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Topic: Stop over

Firemaster

24/8/2012 at 4:27pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Abbey Aventura 320

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I am looking at, and planning, a trip to france next year. I have sen some concerns regarding stopping over in services for the night due to robberies. is this still a issue? has anyone done this before?

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

madasaman

24/8/2012 at 4:53pm
Location: Wales
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Why not just eliminate the possibility by using a campsite near to the motorway. Plenty of them in France.

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Firemaster

24/8/2012 at 5:09pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Abbey Aventura 320

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it was just an idea, i will be arriving late, and leaving early is the plan, so the idea of paying 25-30 pound for 8 hours, hmm

i have been looking at the sites but unlike the Uk sites i am finding it hard to find prices, but i will keep looking, like i say i got until next year.

bofs

24/8/2012 at 5:33pm
Location: Cumbria
Outfit: Coachman VIP 520

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If you use a municipal campsite you will probably pay much less than that and have a very pleasant stopover. If you let us know when and where you're travelling, I'm sure you'll get plenty of helpful suggestions.

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

LlaniDavis

24/8/2012 at 5:39pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4

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What robberies?
It seems to be an urban myth that if you stop at an Aire you are going to get stolen from/drugged/gassed/etc.
No one has yet been able to provide any actual proof that this happens, other than "a friend of a friend".

millermicm

24/8/2012 at 6:11pm
Location: west country
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Many people will tell you that they do stop at motorway aires and have never had a problem. I have certainly spoken to some people who have had robberies though.

I do not believe it is an urban myth. I believe it does happen. Victims have told me. Papers report on it. Authorities warn of it.

You could stop over on motorway aires for several years without a problem. You could though suffer a robbery the first time you try it. Who can say?

Only you can make a judgement as to the risk. We would not consider stopping overnight on aires or services. Having spent hundreds/thousands on a holiday to France it seems an unnecessary economy.

HarryB

24/8/2012 at 6:29pm
Location: South Notts
Outfit: Mondeo Zetec 2.0TDCi Lunar Clubman CK

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If you have concerns then quite simply find a site for the night. You may be fine staying on an aire but then again........
Why give yourself stress for what would amount to a very small sum over and above what your holiday costs.
I have been going to France since 2000, stayed on an aire once and never again.
Yes, things have happened on aires and will happen again, regardless of an earlier comment, they are remote places in the dead of night. Look at page 2 "Fake Police Robbing Drivers" This is the most recent occurrence and just shows you should be aware things do happen.

harryb

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

les + june

24/8/2012 at 9:03pm
Location: rugby
Outfit: Bailey Pegasus+642

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I have only stopped at the Aire de Baiae Somme. It has more security than some Campsites. We used to arrive at about 8pm have a meal then go for a free shower before going to bed. In the morning another free shower then off. We got up one morning and I looked outside and Security was doing there rounds and 15 minutes later the Gendarmerie were doing there rounds as well. I know this is not the same on all Aires, on one Aire the Gendarmerie told us Not to stay longer than necessary.

Les

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The worst day fishing is better than the best day working

jaiash

24/8/2012 at 9:13pm
Location: nr Derby
Outfit: Phoenix 440+

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have a look at Archies POI website, there are some Excel files which list sites which are close to the main motorway routes and/or get a copy of the FFCC guide book.
Archies

FFCC available from Vicarious books??

Never had any trouble staying on aires in thirty odd years.

Opensauce

24/8/2012 at 9:21pm
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Drive off the motorway into a small town & stop on a supermarket carpark, works for me & safe enough. Supermarkets are generally signposted as you drive into a town so easy to find.

Laura123

24/8/2012 at 10:54pm
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Municipals are very good value. We paid 2.35 per person and 1.90 for a pitch 5km from the motor way near le mans. Nice view too.

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

dixon72

25/8/2012 at 9:49am
Location: Tamworth Staffs
Outfit: Bailey Unicorn 111 Valencia 2017

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we parked up at a service station 2 hours south of calais last year with no problems, we stopped at 03am and parked with other caravans and used the showers in the morning and left about 10am

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