No, that is not a typo. Rather, perhaps we should bone up on our history lessons and get your motor running at the same time. We’ll get to the subject shortly, but this post is all about driving. Where we are, driving is something you do, not necessarily something you want to do. Roads are cramped with cars, parking can be a bother and, luckily, transit is good. But if you’re in the mood to stretch the legs of your voiture while in Europe, we may have a rather good solution for you. Each country has its legendary route, one that should be enjoyed again and a again. And, being one of the first countries to put down decent roads, France knows its stuff. Meet Route Nationale 7.
It was so famous in its heyday that singer-songwriter Charles Trenet had a 1950s hit about it. The Route Nationale 7, which stretches 996km (619miles) from Paris to Menton on the Med, was a true emblem of the French vacances. A law mandating paid holidays in the late 1930s kickstarted the exodus of northerners heading to the south coast every August – and by the 50s and 60s the route was awash with petrol stations, traffic jams, picnickers and roadside cafes. Today, with an interest in slow tourism growing, the N7 is enjoying a renaissance, says writer Rachel Ifans, who set out in a hired Citroën to follow the historic highway. South of Paris the roads widen, lined by Napoleonic plane trees, with red and white markers guiding her journey to the sea, through rolling countryside, past pretty villages and riverside towns. And, hey ho, you too can go back to the future and enjoy this most enjoyable adventure.
This is going to be fun. Read more courtesy of The Guardian. Click here
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