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Welcome to UKCS, by the way.
Don't make it sound so 'scary' and new - it's not. You'll find France much more amenable to people who live in campervans than in Britain! Almost every town and village has a Aire de Services Camping Car - with EHU and water, and waste disposal facilities - usually in the middle of town. You'll be made welcome everywhere - even farmers and vineyard owners welcome you to their estates - France Passion, I think, is the name of the book - providing you purchase something from their vineyard or shop.
Like Marty says, I wouldn't bother with the B and Bs - you'll find plenty of places to have a shower - and if your van is really like a palace then why bother - almost every large garage on all the major routes will have shower facilities for truckers, and in most place you don't have to pay. You'll go through the most beautiful scenery, meet the friendliest people, and eat some of the tastiest food (even McDonalds in France is better than here).
If you want scary and adventurous then tour somewhere much further afield. France has been used to people doing what you're doing, for years and years.
Perhaps what I would say, in the way of advice, is whilst the weather is cold go south as far as you can, and then work your way back up through and across France as the weather warms up. The Med in winter/early Spring is a lovely place to be - and watching the migrating birds returning, and the flowers opening on houses and mountainsides, definitely cheers the spirit. Also, you'll be going the opposite way to the crowds then - you'll be coming North as everyone else and his dog is going south!!!
If you want to stay at some lovely sites (many of which won't be open yet, but from Aprill will start to open again) then check out the ACSI card (www.campingcard.com) Camping Cheques (www.campingcheques.co.uk) and Touring Cheques (www.touringcheque.co.uk) - off of which offer some four star sites at 11.00 euros to 15 euros per night, all in. Municipal sites, in smaller towns are often very cheap too.
Buy fuel in supermarkets rather than roadside fuel stations and you'll save a fortune. Get a good Michelin detailed map to find all those out of the way places, and photo opportunities that you want. Take the A75 motorway south (free) from Clermont Ferrand for beautiful scenery, and on the way go over the Millau viaduct but take time to visit the Gorges du Tarn, Jonte, and Dourbie. There are some fantastic places to see and to photograph, and have a great time!
Post last edited on 23/03/2009 09:34:02
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