Routes to Spain-- Rouen, France. Forums

sennen523

Hello All,
We are heading for Spain in January on the Calais, ROUEN, Le Mans, Bordeaux route.
Having not done this before, can anyone tell me what to watch out for when going around ROUEN. I have heard it can be a bit of a nightmare. I will mostly use Autoroutes.
Thanks,
Sennen523.

cronkle

Firstly, if you have a satnav ignore it when approaching Rouen. It is one of those places where our TomTom took us straight through the centre of the city and through some very dodgy looking areas!

The quickest rout seems to be skirting the east of the area through a large and busy trading estate type place. I would suggest you follow the lorries and double check using the road signs and a good atlas.

I had heard all of the stories-they are true but it all comes a bit clearer when you see it on the ground (and in day-light)

After Rouen the route could not be simpler.

Have a good holiday

Jeffus

Hi Sennen 523, yes everything you heard is absolutely true. Rouen IS a nightmare. Avoid it if you can!!!!! I have been through about five times now and my satnav has taken me in on two routes both sides of the river and wanted me to turn left but the intersection wouldn't allow it. Had to cross the river turning right then back across the same bridge.

My best advise as you come in from the North keep the river on your LEFT. As you travel down the main drag watch out for signs turning right onto the Left Bank bridge. It's a separate slip road. Then look out for a LITTLE road on your right, it's easily missed take that road it doubles back (quite a small road) on itself and leads you onto the bridge the crosses the river to the left bank and heads you South. If you miss the little road the main drag takes you up and through the industrial estate that cronkle mentioned. You HAVE to turn back on yourself and go through the estate or you end up going out of Rouen North again. Having gone through a few times I know my way, it holds no fears but the first time . . . . ooooer missis, not good. To add Rouen is a VERY BUSY city traffic wise, get in the wrong lane and your DEAD. Hope this helps.

Juffus.

StAubyns

"If you don't want to go through Rouen, leave A28 at junc 11 onto A29 towards Le Havre, leave that at Junction 9 onto N15 as far as Yvetot by-pass, where pick up D131 to the Pont de Brotonne and on to A13 near Bourg Achard where you can pick up the A28 as above heading South."

I got these instructions off someone on the Forum, sorry I cant remember who it was. but many thanks.

It worked for me

regards

Geoff

DollarYen

Went through a couple of weeks ago. The biggest problem is they are building a massive new bridge. Crucial thing is when you get to the point where the river is on your right is to look out for the slip road that takes you on to the bridge is on your left, so don't look at the river look for the slip road on the side away from the river which then takes you up and over the road you were on. If your heading to the Valencia region in Spain give some thought to missing out Bordeaux and the northern border and look to go through the Valle de Aspe and through the tunnel at Col de Somport. terrific drive, lovely roads and very quiet.

nomad

Hi Sennen,
When you reach the end of thhe A28 in Rouen just follow the signs for Caen (A13) and the A28 or the N138 (which may have been renumbered) have exits from that autoroute.
Colin

ScotJimland

Another option is to avoid Rouen altogether and enjoy a couple of nights at La Maillayer-Sur-Seine aire.

Leave the A28, join the A29 going north, cross the Seine on the D490.

Leave the aire and head south catching the A28 south of Rouen.

Duadua

When all is said and done going round Rouen is no worse than going around the North Circular, or any other urban ring road for that matter.

Take your time. It is not fast moving traffic, so there is no need to panic. We've done it three times now, so I am not sure about nightmares. If you think there is one tricky part of your journey somewhere, then travel outside rush hours or better still very early in the morning or very late at night. That way absolutely no problems.

And if you have even more time, Rouen is well worth a visit.

Enjoy.

The best bit about motorhomes and traffic is at least you can see over everyone and understand the general picture. Removes the "Why has everyone stopped" question.

Chausson

Hi
I have done rouen many times albeit going south however never get problems as long as you do not cross the river and follow the D15 towards pont de L'arch [not spelt correct sorry] it's the old paris road then pick up the N154 very good road.

Ron