Trip to Provence in June

[si_xsi]

Hi All,

I'm driving down to Provence - Goult to be precise, later in June this year for a holiday. I will probably stay at one of the Formula 1's off the autoroute on the way down, somewhere near Beaune or Macon, to break up the journey a bit. My question relates to the drive home back up to Calais - I've allowed 2 nights from Goult back up to Calais and im keen to explore a different route stopping at some picturesque / interesting places for each of those nights on the way home.

I should mention, I've done the Route Napoleon, Alps, Annecy, Dijon, Reims side before. I was thinking about trying Clemont Ferrand then Le Mans (post 24 hr dates). Something like this:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Calais,+France/M...

I would be interested to learn of any other places people think are worth considering. The other issue I have, is because my car has been supercharged, I can only run it on Shell V Power Super Unleaded, at a push BP Ultimate and Esso super are ok, but branded supermarket fuel is out. With a 250 mile range per tank I need to plan my fuel stops a little!

Thanks

Simon

[magooagain]

Have a look at Shells petrol station locater. If it's that important for v power you will need to adjust your route a bit.

Maybe take a 10 liter can of v power with you as a back up.

Edited by magooagain on Thursday 24th March 18:15

[GT5S_1985]

Will be visiting Clermont Ferrand in July so will be able to give more first-hand info after this date, which is of course no use to your question!

While investigating our trip, we learned that the World Headquarters for Michelin is located in Clermont. The number one suggested site according to several reputable tourist websites is their museum, the Michelin Experience. If you do decide to visit the town, it looks like a highly recommended site.

If it helps, we'll be travelling from Clermont Ferrand to Le Mans for Le Mans Classic, making our lunch stop in Montluçon which is supposed to be quite scenic. It has a nice medieval section with the most complete remaining chateau of the Bourbons.

[v8250]

si_xsi said:

The other issue I have, is because my car has been supercharged, I can only run it on Shell V Power Super Unleaded, at a push BP Ultimate and Esso super are ok, but branded supermarket fuel is out. With a 250 mile range per tank I need to plan my fuel stops a little! Thanks Simon

Your car will need to be something quite exotic if will only run on VPower.

If an older car, the supercharged engine will be fine. If a modern car with an aftermarket supercharger fitted the engine re-map should be of suitable ability[quality] to modulate/adjust detonation to octane of fuel used. If V Power not available, use another brand and add/carry a suitable octane booster to bring back up to the required 99RON or above. I've used Millers CVL in all types of n/a and forced induction engines when 99RON not available. Even used in what was the most fuel sensitive car known to man...a very high compression pre-war straight six Salmson at the Grand Prix de L'Age D'Or; it worked/works perfectly well. There are plenty of other proper octane boosters out there...

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/fuel-addi...

[Zed 44]

Col du Ventoux. If you like twisties, not to be missed. Sebastion Loeb's Peugeot 208 was set up here prior to demolishing the Pikes Peak hill climb record.

Lucky you, you're only a stones throw away coming or going.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zYHYrPX0Ii-...

[si_xsi]

v8250 said:

If a modern car with an aftermarket supercharger fitted the engine re-map should be of suitable ability[quality] to modulate/adjust detonation to octane of fuel used. If V Power not available, use another brand and add/carry a suitable octane booster to bring back up to the required 99RON or above.

There are plenty of other proper octane boosters out there...

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/fuel-addi...

My car is a 2008 vw golf R32, with an aftermarket supercharger fitted. I'm not so sure whether it's an issue getting up to the higher 99ron, more the quality of fuel. I've just had new pistons fitted because of detonation to one of the cylinders, the garage who did the supercharger said it was due to the tesco super unleaded 99ron I put in. It happened 2 days after filling up and previously had been using Shell, BP, Essex etc with no problems. Therefore because of the Supercharger and remap, the normal tolerance for coping with varying fuels is much less. Shell are renowned for having the most consistent fuels.

When I raised the potential lack of Shell garages on my trip, the garage did mention I could use a fuel additive if I got stuck, but not to drive it hard. Are the instructions on additive to fuel ratio clear?

[si_xsi]

Zed 44 said:

Col du Ventoux. If you like twisties, not to be missed. Sebastion Loeb's Peugeot 208 was set up here prior to demolishing the Pikes Peak hill climb record.

Lucky you, you're only a stones throw away coming or going.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zYHYrPX0Ii-...

Thanks for the suggestion, I did Ventoux 2 years ago, fantastic twisties and view from the top. If others are thinking of it, well worth it.

[leyorkie]

Try this website it shows availability of 98 octane and price.
If you click on the garage link it will tell the supplier
You can search for any town or you can search a journey (trajet)

http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/mobile/itinerai...

[si_xsi]

I'm struggling to plan the route back up from Goult to Calais but specifically where to book to stay for each of the 2 nights I've allowed. Having done the east of France, Annecy, Reims before I'd like to try something different. I have been thinking along the lines of the following route: The first part goes through a national park with a few twisties which appeals. If I allow up to 5-6 hours driving each day (3 days in total) plus allowance for stops, lunch etc, the first night I would be somewhere around Isoire and second night Chartres.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Goult,+France/43...

Any alternative suggestions with regads to routes or hotels where people have stayed are welcome! Thanks

[Zed 44]

Why not this one?

http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/auberge-de-chabane...

Let B.Com be your guide.