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 Contact Us

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: Camping South of France
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
04/4/2024 at 9:01am
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View willsnwills's Profile View Profile   Reply to willsnwills Reply   Quote willsnwills Quote  
Joined: 18/6/2020

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

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

We (my wife and I...plus one cocker spaniel) are planning/considering an adventure to the South of France (never done this before...) so please allow for my 'zero' knowledge on this 'subject'....
Would love to hear 'suggestions/advice' please?
Haven't got a scooby about best routes/sites etc.....
Would prefer to stay at a pre-erected tent etc...dont want to be taking all my own gear.

Travelling from B'ham Uk (July/August- 2 weeks flexible)
Route advice appreciated.

Only preference is to be near to water, as my dog loves a swim and I imagine it will be fairly hot?

Thanks in advance for anything that helps build the trip.


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


via mobile 04/4/2024 at 9:24am
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs
View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5073
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 232
Site Reviews 2024: 16 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 34
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30

Is the dog’s paperwork sorted? (We have a cocker…) If not, I think the advice would be to start on it sooner rather than later.

-------------
2024 = 18 sites / 38 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


via mobile 04/4/2024 at 9:51am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai
View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12650

Site Reviews Total: 380
Site Reviews 2024: 17 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 83
Site Nights 2023: 119
Site Nights 2022: 154
Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134

A fortnight won't be enough. No idea about routes, but would suggest the Millau area rather than the Med. Rivers, gorges and south enough for good weather.


via mobile 04/4/2024 at 10:08am
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
 Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3
View DaveS1's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveS1 Reply   Quote DaveS1 Quote  
Joined: 16/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1507

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

Suggest you take advice from Mrs Bonce. It could well take you 2 or 3 days to get there so that just leaves a week to sit around on a jam packed beach with horrendous traffic if you want to drive anywhere.
If you are dead set on South then I suggest you go out of season.
France is lovely and far better geared up for camping but everyone who is everyone goes on holiday in August!
DaveS1


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


via mobile 04/4/2024 at 10:45am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai
View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12650

Site Reviews Total: 380
Site Reviews 2024: 17 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 83
Site Nights 2023: 119
Site Nights 2022: 154
Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134

Plus in July/August it will be too hot for your dog on the Med. It will be heaving as Dave says, plus I am not sure about dog rules on beaches, if they are anything like here it's a no go.


Advertisement



04/4/2024 at 11:08am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9805

Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Ardeche, loads of sites with river beaches that allow dogs, possibly only on certain sections.

We go for three weeks, but we are towing a caravan from Scotland.
You certainly have a head start on us, and are not towing.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


via mobile 04/4/2024 at 11:33am
 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:   4360

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

South west France coast will be better at that time of year. Along the coast west of Bordeaux. Lovely beaches. Usually dogs banned from beaches 11am till 7pm in peak season. Although ok on more remote beaches away from towns.

Coastal sites will be busy at that time of year so you need to book now. We go to CHM Montalivet & they have pre erected tents but other sites are available plenty of them have pre erected tents or safari lodges as the more luxury versions are called.

What crossing route are you using ? There might be delays at Dover when you are going due to heavy traffic so a good & probably cheapest route is DFDS Newhaven to Dieppe. 4hr crossing.

Decide your crossing route & your destination then you can get directions. If you are going well south so you will need an overnight stop. Plenty of hotel chains in France. Premier Classe Ibis budget B&B etc. Search online for them.

-------------
Every day should be a holiday!


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


04/4/2024 at 11:49am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6706
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98

For Routes click here

Essentially there are three main arteries down to the South.
(1) A20 Limoges/Toulouse/Carcassonne
(2) A75 over the Massif Central. Clermand Ferrand/Millau/Beziers
(3) A6/A7 down the Rhone Soane Valley

Not actually too far South but Lac d'Orient would fit your criteria



04/4/2024 at 1:49pm
 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:   974

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

I’d second the suggestion of Millau; there are several sites along the river, including a Huttopia, who do chalets, shepherd huts and the like. Also a nice little town, with a Southern vibe. Use SGThomas’ route 2.
Tbh, most of the great rivers of the south have campsites with beaches and tend to be dog friendly. If it has to be the Med, down on the plain is good wine territory;( temperature is likely to be in the mid 30s,) then I’d suggest Mèze on the shore of a lagoon. Not a beach as such, so local dog walkers use the foreshore. Mind where you step! They used to have a dog shower, but not been for a while.


05/4/2024 at 8:26am
 Location: South Northamptonshi
 Outfit: Delta-Freelander
View JoannaLesley's Profile View Profile   Reply to JoannaLesley Reply   Quote JoannaLesley Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2015

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1198

Site Reviews Total: 51
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 29
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 31

If you want pre-erected accommodation, I suggest that you look at Eurocamp or one of the other, similar tour operators. They have available campsites all over France. Alternatively, campsite groups such as Huttopia provide ready accommodation.

-------------
Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.


Advertisement



via mobile 05/4/2024 at 9:06am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai
View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12650

Site Reviews Total: 380
Site Reviews 2024: 17 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 83
Site Nights 2023: 119
Site Nights 2022: 154
Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134

Any of the above any use to you OP?


