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By the time you've spent probably not an inconsiderable amount on a tent large enough to walk into and sleep 5, yet small enough to pack away in the car, you could probably have stayed overnight in a budget hotel, with two rooms and breakfast - and saved yourself the hassle of packing and unpacking.

We have two Khyam tents which are very quick to put up - literally just a few minutes - and not the very low 'biker' tents that you see around, but you couldn't 'walk' into them you have to crouch down.  However, the cost, plus the cost of five people on a campsite for an overnight stop, would probably cover your hotel fees. 

We two are a family of 5, but quite honestly you would be much cheaper and more comfortable staying in an onvernight hotel, such as Misterbed or F1. Misterbed do two rooms for under 80 euros. Have a look

If you are going to France in the summer and only want it for overnight stop overs, you could go with the Vango Kairos 400, which with modest airbeds or SIMs you could get a minimum of 3 (height of airbeds needs to be less than about 15cm and not too wide if long to avoid pushing the inner tent out) in the inner tent and 2 or 3 in the living area. Condensation should not be an issue in the summer. Put all the beds in the inner tent until needed and you'll just have enough room to sit around the living area if wet. 2 doors and roof vents for airflow and well made with one steel pole for stability and a tied arch fibreglass piggy back pole. My 6ft husband can stand up in the middle of the living area and I have no problem (at 5ft 2" ) throughout. I can also pitch it single handed in less than 10min. Insert steel pole, peg rear, stand up pole, peg front and insert fibreglass pole, tension all round and guy out.

Would give you a quick pitch tent for when the older children stop wanting to come with you. We are using ours for touring and one night stop-overs (albeit for 2 adults and a child).

Some of the single skin large pyramid tents from 2010 may also be an option.

Helen

hi

I had a similar experience last year on a motorbike trip to the south of France. My first stop was at a cheap motel and still cost me 55 Euros - it was late and I was tired, so decided to just get on with it and part with the cash.

This was an awful lot of money to me at the toime, as the entire trip was supposed to be on a shoe-string budget.

The next evening I managed to stay at a great campsite for about !0 euros and passed through, to stay again on my return journey.

Much better overall than staying in a motel - although I didnt get away as quicky the next morning.

 I didnt try any, but Im told municipal campsites are even cheaper and equally well equipped and even cheaper - eg 5 euros per person...which is a significsnt saving over the cost of a couple of motel rooms.

My Khyam is up for sale on here - only used twice for 2 weekend trips and never seen the rain.!!!

Maybe you could find a site that has ready erected tents or camping pods.  This still might work out cheaper than the cost of buying a tent if you are only going to use for this one trip.

have you considered one of these?

http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/coleman_weekend_6_tent__6_10_104357

costs less than 1 night in a motel for 5