Angers to Derry: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This road trip covers 1,680 km from the Loire Valley to Northern Ireland, crossing France, the UK, and Ireland. The A11, A28, and M6 motorways dominate, with a ferry from Cherbourg to Portsmouth a key maritime link. Did you know the route passes within 15 km of Carnac's Neolithic alignments, older than Stonehenge? This guide covers everything from fuel stops to hidden villages.

Route Overview

Roads are generally well-maintained. In France, motorways have excellent lighting and toll plazas; in the UK and Ireland, segments may lack lighting—use high beams on unlit stretches. Toll gates in France accept credit cards; the M6 toll near Birmingham costs £5.90. For safety, adhere to speed limits: 130 km/h in France, 70 mph in UK/Ireland. The ferry crossings break the journey, reducing fatigue. Recommended rest zones: Aire de la Londe (A13), Charnock Richard Services (M6), and Applegreen Lusk (M1). For children, interactive spots include Le Mans' 24h Museum, Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower, and Dublin's Dublinia. Pet-friendly stops: most service areas have grassy areas; ferry companies allow pets in vehicles or kennels. Hidden off-route gems: the abandoned Château de La Roche-Guyon (1 km off A13), the deserted village of Tyneham (2 km off A352 near Lulworth), and the prehistoric Newgrange (5 km off M1).

Fatigue Management Tips

• Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours at service areas like Aire de la Londe or Corley Services.
• Use the ferry crossings to nap or stretch.
• Avoid driving between 2–5 AM when drowsiness peaks.
• Share driving if possible.

The Angers–Derry route is well-connected by motorways. From Angers, take the A11 north to Le Mans, then the A28 to Rouen. Continue on the A13 to Caen, then the N13 to Cherbourg. After the ferry, from Portsmouth take the A3 and M25 west, then M40, M6, and A55 to Holyhead. Post-ferry, use the M1 and A6 to Dublin, then M1 and A6 to Derry. Estimated fuel cost for a mid-size petrol car is €250–€300 (1.7 L/100km average). Motorway tolls in France add about €40. Fuel stations are abundant every 30–50 km, but plan for the ferry crossings.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

• Maintain steady speeds (110 km/h in France, 100 km/h in UK/Ireland) to save fuel.
• Use cruise control on flat sections like the A11 and M6.
• Avoid rush hours around Rouen, London, and Dublin.
• Consider a diesel car for better mileage on motorways.

The journey begins in the Loire Valley with its rolling vineyards and châteaux. As you head north, the landscape flattens into the agricultural plains of Normandy. The ferry crossing offers sea views. In England, the Cotswolds provide gentle hills; the Lake District near the M6 offers dramatic peaks and lakes. The Irish countryside from Dublin to Derry is dotted with drumlins and loughs. UNESCO sites include the Loire Valley (Château de Chambord) (detour 30 min), Stonehenge (detour 20 min from A303), and Giant's Causeway (detour 1 hour from Derry). Local commerce includes Normandy cider and cheese, Lake District woolen goods, and Irish linen and whiskey. Stop at roadside stalls for produce or at village markets (e.g., Honfleur, Oxford).

Notable Stops

• Château de Brissac (Angers area)
• Le Mans (motor racing history)
• Rouen (Gothic cathedral)
• Cherbourg (Cité de la Mer)
• Portsmouth (Historic Dockyard)
• Snowdonia National Park (detour near Holyhead)
• Dublin (Guinness Storehouse)
• Derry (City Walls and Peace Bridge)

For more tips on finding hidden stops, check out this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.