Every road trip has a moment where you realise it’s almost over and the miles start counting down instead of building up. This post isn’t a recap of the route or a guide to where we went; it’s simply a look back at how the trip felt, what surprised us, and why driving a twenty-year-old Porsche across France turned out to be such a good idea.
Before we left, I’ll admit there was a slight worry in the back of my mind.
Taking a twenty-year-old Porsche 911 that has averaged roughly 1,500 miles a year during my ownership — on a 2,450-mile European road trip felt like a bit of a gamble. Would it be mechanically sound? Would it be too uncomfortable? Would the frunk actually be big enough?
As it turned out, those worries disappeared almost as soon as we joined the M1 heading south out of Derby.
The car didn’t miss a beat. Not once.
Of course, it wasn’t as comfortable as doing the trip in my daily drive, a Mercedes S-Class used at A52 Executive Cars, but it was infinitely more fun. The harder suspension took a little getting used to, yet the Porsche seats proved surprisingly comfortable even on long days, and after a while the rhythm of the car just felt natural.
Le Shuttle and the Journey South
One of the unexpected positives was Le Shuttle. Having always favoured the Dover–Calais ferry in the past, we weren’t sure what to expect, especially in a low sports car.
In reality, it was incredibly straightforward. Easy on, easy off, and far quicker than the ferry. Now we’ve done it once, I can’t imagine choosing the boat again.
The Driving Highlight
If there was one standout moment of the trip, it was the drive up to the Verdon Gorge and along the Route Napoléon.
Those roads are what road trips are all about — flowing bends, incredible scenery and the simple pleasure of driving for the sake of driving. Doing it behind the wheel of my own Porsche made it feel even more special.
In hindsight, it would have been nice to include another day like that — a day with no real destination, just good roads and time to enjoy them.
The Journey Home
The drive north felt slightly rushed and, if I’m honest, a bit of a drag. But that’s true of most holidays. The final days always carry a different feeling whether you’re flying or driving, you know you’re heading back to reality.
Back to routines, back to work, back to normal life, but it’s not every holiday you get to have a chat with Rick Astley mind you
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. We loved every minute of it.
There’s something about a road trip that never really gets old, the freedom, the unpredictability, the small moments you couldn’t plan even if you tried. Doing it in your own “toy” just makes it that little bit more special.
This year’s holiday will be very different as we have a relaxing beach resort in Mexico planned, a little downtime after last year’s epic New England road trip in the USA.
But the ideas are already forming.
We’re quietly starting to hatch a plan for 2027: driving over to Italy via the Alps, tackling some of Europe’s great mountain passes.
And honestly… I’m already excited.
Explore the Full South of France Road Trip Series
If you’re joining the story at the end, or simply want to revisit parts of the journey, here’s the full South of France road trip series from start to finish.
- South of France Road Trip 2024 – Series Introduction
- Derby to France: Eurotunnel, Circuit de Gueux & Langres
- Langres to Aix-en-Provence
- Aix-en-Provence to Saint-Raphaël
- Monaco Classic Grand Prix – The Day Experience
- Monaco Classic Grand Prix – Cars & Gallery
- Relaxing on the French Riviera: Saint-Raphaël, Saint-Tropez & Nice
- Route Napoléon & Gorges du Verdon – The Best Driving Day
- Journey Home: Beaune and Back to Derby
Road trips always end eventually but the memories (and the planning for the next one) usually start straight afterwards.
Journey Home: Beaune, Rick Astley & The Long Drive Back to Derby
