Travelling By Road from Calais to La Rochelle

Ifiwere...

Hi everyone...happy new year..

has anyone travelled by road from Calais to La Rochelle please.

We usually do the Calais Cap D'agde run but "her indoors" thinks it is now too far.

I like the sun so I reckon La Rochelle will probably be the nearest place "southwards" to get some sun without having the extra miles to do.

Could anyone oblige me with the fastest route please from Calais to La Rochelle.

Autoroutes as much as possible BUT avoiding VIADUCTS and Very hIGH BRIDGES IF POSS..cos I ain't no good with Heights (which is why we do not fly.

All contributions gratefully received. Thanks

mgdavid

A16 Abbeville
A28 Rouen - Alencon - Le Mans
A11 Angers
A87 to join A83 south
A83 exit at J7
N137 - D10 - D9 follow signs for the last 20km.

sandsy

Does it have to be Calais? Some of the other ports are closer....

Ifiwere...

Only because we can get there by using the euro train.
Many many thanks to those who have responded , Much appreciated.

code-a-holic

We drive down to Bergerac area every summer. It's a breeze! We stay over in Folkestone then cross through the tunnel about 5.30am and in the Dordogne for tea at the in-laws.

Traveling on a Sunday will give you quieter roads as most lorries are not allowed to use the roads.

Our first trip was 5 years ago with 3 under 4's. If that can go smoothly then I'm sure anyone can have a easy trip through France!

Ifiwere...

Many thanks to all or you who have taken the trouble to try and help us out. it is truly appreciated.

But even if we could manage the Ferry from Portsmouth to a different French Port which would , as some of you say, or could or might cut out the risk of having to travel over Viaducts, I am finding it quite difficult to work out or discover whether there are any viaducts travelling South from say Caen to get down to the West Coast or La Rochelle or even Languedoc Rousillon where we really like.

In offering thanks again we shall probably opt for a different holiday to avoid all the worry and fuss that I am causing. I'll have to get over my love affair with South of France .

best regards to all.

mgdavid

seriously, surely better to have a go at getting over your fear of heights? Several airlines do special courses for this affliction, ISTR Virgin were recommended on another thread. There are lots of success stories, try a forum search.

AlexMac

Or take the Eurostar to Avignon? Summer schedules aren't up yet (I think they only post a few months in advance) but you can get there in Spring for under £120 return in about 7 hours from London...?

Ifiwere...

In reply to Sandsy's point...

We could go from Cherbourg.....Can anyone give a reliable response
ie tell me if there a any viaducts of High Bridges on that route .
That is to say from Cherbourg to La Rochelle OR Les Sables d'Olonne.

Thanks again.

zagfles

I don't remember any viaducts etc on the Caen to La Rochelle route (via Rennes/Nantes) but then they don't bother me... Toll free motorways on that route too, at least as far as Nantes. South of Nantes might be toll.

Only viaduct I remember in France is the Milau bridge which is stunning. Nowhere near your route.

PeacefulWaters

Spend an hour or two on Google Maps and you should find an answer.