Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravanning and Camping Abroad
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: France trip - a few questions!
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
14/7/2007 at 12:52pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View snowy747's Profile View Profile   Reply to snowy747 Reply   Quote snowy747 Quote  
Joined: 12/6/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3869
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

http://www.languedoc-holiday-guide.com/driving-directions-to-the-languedoc-via-meaux.html

Just found this site that gives the exact directions that we took on the advice of another member. The big thing we found is to know what towns are 2 or 3 towns distant as quite often the immediate next town is not on the sign post but a town a few miles down the road is!  Odd I know and you probably think I am crackers but that was our experience.

Ali



Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


14/7/2007 at 10:23pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 1 tent 2 people and a classic mini!
View 01-mike75's Profile View Profile   Reply to 01-mike75 Reply   Quote 01-mike75 Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Happybonzo, we are on a budget, even with the mileage savings it would still add a lot to the cost of the holiday. We are fortunate that my brother lives in Dover and so we can stay 5 mins from the ferry port the night before our crossing, thus leaving us with a full days travel in France. It is annoying to not go from Portsmouth (we live in Southsea a few mins walk from the ferry) but our greater plan is a RTW tour end of next year, the more we spend on this hol the less we save for next year!

Thanks to everyone for their help, we now have a route to base upon and a rough idea on some places we want to visit. Many thanks



19/7/2007 at 9:56pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 1 tent 2 people and a classic mini!
View 01-mike75's Profile View Profile   Reply to 01-mike75 Reply   Quote 01-mike75 Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi back again! So having spent far more time looking at routes and destinations we have decided on heading for Montpellier (or just West of there as have visited there before) and then travelling West exploring beaches, campsites etc possibly on to Spain. From a route point of view it will be as discussed, I am now doubting myself for thinking about doing the whole journey in 1 day in the mini! So looking to stopover somewhere this side of Clermont-ferrand, which would give us a 6 hourish solid drive (not including the many stops i'm sure we will make!) My question this time - is there anywhere on the way to or is Clermont a good stop over? We do like to tske it as it comes and very rarely book anything, but as it will only be for one night we wont have much time to explore and so ideally an area that we know has something to offer may well draw us in for the stopover!

As always many thanks for your help in advance!



19/7/2007 at 10:40pm
 Location: Welsh in the Cotswolds
 Outfit: None Entered
View TethersEnd's Profile View Profile   Reply to TethersEnd Reply   Quote TethersEnd Quote  
Joined: 09/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2859

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Plenty of cheap hotels bookable online in Clermont BB, F1, Etap etc.]- shame you 'have' to shoot off as breaking the journey by a trip up the Puy de Dome to look down into the nearby volcano craters is a decent day.

I'm not fond of anywhere I've seen between Chartres and Clermont - although I regularly stop at Orleans because its where I need a stop. I think its a dump.

-------------
Huw



Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


20/7/2007 at 8:14am
 Location: West - North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate
View Val A's Profile View Profile   Reply to Val A Reply   Quote Val A Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   18741

Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Which way are you going A71, or N7 to Moulins, then N9?  This is a good route, not too many hold ups, and more interesting than the autoroute.   If the latter, then St Pourcain is a reasonable place to stop - but again, are you camping or hotel?  Can't help on the hotel front - although we did once stay at a Formule 1 just south of Clermont Ferrand (listed as Issoire in the book - good access, two really lovely villages to walk around in the evening, just nearby).  There are a couple of sites in St Pourcain itself (municipal where we stayed, and a site in the grounds of the Chateau), and two just a bit further north at Chatel-de-Neuvre - we stayed at the one with the frog on the sign for the campsite, but can't remember the name sorry!!  Both are almost directly off the road, but no noise, and have level good sized pitches, and clean sanitary blocks.   St Pourcain is a small town, with restaurants and shops - and when we were there had an excellent wine festival going on - plenty of free samples.  We often pass through, and there always seems to be some sort of Fete or another!


Advertisement



20/7/2007 at 10:12am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 1 tent 2 people and a classic mini!
View 01-mike75's Profile View Profile   Reply to 01-mike75 Reply   Quote 01-mike75 Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi, would most probably be looking at a nice simple campsite, most likely a municipal. I would possibly entertain the idea of a hotel if it was to only cost a fraction more than a campsite, I would only do this for one night though! TT we dont have to shoot off, as I say we tend to take it as it comes, I will have a look into your suggestion, if we can get a good campsite nearby then it may well make an interesting stopover it certainly appeals to our interests. In fact looking at it, it may be a good spot for some mountain biking if they can be hired (as wont be taking our own - mini not quite up to a cycle carrier!) Does anyone know of a municipal or similar campsite in the area? I have had a quick search but no joy, will check my Alan Rogers and Michilin books after work! But anyone with practical experience?



