We will be basing in Provence, west of Aix and are thinking of driving to the Nice area (Cagnes sur Mer for Renoir's Home/Garden, then to Nice for an overnight followed by Vence the following morning before heading back to our our base west of Aix. My question is...how bad is the traffic in the summer for that route? Michelin says it's about a 2 1/2 hour ride, but would that take into account heavy summer traffic?
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
It rolls pretty well but depends on the week in summer and the day of the week. You want to avoid the big arrival days on the Fridays and Saturdays at the beginning of each month. We're in that area every summer and generally don't run into horrible traffic on the freeway or driving into the towns. Rush hour traffic on the freeway from Aix starts to bunch up a bit toward Cannes. We been in some bumper-to-bumper driving along the beach or in Monaco during Christmas shopping time, but that can happen anywhere.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Thanks! I'm looking at driving to Nice on Monday, August 6th or Tuesday, August 7th and then possibly driving to the Gorges du Verdon from Nice for a few days. Are you familiar with the drive to the Gorges du Verdon from Nice? Any tips? Note: We will have a seven seater minivan!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Hi Kerry... I have driven that area a number of times and typically the traffic does move along okay. The drive along the sea is so beautiful that even if it is backed up you have some lovely scenery. I have also driven up to the gorges and it is a winding road in many parts, but definitely a well kept road. I have also driven a 9 passenger van all over France a number of times, and while parking can be an issue, you just drive the same as you do here in the US, and if you are going slower, just pull over occasionally and let the others pass you.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Thanks Terry!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
Use the calendar provided by the French Government through their Bison Fute (Crazy Buffalo, and a pun on the routes Bis) at http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr/en/traffic-forecasts-calendar-r106.html. It is in English. Pay attention to the projected colours and the regions covered.