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: Advice for continental first-timers
Page:  1  ....  5  6  7  8  9  10 Post Reply Post New Topic
16/7/2013 at 8:49pm
 Location: Cornwall
 Outfit:  Hobby 650 Ec low profile motorhome
View emmitdb's Profile View Profile   Reply to emmitdb Reply   Quote emmitdb Quote  
Joined: 28/7/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1177

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 9
Site Nights 2018: 1

Greetings,
Val A, that doyen of all things "Good Advice" suggested that I C and P the below thread re getting the best out of your fridge before you do a long ferry crossing.
      -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Every year at about this time there are questions from folks about to set off to the Continent wondering how the fridge will cope on a long ferry crossing.

With this in mind we tried out the following on our last journey and I hope, at least for those crossing the long ferry journeys across the Channel it will come in useful.

We packed the fridge as full as we could after having it on the highest setting for 24hrs. Included in that was a nearly full 4 pint milk bottle which had been frozen over the previous 48hrs. We also packed the freezer so that it was in effect one deep frozen mass.

We stayed on the dock at Plymouth for the night before the ferry (Thursday) and took with us enough 'Now' supplies so that we didn't open the fridge door until we got to France.

I have been assured by the Chief Cook that everything that should have been frozen, stayed frozen with the added advantage that the milk took until Tuesday to fully thaw out and in the meantime provided the cereal milk each morning. Don't know about you but although I can use the UHT Milk, I still prefer 'Fresh' milk on the Porridge.

Quite rightly some people will say that when in France part of the fun is shopping in France and we're no exception. However the Chief Fairy pre-prepares meals that we both like and freezes them for our use. This came in handy for the trip.

We hope the above is of use to those heading off to France (and further) in the next few weeks.


-------------
How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!


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


15/5/2014 at 12:39am
 Location: Emmen The Netherlands
 Outfit: Home-Car Eureka 43
View larkspeednl's Profile View Profile   Reply to larkspeednl Reply   Quote larkspeednl Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   70

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

A couple of small points I did not see mentioned which could save people some hassle if coming over to the continent.

France requires by law that all cars carry a breath tester.

This can be cheap pound shop disposables or even a 5 quid digital one off ebay, either is fine but you must have one.

Also a fair warning if you drive here in The Netherlands or in fact most of the continent.

Unlike the UK speed cameras here do not need to be visible and they can actually hide them. They put them in rubbish bins or tuck them away in bushes or worse.

And of you get pulled over for speeding here in The Netherlands you are expected to pay the fine right there on the side of the road, if you can't pay it the officer, at his discretion, can actualy impound your car until you do.


30/8/2014 at 12:39pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Chausson Motorhome
View Barb2602's Profile View Profile   Reply to Barb2602 Reply   Quote Barb2602 Quote  
Joined: 04/6/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   13

Site Reviews Total: 2
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

Great guide. Just a couple of points that people might find useful.

You can take gas bottles on eurotunnel if they are fitted as per a motorhome or caravan. They will check that the gas is turned off at the bottle when you check-in. It might be worth checking on their web site to see what the position is with standalone bottles though. We carry a spare in our under bed garage as the gas locker on our motorhome will only hold one unfortunately. This was checked as well on check-in and we were not asked to remove it.

Also, you can buy the reverse polarity adapters for your electrical cable if you are not confident on making one up yourself. These are available on ebay generally.

Lastly if you are travelling in a motorhome or campervan, Vicarious Books (they have a web site) have many guides to motorhome 'aires' across Europe. France particularly has a wide network. These should not be confused with the 'aires' found on motorways and main trunks. We have used them extensively and generally they are great.

Thanks.


30/8/2014 at 1:04pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Various tents
View Hacksaw Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hacksaw Bob Reply   Quote Hacksaw Bob Quote  
Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6502
Tent Reviews:   1

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

Vicarious Books


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


15/11/2014 at 12:22pm
 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

Someone has mentioned that this thread, somewhere, says that gas bottles are now allowed on Eurotunnel.  This is incorrect.  Gas bottles for cooking stoves, etc., are allowed.  This in from information from Eurotunnel's own website.

Gas used for domestic services

If travelling with a campervan, caravan or any other vehicle fitted with cooking facilities, any flammable gas container must be declared when asked and will be checked at the appropriate checkpoint by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Flammable gas containers may be transported with the following restrictions:

Maximum quantity allowed Maximum capacity
Kg L % L
1 portable container 47 +/- 93 - -
Several portable containers 50 +/- 99 - -
1 fixed container 47 +/- 93 80 +/- 73
Several fixed containers 50 +/- 99 80 +/- 79

In all cases, transport of gas containers to power domestic services (e.g. cooking, lighting & heating, etc.) are restricted as outlined below:

Portable gas containers (cylinders/bottles, etc.)

For the purposes of this text, this means cylinders/bottles containing flammable gas that can be moved from the vehicle for replacement or re-filling.

The quantity of gas is limited to 47kg (or approximately 93 litres) maximum for a single container and to 50kg (or approximately 99 litres) maximum in the case of several containers.