20/7/2007 at 10:28am
 Location: West - North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate
View Val A's Profile View Profile   Reply to Val A Reply   Quote Val A Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   18741

Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Camping municipal Le Chanset, at Ceyrat - it's probably the nearest municipal, or there's Camping Indigo L'Oclede, at Royat.   About as near as you'll get to the Puy de Dome - but bear in mind it can be very cold at night, even in the mid- summer!  IPB Image

This is Le Chanset.  Both sides are about 18 -  20 euros - not cheap for a municipal.



Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


20/7/2007 at 10:42am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 1 tent 2 people and a classic mini!
View 01-mike75's Profile View Profile   Reply to 01-mike75 Reply   Quote 01-mike75 Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hmmm, me thinks I need to look into this stopover a bit more - cold at night - hmmm... The Mrs wont be too happy about that!


20/7/2007 at 10:45am
 Location: Welsh in the Cotswolds
 Outfit: None Entered
View TethersEnd's Profile View Profile   Reply to TethersEnd Reply   Quote TethersEnd Quote  
Joined: 09/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2859

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by 01-mike75 on 20/7/2007

TT we dont have to shoot off, as I say we tend to take it as it comes, I will have a look into your suggestion, if we can get a good campsite nearby then it may well make an interesting stopover it certainly appeals to our interests.




I'm hoping to take a swim in a crater lake this year but I have yet to identify where - I like the idea of my swimming water being 'Volvic' in a million years


-------------
Huw



20/7/2007 at 12:04pm
 Location: Zoetermeer Holland
 Outfit: Chateau 430 Nice
View wlee's Profile View Profile   Reply to wlee Reply   Quote wlee Quote  
Joined: 18/3/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3303

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

> hoping to take a swim in a crater lake <
Be careful. It's risky swimming and often not allowed. They are usually very, very deep, and usually have steep sides. So risky cold water and a very sudden separation between the warm top layer of 1 m at most and very cold underneath. High risk to get cramp.

-------------
WL



Advertisement



20/7/2007 at 3:00pm
 Location: Welsh in the Cotswolds
 Outfit: None Entered
View TethersEnd's Profile View Profile   Reply to TethersEnd Reply   Quote TethersEnd Quote  
Joined: 09/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2859

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for the warning WL -might settle for dipping a toe unless I see evidence of others getting out alive.

-------------
Huw



Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


20/7/2007 at 3:02pm
 Location: West - North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate
View Val A's Profile View Profile   Reply to Val A Reply   Quote Val A Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   18741

Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

For Mike, I only meant it's very cold up near the Puy du Dome - not that anywhere you stay overnight will be that cold!  Sorry, don't be put off an overnight stop - it's an area definitely worth seeing, as are the previously mentioned Gorges du Tarn, Gorges du Jonte, etc.  

Has anyone had a dip at 'Sillans la Cascade' - a pool at the bottom of a cliff, in Provence, not volcanic, but spectacular all the same, with a 'tropical' waterfall coming over the top and at the right time of the day you get a rainbow effect in the water droplets - and it's also cold!!!



Post last edited on 20/07/2007 15:36:59


20/7/2007 at 3:40pm
 Location: Ndidis Kraal
 Outfit: Laika Ecovip 100 & Quasar
View happybonzo's Profile View Profile   Reply to happybonzo Reply   Quote happybonzo Quote  
Joined: 20/6/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4046
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by 01-mike75 on 14/7/2007

Happybonzo, we are on a budget, even with the mileage savings it would still add a lot to the cost of the holiday. We are fortunate that my brother lives in Dover and so we can stay 5 mins from the ferry port the night before our crossing, thus leaving us with a full days travel in France. It is annoying to not go from Portsmouth (we live in Southsea a few mins walk from the ferry) but our greater plan is a RTW tour end of next year, the more we spend on this hol the less we save for next year!

Thanks to everyone for their help, we now have a route to base upon and a rough idea on some places we want to visit. Many thanks


book early for next year - Portsmouth-Cherbourg can be had for as little as £80 approx return but you do have to book in November 2007. I didn't realise myself but a M8 phoned me and let me know: Still, you'll know for next time

Have a great holiday because that's what counts



20/7/2007 at 9:15pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 1 tent 2 people and a classic mini!
View 01-mike75's Profile View Profile   Reply to 01-mike75 Reply   Quote 01-mike75 Quote  
Joined: 02/6/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yeah the driving is a big part of the fun for us so no probs, We rarely know what we are going to do a year in advance! alhough end of next year is a RTW trip, this is having slightly more planning put into it!

My sarcasm doesn't come across very well in text! We will most likely make it our stopover! Cold nights in a tent are fun, finding ways to keep warm i.e. cooking when you're not hungry etc... and I would hope at sea level it will be pleasently warm at night! Bloody better be!




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














6263 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder