We will be driving from Sarlat to St. Remy on a Saturday morning in late June. This is our first time driving in France. Maps gives 2 routes. One is A61 and the other is A75. Google maps says they take the same amount of time but there is a difference of 110km. I have no idea which route to choose. The longer route goes through Carcassone which I wouldn't mind stopping in. Or is the other route better? Is the information I have correct?
Thanks!
I drove the A75 route last year and it took about 5.5 horus. The Via Michelin website seems to have more accurate drive time estimates than GoogleMaps. What's your criteria for a "better" route?
I took the highway through Carcassone on a Saturday in early July in 2015. It was fine and very efficient. Personally, when doing long travel days in France I choose the highway routes, when possible.
I guess "better" would be scenic, more enjoyable, less traffic.
In my opinion, taking the department roads is more scenic, with less traffic but overall less enjoyable for a 6 hour drive.
The autoroutes are set up for those kind of days so you have awesome french rest stops with full restaurants inside and clean bathrooms with toilet seats. You don't have to poke around a town figuring out where to pee.
It is also safer to take the autoroutes as navigating small town center after small town center means you are dealing with pedestrians, bikes, etc.
Also, during the rest of your vacation when you drive around the charming towns you won't be tired of them.
The joinusinfrance podcast has an outstanding episode about driving in France. It is the most comprehensive and practical summary of what to expect that I've seen so far.
I would drive the A75 and stop in Figeac, The Millau Viaduct autostop (you have to exit and drive under the roadway; easy off-easy on) just before driving over the tallest bridge in the world, and then La Couvertoirade, a well-preserved fortified town which was owned by the Knights Templar. I drove much of this route last month, Cahors to Arles, and the scenery was interesting as you drive on good highways through the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park and Massif Central.
for more on teh millau viaduct and figeac, here are some podcasts....
http://joinusinfrance.com/millau-viaduct-and-nearby-attractions-episode-146/
