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Subject Topic: First caravan trip abroad Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonPwillis
26/4/2016 at 11:45am
 Location: North Wales
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Hi,

We’re planning a caravan trip to Europe this summer, it will be our first caravan holiday abroad and we have a lot of questions - sorry. I’ve only been a member on this forum for a couple of weeks and I’ve learnt a lot already so thought you’d be the best people to ask.

Firstly we’re not sure where to go as we don’t want to travel too far because we’re travelling with 2 kids and a dog. We want the sun, a beach and a park with entertainment for the kids. Plus I’d like to be near a village or somewhere with a bit of history. The South of France seems like a popular choice but we're worried there's no where to stop along the way – does anyone have experience travelling here?

I’ve done some research on travelling in Europe and come across this article.
http://www.staveleyhead.co.uk/blog/travel/motorhome-break-in-europe-read-this-first it was helpful and left me with even more questions! Like how much change will I need for toll roads and where can I find this information?

Any advice you can give would be much appreciated

-------------
P Willis


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


PersonJoannaLesley
26/4/2016 at 11:51am
 Location: South Northamptonshi
 Outfit: Delta-Freelander View JoannaLesley's Profile View Profile   Reply to JoannaLesley Reply   Quote JoannaLesley Quote  
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Relax and don't worry. Everyone has a first time. You don't need to go to the south for sun and sea - have a look at the Vendee, where there are many, many campsites. Neither do you have to use the toll roads, although it is often quicker to do so. When our children were small we used to go to the Vendee and avoided all toll roads as we were on a very tight budget. Nowadays many toll booths are automated and we have found he easiest thing is to use a credit or debit card to avoid having change rattling about in the car.

If you look at a site called Via Michelin, you will find information on journey times and distances, tolls etc. etc.

One point though - if you are aiming for a coastal site in the school holidays it might be advisable to book ahead. This can usually be done via the site's web pages, or, if you are a member of one of the clubs, such as the Caravan Club, they can do this for you.

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Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.


Personwarbis66
26/4/2016 at 12:24pm
 Location: Bristol
 Outfit: Sungari 600 Icarus 600 with canopies! View warbis66's Profile View Profile   Reply to warbis66 Reply   Quote warbis66 Quote  
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Yes, dont worry France is a dream to drive in and although we dont have a caravan its still a doddle. Toll roads get you places quickly but it can add up cost wise, but personally i think it is worth for the ease of getting somewhere, especially if you have a tight schedule.
The south of France is ideal but if you havent been to france before i would opt for the southern vendee of as far as Royan. You can either do a western crossing or a longer road trip from Calais/Dunkirk.
Look at camping france camping streetview and via Michelen for toll costs and distances. Once you have decided on an area we can all help you out with sites. However if going in school holidays and looking for water park, entertainment etc you will need to book.

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France Lover


PersonSGThomas
26/4/2016 at 1:49pm
 Location: 
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Don't worry abouy driving in France it is easier and better than UK. Also the camping experience is cheaper, easier and better than UK.

For planning purposes you will need
Guide Officiel which will list practically every site in France
Via Michelin which will give you the routes and cost incurrred on tolls if applicable.

Once you have a rough idea of where you want (sometimes contradictory!!)


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


PersonBerriow
26/4/2016 at 1:57pm
 Location: 
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Hi P Willis, I 'll answer your last question first. You don't need change for toll booths - you can just put a debit or credit card in the slot to pay.

And if you choose a dearer ferry and land at St Malo or Roscoff or Cherbourg you are straightaway on to motorways without any tolls at all.





Post last edited on 26/04/2016 15:24:19


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PersonPwillis
26/4/2016 at 3:17pm
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: None Entered View Pwillis's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pwillis Reply   Quote Pwillis Quote  
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Thanks that's all really helpful information. I'll take a look at some the Vendee and Guide Officiel then I'll probably have even more questions! Nice to know that France is easy to drive in though puts me at ease a little.

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P Willis


PersonTom#n#Gill
26/4/2016 at 6:02pm
 Location: Bolton
 Outfit: Smart but casual. View Tom#n#Gill's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tom#n#Gill Reply   Quote Tom#n#Gill Quote  
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Just a thought, maybe for your first time you could leave the caravan at home and rent a static/ tent.
Below is a link to an favourite site of many gets good reviews and am sure you and your kids would love it.
There are loads of sites like this in France and if your really up for it the Costa Brava....


www.campinglecapeyrou.com

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TomnGill


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Personoxter
26/4/2016 at 9:19pm
 Location: NE Scotland
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV View oxter's Profile View Profile   Reply to oxter Reply   Quote oxter Quote  
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Have you read This 10 page sticky

It is full of good advice and tips.

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playing at tinkies


PersonPwillis
27/4/2016 at 1:34pm
 Location: North Wales
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Really useful thanks.

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P Willis


PersonPwillis
27/4/2016 at 1:36pm
 Location: North Wales
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Le capeyrou looks amazing, what a nice place.

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P Willis


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Personpaul+julie
27/4/2016 at 5:00pm
 Location: Otley W. Yorks N Yorks border
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 584 and Volvo XC60 View paul+julie's Profile View Profile   Reply to paul+julie Reply   Quote paul+julie Quote  
Joined: 06/5/2010

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The Dordogne is beautiful but busy in high season and the more popular sites will already be booked up. You will need an overnight stop each way somewhere around Tours or Salbris going down and nearer your port going back. You may like camping Soleil plage its got loads going on for kids, a river beach and canoeing from the site. Loads of places to visit in the area too.
Another area you may like to look at is Hourtin Plage, good all singing all dancing sites with fantastic beaches and both places should be very hot at that time of year. J x


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


Personoxter
27/4/2016 at 8:49pm
 Location: NE Scotland
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV View oxter's Profile View Profile   Reply to oxter Reply   Quote oxter Quote  
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A mine of information on here

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playing at tinkies



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