We recently travelled through France to Spain for a Winter Sun Rally with the Camping and Caravanning Club. We used French Aires for overnighting, which on the whole worked out extremely well. However I'd just like to put other motorhomers on their guard. We'd parked up at La Fleche on the banks of the Loire, when we were approached by a man of uncertain nationality who demanded money for staying on the Aire. After some discussion where I said the Aire was free and asked him who he worked for, he made out he didn't understand. A French motorhome then pulled in behind us and I said I would speak to the driver. On approaching the Frenchman the man demanding money suddenly made off up the road at quite a pace. Obviously trying to make a quick buck or should I say Euro. Just be aware and don't pay up without some identification of authority.
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Thanks for the heads-up. We mostly stay on campsites, only using the occasional aire, but it's good to be warned. I suppose it's a sign of the times, low life will try anything!
Hi Ruthy
The French have some of the best and cheapest campsites in Europe. Overnight stays at the aires in France, Spain, Italy etc. may be legal but the campsites are much safer and much more comfortable. In little villages and small towns near the motorway the campsites are usually so well equipped and in such lovely places and the prices are frequently unbelievably cheap. Much better value than in the UK.
I have stayed on that aire in La Flèche in the summer the local Gendarmes passed by regularly.- Another motorhomer then directed me to another spot next to a swimming lake in a waterpark complex opposite L'Eclerc about 1/2 a mile away - a much nicer spot that I will head for when next in the area.
As for aires versus campsites - we often just want to park up eat & sleep for the night - might not ark until 10pm or later and then be off early for which aires are fantastic - 2 adults plus 2 teens on a coastal campsite in July is £50 per night plus. An aire in Royan 5 minutes walk from the grand plage is 11 Euros with electric and as it is a private aire you are permitted to cook outside and set your awning etc . Happy to shower in the van and save £40 per night to spend on other things. The roadside Aire at St George de Didonne - right on the sea front was about 6 Euros per night from memory and a fantastic spot.
------------- It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.
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Quote: Originally posted by peterinmalaga on 05/3/2017
Hi Ruthy
The French have some of the best and cheapest campsites in Europe. Overnight stays at the aires in France, Spain, Italy etc. may be legal but the campsites are much safer and much more comfortable. In little villages and small towns near the motorway the campsites are usually so well equipped and in such lovely places and the prices are frequently unbelievably cheap. Much better value than in the UK.
If the poster is travelling this time of year, unfortunately a lot of campsites are closed.
We travelled with another couple only using Aires in towns and not motorway aires. We found them very convenient. Some we paid for and had electricity and some were free with just the basics. I would like to mention the aire at St Christoly de Blaye north of Bordeaux, where workmen were putting in new pitches with electricity and all the usual services. When asked we were told we could park anywhere close by as the new pitches were not ready. we were made to feel very welcome and safe. Definitely recommend this aire.
Quote: Originally posted by motorhomeguy on 05/3/2017
I have stayed on that aire in La Flèche in the summer the local Gendarmes passed by regularly.- Another motorhomer then directed me to another spot next to a swimming lake in a waterpark complex opposite L'Eclerc about 1/2 a mile away - a much nicer spot that I will head for when next in the area.
As for aires versus campsites - we often just want to park up eat & sleep for the night - might not ark until 10pm or later and then be off early for which aires are fantastic - 2 adults plus 2 teens on a coastal campsite in July is £50 per night plus. An aire in Royan 5 minutes walk from the grand plage is 11 Euros with electric and as it is a private aire you are permitted to cook outside and set your awning etc . Happy to shower in the van and save £40 per night to spend on other things. The roadside Aire at St George de Didonne - right on the sea front was about 6 Euros per night from memory and a fantastic spot.
The campsite in La Fleche is closed until March 1 I think. One of our favourites. I would personally stay on the aire in town, at this time of year, if I had to. The lake will be very little used, and a bit isolated. We have seen travellers using that area to stop, so maybe not the most secure location.
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