We have always camped out of August in France and just turned up and found a site (quite happy to stay at municipal sites). In 2005 we have to go in August and now have a caravan, not a tent. We will avoid places such as Brittany, South of France, etc - but do we really need to book before we go? Does anyone have experience of touring in August - is it really packed? Any advice appreciated.
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Been to France in August on each of the last 3 times we've been for our main holiday. No problems at all. Massive country, plentiful campsites & great roads makes for a truly stress-free holiday! Fantastic.
My past experience of being on holiday in France in August is that unless you want to be on or near the coast you should not really encounter any problems.
David
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Last week in August, from about the 23rd, you can actually get low season discounts from some campsites as all the French go home and the children are back at school. Sites begin to empty off at this time, so much so that some close by early September. Don't know if this fits in with your schedule though.
Also, if you intend to tour, try and stop quite early-ish in the afternoon and you should get a pitch before the late afternoon/evening rush.
First two weeks of august will be more busy due to French holidays. on the other hand other nationalities start going back. There are that many campsites that booking still is not necessary in my opinion. Last year I have been around with caravan (first time too after a tent) and experienced no problems. One campsite was full but the next one was within 10 minutes, loads of of space and perfect for us (farm-site).
Arrival time on the site does influence your chances though (like the one I mentioned, that one tended to be full at 18.00 hrs, the alternative site was much better for us, though).
------------- WL
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
France is good value towards the end of August and with the great wine to be had , slightly mellow If you avoid the main tourist areas there will be no problems, but if you can try and park outside your chosen site and have a look round before deciding. One area we like is the Dordogne around Soulliac/Cagnac region, plenty of sites great weather great food and good value for money, had some bloody awful hangovers in this region something to do with the grape me thinks tehe.
Not necessarily grapes. Anisseeds may also be a good cause, as well as the seeds of grapes.
And somehow, i feel that some special way of boiling grapes enhances the effect...