Driving to South of France via Disney

hairbrain05

Hello,

I've spotted that there's some very knowledgeable bods on these threads so thought I'd submit our plans for any comments/advice/tips...

We are driving to the South of France via Disney in four weeks. We will be 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 10 & 12) and a toddler.... yes i know we must be mad! We leave from the North of Scotland just to make it even more extensive.

This is current itinerary at the moment... We are collecting one of the kids en route in Luton hence the overnight stop. Our Eurotunnel and Disneyland Paris accommodation is booked and we also have a B&B Hotel booked in Calais which is fully cancel-able. We're looking to make similar flexible bookings for the return journey.

The journey has been planned mostly with viamichel and times are inclusive or rest stops etc. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for the journey or any comments on our proposed itinerary.

We will be using a sat nav, are aware of the requirements such as high vis vest, breathalyser etc. We have our EHIC cards & will take a copy of insurance....

Outward

• 27-Jul Sat Leave Home 04:00am (get some miles in while kids sleep) Arrive Luton approx 19:00
• 28-Jul Sun Depart Luton, drive to Folkestone/Eurotunnel 08:30 Tunnel crossing 12:00 - 12.30 (local time 13:30), Drive to DLP Hotel, Arrive & check in, Approx 17:00
• 
  31-Jul Wed Depart DLP, Drive to family near Toulouse,

Depart 08:00, Arrive approx 22:00
Return

• 06-Aug Tue Drive to midway point (tbc) via Millau, Depart approx 10:00 arrive 17:00
• 07-Aug Wed Drive to Calais, stay overnight, Depart approx 10:00 arrive 17:00
• 08-Aug Thu Depart Calais via Eurotunnel, 11:50, arrive 12:20,Drive to Dumfries for overnight stay, arrive approx 21:00
• 09-Aug Fri Drive home! (4hrs approx)

Many thanks for any comments/advice.. sympathies

mcfisco

15 hrs to Luton seems excessive
I'd say no more than 10 inc breaks

You don't yet need to bother with a breathalyser

hairbrain05

mcfisco wrote: »

15 hrs to Luton seems excessive
I'd say no more than 10 inc breaks

You don't yet need to bother with a breathalyser

yep i agree, may leave later but conscious of the long day & the need to have enough breaks from the car for the wee one... am hoping it's quicker!!

I thought i read that somewhere re the breathalyser so thanks for confirming..

Bob_the_Saver

hairbrain05 wrote: »

yep i agree, may leave later but conscious of the long day & the need to have enough breaks from the car for the wee one... am hoping it's quicker!!

I thought i read that somewhere re the breathalyser so thanks for confirming..

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Breath-test-fines-14520-view-article.html

hairbrain05

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

http://www.connexionfrance.com/Breath-test-fines-14520-view-article.html

Thanks Bob, so they are 'recommended'.. but we won't be fined for not having them. So, err, we won't have one if don't need to....

ps I was awaiting your comment re sending the kids on via cargo shipment/administering large doses of calpol or similar

Bob_the_Saver

hairbrain05 wrote: »

Thanks Bob, so they are 'recommended'.. but we won't be fined for not having them. So, err, we won't have one if don't need to....

ps I was awaiting your comment re sending the kids on via cargo shipment/administering large doses of calpol or similar

Your guess is as good as anyone else's. I bought a couple when they were cheap and I carry mine (as I paid a Euro each for them) but most people now don't bother. (I never drink and drive so I don't worry too much). That is to say I do both but not when one would affect the other.

Personally wouldn't bother with Disney - Mickey Mouse outfit from what I hear and yes daily Calpol until they are old enough to buy a round in the bar.

Bob_the_Saver

Few points,

Driving South of Paris on French roads 28-Jul Sun :eek: :eek: :eek:

Hi-vis vest(s) in front of car not the boot.

Weather for Toulouse

http://freemeteo.com/default.asp?pid=156&gid=2972315&la=1

Obviously check nearer the time

Have a wad of cash in case you break down on the motorways (breakdown cover will usually give you it back, but you have to pay first.) Starts at about 120 Euro's :eek:

hairbrain05

Yep, agree re the kits, there will be zero chance of us combining either activity & therefore have no reason to self test.

Will pack the Calpol :rotfl: and some valium for other half

Bob_the_Saver

hairbrain05 wrote: »

some valium for other half

Yep, somewhere about half way, that should do it.