Teruel on the way. So it’s either 3 or 4 days for us .

Good information, thanks

 

[JockandRita]

Hi Jock, Roughly how many hours traveling does it take from Calais to Benidorm on your route above.
I’m still not sure what route to take when we leave on the 5th Jan.
Got to make my mind up soon.

Hi Andy.

At 4 - 5 x hours driving a day, we usually take about 5 x days, but I'm restricted speed wise due to my weight, ie, 80 - 100Kph. pending the type of road. Any miles you can clock up on a Sunday is worth doing, as the roads are much quieter with fewer trucks about..........until just before midnight, then you see them in their droves. Unless carrying perishable goods, they are not allowed on the roads in France on a Sunday. I'm not sure about Spain on that one.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[andyman]

Hi Andy.

At 4 - 5 x hours driving a day, we usually take about 5 x days, but I'm restricted speed wise due to my weight, ie, 80 - 100Kph. pending the type of road. Any miles you can clock up on a Sunday is worth doing, as the roads are much quieter with fewer trucks about..........until just before midnight, then you see them in their droves. Unless carrying perishable goods, they are not allowed on the roads in France on a Sunday. I'm not sure about Spain on that one.

Cheers,

Jock.

Thanks Jock, not sure if we will go your way or Tonka‘s western route. We leave U.K. 5 Jan, it will be our first trip to Spain.
Getting nervous now.

 

[f6c]

No don't be nervous be existed and Enjoy

 

[Just smiffy]

I will be going through somport to France from Spain tomorrow, I haven’t got chains or winter tyres, I’m at Jaca now and there is snow on the mountains…

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[f6c]

Clenched Cheeks come to mind

 

[buzz1]

I will be going through somport to France from Spain tomorrow, I haven’t got chains or winter tyres, I’m at Jaca now and there is snow on the mountains…

Hi just smiffy
Sorry to jump on someone else’s thread,
Just wondering what jaca like ,
Worth a visit ?
as I’m likely to be in area around mid Jan , after doing mountain stop areas .

 

[buzz1]

I will be going through somport to France from Spain tomorrow, I haven’t got chains or winter tyres, I’m at Jaca now and there is snow on the mountains…

Just seen on another thread about your troubles with the electric bike ,
Sorry to here of your cancelled trip.
Safe journey home mate

 

[JockandRita]

Thanks Jock, not sure if we will go your way or Tonka‘s western route. We leave U.K. 5 Jan, it will be our first trip to Spain.
Getting nervous now.

Andy, the route we "might take", is Tonka's Eastern route, and is mostly motorway/dual carriageway, however, as said before, at this time of year, the chances of snow are greater than they would be on the Western route, but the French don't hang about at keeping the main routes clear.

I totally get the "nervous" bit, being your first time to Spain. It's not too bad if you plan it well, and take it easy until you've settled in to the routine. Often we'll be up and away at 05.30 - 06.00hrs, after a quick wash and a coffee, when the roads are quiet, stopping for breakfast at round 0800hrs when commuter traffic is building up. We then carry on until about lunchtime/early afternoon reaching our chosen overnight stop. This gives us time to get out and have a walk and a good snout around the town or village. Back at the MH as it's getting dark, it's usually tea/dinner, shower, a bit of TV, then early to bed for it all again the next day.

If allocating 4 - 5 x hours actual driving time each day, remember, that doesn't include breaks, refuelling stops, or traffic delays. They can easily add on another hour plus, to the time spent on the road.

I'll PM you.

Cheers for now,

Jock.

 

[MichaelT]

Andy, the route we "might take", is Tonka's Eastern route, and is mostly motorway/dual carriageway, however, as said before, at this time of year, the chances of snow are greater than they would be on the Western route, but the French don't hang about at keeping the main routes clear.

I totally get the "nervous" bit, being your first time to Spain. It's not too bad if you plan it well, and take it easy until you've settled in to the routine. Often we'll be up and away at 05.30 - 06.00hrs, after a quick wash and a coffee, when the roads are quiet, stopping for breakfast at round 0800hrs when commuter traffic is at it's peak. We then carry on until about lunchtime/early afternoon reaching our chosen overnight stop. This gives us time to get out and have a walk and a good snout around the town or village. Back at the MH as it's getting dark, it's usually tea/dinner, shower, a bit of TV, then early to bed for it all again the next day.

If allocating 4 - 5 x hours actual driving time each day, remember, that doesn't include breaks, refuelling stops, or traffic delays. They can easily add on another hour plus to the time spent on the road.

I'll PM you.

Cheers for now,

Jock.

Up at 5 blimey we are lucky if we're away by 9

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MichaelT]

Hi just smiffy
Sorry to jump on someone else’s thread,
Just wondering what jaca like ,
Worth a visit ?
as I’m likely to be in area around mid Jan , after doing mountain stop areas .

Yes its worth it, nice town with a few things to see especially the Fort. Great atmosphere in the evenings especially weekends. Another good stop is Canfrac Estacion near the tunnel, newcAire there and a bit to see.

 

[Fragle]

Thanks Jock, not sure if we will go your way or Tonka‘s western route. We leave U.K. 5 Jan, it will be our first trip to Spain.
Getting nervous now.

We are going Portsmouth Le Havre 8th January. Never been over in the winter and wonder why I’m nervous.
We will do a steady run down the west. No tolls. I have a strong aversion to paying.
We only have 30 days so will just see how far we get. I will avoid the mountains and cross at Irun then watch the weather forecast.
Nothing booked so let’s see how it goes.
It does seem strange though going in winter.

 

[JockandRita]

Up at 5 blimey we are lucky if we're away by 9

I've always been an early riser, and it's only when we are on the road, that Rita is too, with her often instigating the early start, eg, "Psst Psst, are you awake yet?" ....................

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Roger S]

We are going Portsmouth Le Havre 8th January. Never been over in the winter and wonder why I’m nervous.
We will do a steady run down the west. No tolls. I have a strong aversion to paying.
We only have 30 days so will just see how far we get. I will avoid the mountains and cross at Irun then watch the weather forecast.
Nothing booked so let’s see how it goes.
It does seem strange though going in winter.

I can assure you that you dont need to be nervous, its for me one of the better times to go

 

[Fragle]

I can assure you that you dont need to be nervous, its for me one of the better times to go

We have waited for many years to get in a position to do this.
30 years of going in the summer months no problem. But we are well aware this will be a big difference in travel experience.
Also first trip in the new van. New layout etc.
Can’t wait to get going now. A whole new experience. It’s what makes it special

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}