SIR – The recent report on caravan holidays in the Auvergne region of France was very good. However, a note of caution when estimating the travelling time of driving from the UK to destinations south of Lyon or Bordeaux – both cities are around 800 miles away from Bradford.

I am fortunate to have driven through France on business or holidays, and know just what can be involved with the motorways and main roads.

The travel trade has an unfortunate habit of dividing the overall distance by the maximum speed allowed on motorways to give a purely hypothetical time-scale, unachievable with necessary stops for fuel, refreshments, etc.

Take it from me, from West Yorkshire to Calais via Dover is a day’s work and people must plan for one or two overnight stops en route to some destinations mentioned.

However, France is blessed with many budget-priced motels, often with a restaurant attached, nearby main roads and motorways.

I have driven in 16 countries of Europe, including Finland, Hungary and Spain, but always enjoyed travelling in France the most.

D S Boyes (retired driver/haulier), Rodley Lane, Bramley, Leeds