Gravel driveway - Any disadvantages to loose gravel?

[francofile]

We are currently laying a long gravel drive with a round parking area where we live in France (countryside house).

The base has been dug out and a base layer of blue chipping stones has been laid, ready for compacting. Our contractor has recommended an 'emulsion' treatment for the drive - a layer of thin tarmac topped with gravel, then another layer of tarmac and finally a layer of gravel. We've seen a driveway done like this by him already, and were impressed. However the cost is considerable! We are now considering just putting a layer of gravel over the base. The sides of the drive will be contained with sleepers.

Are there any disadvantages to just laying loose gravel? I've already read a couple of posts about the gravel spreading due to the pressure of car tyres (and having a man to constantly rake it!).

All comments gratefully received as we will be laying next week! Many thanks.

[Dave_L]

I don't like this idea of a thin layer of 'mac - it almost sounds like surface dressing!?

Unbound gravel driveways? I don't like them personally as the gravel shifts as it is driven over and you'll get ruts etc that require constant raking and levelling....

[francofile]

Thanks Dave. If neither options appeal, what is the ideal 'make-up' of a gravel drive?

PS Is surface dressing a dirty word?! Apologies, I am completely ignorant in this area!

[Dave_L]

Try this page, explained far better than I could ever do!

Paving Expert - Gravel

[francofile]

Thanks Dave for pointing me in the right direction - that made for very helpful reading - cheers!