GETTING THERE BY CAR FROM THE UK:
You can plan your route with www.viamichelin.co.uk and enjoy a gastronomic drive through France
From Calais it takes approx 10 1/2 hours directly, approx 740 miles. We suggest you drive to Burgundy (approx 5 1/2 hours drive) and then stay overnight. From Burgundy to Cannes (approx 5 1/2 hours). This is using the motorway. We also suggest using the Autogrill or Arche. They are very good and offer hot food and toilet facilities and shop. We suggest the following itinerary: 08.20 am: Eurotunnel crossing, arrive France 10.00 am. Drive to Burgundy approx 5 1/2 hours. Stop off for lunch at a Autogrill, after Chalon en Champagne, Aires de Reims marker no: 161 (2 1/2 hours from Calais), next one is Autogrill Troyes le Plessis. Then drive to Burgundy, arrive approx 5 pm, overnight Burgundy. A good website to find accommodation (B&B, hotels, chambre D'hotes) in France is: www.sawdays.co.uk Next day, leave at 09.00 am to arrive Cannes approx 4 pm (approx 5 1/2 hours drive). Stop off for lunch. Autogrill, Aire de Montelimar (2 1/2 hours from Burgundy) then drive to Cannes (2 1/2 hours drive). Lots of Aires on the way to use facilities, Autogrill are usually better than Arche. On motorway there are signs saying how far they are. Also don't forget you need to pay tolls on some of the auto routes. Click here for maps of Autogrill stops in France. Tip: On way back to UK, nearest petrol station to Calais is Leclerc Supermarket at Lumbres, 5 mins off A26 exit 3. Excellent stop off in peak time to avoid queues near Eurotunnel or Cite Europe. You can also pick up some sandwiches at the supermarket for your trip home! On way back home, leave Cannes 09.00 am to arrive Burgundy in afternoon. Next day leave again 09.00 am and get to Eurotunnel for 5pm to 6pm crossing. |