which route to Orleans?

I am off to Toulouse in the spring but the various routefinders all guide you to Paris and then down the country to the south. Has anyone got suggestions to an alternative route to Orleans because the Calais to Orleans via Paris route seems so congested. The route i need is as direct and fast as possible so as to be able to do the whole trip in one day.

Rouen, Chartres. Going round Paris other way and down take ages to then cut accross Auxerre etc. Fair way to Toulouse in a day tho.

[Lissa]

I agree with Dr Rich about the route to Orleans.

Have you already booked your ferry? If not, Speed Ferries do a Dover to Boulogne service which only takes 55 mins, and has comparable prices to other companies. Boulogne would drop you slightly further down, and just right for heading for Rouen.

Originally Posted by Lissa

I agree with Dr Rich about the route to Orleans.

Have you already booked your ferry? If not, Speed Ferries do a Dover to Boulogne service which only takes 55 mins, and has comparable prices to other companies. Boulogne would drop you slightly further down, and just right for heading for Rouen.

Its a bit of a boring old run to Rouen though. Pretty but with a certain bleakness.

Where in UK are you starting out from Gazza? The Calais ride south is not all that pretty despite what has been said. If you can justify it, go Portsmouth to Caen. Makes the ride to Toulouse much shorter(and nicer IMO).

Originally Posted by ejohnh

Where in UK are you starting out from Gazza? The Calais ride south is not all that pretty despite what has been said. If you can justify it, go Portsmouth to Caen. Makes the ride to Toulouse much shorter(and nicer IMO).

Definately the way to go. Caen or Cherbourg and over Alencon / Le Mans