Driving in France: N routes vs Auto routes
 

Hello,
I've been using Mappy to plan my driving routes in France. For the Paris to Colmar leg I can take the national routes and pay no tolls, or I can take the auto route which saves 22 minutes but will cost 32 Euro($40 US). I would like to take the cheap route if I could depend on Mappy's time estimate; however, the national routes pass through many towns and I was wondering if traffic on these roadways would make a travel time estimate unreliable?

I've always found Mappy's time estimates to be fairly reliable (compared to Michelin's, for example, which I think assumes everyone's speeding through Frace), and the N roads are SO much more enjoyable than the autoroutes - and yes, cheaper.

N routes are more scenic, slower, and usually in pretty good shape, although they often pass through towns and you have to have a sharp eye to make sure you don't stray off the route. They are also free.

A routes are like interstate highways, except that you have to pay tolls. They are usually in perfect condition, with frequent rest stops and service stations, restaurants, etc. (all paid for by tolls). They are not particularly scenic, although they are fast.

If you are not in a hurry, take the Route Nationale. We usually take the Autoroute when driving in France, but last February we had a problem with the car, and decided to take it slowly, and followed the Route Nationale and it was great; hardly any traffic (as opposed to lots of traffic on motorway), beautiful countryside. You do have to have someone next to you to read the map though.

One thing you do need to watch on the N route is speeding; the maximum speed changes often, and it's easy to get a speeding ticket.

Hi W,

We found the mappy estimates to be reasonably close to actual travel times.

((I))

We always use the N roads, less traffic and more to see than the sides of cars and trucks. Even the D roads are perfectly acceptable if you are not in a great rush.

Travelling in Normandy we took all the N routes--and whatever is "below" them.It was MUCH nicer. We didn't use Mappy--got the Michelin map of the area.

Thanks everyone, your input has been reassuring. I do alot of boring highway driving every day to work - so I was hoping that I could explore some of the more interesting, scenic routes on vacation...and gas is expensive enough by itself without having to pay outrageous tolls.

I have a little money saving tip for anyone renting a car- I believe you have done this too Ira? It pays to book early, in case the price goes up you're covered and if it goes down you get the lower rate. I booked a midsize through Kemwel several months back for $450, and twice now since, I've noticed a price drop on their website, and after calling they've lowered the price for me - it's now only $350 for 11 days. Thanks again,

Whitey

Check AutoEurope. Might save even more money.