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Hi everyone

Planning a trip to France next year with the misses and our two children (ages 4 & 12).. we fancy the Alps but fear it might be a bit too far, for a two week break, as we live in NE England.

Would anyone suggest Northern France as a better way to experience our first motor caravan trip to France or are The Alps 'do-able'?

I can't offer any advice about travelling in a motor caravan, but we're going to the Alps this year with our trailer tent and 2 children and are planning to do it in 3 stages  each way. I'm sure we could do it in 2 longer stints but we prefer shorter journeys and to make the overnighting part of the holiday, especially as you're rarely far from somewhere nice to camp in France.  If you don't want such a long journey, and prefer to have more time at your final destination, the Region des Lacs in the Jura is a good 150 miles closer than the Alps (from Calais) although you'd probably still need 2 days to get there (Troyes & Bar sur Aube are good midway points). The mountains aren't as spectacular but it's still very scenic and the lakes are great for swimming- our kids loved it! The Vosges/Alsace area is also very nice and not so far as the Alps.

On previous trips southwards we've also lingered a few days in Northern France and found it has lots to offer - although you take your chances with the weather more. The coastline  and countryside a few miles away from Calais is actually really pretty (the Aqualud in le Touquet is worth a visit with children) , if you are interested in history, visits to the former WW1 sites can be a very moving experience and then around Reims/Epernay, the Champagne houses can be fun. Wherever you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have a great time - that's the beauty of France.

As you are from the NE I would suggest you have an overnight stop near Dover (assuming that it your planned route). An early ferry would then let you get some mileage (should say kilometres as its France) very easily. Lac d'Orient near Troyes is straight down the autoroute and for us about 4 hours in the car (allow a bit longer for the campervan). Indoor and outdoor pools should keep the children happy and it is a lovely spot (see attached photos).

Alps are well doable after that but as ced1 has said the Jura and Lac de Chalain in particular is very nice. 2 campsites at each end of the lake (le pergola and Lac de Chalain are the names I believe and both are very nice. If you can make the alps then Annecy is superb with a number of lovely sites around the lake.

Don't overdo it for your first trip. Find somewhere you like and enjoy.

Best of luck!

Quote: Originally posted by jandjstott on 31/5/2011

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I know I have posted them a few times Berriow but as the OP is new (5 posts) he probably hadn't seen them. Also I'm no good at putting links in so I find it easier to post the photos again (that I can do easily). I'll see if I can find some other photos next time.

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Quote: Originally posted by www.VWCamper.net on 30/5/2011

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Hi everyone

Planning a trip to France next year with the misses and our two children (ages 4 & 12).. we fancy the Alps but fear it might be a bit too far, for a two week break, as we live in NE England.

Would anyone suggest Northern France as a better way to experience our first motor caravan trip to France or are The Alps 'do-able'?

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