Autoroute of the Sun facts for kids
Autoroute of the Sun (which means "Motorway of the Sun" in French) is the name given to two important highways in France. These are special roads designed for fast travel, connecting big cities across the country.
The Autoroute of the Sun is made up of two main parts:
- A6 autoroute, which stretches from Paris, the capital city, all the way to Lyon.
- A7 autoroute, which continues the journey from Lyon down to Marseille, a major port city on the Mediterranean Sea.
Together, these two roads form a vital link from the north of France to its sunny southern regions.
Contents
What is an Autoroute?
An autoroute is like a super-highway in France. It's a special type of road where cars can travel at high speeds safely. These roads have multiple lanes, and there are no traffic lights or intersections where other roads cross directly. Instead, cars enter and exit using special ramps. This design helps traffic flow smoothly and quickly, making long journeys much faster.
Why is it called the "Autoroute of the Sun"?
The name "Autoroute of the Sun" is perfect because this road leads directly to the sunny south of France. Many families use it for their summer holidays to reach popular vacation spots like the French Riviera or the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Imagine driving from the busy city of Paris straight towards the warm sunshine and blue waters!
Building a Major Road
The idea for these long highways came about because more and more people in France were buying cars after World War II. Existing roads became too crowded, especially during holiday seasons. France needed modern roads to connect its big cities and help its economy grow.
When was it built?
Building the Autoroute of the Sun was a huge project that took many years. The first parts of the A6 and A7 were opened in the 1950s. Sections were added bit by bit over the years, with the main route largely completed by the early 1970s. Imagine the thousands of workers, engineers, and machines needed to build such a long and wide road!
Connecting Key Cities
The Autoroute of the Sun was planned to link France's most important cities.
- Paris: The capital and a major business and cultural center.
- Lyon: A large city known for its history and food, located in the center of France.
- Marseille: A big port city in the south, important for trade and tourism.
This connection made it much easier for people to travel, for goods to be transported, and for businesses to connect across the country.
How the Autoroute Helps France
The Autoroute of the Sun is more than just a road; it's a key part of France's transportation system.
Boosting Tourism
One of the biggest benefits is for tourism. Millions of tourists, both from France and other countries, use this autoroute every year to reach their holiday destinations in the south. This helps local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Supporting Trade and Business
The autoroute is also vital for moving goods. Trucks use it to transport products between cities and to ports for export. This helps businesses operate efficiently and contributes to the country's economy. Farmers can send their produce to markets, and factories can deliver their goods quickly.
Everyday Travel
While famous for holiday travel, the Autoroute of the Sun is also used daily by people commuting for work or visiting family. It helps reduce travel times and makes journeys more comfortable and safer than older, smaller roads.
Driving on the Autoroute
Driving on the Autoroute of the Sun is usually a smooth experience. Most autoroutes in France are toll roads, which means drivers pay a fee to use them. These fees help pay for the road's maintenance and new construction. Along the route, you'll find rest stops with gas stations, restaurants, and shops, perfect for taking a break during a long drive.
See Also
Images for kids
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Autoroute A6.jpg
A view of the A6 autoroute.
