Driving from uk using the eurotunnel

[tsandas]

Hi anyone have any tips on driving from the eurotunnel at Calais for a first timer to driving in France and visiting DLP? Don't have satnav Any tips welcome

 

[Cyrano]

Hi tsandas and welcome to DLP DIS board
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Although we had satnav the journey is very easy. You are heading for Paris, then Charles de Gaul airport and then Disneyland Paris
Toll road is very easy to drive on and you pay €19.20 when you reach the end.

 

[tsandas]

Thanks for the welcome and the tips....much appreciated

 

[davewasbaloo]

You will find the worst bit of the journey is the M25 here in the UK!

Seriously, you'll find it a breeze, DLP is well sign posted. Just a tip, take it slow around Charles De Gaulle - that can be a little confusing as junctions are on the left and right, but if you take it steady, no probs.

Also, services are about every 20 miles and fuel is a lot cheaper in France. Have a great trip!

 

[crazygunuk]

You will find the worst bit of the journey is the M25 here in the UK!

Seriously, you'll find it a breeze, DLP is well sign posted. Just a tip, take it slow around Charles De Gaulle - that can be a little confusing as junctions are on the left and right, but if you take it steady, no probs.

Also, services are about every 20 miles and fuel is a lot cheaper in France. Have a great trip!

I agree, the drive abroad is MUCH easier than the UK roads!
Who did you book with ? Most Travel Agents provide a pack with directions....

 

[wilki32]

Agree with Dave, the only time we have any problems we have had is on the M25 or the M4 or both on our last trip!!! Or locking keys in the boot, but thats a whole other story!

Last two trips we took with my 78 yr old DF and 71 yr old DM, they couldn't get over how quick and easy it was.

I had sat nav and still got in the wrong lane at the same point 3 years on the trot, if i'd have looked at the signs we wouldn't have made the mistake! So have to agree that it's well signposted.

You will be absolutely fine once you're in France

 

[cstokell]

.......take it slow around Charles De Gaulle - that can be a little confusing as junctions are on the left and right, but if you take it steady, no probs.

We got a bit confused here, just make sure that you have a map and know which junction you want.

 

[tsandas]

Thank you so much to u all for ur tips.....i will make sure my hubby has the map ready when we get to charles de gaulle....know wot u mean about the M25 which is why we're staying in folkestone overnight b4 getting the train through the eurotunnel to give me a recovery period lol....we booked through barrhead travel so i'm sure they will send some type of maps with the tickets although I was looking at buying the AA's map of France

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Approx how long is the drive once you get to France? We've only ever been on Eurostar but are thinking of driving next time

Thanks

 

[davewasbaloo]

Depends upon whether you are good or bad, and whether you make lots of loo stops or not. Typically between 3 and 4 hours. But is is SSOOOOO much easier than driving on UK roads.

With our little ones, we find it is the best way, plus we can fill the boot with shopping.

 

[A Small World]

We actually did it from DLP to Tunnel in just over 2 hours yesterday!!!!!

DH was driving and we had just been watching Moteurs Action Stunt show - I wonder if that had anything to do with it.

I think he thought the 130km speed limit was referring to 130mph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cyrano]

I think he thought the 130km speed limit was referring to 130mph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow that was quick

 

[A Small World]

It was a choice of missing the chance to be on the float with Mickey in the Parade (and couldnt possibly do that!!!!), missing our tunnel slot (hoping we wouldnt be charged extra if we did) or putting foot on accelerator and hoping for the best.
Fortunately the roads were clear and we had done the trip before so had an idea of the route and had Gladys (Sat nav) to navigate and keep us on the right road.
We were surprised how fast we did it as well as normally we would have given ourselves a lot longer to get there

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Thanks, I think we'll assume it's going to take 3-4 hours rather than 2, though! At least the first time we drive it, anyway

 

[Cyrano]

Thanks, I think we'll assume it's going to take 3-4 hours rather than 2, though! At least the first time we drive it, anyway

I wise precaution. The on the spot speeding fine could ruin a perfectly good holiday. Be aware that French police don't need to catch you speeding. They will often sit at the exit to toll roads and using the entry time work out your speed accordingly.

Speeding by less than 20 km/h (12 mph)

Fine (0) : 68 euros
License suspension : none
if however the speed limit is lower than 50 km/h (31 mph)

Fine (1) : 135 euros
License suspension : none

Speeding between 20 km/h and 30 km/h (12 mph to 19 mph)

Fine (1) : 135 euros
License suspension (2) : none

Speeding between 30 km/h and 40 km/h (19 mph to 25 mph)

Fine (1) : 135 euros
License suspension (2) : 3 years


Speeding between 40 km/h and 50 km/h (25 mph to 31 mph)

Fine (1) : 135 euros
License suspension (2) : 3 years


Speeding by more than 50 km/h (31 mph)

Fine (2) : 1500 euros
License suspension (2) : 3 years


Second offence speeding by more than 50 km/h (31 mph)

Jail (2) : 3 months
Fine (2) : 3750 euros
License suspension (2) : 3 years

 

[tennisfan]

Also there are speed cameras on the road from the ferry terminal & on the roads around the airport.

Also don't forget if you are stopped by the police it will be an on the spot fine!, even if you don't have the money they will take you to a cash point.