Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravanning and Camping Abroad 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: First Camping Trip Abroad Post Reply Post New Topic
Personukmarc
15/2/2015 at 11:24pm
 Location: Birmingham
 Outfit: Yukon River 4 & Quechua 2 Secs XXL View ukmarc's Profile View Profile   Reply to ukmarc Reply   Quote ukmarc Quote  
Joined: 20/3/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   124
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi Everyone,


Having camped in UK since 2011 I feel it's time to venture a little further afield so am planning to take the family to the South of France in the summer. Having not embarked on anything like this before or even ever driven abroad, I think seeking some valuable advice would be a good idea.

I'm thinking of travelling from Birmingham to Ceyreste on the south coast of France, stopping over in a travel lodge or similar halfway. This is the main area of my concern because I really have no idea how long this drive is going to take or how knackered I'm going to be doing it. It says about 950 miles on Google Maps and 13.5 to 15 hours but I'm wondering what the reality will be.

I thought of stopping in Troyes, thus splitting the journey in two. Has anyone else done a similar journey; is it feasible to drive from Midlands to Dover, through Eurotunnel and onto Troyes in one day and then stop overnight and go onto the south coast the following day arriving in time to pitch a family tent?

Any advice much appreciated - if I can confirm how to do the journey, I can book the campsite and chunnel dates. I expect then, I'll have a few more questions on some of the finer details like driving on French roads!

Many thanks,
Marc


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


Personlockie
16/2/2015 at 12:48am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View lockie's Profile View Profile   Reply to lockie Reply   Quote lockie Quote  
Joined: 09/4/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   610
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Last year we did our first french trip so had the same dilemmas you are facing. We went on a really early ferry from Dover 3am I think and drove down to the vendees. Ok we are about an hour from Dover so didn't have the long journey in the uk and also I do shift work so I adjust easier to getting up in the middle of the night as its the norm for me.

It took us about 8 hours going toll roads to the vendees. The driving is nothing like the uk and a lot easier but do not underestimate how far you are travelling, looking at maps can deceive. I wasn't massively tired from the journey because I do 8 hour shifts driving for a living but i did feel it. Maintaining concentration levels for long periods of time will hit you if you aren't used to it.
Then you have to pitch the tent etc.

Our biggest concern was how far and long a journey the kids would cope with, I think we were at their limit at 8 hours.

Will you share the driving ? I was able to let my wife do a stint while I napped, makes a big difference to your concentration levels as do regular breaks.

We are totally converted to camping in France now and can't wait for this years trip, just loved it.

Plan well and you too will have a good time.


Personmwooly10
16/2/2015 at 1:22am
 Location: Manchester
 Outfit: Nothing at the moment View mwooly10's Profile View Profile   Reply to mwooly10 Reply   Quote mwooly10 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2014

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   131
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I drove a similar distance from Manchester to Dresden in one go, like Lockie i drive for a living so i can cope with driving all night, although i was beat at the end of it. I wasnt towing although i was in my van, and it took me around 16/17 hrs including a couple of stops to make a brew in the back. as dont forget Google maps wont take into account you waiting around at the Euro Tunnel.

I drove at night, i find it much easier, probably better for the kids in your case as they can just sleep and you might get more drive time out of it.

As for driving abroad, the golden rule is.. If your (the driver) sat in the middle of the road, then your on the wrong side

-------------
Milky coffee with 2 sugars please..


Personexessexmum
16/2/2015 at 8:51am
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Nowt. View exessexmum's Profile View Profile   Reply to exessexmum Reply   Quote exessexmum Quote  
Joined: 14/12/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2974
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I'd say that for Brum to the Med you need two stops to avoid killing yourself or other road users, especially if you've not done it before. We find about 400 miles to be a doable distance on a day without ending up exhausted at the end, especially if you have a tent set up to erect when you get there! I'd suggest stopping at around Troyes and Dijon or just beyond. Traffic around Dijon can be very slow, so you need to allow extra time anyway for that leg. If you leave yourself 200 odd miles for the last day, you can arrive just after lunch all ready for a slow set up.

-------------
Amanda


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


Personbilly
16/2/2015 at 9:05am
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
Joined: 19/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4364
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 7  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 121
Site Nights 2023: 45
Site Nights 2022: 91
Site Nights 2021: 112
Site Nights 2020: 84
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
As all truck drivers will know, an hour before breakfast is worth 2 afterwards. If you only have a fortnights break then you would probably like to do the journey in 2 days. Go for it about 4am on day 1 for a Eurotunnel booking of around 8.30am then get as far as you can.

