The E6 in Norway

The Arctic Circle Visitor Centre.

It's not often that I write a blog entry about a road, but my thoughts have turned again to the Arctic Circle, which we hope to visit again soon.

One of the most amazing things about Norway is that once you get up past Trondheim, it really is pretty much the only road left! The E6 in fact starts down at the ferry port in Trelleborg, Sweden and goes nearly 2000 miles right up to Kirkenes in the north of Norway. 



Following the E6 is a bit like the European equivalent of following Route 66. Well maybe not but you get the idea. It's pretty epic. En route you take in some major cities including Malmo and Gothenburg in Sweden and then Norway's capital Oslo.

A typical fjord - the rainbow was a bonus!

The real excitement for us started after Trondheim when the traffic thins out and there are just a few locals, truckers and fellow motorhomers left. Road repairs are done while the road is open as there is no other way of doing it. That means that for certain stretches you are driving on dirt road! 

The scenery is absolutely phenomenal with ever-present fjords and hills. We said 'wow' on every turn. The small towns you come across tend to be pretty and have everything you need to continue your journey although it is advisable to get diesel whenever you see it.

Overnight stops are plentiful and free as there are many lay-bys and 'aires' by the side of the road, including a great one at the Arctic Circle itself. It's a mammoth trip - but it stays in the memory for years.

Central Paris by motorhome!

Priority motorhome parking outside the Louvre!

We have never driven into the centre of Paris although plenty of people do with motorhomes and even caravans. We have never felt the need as there are quite a few decent sites on the outskirts that are very easy to get to and you can then just use the train to get in. Options include sites at Versailles (with the added advantage of visiting the palace), Melun ( a nice little town in its own right) or the slightly more urban Paris Est site at Champigny. 

The Champs Elysees

Versailles is probably the nicest as it's set in a wooded area and only 5 mins from the RER, which then takes you straight along the Seine. You can be at the Eiffel Tower in 20 mins! Melun is the easiest to get to and is on the Seine, not too far from Fountaineblue. It does take a little longer to get in to Paris though than the other sites. Paris Est is probably the most difficult to get to simply due to the weight of traffic, but is one of the nearest sites to the centre as it's only a few minutes on the train.

The last time we went on our way back from a Germany trip in November, we stood and watched the traffic around the Arce de Triomphe for a while and pondered driving in some time just for the hell of it. A little later we walked back to the Louvre and were amazed to find a motorhomer parked right out the front! It did have a disability badge on it otherwise I think he would have been moved on pretty quick.