The following is our route to Italy
We sail into Cherbourg, then head straight across France via Paris to Nancy, then to Basle, onto the Swiss toll road through the Goddard tunnel, then to Milan and finally to Lake Garda. We avoid all tolls in France but take the toll road through Switzerland (only practical way to go) and stay on the Italian toll road all the way to Peschiera del Garda at the south eastern corner of Lake Garda. The overall route is just less than 1400km with a driving time of approximately 20 to 22 hours.
Day 1 route is Cherbourg to Brezolles (near Dreux) which is about as far as you can travel on the route without travelling round Paris. Distance is 280km with a driving time of 4 to 4.5 hours
Day 2 route is Brezolles to the Vosges, south of Nancy. There are several overnight options: - Richardmenil at 440km (6 to 7 hours driving) from Brezolles, Le Thillot/Freese-sur-Moselle at 540km (7 to 8 hours driving) from Brezolles and Thann at 580km (8 to 9 hours driving) from Brezolles. We always aim for one of the later stops.
Day 3 route is Vosges to Peschiera del Garda. Richardmenil to Peschiera del Garda is 660km (9 to 10 hours driving) while Thann to Peschiera del Garda is 520km (7 to 8 hours driving)
If necessary a further intermediate overnight stop in Switzerland can be used; at Airolo (285km from Peschiera del Garda) or Colderio (185km from Peschiera del Garda).
Total toll cost Cherbourg to Peschiera del Garda and return is CHF40 (approximately €35) in Switzerland plus approximately €28 in Italy for 3500kg and under. For over 3500kg the Swiss toll reduces to CHF32.50.
The most direct route is using toll roads and the Mont Blanc tunnel. This route is about 50km shorter than above, will take maybe 3 to 4 hours less driving time but has a toll cost of close to €400 return.
Attached is the write up I referred to in my earlier post. It is long but may give you some helpful info for your trip.
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