France/Spain

[kc13661]

Has anyone drove their Diesel 75/MG down through France and Spain, if so how did you find it, was it a relatively easy journey in respect of 'tolls' etc...I have done the drive in a Coach, where tolls are all paid by card, and fuel is on a company account ...... but never in my own car.

We are looking at Driving down Newcastle upon Tyne to Dover then down to Tossa de Mar,

[Rickoshea]

Getting across the channel looks like the most challenging part of the journey and I would be looking for some other route both outward and home as I can't see the problems in Calais being fixed anytime soon.

We have driven down to France and Spain in the past (though thankfully not in a diesel!) without any problems. The tolls are expensive and suspect you can find the current charges by asking Mr Google for help.

[patrolman pete]

Done it loads of times. It take us about 3 days to get to Spain. We travel down to Canterbury or Margate and stay in a Travelodge. Next day catch an early ferry around 6am and sail to Calais before hitting the toll roads. The diesel is cheaper over there and the Rover just eats the miles on those long smooth roads especially if you have cruise control fitted. Haven't done it this year, but we're talking about planning to drive to the south of France again or through Annecy and onto the Italian Lakes for next year as the car is a great companion for a continental road trip.

[marinabrian]

No Keith, but having driven to Paris a couple of times (and through Paris and around the Arc De Triomphe ) in my old tourer, and around France and Belgium in Chris's diesel, I can say it's nice and relaxing, apart from the Arc De Triomphe part

I would say, enjoy yourself, if you can drive a coach on these sort of trips, the 75 will feel like a racing car

Brian

[ratchet]

Route planner with Toll costs

http://www.viamichelin.com/

Paying tolls by card

https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/suppo...-Faq.List/#1.0.

[Tin Tent]

Done trip three times towing a caravan with my diesel tourer just south of Baecelona great roads, tolls cost us about £90 each way in 2010 paying the higher tariff well worth it.

[Christopher]

I go every year to France/ Spain/ Italy - in the 75 and in the MGF. Toll roads are "boring" but they are quick and in France are very efficient. I am a bit wary this year of Calais/ Dunkirk due to all the issues that are happening right now - I'm looking at Le Havre but I may have my dog with me this year which may narrow down the choice of crossings I use.

I really enjoy my Europe trips, seeing new places and just forgetting the day-to-day "work" related stress!! Our cars really do eat up the miles.

[flying_pig]

Use promocode EPFREEZE1 when booking ferry return just under £60

[bl52krz]

I don't know if the Chunnel still do it but you can get the toll card for free from them if you go by Chunnel. There is normally a charge of around £10.00, I think, but you do not pay it. The toll card is a good idea because you can drive straight through at the booths without stopping. You only pay for the amount of time you use your pass, I.e. If you use your pass in the month of July, you only pay for that month, not the full year.,but you still pay the same price as everyone else, no discount.

[bl52krz]

I love France because there is no "rat race" going on when you are driving, and long distances can be accomplished very quick and easy.If you wish to take a little longer, take the main roads, marked by the letter N. Best of all is the fact that being of a larger size than GB with only around the same population, there are very rarely any traffic jams anywhere other than around Paris. Went to Italy in 2006 and fell in love with the country, and still keep in touch with people we met out there. Might try and get back there next year.