Driving from San Raphael (Frejus) to Arles (Camargue) for first time without a co-pilot

Is the freeway completely off the cards? It is hard to avoid it between Saint Raphaël and Arles.

The first part to Aix en Provence is easy, you just have to follow the "DN7" or "D7N" road, which is reasonably fast as it bypasses the largest towns.
Then you have to cross Aix en Provence, and this is where things get more confusing... All signs point to the freeway. If you find your way across, the D7N continues towards Saint-Cannat, where you bear left towards Salon, from where it is due west towards Arles (the old road runs parallel to the freeway and is mostly straight).
But I'll be honest with you: it will not be a pleasant drive. The roads are quite busy, full of roundabouts, speed traps, village crossings...really tiresome.
Also, I guess you know this already, but the freeway is statistically much safer. I am of course aware that trauma does not follow the laws of statistics, and I am sorry for that terrible experience you had 6 years ago.

If I misunderstood your post and you are actually able to take the freeway, then it is not that bad of a drive and signage is excellent. Directional signage uses town names rather than road numbers in France, so you just need to know which main towns and cities are on your way.

Last but not least: you can take the train from St Raphaël to Arles via Marseille in 3 to 3.5 hours, and rent a car in Arles.

Thank you so much for your thoughts
Yes, I tried for a car in Arles but none to be found now just 2w out

I was planning most recently to stick to freeway so as to not get lost :)

So your comments about good signage on the freeways is so helpful.

I will just try to take it slow :)

Anna, I've always been kind of a nervous driver (grew up in New York City, didn't drive til later than most people). While this can't possibly compare with your trauma, about 20 years ago, I drove my rental car into a ditch in southern France because I got nervous about a car coming at me on a narrow road. I was fine, and my rental car was fine, but since then, for the most part, I try to stay off narrow roads if I can help it. If I'm on them, I take it easy, go slow, don't give a damn about people behind me (they can get around me!), and stop and take a breather if I need to.

If you feel nervous on the freeway, don't bad about pulling off at an exit and taking a break. Or indeed anywhere. Take it at your pace, and change plans as needed so you feel good about your trip.

Agree with poster above about roads being very well signed in France!

And absolutely do rely on Google Maps for audio instructions. Do you know you can set it to "avoid highways" if you feel stressed?

Edit to add: Agree totally with Balso that the autoroute can feel much more comfortable than the poky local roads. And the rest stops are NICE!!!

CK

If you feel nervous on the freeway, don't bad about pulling off at an exit and taking a break

You don't have to actually get off the Autoroute to have a break or spend time with your boy - there are frequent minor and slightly fewer major rest areas, known as "Aires" and shown as that on signs, and there are signs with pictographs showing what facilities are there. Toilets, food, shop, fuel and parking areas. Sometimes more. Right on the Autoroute, so no dealing with tolls when you want or need a break.

Thank you both so much.