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Hi.

Going to France in the summer on a camping trip (First Timers) and need some advice.

1. What is a good rate to pay a night for a pitch? Have kids with us so we need plenty of stuff to amuse them.

2. There are 10amp hook ups available, do we take advantage of this and bring some electric appliances or bring Gas. Hook up is about £2.20 a day?

3. How do you keep things cold. We will be in a tent for 2 weeks?

A = stay at one one of the bigger sites. Municiples will not have much by way of amusements

b = If you have found a site with 10A hook-ups then it sounds as though you may already have somewhere in mind

c = With 10A to play with you could use a table top fridge. Then you are onto 2 way, 12vDC & 230vAC or 3 way 12vDC, 230vAC, Gas fridges. the 3 way is a more versatile unit. Run it on gas because they seem work at their most efficiently on gas

hi daisy

try this link to the official camping website for france. this will give an idea of prices and facilities

http://www.campingfrance.com/index.jsp?lg=uk

i agree with happybonzo, municiples are ok for overnight, cheap but basic. last year we were in france for 2 weeks and the weather was scorching hot. although the campsite had fridges and ice block freezers we struggled to keep things cool. most campsites have shops but you soon spend a fortune on cool drinks etc

by looking up previous threads the general opinion is buy a three way fridge and run it on gas! waeco combicool cab-40 which cools to 30 below ambiant was considered the best for really hot weather in france.

campinggaz is used through france and can be obtained from most supermarkets. look up some of the previous threads which will give you tips on gas abroad.  

Daisie

Assuming you are going in the main UK school holidays I would budget for between €20 and €30 a night depend on what type of site. The more facilities the more it will cost. In France they have a star system with 4 star generally being the more expensive. Don't be put off by using lower star rated sites as the judgement is by quantity of facilities not quality!!

If you are using a tent and not intending to take an electric kettle (other than a low wattage one) 10 amp is more tan you need and I would be inclined to stick with 6amp. You may be able to use your hairdryer in the toilet block.

As far as keeping things cold, some sites have fridges that they hire out by the week. Ideally you should have a proper camping 3way fridge (12v/230v/gas) If you did not want to spend that much money a good electric coolbox is a good investment. The main difference is that they only claim to reduce temperatures by -20degs from ambient temperature so if its very hot, say 30 degs its only cooling to 10 degs which is not as cold as a proper fridge.

David

 Hi.

 Thanks all for the great advice.

 Took advantage of the Argos one day event on Monday and bought a six man Pro Action Tent for £54. Can anyone rate this tent? Will be putting it up in the garden at the weekend.

Daisie

I would put your above query in the camping under canvas section, under the sub forum Advice & Info. You will get more reply's that way.