It was our third time, travelling from England to Italy through France (read about previous journeys here and here). Could our nine-year-old Toyota Yaris do it again? If you are thinking of doing the same, do read about all the trips - the itineraries are all different (we only visited the same city twice as it was handy logistically).
This time I'd rather do a photographic record rather than article and give you some useful links. First of all, you must find out what you need to drive abroad: a top-up for your car insurance, breathalysers, yellow jackets if you break down and sticky pads to put on your lights if your car is old and doesn't match foreign legislation in terms of lights. You will find plenty of information online. If you don't have a numberplate with GB on it, you'll need a sticker too. Do your research before you set off. If you google for French Aires, you will find lists and information about the stops alongside most motorways - handy if you have kids. Some airs, like the Air de Jugy (pictured below) have free games and playgrounds. Motorways are expensive but they save time and are not as busy as UK motorways, handy if you are struggling with driving on the right. If you are driving a British car, your passenger will have to deal with tickets and payments - toll stations are built with European cars in mind. If you are alone, you will have to get off and go round to the other side.
We used the Eurostar again, booking an early slot saved as money, plus we could board an earlier train if arriving at the terminal well in advance - we always do. Photos are not in a particular order.
Our 2012 itineraries: Cambridge (out), Langres, Chambery, Castagnole; Castagnole (return), Lyon, Salon en Champagne (missing from Rough Guide, sort it out!) and de Panne (Belgium), just after Dunkerque.
I will make a few comments here and there... for instance why we didn't go via the Frejus tunnel this time round.
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