I hope this makes it quite clear the gas bottles are allowed.

However LPG powered vehicles cannot travel on Eurotunnel.



Advertisement



21/6/2015 at 10:42pm
 Location: S.Wales
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Bordeaux
View Nellie72's Profile View Profile   Reply to Nellie72 Reply   Quote Nellie72 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   314

Site Reviews Total: 16
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: 3  
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: 23

Fab. Thank you.

-------------
Doing whatever the rice krispies tell me to.


22/3/2016 at 10:27pm
 Location: Central Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman 630 Extra
View GEORGEBB's Profile View Profile   Reply to GEORGEBB Reply   Quote GEORGEBB Quote  
Joined: 17/3/2016

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   200

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 7
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

Another grateful member

-------------
Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020


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


01/4/2016 at 1:46am
 Location: Glasgow
 Outfit: None Entered
View Mimi And Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mimi And Bob Reply   Quote Mimi And Bob Quote  
Joined: 31/3/2016

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   1

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

taking the plunge to leave Glasgow to tour Europe departing 20/4/16.I have thought the drive to dover during the night would give a clear run with appropriate breaks and prep.Within the three weeks im happy to drive and explore but my dream is to see some of the south of France subject to advice. I will be trying to get to estartit in Spain and lake Como or the Amalfi coast in Italy as my desired dream come true. Now who would like to start the bidding for this baby.im well versed on driving abroad but I need the best routes with the least tolls etc.but it will be our honeymoon so we will be happy to sacrifice a lot for the best sites and of course the best beauty spots.
all your help is required as you have the experience. I in return will gladly help anyone touring Scotland.

Hope to hear soon


28/4/2016 at 3:40pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: None Entered
View lidds0's Profile View Profile   Reply to lidds0 Reply   Quote lidds0 Quote  
Joined: 24/8/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4494

Site Reviews Total: 57
Site Reviews 2024: 7  
Site Reviews 2023: 10 
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 4  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 48
Site Nights 2022: 20
Site Nights 2021: 9
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 8

It's just maybe worth mentioning that, for anyone who breaks down on the autoroute in France, your usual recovery insurance CAN'T faciliate recovery, it has to be arranged via an authorised agent (use the SOS phone by the side of the motorway).

However, you CAN claim reimbursement of fees paid (in our recent case, almost 250 euros) from your recovery insurer. Not all policies include this information (ADAC policy doesn't) so prior knowledge does help!

Safe driving, everyone.


14/5/2016 at 12:09pm
 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

Quote: Originally posted by larkspeednl on 15/5/2014
A couple of small points I did not see mentioned which could save people some hassle if coming over to the continent.

France requires by law that all cars carry a breath tester.

This can be cheap pound shop disposables or even a 5 quid digital one off ebay, either is fine but you must have one.





This is no longer necessary ... though still remaining on the statutes book, it is not enforced, and never checked ... no-one in France carries them ... some unscrupulous sellers, who have been left with large stocks, still attempt to 'scare you' into purchase ... DON'T BOTHER!


Advertisement



07/7/2016 at 5:00am
 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

For those who plan to tour in Europe, with their cat, rather than with a dog, I suggest you don't assume that if it says in the site details, or in the ACSI or Camping Cheque guides, 'Pets allowed' it means cats are allowed. The wording in the site descriptions is very ambiguous, and may say something like 'Pets allowed, dogs only max 1 on a leash', which we always assumed meant that one dog was allowed, and needs to be kept on a lead but assumed it also meant other pets allowed, and that other pets didn't need a lead. On some sites this apparently means Pets allowed, but only dogs!

I would suggest, that it's always worth an email or a phone call to check. We found this out the day before yesterday, when arriving on a site on the Mediterranean, where we were told 'Sorry we only allow dogs, no cats'.

I don't know quite how this affects those travelling with parrots and ferrets (we've seen both recently!).


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


27/4/2017 at 11:24am
 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
 Outfit: Vango Nile 800
View PaulineBrandon's Profile View Profile   Reply to PaulineBrandon Reply   Quote PaulineBrandon Quote  
Joined: 12/3/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

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

Hi,

This is really useful, thank you. We are camping in our own tent in the South of France - Gorges du Verdon, Mandelieu, and the Cevennes region. Advice on sleeping comfortably in August, and keeping food cool would be greatly appreciated.

Pauline


11/9/2019 at 10:06am
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: None Entered
View Devondad's Profile View Profile   Reply to Devondad Reply   Quote Devondad Quote  
Joined: 14/5/2019

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

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: 1  
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: 5

Several useful websites
http://www.drive-france.comDriving in FranceFrench CampsitesGB Sticker


via mobile 01/1/2020 at 10:32pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Vango beta 450; Outwell Hartford XL
View macburns36's Profile View Profile   Reply to macburns36 Reply   Quote macburns36 Quote  
Joined: 27/8/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   24

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
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: 7
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Great post, very helpful. Thanks very much & Happy New Year to all 😊



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  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

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...














9020 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