1st trip planned.....

[NDA]

I have just booked a week away in my newly acquired 991.1 C4S. This will be the first long trip I have done in it.

Taking an early Eurotunnel and then trickling down (with a stop) to just south of Angoulême. The 911 should be the perfect motorway muncher as well as being the perfect car for the destination too. Hopefully the sun will shine and the hood can be dropped. Hope so!

 

[RichT001]

Have a great time! I'm looking at dates to get over to France in my new 992 to run it in, and am struggling to find any free time.

 

[T8]

......... Taking an early Eurotunnel and then trickling down (with a stop) to just south of Angoulême. The 911 should be the perfect motorway muncher as well as being the perfect car for the destination too ........

I did that journey last summer, sadly not in a 911. I stayed in LeMans on the way to La Rochefoucald. I then went on to Ile De Rey.

The French motorways are flat and under-used. I set Cruise Control for [comfortably over the UK speed limit] and enjoyed the scenery. All the service stops are excellent too.

Have fun

 

[plavix]

You're going to be more or less halfway to the Pyrenees? It would be rude not to . The toll roads were just a means to an end this year for my Bordeaux to Andorra to Barcelona leg; I've driven all the way around France plenty of times.

 

[NDA]

If I take any decent photos, I'll post them up - heading off on the 18th.

I've driven through France many times (used to live there too) and often in cars that were a bit compromised for the Grand Tour. The 911 feels like the first car for a long time that will be perfectly suited for the trip - I'm looking forward to it.

ETA I've read many of the posts here including a few French tours. One thing that caught my eye was 'aquaplaning' - are 911's more or less susceptible to this? I had a an XKR a few years back and that wasn't great in the wet - fat tyres and no weight in the back. But I'd imagine 911's have more traction. I drive slowly in heavy rain, obviously, but it would be interesting to hear views.

 

[T8]

........... I've read many of the posts here including a few French tours. One thing that caught my eye was 'aquaplaning' - are 911's more or less susceptible to this? I had a an XKR a few years back and that wasn't great in the wet - fat tyres and no weight in the back. But I'd imagine 911's have more traction. I drive slowly in heavy rain, obviously, but it would be interesting to hear views.

Fat tyres don't like deep water. Sadly, having an engine over the rear wheels doesn't make any difference to traction in those conditions and when they let go the pendulum effect can be very disconcerting.

I've only had one, thankfully minor, experience of it myself but know two people who've had major prangs.

 

[Harryblue]

I only had one very minor aquaplaning drama in my 991 but it corrected itself before I had any time to react, scary though.

I worked in Angoulême for bit, it's a lovely place, but can't really help much with a route plan, I've got family down that way but they're not motoring enthusiasts so they wouldn't be much use either, but as I said it's a lovely place and some great places to eat and wander around in the evening.

 

[RichT001]

I’ve just booked a 3 night/ 4 day trip, leaving on Wednesday. Mileage will be around 1000, which will be a great running in jaunt. Wife isn’t interested, so I’ll be flying solo. Win win!

 

[NDA]

Thanks on the aquaplaning thoughts - I’m not surprised but it’s good to have confirmed. If there’s anything tropical, I’ll go and sit it out somewhere!!

 

[Harryblue]

I don’t know much about the science of it but my guess is that it’s more about the tyres than the car. Porsches might simply be affected more because people use them as a daily driver, whereas you’re unlikely to find a Ferrari or Lamborghini out in a howling storm.

 

[NDA]

Started at an ungodly hour and was on a 6:15am crossing

A very easy run down through France thanks to Waze rather than the inbuilt satnav. Digital speedo set to kph and cruise control set to 135kph with the occasional blast. Such an easy and comfortable car for the long cruise - and today's was nearly 5 hours.

Got to La Flèche for a late afternoon beer... a very cold one.

And then onto our first place for an overnight

 

[RichT001]

Splendid! This time last week, I was over there. Enjoy.