AA Road Atlas France 2013 Review
AA Road Atlas
France 2013
Reviewed by Cora Leslie
As our family undertakes frequent driving holidays in France a good road atlas is essential.
In these days of satnav technology many people are questioning whether an atlas is still a necessary component of a trip across the Channel: the answer is a resounding yes!
While a satnav will take you from A to Z it will let you whiz past areas of interest and beauty that a good map will draw your attention to.
The AA Road Atlas is easy to use in the car, its ring binders allow easy access to the pages you require without the dreaded problem of losing your page when the book closes unexpectedly just when you need it most.
All major cities have detailed inner city maps and there is a handy mileage guide between major cities that also offers a rough time guide. This allows you to plan your journey and include rest stops along the way.
One of the major advantages of an atlas is that you can look along your route and plan rest breaks in woodlands, parks or at a beauty spot that you may otherwise have missed.
Even a day trip to Calais and Boulogne can be enhanced with a quick reference to the atlas. Instead of a boring drive down the A16 motorway, why not take the scenic route and enjoy a picnic along the way? Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez offer amazing views and are delightful places to stop for a picnic lunch but would be easily missed without an AA road atlas.
The AA Road Atlas feels comfortable to hold, has a reasonably sturdy cover and is easy to use when in the car.
The only problem that I found was that the writing in the index is quite small and as I wear bifocals I felt that I was straining to read it. The writing on the actual map is easy to read and does not induce the same problem.
This road atlas is an invaluable tool for anyone considering a road trip to France, whatever the reason. It is easy to use and will allow you to explore the areas en route to, and around, your eventual destination.
Recommended.
RRP: £10.99
Rating: 4.5/5
Available to buy from AA here.
