JosephineBurns

Hi there! I shall be driving with a colleague through France on route to Spain at the end of May this year. As I haven't done this before is there anyone out there who might be able to give advise to ensure a trouble free journey. We were hoping to take two days to do this journey,

Michael

1. Ask the editors to remove the trip report icon.

2. go to www.viamichelin.com and enter the beginning and the end of your trip. It will give you a sense of distance and time, although you should probably add 20% to any time given on this site or on Google map.

Rastaguytoday

I've driven throughout France, including a trip a few years ago from Aix to San Sebastian.

Try www.michelin.com for routes and directions. Print out the various ones you need ahead of time and have them handy.

General information http://about-france.com/travel.htm

StCirq

It would help to know where in France you're starting from and where in Spain you're ending up.

And if by chance this is a rental car trip and you're going to rent in France and drop off in Spain, be advised you'll pay a small fortune for that.

Also, whether it's a rental car or not, know what the rules of the road are in both countries. For example, in France you must carry a breatholyzer with you as well as flares and other emergency equipment. In Spain you need the roadside emergency equipment and if you wear prescription glasses or contacts must have an extra pair with you. If you rent, these will likely come with the vehicle.

ribeirasacra

Flares? since when the 1970s???
The French breathalyser regulations do not come into force until July 2012.

StCirq

Sorry, it's not flares, it's a warning triangle. And a reflective safety vest.

I knew the July 2012 date for the breathalyzer, just didn't pay attention to the OP's dates.

ribeirasacra

It was late last night and after a stressful day I could not help myself with a small bit of light relief. Sorry I did not mean to cause offence.
Yep all the things you have listed are required. Including all of the car’s documentation if it is your own car.
So now we wait for the OP to come back and tell us more.

JosephineBurns

Many thanks for all you replies, will certainly take these 'on board' sorry for the pun! I shall be driving down from Callais through to Palls (Spain) Kindest regards

Alan_CT

We've made this transition several times, to or from Barcelona. While the coordinates are different, the tactic could be the same; drive to the nearest rail station to the border, drop the car and take a train the rest of the way (or at least into the other country).

As StCirq mentions above, the drop fee can be substantial and far more than the price of train tickets. If you're route doesn't follow a rail line, perhaps there is a bus.

The direct link to the map site is www.viamichelin.com.

Michael

<i>We were hoping to take two days to do this journey, </i>

According to Google map, it takes 12hrs41min. for the entire trip. It will take two days unless one plans to spend 14 to 16 hours on the road.

JosephineBurns

Uuuum I see what you mean Michael, thanks.