driving from uk to the costa blanca

Hi i am thinking of driving to my apartment down on the costa blanca, and was wondering if anyone would share their experiences about routes, places to stop off, places to stay, toll roads, road numbers, useful websites for stop off accommodation or any other usefull information.

I would cross on the Channel tunnel, and i quite fancy going round the right of Paris down to the french coast on the med and into Spain along the coast. (Pobably Saint Quentin, Lyon, Girora) but other routes considered.

Not looking to rush the trip probably around 4 days to 7 days as we would be coming down for a few months at a time.

I know this has probably been discussed on here before but any information would be appreciated.

(Ferry to top of Spain out of the question as my wife freaks out on boats).

Mark.

Hi

I did the journey 2 years ago. The route I took was Rouen 1st and 2nd night. Whilst  there we went to Honfleur especially the harbour area. In Rouen in Joan of Arcs square there are many restaurants which serve good quality meals at reasonable prices. We then drove to Limoges for the next 2 nights. A must see is Oradour sur Blane which is the small town where the Nazi's killed every man woman and child about 20 mins. north of Limoges. The French have preserved it exactly as it was in 1944 and there is a museum there explaining it all.  We then went to Biaritz. The next day we went the 'short' drive to Zaragoza which some Spaniards think is as beautiful as Barcelona. After 2 nights there we then headed for the Med.

We did not go the Paris route as the tolls make the journey very expensive in comparison to the 'West Coast' route. It needs to be pointed out that there are press reports of foreign registered cars being targeted by thieves along the main coast road from the French boarder to past Barcelona so maybe try and avoid that stretch.

There are many good hotels in France and we found that 1 day driving then one day sightseeing worked out very well.

Other people will have different routes but the best thing is to do a lot of research yourself and you should have a great time.

As suggested, there are many alternatives but the Lyon route is probably the busiest.

West side of France is good choice, head to San Sebastián, just across give border in Northern Spain, very Basque, very unspoilt and great food.

Another choice is through the middle heading towards Montepelier over the fabulous Millau Bridge over the river Tarn.

Plenty of artistic places such as Giverney and Figueras to visit as well as picturesque such as Pamplona in Northern Spain and Cuenca South of Madrid.

Start by researching viamichelin website, giving you various alternatives and things to do and see.

Do beware of the dodgy characters, highlighting UK reg cars as suggested but do not let it put you off, what can be a great trip down.

Accommodation can vary from Logis de France to Premier Classe in France and maybe find a Parador or two in Spain.

Plenty of research is recommended, and take your time driving down.

The following may be of use to anybody reading this thread.

We have just driven to Spain, the prospect of which frightened the life out of me. Just due to the huge distance to be covered.

Background, my wife does not drive and we were travelling with our dog.

Day 1. Poole to Cherbourg. Drive to Bordeaux 440 miles.

Day 2. Bordeaux to Zaragoza 310 miles.

Day 3. Zaragoza to Orihuela Costa 330 miles.

First day was a long old day with toll roads in abundance. we stayed at Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta Hotel.

Day 2 was a nice drive some toll roads and nice scenery. Stayed at Ibis Styles Zaragoza  Ramiro.

Day 3 was a day of contrasts, saw some snow on high ground early in the journey but no tolls. Nice drive but busy busy along the coast after Valencia.

Both hotels were pre booked and pre paid  and very dog friendly.

Would have no issues about doing it again, the worst part of the journey for me was Poole to Cherbourg. As a boat owner I am usually fine on a boat, however stick me on a cross channel ferry and I am absolutely useless. We had a windy crossing and while I was not seasick I did lie down....!  With this route the dog was required to stay in the car, I was escorted down to the car deck at the midway point and to be fair I think being in the car at a lower point in the boat allowed him to have the better journey.

Hope somebody can benefit from some or all of the above information. PS as I write my local filling station is selling diesel at 97cents per litre with the current exchange rate the cost is roughly 74pence per litre.... or £3.29 a gallon.

Adios Amigos Ian