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We found during our recent trip that most things in France were a similar price to what we pay in the UK. In fact some things like instant coffee are more expensive. Wine I reckon, quality for quality is no nor different in price to the UK especially when you consider the many offers you get here like 3 for £10 or 25% off. Often better value in France is the wine in a bladder, also say carting lots of bottles around! Campsite fee cost very much depend on the time of the year. Unfortunately going at peak cost top dollar but those of us that are fortunate enough to be able to go out of main season we have the opportunitity to use those discount schemes that have been mentioned. In my view eating out is poor value especially on campsites, €40 t0 €50 for two is expensive. The supermarket suggestion is a good one, Flunch do particularly good value meals - but you have to get used to their system!

The real difference in going to Europe with  the current exchange rate is that it costs the same as going on holiday in the UK but you also have the extra cost of getting there, insurance and tolls which generally double the cost of the holiday!

David 

Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 29/11/2009

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It sounds easy to say, but if you decide to go, then it will simply cost what it will cost. Prices are similar on average to UK. Some things cost more, some things cost less.   It's horrible to spend a holiday worrying about cost.

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Yes, can't argue with that sentiment at all  We went to the Loire in September and spent more than we'd anticipated but had an amazing time so not to worry in the grand scheme of things.

At lunchtime we either picnic-ed or made use of the menu de jour offers (had some delicious meals) and mainly BBQ-ed at home with one blow out dinner (25 euros for 4 courses) that was worth every cent. Prices in the supermarket seemed pretty much comparable to those over here - we mainly bought fruit and veg, steak hache, sausages, cheese, crudites/salads and baguette. Coffees/croissants, beers in cafes and accidentally using lots of toll roads by getting lost(!) seemed to be the priciest things.

The only thing we didn't come across was dirt cheap wine - we mainly bought from vineyards at about 5/6 euros a bottle - very good indeed. We bought a box of Champigny Saumur to take home which is almost gone :o( Had some under 2 euros wine in Sardinia which was drinkeable but not what I would call madly enjoyable...

If you are going to s. or sw. France then try to buy some local wine at the supermarket.  If you like it, find the vineyard and pay them a visit.  Growers tend to keep the better stuff at their vineyard shops whilst supermarkets will buy the not so popular vintages - simply because of price.  You'll get a marvellous bottle for around 5 euros a bottle by paying a visit.  10 euros will get you a masterpiece!

If you feel a bit more confident, see if you can beg, blag, borrow or even buy an English version of the 'Guide Hachette' and check the appelation for the area you are visiting.  This will point you towards vineyards that produce good quality stuff and it usually tells you what to expect to pay.  This all adds fun and enjoyment to the moment you later crack that bottle open, whether its in your awning or with your Christmas dinner later in the year.

Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 29/11/2009

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It sounds easy to say, but if you decide to go, then it will simply cost what it will cost. Prices are similar on average to UK. Some things cost more, some things cost less.   It's horrible to spend a holiday worrying about cost.

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Quote: Originally posted by Claydoncamper on 03/12/2009

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If you are going to s. or sw. France then try to buy some local wine at the supermarket.  If you like it, find the vineyard and pay them a visit.  Growers tend to keep the better stuff at their vineyard shops whilst supermarkets will buy the not so popular vintages - simply because of price.  You'll get a marvellous bottle for around 5 euros a bottle by paying a visit.  10 euros will get you a masterpiece!

If you feel a bit more confident, see if you can beg, blag, borrow or even buy an English version of the 'Guide Hachette' and check the appelation for the area you are visiting.  This will point you towards vineyards that produce good quality stuff and it usually tells you what to expect to pay.  This all adds fun and enjoyment to the moment you later crack that bottle open, whether its in your awning or with your Christmas dinner later in the year.

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If you want a Christmas present, put "The Wine Atlas of France" by Hubrecht Duijker and Hugh Johnson on your list. This has been our constant companion for 30 yrs. Wherever you are in France, it gives the wines , the producers, the food, restaurants, and places of interest. Not a cheap book, but one that repays time and time again. If you do want to dabble in degustation, mention the book at the vineyard etc. or go with your copy under the arm, it is frequently the key which opens the gates to a special visit.

We have met many charming and friendly producers, in virtually every region of France. The main points are "Don't go around lunch time."  "Try to telephone in advance for an appointment" "Avoid like or dislike in favour of prefer".  No one buys quality wine in high summer to keep in the car  when the ambient temp is 25 deg plus, so you will not be expected to buy massive quantities. It is acceptable simply to request details of distributors in UK, maybe in the region where you live.

FM