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Hello Soldierblue. You can pitch up at the port at Calais (for nowt). We have done it many times, both "going and coming". The port is well lit and patrolled. If you wish to do this, you must exit the port (drive on right) to the roundabout. Then follow signs for "ferry parking without tickets", as if you are returning to the ferry. You will see loads of other 'vans/motorhomes parked up. There are showers (free),toilets and water in the ARRIVALS terminal if required.There is also a cafe. We carry our water with us as it can be a long walk to the tap (dont take aquaroll as tap is on third floor!). Unfortunately the HGV's disembark nearby so you will not get a "peacefull" night, but beggars can't be choosers.

You could also park at the Hovercraft terminal, which is a bit further on from roundabout. We have also done this but prefer the Ferry port.

We have also stayed on the first  Service Aire on the A26 (called Aire-de Rely), that was OK. However, as it will be dark when you land and it is your first time, I would stop at the port.

As Laurie has said your best bet is the parking area a Calais which is quite large. It could be busy at that time of year and this causes unit to park quite close together. Best that you were not in a hurry to get away very early to allow the parking to thin down, from say around 7.00am onwards as it cab be a little difficult to work your way through all the units.

David

Thanks for the quick replies and advice. I have satnav and the Mrs might not be too keen to stop there with the noise. I dont mind driving for a bit for somewhere quieter so any more suggestions in that area would be helpful. I might still opt for the port but am keen to keep my options open.

Tony

Tony

The trouble is that the time of your crossing and the time you reach France there will be no campsites open. Personally I would not recommend that you stay on a motorway aire for two reasons. Firstly there have been too many stories of people being robbed and their holidays spoilt. Secondly most of these Aires are very close to the Autoroute so they would be just as noisy as Calais Docks. I appreciate that these overnight ferries are cheap but for another £30 you could travel at civilised times. In 1993 we went on an overnight ferry from Dover - Calais and vowed never to do it again. We found it disrupted the first couple of days of the holiday.

David

Hi Soldier_blue65

Just posted replies on the other 2 aires threads. Baie de la Somme might suit you if it's on your route.