Kelly

Does anyone know how long it would take to drive from Northern Italy (Breschia/Milan/Verona) to Paris, France? We are most likely going to stop overnight for a few days in between but wanted to know if there is a direct route other than going through the Italian Riveria through the French Riveria (Nice) and then up that way?

Wayne

You certainly don't want to go via the Coastal route. It's way too long, much out of the way. Go from Milan to Zurich-Basel-Besancon-just south of Dijon-to the A8 to Paris and you'll have autostrada/autoroute all the way.<BR><BR>There are other routes, but this one is probably the best. For a stop around half-way, with some nice day trips if you stay a few days, stop somewhere around Basel.

mj

Direct routes are via the Mt. Blanc tunnel (FR) or the St. Gotthard tunnel (CH) - take your choice. I did Milan to Frankfurt via St. Gotthard and found it an enjoyable drive. Remember, if you go the CH route, the car needs a vignette (40Chf) and it is probably longer than the Mt. Blanc tunnel route but French highway tolls make me crazy.<BR><BR>www.shellgeostar.com, or<BR>www.viamichelin.com can provide directions.<BR>hth,

Kelly

Wayne/MJ: Do you know how long in hours the drive would be (without stops) and then I can approx. how long a stop in between would be. Actually, there is a resort in Dijon-Chailly (France) that we may want to stay at. <BR><BR>Any thoughts? Thanks and much appreciated!

mj

Kelly,<BR>We did the Milan-&gt;Frankfurt trip over 2 days (overnight in Freiburg DE). As I recall, total driving time was ~8 hours (~5.5 hours from Milan to Freiburg including ~30 minute slowdown going thru St. Gotthard tunnel). Freiburg is ~100 miles from Dijon (guess).<BR><BR>For giggles, I just did a viamichelin route Milan to Paris and they route you thru Mt. Blanc tunnel. Scary thing is the tolls, ~$75, ouch. Told you those French tolls are a nighmare.

john

<BR>Kelly,<BR><BR>I drove Milan/Paris through the Mt. Blanc tunnel before the big accident a few years ago. This route non stop would be 8 to 10 hours and is the most direct. We overnighted in Burgundy and bought some wine in Beaune and Nuits-St-Georges. I can't drive through that area without slamming on the brake. <BR><BR>Going to Milan I drove through Switzerland via Basel because it is more direct from my original starting point, Amsterdam. My drive was at night and I became hopelessly lost on top of a 9,000 foot mountain in a cold drizzle at 2:00 in the morning. This was not one of my better travel moments. If you drive through Switzerland make sure to have some Swiss Franks, a local phone card, and Michelin maps. And you are subject to the annual highway fee even if you are just driving across, or over as was my case.<BR><BR>Tolls in France are steep, but that helps keep the divided highways nearly deserted. The speed limit is 130 km/h (80 mph) but many natives will fly past you at this rate. The frequent facilities on the tollways are superb for eat, sleep, and get going again.<BR><BR>John Bermont<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com<BR>

mj

Kelly,<BR>Should have read the rest of your post re: suggestions.<BR><BR>While we only stayed one night, we loved Freiburg. A nice old town (aren't they all though) that's right off the Autobahn. Arrived early afternoon and went to the catherdal square (doubles as the town market) and people watched. Walked a good bit of the town after dinner and if time was not an issue, we'd have stayed another day. There's also more to visit in the surrounding Black Forest areas.<BR><BR>You might also consider Strasbourg. Beautiful city, outrageous food/wine...Ahh, the Alsace.<BR>hth,<BR><BR>

Wayne

Kelly---Since you asked, I wanted to answer but don't have a whole lot to add to the previous answers. If you want to go all the way to Dijon, it will be a long one-day drive as already mentioned. If you were to stop in Dijon as mentioned, I would estimate about 9-10 hours driving time from Milan. The route I suggested, as you probably noticed, takes you near Dijon. The Milan to Zurich part of the route I suggested goes through the St. Gotthard tunnel, then on to Basel and points west and north.