Help planning a solo trip

[siblo]

Hi all

In need of some advice regards best method of transport, due to circumstances beyond my control I am unable (and somewhat unwilling) to travel by car.

So, I need to get from Manchester to Le-Mans, should I?

Train to Dover, then ferry, then, train to le mans

or Coach to Dover etc...

or, use the tunnel

or, Try and hitch from Calais

Would really appreciate your views and experiences on your past travel arrangements.

Thanks in advance for your help in these most important matters, I've only ever driven with a group of friends before who aren't going this year.

Siblo

[Lawnmower Man]

I'd think you need to look ate the various costs.

Fly Manchester Paris then TGV and Tram is likely the least changes/Fastest most reliable.
Or you could Train to Euston Walk down to St. Pancras  Then Eurostar to Paris followed buy TGV.
An organised trip from one of the tour operators is another way.

I've not seen anyone trying to Hitch down for a few years now.    Personally I wouldn't try to hitch from Calais it's a good four hours trip in a car so hitching could take for ever.  IMHO you would best to attempt to hitch from Caen as that is the shortest distance.

t.

[Fran]

Another disadvantage for hitching is that I suspect most people's vehicles are already full to bursting point for the trip!

F

[DelBoy]

Get in touch with Chris24.....see http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9572.0

Del

[Lorry]

If you do go by train, you change at Lille for the TGV to Le Mans

[Simon13]

We went by train and tram last year.
Euston - Paris (Gare de Nord and Montparnasse) - Le Mans.

Can't rate it enough. It was quick and relaxing, no speed cameras and you can drink all the way!

[clkgtrlm1]

FlyBe will get you from Manc to Rennes for around £50 - 80 quid each way (assuming you are only taking Hand-luggage),
TGV will get you to Le Mans from Rennes in just over an hour for around £18 each way.

We found the flying option very good last year - because the kids were doing GCSE's, they caught a flight from Gatwick to Nantes and I picked them up from there.

Pro's - arrival at destination from home - in under 5 hours.
       - Relatively LOW cost

Cons - I had to remain sober on the Thurday to drive to Nantes.
       - You will have to find someone to take any camping kit you will need

[Ade]

I went by plane, train & tram last year.
Leeds - Paris CDG - Le Mans.

Doing the trip again this year accompanied by Lord Steve.

Ade

[siblo]

Hi guys,

A big thanks for all the advice and PM's, they got me thinking and started looking at other options.

Booked today

Tuesday Flight - Liverpool to Nante (mate gets me free parking at the airport)

Other mate picks me up from Nante airport and back to his farm nearby.

On to Le-Mans the next day just in time for Q1

Stay at Le-Mans till Sunday (another mates house just south of Mulsanne)

Sunday back to the farm, Tuesday get dropped back at Nante airport and a short flight home.

Jobs a good un...

A week ago I was looking at hitching, funny how things can change and friends come to the rescue.

Thanks again guys

Special thanks to Chris24 for his kind offer.

Si

[clkgtrlm1]