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


09/4/2024 at 11:28am
 Location: Neuvic_Entier France
 Outfit: Rapido 7087
View mgbgtv8's Profile View Profile   Reply to mgbgtv8 Reply   Quote mgbgtv8 Quote  
Joined: 15/1/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   494

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

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 04/4/2024
Plus in July/August it will be too hot for your dog on the Med. It will be heaving as Dave says, plus I am not sure about dog rules on beaches, if they are anything like here it's a no go.



Dogs are a no go on 90% of the beaches in the summer, plus it is to hot for me then, the dog will suffer.


11/4/2024 at 11:58am
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Sterling & Superb
View gailbonney's Profile View Profile   Reply to gailbonney Reply   Quote gailbonney Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1359
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 36
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 3  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 6
Site Nights 2022: 7
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 24

We're taking our girls (a cocker and a retriever) to France for first time this year. Just started making appts for the boosters, rabies etc as some are quite time sensitive. We have travelled to most areas of France (without them) We're travelling from Cheshire, so quite a long drive even before the tunnel too. We are towing though.

We are staying fairly north - Normandy and Brittany, as I think they would struggle further south at the end of Aug. There are lots of lovely rivers around the Ardeche area and have seen dogs swimming in there regularly. We stayed in Beynac a couple of yrs ago, the site had river access and dogs were in there often.

-------------
Gail

Izzy 15.11.02 -25.12.12 RIP my beautiful girl
Lottie 15.08.99 - 07.12.13 RIP dottie Lottie
Millie ? - 03.05.14 RIP beautiful mad Mills

2024
April - Anglesey
Aug - Normandy & Brittany avec les chiens!






12/4/2024 at 1:23pm
 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

To be fair we only ever had two weeks as we were working. We took three weekends and the two weeks in between. Did an overnight on the Friday night near Folkestone, tunnel early Saturday then stopped overnight in a budget hotel near Dijon and were onsite by Sunday early afternoon. Left on the Friday, one overnight up near Lac D’Orient and we were on the tunnel Saturday lunchtime, home for bedtime and Sunday to unpack. Was long driving days, but kids had dvds and so on and we shared the driving.
We liked areas with lots of wild river swimming, so Ardeche, Provence, or alternatively Dordogne, which we’ve done from home one one (very) long drive before.
Travelling with a dog, I understand, adds a complication around the vet visit on the way back, so needs to be factored in. Dordogne is very doable for two weeks though.

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


12/4/2024 at 3:08pm
 Location:  Wales
 Outfit:  Volvo XC60 R Design
View madasaman's Profile View Profile   Reply to madasaman Reply   Quote madasaman Quote  
Joined: 13/3/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2036

Site Reviews Total: 60
Site Reviews 2024: 3  
Site Reviews 2023: 5  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 5  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 8  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 4
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 14
Site Nights 2021: 28
Site Nights 2020: 14
Site Nights 2019: 38
Site Nights 2018: 14

Quote: Originally posted by exessexmum on 12/4/2024
To be fair we only ever had two weeks as we were working. We took three weekends and the two weeks in between. Did an overnight on the Friday night near Folkestone, tunnel early Saturday then stopped overnight in a budget hotel near Dijon and were onsite by Sunday early afternoon. Left on the Friday, one overnight up near Lac D’Orient and we were on the tunnel Saturday lunchtime, home for bedtime and Sunday to unpack. Was long driving days, but kids had dvds and so on and we shared the driving.
We liked areas with lots of wild river swimming, so Ardeche, Provence, or alternatively Dordogne, which we’ve done from home one one (very) long drive before.
Travelling with a dog, I understand, adds a complication around the vet visit on the way back, so needs to be factored in. Dordogne is very doable for two weeks though.


Agree, we are off to the Dordogne in August, just over 2 weeks. Sail Wed night sail back on saturday 2 weeks 3 days later. Done it for the last few years.


-------------
73 going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder



15/5/2024 at 1:30pm
 Location: West yorkshire
 Outfit: BMW 520d Bailey Ranger 550 6
View Rich73's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rich73 Reply   Quote Rich73 Quote  
Joined: 19/8/2018

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   104

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 10
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have done this trip several times, and, yes! I have done the trip and stayed for 2 weeks.

I sail first thing Saturday morning(landing at approx' 9am in Calais), I drive all day(until about 5pm, overnight in Macon and then drive until about 3 pm when I arrive at my destination (Esterelle Campsite, in San Raphael/Frejus).
I go in mid July, the dog has been, and contrary to popular belief, dogs actually survive and thrive in the SoF.

The only thing that I can say is that it's not "fairly hot" it is very hot. If you like hot, then wait until you pass through Lyon and stop for a break!! You know you're on hols then!!

Traffic has never been an issue really, certainly no worse than the UK.

If you go on a weekend most lorries are off the road due to a more expensive toll(To avoid congestion).

Get on the the first autoroute, cruise control on, and you won't touch your brakes for 200miles(Honestly).

French services (Aires) are unbelievably better than our services(In the main)

Let your sat nav guide you, don't be tempted for scenic non motorway routes, it'll take forever, and the French love a roundabout

The South of France is gorgeous. Do the trip, two weeks is fine.. It's an adventure.

P.s I tow my caravan there, just for clarification.




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

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

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...














7214 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



Advertisement