We’re driving from Calais to Tossa de Mar in late August and it’s been a few years since we last made the trip.
We are travelling over from the UK to Calais with our own car.
We’ve previously taken the central route, but are wondering if that’s still the quickest option now? We’d ideally like to avoid Paris. We’re planning to break the journey up with two overnight stops, so any recommendations on routes or good places to stay would be really appreciated!
suzannahcguy,
Are you renting a car in Calais with plans to drop it off in Tossa de Mar? If so, be aware that there is a big fee to drop off a rental car in a different country, in the 500-1,000 euro range. You may want to return the car before entering Spain and rent another one in Spain.
Sorry, I should have said. We are travelling over by car, to Calais in our own car.
Yes, going via Clermont-Ferrand and the A75 is the quickest route. It is also the prettiest!
As for avoiding Paris: travel from Calais to Rouen first, cross Rouen (N28 across Pont Mathilde, then D18E to the A13), short drive on the Paris-bound A13 then head towards Évreux, Dreux, Chartres on N154 and eventually join A10 at J10. N154 is mostly dual carriageway.
Chartres is a great first stop IMO. As for the second stop, maybe a quick side-trip to the Gorges du Tarn if you can afford two nights? Otherwise St Flour, perhaps. It's a bit austere but the hilltop town is quite the sight, and the landscape is beautiful in the area. Also, you ought to stop by the nearby Viaduc de Garabit if never seen before.
Thank you. I’ve read it’s better to not go via Lyon etc.
would this still be the better route during August?
Yes Chartres was in mind for our first stop!
Going via Lyon is very busy and a longer distance with much higher tolls. It never makes sense, especially not in August.
Thank you. Really appreciate your advice
Would the a20 be better to use?
Unless you're driving a campervan or towing a caravan (the A20 is less hilly than the A75), there's no reason to take the A20: it takes 30 minutes longer and it is significantly less scenic.
Now, if you want some variety on the return, you could go home that way, in which case Cahors works as a stop.
