To be fair, the journey there, if you use the Autoroutes as we do, can be much the same as any motorway journey in this country, but with much less traffic. I wanted to avoid Paris so headed for Rouen from disembarkation at Eurotunnel, Calais. Once there we headed for Chartres, stopping for breakfast and to go over the magnificent cathedral which is currently going through a very comprehensive restoration. We picked up the Autoroutes again near Orleans and stopped at Montlucon for an overnight in the Etap hotel there, which for a budget hotel was remarkably good.

We set off on the second morning after refuelling in Montlucon, paying between 1.46 and 1.51 Euro per litre (£1.15 - £1.20) for 95 RON unleaded at most supermarkets during the trip. The A75 south of Clermont Ferrand becomes more and more scenic, passing through some exceptional scenery and at the moment is free of tolls until you reach the Millau Viaduc. Crossing this stunning bridge currently costs just 6.70 Euro in a car.

Once there, there is so much to see and do that two weeks is hardly enough time. There are the four Gorges, Tarn, Jonte, Dourbie and Trevezel, various caves, Mont Aigoual, the famous Viaduc and visitor centre, medieval villages, dramatic landscapes like the Cirque du Navacelles and Roquefort (the home of the famous cheese) is just a short drive away and some unbelievable roads to drive on.

This was our second holiday in the area and could easily go back again next year to see some of the parts we didn't get time to and revisit some of the areas we love. It is a very special area and well worth the effort to get to in my honest (and humble) opinion.