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Topic: Caen to Dordogne

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silvercamp pod

25/4/2014 at 6:36pm
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Eureka N!ergy Grand BTC

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We are doing the Portsmouth- Caen route from Derbyshire. Overnight ferry like yourselves and then we have a hotel booked in Poitiers for an overnight stop (we tent, so are reluctant to put up for just a night) before heading to the Dordogne. We did think we could do it in 1 go but the thought of then putting the tent up after a 7 hour drive in hopefully some heat wasn't appealing. This way we have a drive of about 3-4 hours for the 3 days, with a slightly larger amount on that 1st day in France. (We also have kids).

We will try to stop over half way on each day somewhere for a look around and a picnic, so we may see 3-4 attractions on the way there (and back!)

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

jandjstott

26/4/2014 at 9:36am
Location: Ross on Wye
Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 320

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We did this route last year and are doing it again this year although we are taking the early morning boat rather than the overnight.

We arrived in Caen at 3.30pm and took the toll motorway from south of Caen to reach Saumur on the Loire by 6.30pm for an overnight stop in a Campanile hotel (although we didn't have a caravan) Evening meal (with the obligatory bottle of wine) and a good sleep. Leisurely breakfast and then took the road to Poitier and then the toll free dual carriageway all the way to Angouleme. From there to Perigeaux and to our destination at Le Paradis at St Leon sur Vezere took under 5 hours and is a very pleasant journey. We will be doing the same again this year as it is stress free and you arrive fresh.

As the OP has a caravan Poitier to Limoges and the toll free dual carriageway to Brive is a good alternative.

I believe taking an overnight stop on the way down and back is the best way as you arrive rested rather then trying to flog down in one go. You are on your holidays. We have always treated the journey as part of the holiday so try to make the route the most interesting even if it is slightly longer.

Whatever route you choose OP hope you have a great holiday.

John

Kelper

26/4/2014 at 2:01pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480

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I would play it by ear ... or body fatigue.
Just drive and see how you feel.
If you want to stop, there's always a municipal within ten miles of pretty well anywhere on that route.
Maybe you'll get all the way, maybe not ... but this way you'll have no pressure about having to get to a particular place, and you may avoid the disappointment of stopping at a target site and feeling that you could have gone on.
I've done Calais - Dordogne in one go, one driver, and been glad of the extra day ..
But ... each to his/her own!

JTQU

26/4/2014 at 3:14pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Hymer Nova S

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We regularly do it to Solliac, over nighting at Loches where there is an excellent in city site and nearby Leclerc hypermarket for refuelling.
It is 190 miles each leg give or take a few miles.
With your early start you can make the most of a walk around this lovely city and dine at one of many good eateries. Only danger is you might linger as the area has its own charms.
Route has good proportion of auto route, the A20 for the most part free.

Edit: a point I suggest you hoist into your thinking is that arriving late on your holiday destination site can be very bad news; you really want the pick of the pitches not the least worst of the rejects!

Post last edited on 26/04/2014 15:57:29

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

jandjstott

27/4/2014 at 12:34pm
Location: Ross on Wye
Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 320

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Hi OP,

If you take the above recommended route (by JTQU) via Loches, I agree the La Citadelle campsite is ideally placed. Attached photo was taken from the site itself and shows how close to the medieaval part of the town you are.

samjlunn

27/4/2014 at 5:59pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: Ace Jubilee

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Thank you again.

That campsite looks ideal, maybe one to consider on our way home.

Do you know if we can just turn up or would we need to book in advance. We will be there at the end of July in the school holidays.

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