Hi
We're just trying to decide whether to fit in a trip to SW France in August. Although the Dover to Calais routes are the cheapest, we're thinking about Newcastle to Amsterdam (Newcastle is just about 3 hours drive from us).
Has anyone driven from Amsterdam to Sout West France?
If so any tips?
Also any suggestions for a good stop off point on route? We want to avoid the Paris area - too scared to drive anywhere near there.
We have two kids (4 and 5) and an unconverted Freda so will be taking a tent.
Cheers
Sara
Newcastle to Amsterdam
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- mountainmummy
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Newcastle to Amsterdam
Why, oh why did I chose such a naff forum name????
Re: Newcastle to Amsterdam
Where about in the SW of France?
Re: Newcastle to Amsterdam
We regularly drive down to the Pyrenees, usually either from Calais or Le Havre so not sure about from Amsterdam but it should be a fairly straightforward trip down into northern France.
We never go through/round Paris, always down to Rouen, Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux and on down to near Bayonne when we cut across to join the Bayonne/Toulouse motorway. There is a new motorway coming down from Bordeaux to Pau as well but the toll is very expensive so we generally avoid it unless in a big rush.
If you have kids an ideal place to stop on the way would be Futureoscope just north of Poitiers. Very good day out and plenty of sites around.
Have a look at the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry as well as an option, another two hours easy drive from Newcastle and may work out cheaper. How much is the Newcastle Amsterdam ferry coming out at?
Handy little map here showing the free/toll motorways.
http://about-france.com/routes-from-calais.htm
Try to avoid travelling on the continental holiday start/finish days as well if possible.
http://about-france.com/week-planner-2012.htm
Have a good time
We never go through/round Paris, always down to Rouen, Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux and on down to near Bayonne when we cut across to join the Bayonne/Toulouse motorway. There is a new motorway coming down from Bordeaux to Pau as well but the toll is very expensive so we generally avoid it unless in a big rush.
If you have kids an ideal place to stop on the way would be Futureoscope just north of Poitiers. Very good day out and plenty of sites around.
Have a look at the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry as well as an option, another two hours easy drive from Newcastle and may work out cheaper. How much is the Newcastle Amsterdam ferry coming out at?
Handy little map here showing the free/toll motorways.
http://about-france.com/routes-from-calais.htm
Try to avoid travelling on the continental holiday start/finish days as well if possible.
http://about-france.com/week-planner-2012.htm
Have a good time
- Muzorewa
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Re: Newcastle to Amsterdam
As above, try the P&O service from Hull to Rotterdam or Hull to Zeebrugge, a fantastic overnight service and if it's not changed recently they have a buffet evening meal and breakfast - arrive relaxed and ready for a full day ahead.
- mountainmummy
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Re: Newcastle to Amsterdam
HiNick65 wrote:Where about in the SW of France?
We always used to camp in a small village near Contis Plague (Mimizan area) we really love this beach,
Always went for 3 weeks every summer and have some friends in the area but haven't been back since we've had the kids.
Necastle to Amsterdam is coming in at about £640 as compared to £100ish (or less) for Dover Calais.
The only thing that's putting us of the Dover Calais route is the thought of an 8 or more hours drive when we get back to the UK.
Sara
Why, oh why did I chose such a naff forum name????