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Having just come back from my hol in sunny Skegness !! and last year spend 2 weeks in Devon i have had enough of this crummy weather and want somewhere hot !

Now my question is. being a total novice and never been abroad we have decided that we would like to try camping in France, We have a old tourer which we would like to take. But how do you begin to start looking at somewhere to stay, ie i know nothing about regions etc and get so bored trawling through all the different sites they all start to look the same after a while.

Please can anybody give me some practical advice on how to get started, all we know is we want somewhere near the beach, plenty of amenities etc and not too noisey.

HELP PLEASE . !!!!!!!

We are going camping abroad for the first time this year, we are towing an FC and didn't want to stray too far from home on the first trip abroad. Therefore we decided on France, that was a no brainer, then the question 'what part of France?', well we wanted a chance of good weather, beech for the kids, some local history/interest for myself and the missus. So we decided Brittany could be a good place to start. After scouring a few sites, I popped on here and asked loads of questions. We were recommended several locations and finally settled on a site in Vendee, a bit further than Brittany, but appeals to the family. As for the crossing, we were also informed (via these pages) that to book early (Dec/Jan) gets you a crossing (with Caravan) in August for just £150, as long as you don't mind early crossings.

I don't know if that helps, but I think it really depends on the 'type' of holiday you want as to which location you decide on.

Janey

Be very, very careful! Once you go to France you could well become addicted to it. Seriously there are a number of considerations which perhaps fall into two categories. Firstly you need to make sure that the caravan has been serviced before you go as although it is impossible to get problems sorted in France there is always a few delays getting spares. Pay particular regard to your caravan tyres. If they are older than 5 years consider changing them. The reason I say this is that in France you can leagally tow up to the speed limit for solo vehicles, 130kms on the Autoroute. This puts a lot of strain on tyres.

As you say you are a novice and from what you have said never driven abroad before it might be worth considering not being too ambitous in terms of distance on your first trip. This would tend to limit you to Normandy, Brittany and Vendee coast. Another option might be to book on one of the organised holidays that both clubs offer for first timers. Sorry that you say you get bored trawling through all the websites but I would suggest you carry on as they are a wonderful resource and most likely everything you want to know is there. I am sure everyone on the group who has been to France would be happy to make suggestion to you but it might be better to narrow down where you want to go. France is a massive and beautiful country. I like the Alps and I like the South of France in particular but also like all the bits in between, so not much help to you!!!

David 

Are you a member of Caravan Club or Camping & Caravanning Club? They both have excellent schemes whereby they will book as much or as little of your trip as you like. If not there are firms such as Eurocamp Independent who do the same (although we found they were more expensive than Carefree, the C & C C one.)

Either way, a look at their brochures would be a starting point to help you choose the region & possibly even site that you like.

Here's another that you may find useful: http://www.select-site.co.uk/home.cfm

Also try the Alan Rogers Guide to France....invaluable in its unbiased descriptions of the campsites etc.

We're off in a fortnight to Normandy, Gascony, and the Loire Valley.....we can't wait!

Thanks ever so for the info only thing i am a bit worried about is age of caravan we taking tis a early 80's model and would hate anything to go wrong.

Anyway will take a peek at the regions i have been recommended sure i will find somthing i like.

Cheers again all.

Folding camper, maybe

Hi, Janey,

Last year was our first year in France and we were swamped with campsites, websites and brochures.  We found the Alan Rogers books very comprehensive and through them got Camping Cheques which are ideal in the low season.  We eventually chose La Yole in the Vendee, near St Jean de Monts.  Booking early we got the caravan free and used Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen. Although more expensive than the Dover-Calais route, we were nearer our destination and probably saved the difference in petrol and no tolls.  Another tip - toll roads are free midweek.

The campsite was immaculate with lots going on that you can dip into or stay out of if you want. The weather was fabulous, as was the beach.

We have just spent a miserable holiday in this country weather-wise, and costing it out, even with the ferry crossing, our French holiday was better value for money.  Our friends were in the Vendee at the same time and had wonderful weather.

Kind regards

Val

it was our first time this year & like yourselves apprehensive about going too far.BUT ,with virtually guaranteed hot sunshine down South we took the bull by the horns & blasted 700 miles south,didnt regret it at all. cheaper than holidaying here as well ,kids happy in the pool or on the beach or sightseeing everyday.

Not sure about the last posts claim of free toll roads midweek,people we saw were paying at all times.we didnt use the toll roads , N roads & free bits of autoroute only.

i trawled through the internet booked ferry and site ,found new breakdown cover and travel insurance loved every minute of looking for bargain deals and tailor made our holiday to suit us after everything was booked much to the relief of hubby i trawled thrugh ukcs for ideas on equipment we go to spain on monday for 2 weeks but still look everyday on ukcs to see if any more bargains or ideas have cropped up

Best way to start is with the Keycamp brochure - lots of photos a journey from port distance chart etc,

Then, log on to the internet and book directly.

If the weather is your main attraction then south Brittany or better still the Vendee are you best bets with the shortest drives from a western sea crossing.

Go on, try it you'll be hooked.

Guy.