The route from Ouistreham to La Mans is probably one of the most familiar amongst petrolheads.  However, it can be pretty boring. So, having arrived on the early morning ferry and being far too early to arrive at our hotel we took this more scenic route. 

Inevitably the first part contains ring roads to get around the major towns. But, it soon takes you along some forest roads and through typical French (and usually empty) villages. A stop off for coffee & breakfast in Putagnes-du- Lac is definately recommended.

• On leaving the ferry follow the D84 keeping to the left for the green D84 Caen sign
• At roundabout take 2nd exit to stay on D84 (there is an Esso garage & Carrefour on right along here)
• At the next roundabout take the D514 towards Caen.
• After approx 4.5 miles get into right hand slip road signed Peripherique Est/A13/Paris Alencon.  Follow it around to the right to join the N814.
• Take exit 13 - Porte d’Espagne towards Le Mans/Alencon/Falaise
• At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto N158 towards Le Mans/Alencon/Falaise
• Take exit 11 towards Conde/Noireau/Putanges
• At roundabout take 5th exit onto D511 towards Caen/Argentan etc
• At  next roundabout take 1st exit onto D658A towards Alencon
• At next roundabout take 1st exit onto D509 signed Putanges/Pont Ecrepin
• Follow D509, (road eventually becomes D909 as you change Department areas). Follow signs into Putanges. After crossing the river you will see Hotel Le Lion Verd on your right with parking in the square outside. This is a welcoming place to stop for a break. The owner having a classic Cadillac often parked outside.

• Head out of town staying on D909 towards Ranes, you will soon be in a sweeping tree lined road.
• At the roundabout in Ranes take 2nd exit to stay on D909 towards Carrouges.
• Follow the D909 for around 14 miles towards Carrouges then turn left onto D908 towards Carrouges.
• At roundabout take 1st exit onto D909a towards Alencon. Then straight on at next roundabout back onto D909 towards Alencon & Pre-en-Pail.
• After approx 6.5 miles turn right onto N12 drive to Pre-en-Pal there’s a petrol station on the left.
• Take 2nd exit at roundabout Bretagne/N12  shortly after turn left onto D20 towards Villaines. Then right onto D20 towards Villaines
• Follow D20 through forest for around 9 miles
• At roundabout take 3rd exit onto D13 heading to Villaines centre/Mayenne etc
• Turn right onto Rue Gervaiseau D20 towards Mayenne/Bais drive about 0.5 mile.
• Turn left onto Rue de la Boori. Cross one roundabout.
• At next roundabout take 3rd exit onto D20
• At next roundabout take 1st exit onto D13 towards Courcite (peugeot garage on roundabout). Stay on N13 for approx 2 miles
• Turn right at T junction towards Courcite
• Turn left by church onto Rue di Mans D13 towards Sille Le Guillaume. Continue straight onto D16 towards Sille Le Guillaume.
• After 8.5 miles road becomes D5. Continue to Le Mans.