By Car

Traveling by car to the Mayenne, Normandy, and Brittany regions in France offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Here’s a guide to help you plan your journey:

Traveling by Car to Mayenne

Starting Points:

• From Paris: The drive from Paris to Laval (the largest city in Mayenne) takes about 3 hours. You'll take the A11 motorway from Paris to Le Mans and then follow the N162 road to Laval.

• From Nantes: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Nantes to Laval. Take the N162 road north from Nantes.

Road Conditions: The roads are generally in good condition, with major routes well-signposted. The journey is quite scenic as you pass through the French countryside.

Traveling by Car to Normandy

Major Points of Interest:

• Caen: About 2 hours from Paris. Take the A13 motorway directly to Caen.

• Rouen: About 1.5 hours from Paris. Take the A13 motorway to Rouen.

• Deauville: About 2 hours from Paris. Take the A13 motorway and then follow signs to Deauville.

From the UK: If you’re coming from the UK, you can take the ferry to Normandy (e.g., Caen or Dieppe) and then drive to your destination.

Road Conditions: Normandy’s roads are generally good, though some rural areas might have narrower roads. The scenic routes through Normandy can be particularly enjoyable.

Traveling by Car to Brittany

Major Points of Interest:

• Rennes: About 3.5 hours from Paris. Take the A11 motorway to Nantes and then switch to the N137 road to Rennes.

• Brest: About 6 hours from Paris. Take the A11 motorway to Nantes, then the N165 to Brest.

• St. Malo: About 4 hours from Paris. Take the A11 motorway to Rennes, then the N137 to St. Malo.

From the UK: If you’re coming from the UK, you can take a ferry to Brittany (e.g., St. Malo or Roscoff) and drive from there.

Road Conditions: Brittany has a mix of major roads and smaller, more scenic routes. Driving in Brittany can be a pleasure due to the picturesque landscapes and charming towns.

General Tips for Driving in France

1. Road Tolls: Be prepared for tolls on some motorways (autoroutes). Tolls are usually well-marked and can be paid by cash or card.

2. Speed Limits: Adhere to French speed limits: typically 130 km/h (81 mph) on autoroutes, 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways, 80 km/h (50 mph) on secondary roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.

3. Parking: In cities and popular tourist areas, parking can be challenging. Look for designated parking areas and be aware of parking restrictions.

4. Road Signs: French road signs are generally clear and standardized, but familiarizing yourself with common signs and road rules can be helpful.

5. Navigation: A GPS or a navigation app can be very useful, especially when navigating rural roads or finding specific destinations.

Driving through these regions allows you to experience the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions of Mayenne, Normandy, and Brittany at your own pace, making it a great option for a road trip.