I've done this a couple of times from Calais by car and staying at ETAP Hotels. I think the trick is - take your time. First time round I did it in 2 days in pouring rain and it was hellish. Second time I went by ferry to Bilboa. Made the same mistakeof doing too many miles. The net result is 'lost days' when you arrive to catch up on sleep etc. The French and Spanish motorway service stations have better facilities than the UK and are not so 'hostile' to travellers wanting to stay a few hours to rest. I wish you well and I am about to put my advice to the test as I make the Calais /alicante trip again at the end of October.
I think the trick is - take your time.
First time round I did it in 2 days in pouring rain and it was hellish.
Second time I went by ferry to Bilboa. Made the same mistakeof doing too many miles.
The net result is 'lost days' when you arrive to catch up on sleep etc.
The French and Spanish motorway service stations have better facilities than the UK and are not so 'hostile' to travellers wanting to stay a few hours to rest. I wish you well and I am about to put my advice to the test as I make the Calais /alicante trip again at the end of October.