Last year we arrived in Calais around 5am and took the toll roads to around 60 miles south of Clermont, arriving circa 4:30 pm, with quite a few stops. Add on another 1.5 hours for Millau.
We were towing so did not go above 65 ish too often.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I think those extra 2hrs is going to make a big difference.
Having discussed it with my wife, we are going to play it safe and camp at Camping Clos Aroy (Orcet) in Clermont Ferrand. There a nice "hill" to climb for the rest day (Puy le Dune) and good time to get to Aquaris on the way back.
I really wanted to also do the gorges at Millau, hence the push to stay there on way down, but we'll do that as a stopover for 3 nights/2 days on way back from PortaVentura....Debating between Les Rivages and Les Pepliuers...
thanks guys, its been a great help with all the tips and recommendations.
Driving through Calais to Barcelona is a brilliant idea! My husband and myself also did the same with our daughter who is 9 years old.
We live near to calais so we are usually traveling via this method. Anyway, I would highly recommend that you take the Sanguli route as Port Aventura is much easier! My daughter enjoyed Port Aventura, and so did my husband and I. It is suitable for all ages. We then drove to Barcelona and stayed in Barceloneta with our friends. The best area I suggest to stay in, as it is walking distance from everywhere. Las Ramblas, Barceloneta beach, Port Vell etc. We ate at an amazing place on the beach, they have the best fideua. I honestly recommend this to everyone! The name was Xup Xup. Another thing I suggest you do with your boys are to rent out the yellow Go cars as it is so much fun! I hope you enjoy your trip to Barcelona and Port Aventura!
https://tripobox.com/barcelona/restaurants/xup-xup - this is a link to the restaurant and I think you can find other things to do in Barcelona.
I know I've chosen the other site now, but I agree with other posters, Sanguli is very well placed for Barca and Port Adventura. It is expensive, but the pitches are huge, site has fab facilities and its very well run.
In terms of driving, we've done Calais to Clemont and as south as St Flour with a caravan ok. You can do Clermont to Salou for Sanguli in 7-8 hours.
Regarding Millau, you need to be say 100 miles into France from Calais to make it do-able comfortably.
Have a great stay near Clermont, I'm told there is a scenic railway that takes you from the base to the top of the Puy d Dume.
-------------
Van lives near Sanguli- Salou Spain
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!