To Provence via Route de Napoleon
Discussion
Many of you have already offered advice on where to stay in Provence and that is now sorted (near Roussillon). Lots of input on routes down too - thank you. A few of the suggestions aren’t available but we’re making progress.
I’ve changed things up a little and fancy a small diversion to drive some or all of RdN.
Outline plan. Evening tunnel and stay outside Calais. Late arrival so doesn’t need to be anywhere special but it does need secure parking (suggestions welcome here). Have found a potential chateau near Troyes but it’s not booked yet. So, to the point of this post - thinking of then driving to somewhere near Grenoble, not in the city and ideally somewhere with character. I don’t know that area at all but wonder if it’s worth heading south on the N85 and finding a small village? Hit me up!!
Then (day 3), drive as far to Grasse as my wife will take before heading to Roussillon to get into the Airbnb.
I imagine many have driven the road - can I get part of the experience by driving half way before heading West, or do I need to do the full c.180km?
Thanks in advance again!
And in case you’re wondering and as this is PH, car of choice is a 911 Targa so it should be a fun trip!
I’ve changed things up a little and fancy a small diversion to drive some or all of RdN.
Outline plan. Evening tunnel and stay outside Calais. Late arrival so doesn’t need to be anywhere special but it does need secure parking (suggestions welcome here). Have found a potential chateau near Troyes but it’s not booked yet. So, to the point of this post - thinking of then driving to somewhere near Grenoble, not in the city and ideally somewhere with character. I don’t know that area at all but wonder if it’s worth heading south on the N85 and finding a small village? Hit me up!!
Then (day 3), drive as far to Grasse as my wife will take before heading to Roussillon to get into the Airbnb.
I imagine many have driven the road - can I get part of the experience by driving half way before heading West, or do I need to do the full c.180km?
Thanks in advance again!
And in case you’re wondering and as this is PH, car of choice is a 911 Targa so it should be a fun trip!
As mentioned the sun direction, but also it's ferocity.
Depending on the time of year your here and model of your 911 Targa, in July and August when the sun is at its most fierce, driving in Targa mode, or the roof down with a convertible, is a non starter during the day.
This is due to the fierceness of the sun at that time of year and even the months before and after, unless you use 100% sun block and are fully covered up with wide brim hats and gloves, which is not really much fun.
I have lived down here for 20 years now and have my getaway residence in the Var close to the route Napoleon after lake st Croix. I have had all sorts of convertibles and even a 964 Targa over the years, but found i could only go open mode in the late evenings or early mornings, in the summer months without being burnt to a crisp and this, as mentioned by someone before me, is when the level of the sun in the sky matters. As depending on the direction you are traveling then the sun could be in your eyes and with a insect plastered windscreen, trying not to wash yourself with the windscreen washers and wipers can be a bit of a challenge. The road in most places is very twisty and there are a few straights but your overall speed is not going to be high.
However the road is definitely well worth driving as there are some marvellous views and some challenging driving fun to be had. Just plan ahead and be prepared so you don't end up like the lobsters heading out of the area each year.
Depending on the time of year your here and model of your 911 Targa, in July and August when the sun is at its most fierce, driving in Targa mode, or the roof down with a convertible, is a non starter during the day.
This is due to the fierceness of the sun at that time of year and even the months before and after, unless you use 100% sun block and are fully covered up with wide brim hats and gloves, which is not really much fun.
I have lived down here for 20 years now and have my getaway residence in the Var close to the route Napoleon after lake st Croix. I have had all sorts of convertibles and even a 964 Targa over the years, but found i could only go open mode in the late evenings or early mornings, in the summer months without being burnt to a crisp and this, as mentioned by someone before me, is when the level of the sun in the sky matters. As depending on the direction you are traveling then the sun could be in your eyes and with a insect plastered windscreen, trying not to wash yourself with the windscreen washers and wipers can be a bit of a challenge. The road in most places is very twisty and there are a few straights but your overall speed is not going to be high.
However the road is definitely well worth driving as there are some marvellous views and some challenging driving fun to be had. Just plan ahead and be prepared so you don't end up like the lobsters heading out of the area each year.
We stayed in a little bnb around 20 mins out of Calais which wasn't bad, nice older chap that ran it.
https://www.booking.com/Share-47JpY2
Near Saint Omer which is decent for an evening drink. Its on a little backroad so depending on how late at night you're arriving if you just want somewhere to get your head down and go then a calais hotel may be better.
https://www.booking.com/Share-47JpY2
Near Saint Omer which is decent for an evening drink. Its on a little backroad so depending on how late at night you're arriving if you just want somewhere to get your head down and go then a calais hotel may be better.
Thanks, useful info. We’re travelling third week of September. It’s a 992 Targa so will at least have decent A/c (and ventilated seats). I wouldn’t get away with too much spirited driving - it’s more the experience than attempting to wring the car’s neck. I wouldn’t get close to realising its full potential anyway.
I might do the northern end and then head west….
I might do the northern end and then head west….
rolster said:
As mentioned the sun direction, but also it's ferocity.
Depending on the time of year your here and model of your 911 Targa, in July and August when the sun is at its most fierce, driving in Targa mode, or the roof down with a convertible, is a non starter during the day.
This is due to the fierceness of the sun at that time of year and even the months before and after, unless you use 100% sun block and are fully covered up with wide brim hats and gloves, which is not really much fun.
I have lived down here for 20 years now and have my getaway residence in the Var close to the route Napoleon after lake st Croix. I have had all sorts of convertibles and even a 964 Targa over the years, but found i could only go open mode in the late evenings or early mornings, in the summer months without being burnt to a crisp and this, as mentioned by someone before me, is when the level of the sun in the sky matters. As depending on the direction you are traveling then the sun could be in your eyes and with a insect plastered windscreen, trying not to wash yourself with the windscreen washers and wipers can be a bit of a challenge. The road in most places is very twisty and there are a few straights but your overall speed is not going to be high.
However the road is definitely well worth driving as there are some marvellous views and some challenging driving fun to be had. Just plan ahead and be prepared so you don't end up like the lobsters heading out of the area each year.
Depending on the time of year your here and model of your 911 Targa, in July and August when the sun is at its most fierce, driving in Targa mode, or the roof down with a convertible, is a non starter during the day.
This is due to the fierceness of the sun at that time of year and even the months before and after, unless you use 100% sun block and are fully covered up with wide brim hats and gloves, which is not really much fun.
I have lived down here for 20 years now and have my getaway residence in the Var close to the route Napoleon after lake st Croix. I have had all sorts of convertibles and even a 964 Targa over the years, but found i could only go open mode in the late evenings or early mornings, in the summer months without being burnt to a crisp and this, as mentioned by someone before me, is when the level of the sun in the sky matters. As depending on the direction you are traveling then the sun could be in your eyes and with a insect plastered windscreen, trying not to wash yourself with the windscreen washers and wipers can be a bit of a challenge. The road in most places is very twisty and there are a few straights but your overall speed is not going to be high.
However the road is definitely well worth driving as there are some marvellous views and some challenging driving fun to be had. Just plan ahead and be prepared so you don't end up like the lobsters heading out of the area each year.
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