FAQs
Is the gîte just for classic car owners?
No - guests with hire cars or “normal” cars are just as welcome at Bonnes Routes. We also welcome people on motorbikes - we have under cover parking and a biker tidy for leathers. The facilities we have available can be used by everyone, but are particularly targeted at visitors with a treasured car who need to provide some tender loving care to it whilst driving through France. We have tried to create the perfect place for people for whom driving IS the holiday. We get it!
I’ve never driven my classic car outside of the UK. I’m not sure that a) I’ll get there and b) how easy it is!
While we can’t guarantee the reliability of your car, make sure it’s been recently serviced and use it regularly for a few weeks before hand to shake out any potential problems. Cars are made to be driven and it won’t make any special memories stuck in a garage! It’s really easy driving in France, with much less traffic than the UK, and much better roads. It’s far less stressful for you and your car – you may get better mpg too! Right hand drive really isn’t an issue as there is so little traffic and some beautiful straight roads where you can see for miles ahead. If you’re on your own and are planning on using the Autoroutes, you can get a Liber-t tag to save you having to get out of your car at the tolls. It’s worth it’s weight in gold! So … what are you waiting for?!
Can we make the journey from the UK in a day, or is it better to do it in stages?
We are an eight hour drive from Calais using the Autoroutes (80mph), so it is easily possible to drive here in a day (especially if you share the driving). If you want to use the country roads and routes nationale for a more leisurely journey, an overnight stop is recommended. We can recommend some routes if you want to do this so let us know and we’ll help you out.
What nationalities do you cater for?
Everyone is welcome at Bonnes Routes, wherever they come from. Being just over half way down the map of France we are ideally placed for people travelling from the UK, Holland, Belgium or Northern France to the South of France or Spain; or from Italy to the west coast of France (and the opposite directions). We speak English, passable French, and where we have guests of other nationalities our friends Google and Larousse will help us translate guides, instructions and other information into other languages for guests. But let’s face it …. people who love cars and love driving all speak the same language!!
Can you accommodate larger groups?
The gîte is set up for two couples. If you need additional accommodation let us know and we’ll help you find extra rooms close by.
Is it possible to get my classic car shipped down to you and fly in rather than drive?
Absolutely. We can take collection of your car when its convenient for you, store it in the barn until you arrive. We can pick you up at any of the regional airports – Limoges or Brive (the closest airports), Bergerac or Bordeaux.
Do you take bookings for single nights or part weeks?
Due to the work involved in preparing the gite to high standards for the next guests, we don’t offer single night stays (3 night stay minimum).
We don’t really want to do much cooking - is there somewhere to eat out locally?
There are lots of small restaurants within driving distance of the gîte offering a variety of dining options; but we are in the middle of rural France so don’t expect city life and all its conveniences. Details of local restaurants are available in the gîte. We can give you directions and book a table for you (always worth doing to make sure you get fed). However, Bonnes Routes is a home from home so you will have everything you need to make simple meals or banquets, with provisions from the local supermarkets and weekly markets.
Do you allow children or dogs to stay in the gîte?
No - unfortunately the premises are not child friendly and much as we love dogs we need to guarantee a pet-hair free environment for other guests with allergies, which is only possible if we remain dog-free.
Is the gîte suited to people with reduced mobility?
Unfortunately due to the nature of the building, the property is not accessible or equipped for people with reduced mobility. Both bedrooms are on the first floor and only accessible via narrow staircases, and there are steps into each of the showers. Some of the doorways are narrower than standard.