Driving Paris to Malaga. Any suggestions?

[parispete]

I haven't done this great drive for twenty years and probably need updating.
So maybe some kind folk will supply good advice on the best route, good motels, best food stops and a good Europe-wide breakdown assistance (in English, if possible) like the NRMA in Australia or the AA in the UK.
It would also be nice to hear about things to avoid, things recommended to do, tolls on the way and whether it's safe for short naps in petrol station carparks.
All suggestions more than welcome. And thanks.

[Bevdeforges]

Don't know the way all the way to Malaga, but I've driven the A10 route south in France many times. If you take the toll ways, you'll pay a good 55€ in péages (tolls), but the road is pretty good and the aires (rest stops) along the way are safe for napping or even staying overnight (as we do in the camper). Check Mappy - plans, itinéraires, guide d'adresses en Europe or the UK equivalent for specific routing.

For food, you'll always do better to get off the motorway, even if only to a Courte Paille (a chain of grill restaurants that offer decent, simply prepared food at affordable prices and has sites along the major motorways in France).

If there is a breakdown assistance in English anywhere in France, I've never heard of it. I think some form of roadside assistance is available through American Express, otherwise most folks I know with an assistance plan here usually get it through their automobile dealership (and those are generally Europe-wide). There is a series of telephone stations every 2 km or so along the toll motorways in France where you can summon assistance. The distance to the next kiosk is marked along the side of the road with an arrow indicating the direction to the nearest kiosk. I believe the tow truck will only take you to the nearest aire with a petrol station, though. (Not sure on that.)
Cheers,
Bev

[parispete]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Don't know the way all the way to Malaga, but I've driven the A10 route south in France many times. If you take the toll ways, you'll pay a good 55€ in péages (tolls), but the road is pretty good and the aires (rest stops) along the way are safe for napping or even staying overnight (as we do in the camper). Check Mappy - plans, itinéraires, guide d'adresses en Europe or the UK equivalent for specific routing.

For food, you'll always do better to get off the motorway, even if only to a Courte Paille (a chain of grill restaurants that offer decent, simply prepared food at affordable prices and has sites along the major motorways in France).

If there is a breakdown assistance in English anywhere in France, I've never heard of it. I think some form of roadside assistance is available through American Express, otherwise most folks I know with an assistance plan here usually get it through their automobile dealership (and those are generally Europe-wide). There is a series of telephone stations every 2 km or so along the toll motorways in France where you can summon assistance. The distance to the next kiosk is marked along the side of the road with an arrow indicating the direction to the nearest kiosk. I believe the tow truck will only take you to the nearest aire with a petrol station, though. (Not sure on that.)
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks for the info, Bev. I'm surprised France doesn't have an AA-type service, but I'll try to make sure the car is up to the trip.