TRAVEL PLANNER

DRIVING TIPS

THERE are some compulsory items for driving in France. By law, a self-test breathalyser is required onboard, plus a reflective jacket and warning triangle. Remember, you will be driving on the righthand side of the road.

CAMPING

FRANCE has a well-earned reputation when it comes to campsites, with a huge variety on offer. However, unlike Australia, it’s limited when it comes to remote camping. In the Somme region are a number of campsites offering a variety of touring pitches close to the Somme battlefields and the River Somme. The Les Puits Tournants campsite is located close to the Australian Memorial. www.camping-puitstournants.com

GETTING THERE

IF YOU have flown in from Australia and are using the UK as a base, the Channel Tunnel is the quickest but not the cheapest way to get to France. It is advisable to always book in advance.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

THE best time to travel to France is between April and October. July and August tend to be busy months, so if you’re not restricted to travelling then, you’ll avoid peak season traffic. It’s also much more affordable to travel in April, May and early June.

MAPS AND GUIDES

GOOD dirt tracks maps include the Memory-map’s (IGN) 1:25000. These clearly identify tracks. If you join Codever (www.codever. fr) you will be sent a useful booklet explaining where you can legally travel.

Other maps include the IGN bleu carte de randonnee 1:25000. These cover everything down to narrow pathways, barns, rivers and springs, and every part of France.