If you have a popup tent then an overnight stop on a camping municipal on the way down would be cheaper than a hotel & has the advantage of flexibility as there is no need to book campsite & you can take a list of possible stops. Even if you do want to hotel it, if you stop early then you should be able to get in without booking allowing you to get as far as poss. if you are not tired. Then early to bed, early to rise should get you to your destination early afternoonn on day 2.

Post last edited on 16/02/2015 09:12:53


Advertisement



Personmorepints
16/2/2015 at 9:13am
 Location: Dartford Kent
 Outfit: VW T6 conversion View morepints's Profile View Profile   Reply to morepints Reply   Quote morepints Quote  
Joined: 06/5/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   978
Site Reviews Total: 48
Site Reviews 2024: 7  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 21
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 2
It's do-able, so long as the kids are set up with entertainment systems. France is much easier to drive than the UK, for the most part, and well set up with rest areas. Most service stations have brilliant coin-op bean-to-cup espresso machines! Makes a stop and a stretch very two ours a pleasure.

On one of our early trips another driver posted out how good it was for the kids to see the landscape change on the way south: award points for the first pantile roof, the first vineyard, the first pencil pine and so on.

As for route, may I suggest a hotel stop along the N4/N67 - takes you off the autoroute for a while, on the old road south, and you get to see another bit of France. Also, take the A39 as an alternative way round Lyons.


Personukmarc
16/2/2015 at 8:59pm
 Location: Birmingham
 Outfit: Yukon River 4 & Quechua 2 Secs XXL View ukmarc's Profile View Profile   Reply to ukmarc Reply   Quote ukmarc Quote  
Joined: 20/3/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   124
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hello everyone,

Thanks so much for such brilliant responses, all really relevant and all give me a real feel for what it will be like.

Lockie, Mwooly & Billy, I would like to do the 2 day trip to get the most out of my 2 weeks in the sun.

That said, considering the littlun in the back and reading the info in the stickies, I'm feeling the two-stop option and getting set up on-site early would prob be for the best (thanks Amanda). Lockie OH wouldn't drive in France, hard enough getting her behind the wheel in UK!

Is booking stop-off hotels in advance the best option? Or as Billy suggests, take small tent and find camp-site and/or motels en-route and see where the adventure takes us?

Much love,
Marc


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


PersonVal A
16/2/2015 at 9:12pm
 Location: West - North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate View Val A's Profile View Profile   Reply to Val A Reply   Quote Val A Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   18741
Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I would do cheap hotels - for not much more than a campsite you can arrive and fall into bed, get up and have breakfast with someone else washing up, and set off much earlier. It would take much longer if you had to get up, cook breakfast, wash up, go to the ablutions, dress, pack the tent and bedding, and all your overnight stuff back in the car, and set off again. There are plenty of places you can overnight - some for as little as 28 euros per night - mind you breakfast is generally on top.


Personukmarc
17/2/2015 at 1:23pm
 Location: Birmingham
 Outfit: Yukon River 4 & Quechua 2 Secs XXL View ukmarc's Profile View Profile   Reply to ukmarc Reply   Quote ukmarc Quote  
Joined: 20/3/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   124
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks Val - we're going at peak time last two weeks of July - do you think there will be plenty of room to just drop onto hotels on spec at that time of year (ie not pre-book before we set off)? That way, I can drive until I get too tired and stop then.


Personexessexmum
17/2/2015 at 1:37pm
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Nowt. View exessexmum's Profile View Profile   Reply to exessexmum Reply   Quote exessexmum Quote  
Joined: 14/12/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2974
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Definitely hotels, not tent. I'd definitely prebook, it reduces the temptation to just keep going until you drop, and that time of year some of them will definitely be approaching full. Last thing you need is to get to as far as you can safely drive, then spend ages frantically looking for a hotel.

We tried the tent over nighters once but getting the sleeping bags and tent and pegs and stove etc out of a carefully packed car for one night wasn't worth it, even with little extra tent. We pack an overnight bag and have it at the top of the boot and just take that into the hotel. The hotels aren't great at the budget end, but clean and the breakfasts are good.

-------------
Amanda


Advertisement



PersonKelper
17/2/2015 at 4:28pm
 Location: Northern Ireland
 Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480 View Kelper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kelper Reply   Quote Kelper Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7948
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 93
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 9  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 8  
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 50
Site Nights 2022: 49
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 52
Site Nights 2018: 53
With two weeks hols, I'd really consider not going all the way down to the south of France. Dordogne, Ardeche, Lot, Rhone-Alps, Tarn ... all great areas with good weather (usually) ... and, more importantly, a few hours less driving.
Whilst that may not impact too much on the way there ... coming back, you'll get home and feel like a couple of days to recover.


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



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

10503 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder