Routes to Spain-- Rouen, France. Forums

twooks

we've 'done' Rouen several times - in both directions.
First time I printed off directions from mappy or some such - threw them away when we got there and just followed the signs - like nomad sez - for Caen - Le Mans
coming back the only weird bit is that depending on your line of travel it actually sends you, briefly, to Paris

don't forget - no 'gas' vehicles in the tunnel to the north of Rouen

Cool

MandyandDave

I agree with Chausson we have also done the Rouen motorway (southbound) a few times, it's not too difficult ,.. the first time was without any sat nav aid many years ago .. Embarassed

Recently 18mths ago with sat/nav enjoyed the city sights very much!

androidGB

I do Rouen every year on my way to Le Mans and it's always exciting Very Happy

Part of the problem is the tunnels, by the time the Sat Nav has worked out where it is you may have missed a critical instruction.

Last year was my first year with a "fitted" Sat Nav which knows its position even if it looses Sat reception, and I must admit I went through both ways without any problems

Andrew

nomad

Thanks twooks I always wondered what that sign meant. I thought it was something to do with gas tankers.
Colin

rebbyvid

Have to agree will everyone on getting through Rouen ,if you get fed up of trying to get round the city do as we did and park up on the Quayside and stop the day,there are some wonderful sites to visit and well worth a visit.We stopped here.

Nik

I agree witn Gaspode and Duadua, if you get a chance stop and have a look around the city and perhaps have a river trip on a barge up the Seine.
A question for Rebbyvid, was your picture taken from an Aire.
Regards
NIK

savannah

Don't panic......take it slow....WATCH for the signs.........remember the names of the places you are heading for.....try to avoid rush hours ........we have never had a problem....good luck !

teemyob

Hello there,

Rouen, never found it a problem! Over and done in minutes.

Trev.

gandj

For many years we were 'Ruined in Rouen'. No satnav but my navigator wife has taken me through every nook and cranny of Rouen. We would be gripped by fear as we approached. But, we have now cracked it and it no longer holds any fears for us.

From Calais direction, the A28 goes into The Tunnel already referred to above. Emerging from this long tunnel just stay on the main route, dont slip off to left or right. In a little while you find yourself on a bridge going over the Seine. THIS IS THE CRUX! There are 3 lanes. Get in the middle lane on the bridge and stay with it. (the right and left lanes lead to the Badlands) The middle lane swings right and takes you back on yourself, under the bridge you just crossed, so that you end up following the Seine on your left thro an industrial area already referred to in a posting above. Keep straight on for 3 or 4 kms thro loads of travel lights, (easy) heading due south. Its easy. Eventually the road curves right and suddenly you arrive at a roundabout with some brown and white cows in the middle. (Honest). Go straight over, still following the main route, which after another 3 or 4 km brings you to the intersection with the Paris autoroute A13 (toll). Pay the toll - its worth avoiding the alternative. Dont panic about ending up in Paris because after about 10km you transfer to the free autoroute A154 to Evreux.
About 25km South of Evreux is Nonancourt where I recommend you navigate 10km southwest to Brezolles, where you will find as pleasant an aire as you will find anywhere in France. Its by the lake, in what must have been a walled garden at one time.
Calais to Brezolles is about 5hrs slow driving time (55-60mph) and you will use about 7/16ths of a tank of fuel (Ducato 2.8jtd 4000kgs).
Next morning follow quiet roads to Chateauneuf de Thymerais 18km where you can fill up with diesel and shop, before carrying on to Chartres, Orleans, (please, use the peage round Orleans, dont ask, just do it), and then the N20 down to Vierzon where you pick up the wonderful free autoroute A20 down past Limoges and Brives La Gaillarde. South of Brive transfer to the N20 to avoid peage toll. There is a good aire in Souhillac.

But I am getting carried away - you asked about Rouen. Remember: get the middle lane on the bridge and the rest is easy.

Graham