First visit to France. I have been planning to catch the trains for one-day travel from Amboise to St. Remy. Based on the size of our group (4) and estimated time to travel by train (~7 hrs), I am now leaning more to making a day of it and driving. We could make stops along the way as needed (such as Conques). A full day in the car is okay for us. However, is it advisable? Google maps indicates 7 hours, but is that close to accurate? I drove in Scotland and would not drive a 7-hour stretch there again. Appreciate any thoughts and guidance!
Posted by
Paris
10188 posts
It's going to be a day of it either driving or taking the train. Via Michelin also estimates 7 hours for driving. With that kind of long day, I wouldn't be looking for anywhere to stop along the way. already just with a couple of bathroom breaks and something to eat, you are looking at 8 or 9 hours.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5429 posts
The time estimates are usually best case scenarios with no allowance for bathroom breaks, gas stops, or meals. Or road delays. If I have to spend that long in transit, I'd rather be sitting back and relaxing on a train where I can get up, walk around, have a bathroom break, and even eat. YMMV. And on arrival not have to concern myself with parking or turning in the car before the agency closes.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Marseille Airport to St, Remy was easy for us. But all the way from Amboise? And not making a stop every couple of hours for a beak from driving? Is only one person going to be at the wheel? Are you sure a train wouldn’t be easiest for the 4 you?
And what’s the driver going to be like the next day … or the next 3 days?
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
If you have to, and if it is not a busy travel day (check the calendar on the Bison Futé website - official traffic forecast. In French, but pretty self-explanatory, the numbers refer to regions according to the key in the bottom left corner), it is absolutely doable, especially with more than 1 driver. The highways are much easier than in Scotland, and the first half of the trip to St Etienne should have little traffic (except on red/black days as per the calendar).
But do not plan on any diversions away from the main route. Conques is definitely way too far out of the way. As a viable stopping point, I would suggest the Roman ruins of St Romain en Gal right across the Rhone river from Vienne.