TomTom 5 & Driving in France & Belguim

[BodgerBaz]

As you were - I eventually found it under the complaints thread.

[drrbr1]

Some pointers to using Navigator 5 in France - have just returned after some 2500 miles in France. In the main Navigator 5 worked well though on first switching to the France map, although it placed us correctly, it would not route to anywhere. Kept saying " no route found". This corrected itself after about an hour and there was no repetition.
Biggest problem was "Shortest route" planning. Sometimes this was brilliant taking us through stunning scenery we would not otherwise have found. On at least three occasions however it took us onto unmetalled roads which deteriorated into tank tracks and on one occasion to a locked gate! Turning round was the only option in each case. This has been referred to in these forums elsewhere. You have been warned!
"Fastest route" was not consistent and the same journey was planned differently on different occasions and differently again using the same journey in the opposite direction. Most odd.
However using "Fastest route" at least we always got there.
Not infallible, therefore, but a really useful navigation aid and marriage saver! Advanced warning of impending turns was invaluable.

[BodgerBaz]

Yes, not perfect but a darn site easier, and more fun, than reading maps.

To be honest, when we were in France recently I tended to use the fastest route by default so am not aware of any short falls as I've no idea where I was anyway

There was one occasion, however, where it tried to take me over a 3 foot wide footbridge over a gorge instead of around the town but on the whole I'd use it anytime instead of a map.

[BodgerBaz]

Lots of good tips there and very informative :D

[chrisb1357]

great help and many thanks for the above links to the site that shows the road signs, Also that site has alot of info about driving and has a table with the frence speeds converted into uk speeds

Chris

[chrisb1357]

i guest the speed limits are the same for Belguim as well,

What is the sign for a speed cam or laser gun

Chris

[spook51]

Chris,

If I were you I'd stop reading this thread or you'll suffer from advice overload and won't enjoy your trip. At this rate by the time you go next month you'll be a nervous wreck!

It doesn't matter what the camera signs look like, it doesn't matter if you don't know how to convert miles to kilometres in your head, it doesn't matter that French and Belgium motorway speed limits are different.

Drive sensibly, that's all the advice you need and please, please, enjoy it!

There is one bit of information you do need though: where to fill up with fuel/booze etc. just before you get on the ferry/Shuttle home.

[BrianA]

[chrisb1357]

OK , Give us the best places to do some shoppping near the port

Chirs

[BodgerBaz]

Hi Brian,

We were staying in a gite here http://tinyurl.com/334ps

We did some touring around in most directions and found it very good. There was one other problem which I have since remembered.

We were driving down a temporary bit of motorway (although the twists and turns WERE in TTN!!) and it wanted me to exit on a junction which didn't exist but we could see the bridge over the motorway it wanted us to go on.

Fortunately it just recalculated and we came off at the next available junction and doubled back.

We even used parklng and museum POIs which were spot on.

I'd have to say that for a relatevly minimal outlay, to be able to say "Let's go to that car park 80miles away" and it take you there right to the entrance, via a half dozen satellites thousands of miles away. I'd have to say I find it pretty incredable.

I'd rate TTN5 9/10

[spook51]

[BodgerBaz]

also have a look here if this helps
http://www.yourcounty.co.uk/france/francesupermarkets.html

Forget the 'duty-free' its now almost the same price as your local supermarket.

[spook51]

You're right about the shock of driving on English motorways after you return, the difference in driving standards is very noticeable.
Just so no one accuses us off straying too far from using TomTom when driving abroad, according to my France map you don't have to mess about going through Calais when travelling by ferry, the terminal is out of town on the eastern side.
My personal preference is Norfolkline to Dunkerque, no coaches or foot passengers and really good fish and chips!

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