How Long Does it Take to Drive from Calais to Guéret?
Driving from Calais in the Hauts-de-France region to Guéret in Nouvelle-Aquitaine can take anywhere from five to seven hours, depending on various factors such as traffic and route taken. Here are the different routes and estimated driving times at different traffic intervals.
Fastest Routes
The fastest route is via the A16 and A28 highways, which takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 520 km distance between Calais and Guéret. The A16 and A28 are well-maintained highways with few tolls and reasonable speed limits. If you need to get to Guéret quickly, this is the recommended route.
Another option is to take the A26 and A20 highways, which is about 5 minutes slower than the previous route. This takes you through some stunning French countryside, and you can stop off at some charming towns along the way.
Slowest Routes
If you have time to spare, consider taking some scenic routes through the beautiful French countryside. One such route is the D939, which is nearly the same distance as the first two routes. However, as a provincial road, it can be slow and winding. You should allow at least an extra hour for this route.
Another option is via the D925, which is slightly longer at 558 km, and it could take longer than six hours to get to Guéret, mainly due to the winding roads and low-speed limits. However, this route takes you through many small towns with some amazing French vineyards that will make scenic stops.
Traffic Patterns
The driving time can vary significantly depending on the time of day. Peak traffic hours on the A28 and A20 highways are generally between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning and 4:00 and 7:00 in the evening. This could add an extra hour or more to your journey.
Conversely, the best time to take any of these routes is outside of peak traffic hours. If you plan to travel during mornings, take advantage of less crowded roads using the highways, D939, or D925 between 9:00 and 12:00, and for the same in the evenings, you should aim for driving between 12:00 and 4:00.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the total driving time from Calais to Guéret depends on the route chosen and the time of day. If you are traveling to Guéret, you should get to know the route that aligns with your preference and the amount of time you are willing to spend on the road. Finally, you should consider the traffic patterns and choose a suitable time to travel. Whichever route you take, you should arrive at the calm, scenic town of Guéret relaxed and ready to soak in the culture of France.