Hi Clive,

We've done a few trips to Europe - IMMs in Italy and Austria and well as
Scotland last year (from the Isle of Wight!) in our 1961Austin Seven.  We
love driving in Europe.  Normally we try to avoid the autoroutes/toll roads
and take the more scenic roads.  Toll roads are great if you are running
short of time and the costs aren't too bad.

Whenever we have travelled, we never normally book anything.  Just take a
French and German phrase book with you and that gets you out of most
situations wherever you are in Europe (except maybe Spain!).  We normally
just pick up B&B in France and Motels in Germany/Switzerland.  If you're
planning on visiting Turin or cities in Italy, I would advise booking in
advance. We got an excellent deal at the Best Western Hotel Piemontese in
Turin.  If you want specific info, please feel free to email me direct.

There are plentiful travel-lodge-type places in France.  There is Premier
Classe (http://www.envergure.fr/pclassefr.html), Formule 1
(http://www.hotelformule1.com/formule1/) etc.  They're plentiful and once
you visit one of them you can pick up a booklet which shows you where they
are across France. Might be an idea to book your first night before you go,
but as long as you're not travelling in late July or August (when the French
take their holidays) you should be OK.

We alway use the Michelin maps for Europe - they are excellent.  Make sure
you have change or a credit card if you're going to use toll roads.

If I can be more help, let me know.

Amanda