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To celebrate my husband's retirement, we are taking 6 to 8 months off and heading to Europe for a big ADVENTURE. We have caravanned before ( about 10 years ago but our van was stolen) and would really appreciate any advice you can give us. We have bought the caravan and hope to set off after Christmas. Best routes South, areas to visit on the way - we are in no hurry!!- we are keen walkers with one springer spaniel, places to avoid, what to pack etc. Sorry if this is already on this forum but even pointing out the best maps would be good. We have joined the caravan club and are insured with them.

Thanks

Hi Immac

Welcome to UKCS

Can you give some more detail's of where you are planning to go?

If you are heading to the Sth West of France, then you can stop here in The Loire Valley and use our campsite as a stopover as we are open all year.

If you have ANY other question's just drop us an email.

What a great scheme. Hope you have a good trip, and post when you get back!

Going South through France in January, you will find that only a few campsites are open all year, compared with the number open in season. It's worth searching for some and taking a list of likely ones with you. In the Michelin campsite guide, they used to underline the names of towns with sites open all year on the map section. You could use this to plan a route.

In Spain, campsite fees are greatly reduced for long stays, but you might want to do more touring. If so, it would be worth looking at Camping Cheques, or the ACSI card scheme.

If you are taking the dog, intending to return to the UK, make sure you don't venture into any countries not in the pet passport scheme, or you won't be able to bring the dog back to the UK without quarantine.

Thanks for your replies. I will be in touch "La Touche" when we have booked the ferry.

At present, we hope to park up for a month or so at a time near national parks and explore these at leisure with the occasional city trip. For this first venture in a caravan for a long time, we intend to be cautious and hope to get to Andalucia, Portugal, Northern Spain, Pyrennees, Italian Lakes then Eastern parts of France and possibly Holland.

We have no time limits really but what I wondered was, had anyone done similar, ie taken time out to travel for an extended period and could they share their recommendations with "newbies". I am assured there are lots of folk who are doing it, so come on, where would you want to visit again. For me, it has to be the Tarn Gorge, visited for two weeks Easter 2005, great walking and fabulous scenery.

I agree with Wlee, the Auvergen is terrific.  We spent two weeks at Camping de la filature in Ebreuill last June and it was fab.  The owner cooks each night and for a total of 20 euros a night we had our pitch and a cooked meal for each of us!  The area is outstanding, all lakes and volcanoes and gorges with easy driving between places.  I would thoroughly recommend you spend some time here during your travels.

I have also travelled extensively throughout Austria, you've gotta go!  The scenery is out of this world, it isn't usually busy on the roads, the food is great and it is an all round clean, friendly, organised country.

Have fun.

Ali

Some great ideas there, we will definitely put these on our list. We passed the Auvergne ( a quick stop ) on the way South to the Tarn and thought it deserved a closer lok. Being a bit nervous of towing in the mountains to begin with, how can I ensure before I set off that the route is passable? Motorways do not make the best routes for scenery and nature.

Once again, thanks for your suggestions so far. The shape of the route is beginning to take place but we have paid notice to your suggestions so far and are open to any more!

Quote: Originally posted by La Touche on 30/10/2005

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Hi Immac

Welcome to UKCS

Can you give some more detail's of where you are planning to go?

If you are heading to the Sth West of France, then you can stop here in The Loire Valley and use our campsite as a stopover as we are open all year.

If you have ANY other question's just drop us an email.

 

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 Hi La Touche, We have got rid of the kids and are looking for a getaway from the UK Xmas hassle and noted you have plans for the Xmas period. Would appreciate details.

Thanks Wynston

Quote: Originally posted by wynston on 02/11/2005

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 Hi La Touche, We have got rid of the kids and are looking for a getaway from the UK Xmas hassle and noted you have plans for the Xmas period. Would appreciate details.

Thanks Wynston

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Hi Wynston

Just a quick note, as we are now on holiday ourselves in Cyprus for a couple of weeks. Prepaid booking's are coming fast for Xmas day lunch/dinner & we really only have space for 8 in the Farmhouse --- Unless we set it up in the Cathedral Barn !!!

Email us direct - with your landline number.

Hi Stuart,Jo & Louis May,

Lucky you enjoying Cyprus weather as opposed to rainy, blustry UK.

 Is your limitation for 8 in the Farmhouse one of a limit on accomodation or is it a limit to sit 8 for lunch/dinner? I assume your Cathedral Barn as its name implies would sit a few more than 8?

Hope you continue to enjoy your Holiday.

Regards Wynston

Hi Wynston

Yes it's 8 in the Farmhouse for dinner, & Jo would kill me if I EVEN suggest more then 8...

We have 4 poss' 5 bookings and you are the 2nd enq' today.

As for pitch's onsite - yes we have space for you.

The weather here has been great so far - the beer is cold!!!

Talk soon.