Remember to keep m3wservices.com details handy in case you have any issues....we are only 1.5 hours from Bordeaux.
You don't really need secure garages unless your in a large town - secure parking is more than enough and many a time when going touring to Spain or Switzerland the m3w's are quite safe outside.
Unless your on a ,mission try to avoid peage's as although great for getting from A to B quickly they are pretty dull. If you do need to use a peage then I would highly recommend getting one of the automatic transponders to avoid having to stop at the barriers.
Avoid Paris or its outer ring road. Think M25 but worse...
I personally very rarely go to Calais to come down to the SW France - depending where you are in UK (Just noticed your in Shropshire and therefore why would you run the gauntlet of the M25 to get to Folkstone?) then Portsmouth - St Malo overnight is quite civilised and then the West Coast routes down to Bordeaux are far more relaxed - I recently undertook a Super3 trip home from St Malo using N or D roads only - added an hour and a half compared to Motorway route but much more enjoyable.
Also remember to look at school holiday dates in France for the summer and remember that at the end of July/beginning of August there are some dates that its recommended to avoid driving on as the French workforce all have the same vacation dates and the roads get extremely congested.
Reference trailer - then you may also require a Carnet card to temporarily import the car to the EU now as its on a trailer rather than being driven.
Have a safe journey.
