Driving to the magic - Idiots guide please

[Ms Poppins]

And I really do mean an idiots guide

We've never driven abroad. I get the impression that I will be completely stressed out as I like to know where I'm going and exact information before I go anywhere.

We will be using Eurotunnel from Folkstone to Calais.

I've read all the threads I can find but still have some questions:

When driving off the train are there clear signs that direct you to the A16?

Is there enough notice given to change lanes for changing onto different roads?

I assume I need euros in change for the tolls?

I've read some comments about taking wrong turnings near the airport - what should I be looking out for?

Should I invest in a sat nav - or are the route planners pretty accurate?

I know about the items I need for the car, triangle etc - do I need a GB sticker on the front as well as the back of the car?

Sorry, I know I sound like a muppet - I'm just a bit manic about knowing everything before I go.

I am actually really nervous and I don't want that to eat into my excitement of our last minute holiday

 

[zinderella]

GB sticker for back only. I found the road signs very good tbh, and like you I'm v good at getting stressed! To get used to being on the French roads I used google maps street view to 'drive' around the French roads first. Friends thought I was bonkers but it made me feel more secure!!! And I recognised bits of the roads that I had seen on google! Are you on yr own driving or will you have a co pilot ?

 

[Carrie_Cat]

For the tolls you can pay either in € or by card (visa/mastercard)

The sticker only goes on the back and I don't know about you but here if it's already built into the number plates (back lefthand side) it's not necessary to have a sticker now

We don't have a sat nav and we drive all over France - OH prints out a route planner and that's it

I think it will be very easy for you , millions of people from GB drive every year on the roads here and I think most of them find it easier and more agreable than back home

 

[Ms Poppins]

Thanks guys

I'm co-pilot. I do drive, all the time, but I'm a better navigator than DH (which he happily admits), which is why I'm a bit stressed about making sure we're going the right way. He'll just point the car the way I tell him

 

[A Small World]

If you do get a sat nav make sure you also have a map of printed route plan as well as a back up

However follow one or the other unless needed - dont mix and match sat nav and printed directions or it just gets confusing

 

[chrisf1961]

And I really do mean an idiots guide

We've never driven abroad. I get the impression that I will be completely stressed out as I like to know where I'm going and exact information before I go anywhere.

We will be using Eurotunnel from Folkstone to Calais.

I've read all the threads I can find but still have some questions:

When driving off the train are there clear signs that direct you to the A16?

Is there enough notice given to change lanes for changing onto different roads?

I assume I need euros in change for the tolls?

I've read some comments about taking wrong turnings near the airport - what should I be looking out for?

Should I invest in a sat nav - or are the route planners pretty accurate?

I know about the items I need for the car, triangle etc - do I need a GB sticker on the front as well as the back of the car?

Sorry, I know I sound like a muppet - I'm just a bit manic about knowing everything before I go.

I am actually really nervous and I don't want that to eat into my excitement of our last minute holiday

Oh the turning near the airport arghhhhh....my wifes drives i just get her to destinations but this ones a nightmare ! even with Sally Sat Nav2 ( just upgraded with a really good one with lane markings...very cheap price) this junction is a nightmare ! The time before last we went ( its a standing joke now) i saw the sign and said ...you have to get right to the left llane lol ! confused the hell outta her..meaning of course nearside lane ...which she still doesnt understand and as we where in the offside lane ( sam thats rh lane to you lol) it was like playing Simpsoms hit n run ! French cars everywhere ! Oh deep joy

Dont worry though if you get it wrong you will end up in Austria ! only kidding

 

[chrisf1961]

Oh and dont worry when your zoooming down the French motorways at warp factor 8 lol (doing the correct speed of course) it feels like your cars going to explode (well ours is only a 1300 cc ) and at that speed its feels like you are on Space Mountain! Enjoy the drive its a doddle really ..well it is where im sitting !
Oh one last thingy watch out for the French numpties joining front the right at slip roads ...oer missis ....Just thinking take some stress pills with you !

Im away now before my wifey sees these posts as i will get a pan round the back of the head !

HAVE FUN!

 

[Johnny_boy]

One thing to be aware of is the speed limit drops by 20 when it rains so a 130 k/ph road becomes 110. In general, give priority to the right.

I like my sat nav because it shows the lanes. Have a look at www.copilotlive.com/uk and click on your phone type. Still no update for iPhone

 

[IsobelJackmummy]

We have driven there twice, using eurotunel. It really is easy, the French roads are much better than ours!

When you drive off the train, it is really clear which way you need to go.

We have used sat nav, but I would say that you could easily do it without, as there are only a few road changes.

The only 'hairy' bit about the airport is that there is alot of traffic, and seems to be lots of different roads merging, but as long as you take your time, and look out for the road signs, you should be fine. That really is the only difficult part.

Good luck, and have a great time!!

 

[lannie]

When are you going? We leave tomorrow night from Scotland to drive to Eurodisney. I'm leaving the driving in France part to hubby though!!

 

[Ms Poppins]

Thanks everyone. I've printed driving route from viamichelen (sp) and it seems easy enough.

I'm afraid i'm a bit of a control freak (had you guessed ) so will probably snoop on google maps.

The bit at the airport is worrying me a bit - but I suppose we'll just have to get on with it.

We leave on 25 July

 

[Samf1971]

Ignore my hubbies nightmare account of the roads lol

It's really not that bad at all, it's very straightforward really, have a look at the airport bit that's the only tricky bit you need to check out. We took the wrong turning last year but the sat nav soon had us back on track