17 replies to this topic

[Midas Mk1]

Probably been asked before, but after Uni finishes I'll be taking my MPi and gf on a 5-6 week road trip around Europe. 

We're currently (they royal we) planning where to go, and I've already got bookmarked down certain roads I've been wanting to do, such as Col De Turini, Stelvio, Nordschleife, Lemans. 

 

It's supposed to be a road trip going to various places, but I want to make getting to places as fun as possible (well for the Min and Me), and don't mind going on detours just to drive an awesome road or pass, for driving pleasure or the scenery etc. The GoPro is set and waiting  

 

Currently in the planning stage destination wise, therefore france, belgium, italy, germany are all open for ideas, are there any roads  that you would recommend?

 

 

Sam

 

 

 

[nicklouse]

Anywhere just keep off the autoban.

It will send you mad.

[grumpy dad]

Hi 

have a look hear 

 

http://www.dangerousroads.org/

[90BHP]

Route Napoleon down towards the Med and St Bernard's Pass - aka start of the Italian Job. Personally for me I also like to do the famous mountain passes from the tour de france - but that's just me...

[mab01uk]

Road across Millau Viaduct suspension bridge in France, the road along the Mediteranean coast in the South of France Riviera, Cote d'Azur, also the Col De Turini, the road from France and Switzerland across the Alps via Grand St. Bernard Pass or tunnel and through the Aosta Valley into Italy are all not to be missed.

[Dusky]

In Belgium you have lots of cool country roads around 'Oudenaarde, Geraardsbergen, zottegem and Ronse' .
There are also the 'Ardennen' and the citadel of 'Luik' , always happy to show flanders :)

[Cooperman]

Passo di Gavia is one of my favourites. It's near the Stelvio. Now imagine doing it at night in a 1960's rally car, flat out with no nice guard rails like they have now!

[b_sdaddy]

An hour and a half from Calais driving west through Belgium is DIKSMUIDE.

 

If you need a 'pit stop' to check everything and a cup of tea, then just ask.

 

As Dusky said, lots of nice roads to the east of Belgium (Ardennes region) - nothing special here to the west, except for the beer & chocolates!

[Badboytunes]

A few of us are doing an 9 night Euro trip in July. Have some cracking roads planned, such as Stevlio and Furka Pass

[Midas Mk1]

Bump

 

 

3 years on and i'm going to be doing a spontaneous trip next month. Hit 25, no longer with the ex, so having a f*** it moment and just doing it. 

 

 

Got 4 weeks-ish to buy a 350z, (don't think my Minis would appreciate the trip) -  plan the route and get going! Will take the above on-board, currently looking at routeplanning, hoping to low cost camp it the most of the way! 

Edited by Midas Mk1, 12 August 2018 - 06:17 PM.

[luismx123]

Austrian Alps ;)

[Cooperman]

Keep clear of France. There is a new speed limit of 80 kph (50 mph) on all roads except Autoroutes and 'les Flics' are being a bit anal about enforcing it.

 

Personally I like the Italian passes: Stelvio, Gavia, etc.

[MatthewsDad]

I've just driven to Italy and back through France and Switzerland, and the main single carriageway roads outside built up areas in France generally appear to still have the 90 kph limit? 110kph on dual carriageways. Interestingly an 80kph limit on a long section of dual carriageway and autoroute around Grenoble for air pollution reasons, which most drivers seemed to be observing.

Update the satnav before you go for current speed limits on your route. The smaller alpine passes away from the busy and congested main routes are fantastic.

[Its a min]

I drive to Italy every year. Three weeks of driving bliss but take a different route every time.

 

My first trip, and possibly my favorite, followed the Normandy coast where took in a few historical WWII sights, Honfleur, St Malo,Mont St. Michel etc. into Brittany. Cut into the Loire Valley to see some of the castle towns before returning to the coast and down to Biaritz (loads of English there for the surfing). Drove into Spain,and got escorted back to the French/Spanish border by the Spanish police (that's another story lol ) and followed the border to the French riviera. From there drove along the coast into Ventimiglia, Italy. Some great mountain roads/passes there. Followed the Ligurian coast through to Savonna then cut up towards Asti/Turin. From there, headed up to the Italian lakes, Stelvio Pass and into Austria before heading back. All this with a tent in the boot next to the tool kit and essential Mini repair spares. Another favorite of mine is driving over Mont Cenis from France into Italy rather than taking the Frejus Tunnel. Nice winding roads, especially downhill into Italy, with a bar/restaurant at the top overlooking the alpine lake.

 

One other thing to remember, in addition to what others have said, is that France have introduced their own version of the ultra low emission zone and getting caught without the Crit' Air permit, if your car meets the emission standards, can lead to hefty fines. Here's a useful link:

 

https://www.rac.co.u...-french-cities/

 

You may also want to download the "Green Zones" app (or similar) if you want to avoid said zones altogether.

 

Enjoy the trip.

Edited by Its a min, 12 August 2018 - 10:47 PM.

[johnR]

Definitely over the Alps by Grand St Bernard Pass with Matt Monroe on the stereo!

Edited by johnR, 14 August 2018 - 08:45 AM.