Son, wife and two children( 5 & 9 ) are intending to travel by car via Dover to Formigal 75kms south of Pau and then just over the border to Spain for skiing.
I do not think they want a ferry crossing.
Google indicates 12hours /1200km dring from Calais
3 litre diesel SUV but no experience of motoring on the continent. I believe accommodation is sorted
Any suggestions please.
Route,( as per Google?) night stop(s) en route, Toll costs and paying, French road laws ?
Winter tyres required customs border?
Thanks
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Have just driven to Southern Spain.
Used the A63 past Bordeaux and Bayonne although you may take the A65. All roads completely clear but I suspect you may need chains and winter tyre for higher roads in the Pyrenees.
Journey down we used the tunnel. Highly recommended as quick, all formalities on Dover side, miss one and catch the next 30 minutes later, drive straight on to French autoroute.
Coming down we stopped at Poitiers at a Best Western - reasonable price, decent breakfast, clean. Have used Logis de France in the past but can be mixed. With a 5 and 9 year old BW or similar would probably work best. Avoid very cheap near the mway as they can be horrible.
Personally I just accept tolls as unavoidable driving through France. You could save ~100 Euros but this will add time and stress to the drive unless you want to see rural France as part of the journey. Worth doing in spring or summer but not at this time of year.
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Info re - by car to Formigal,Spain , 75kms of Pau - Terry
