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Hey all,

Thinking of making some plans to tow the caravan abroad next year. Either South of France or even Spain.

How many of you have made the trip and is it easy?

What is the best route and how long will it take to S of France??

Can you reccommend any good sites to stop at on the way?

Thankyou

Colin

I'm really not sure where to go exactly....:-{

We'd like to be by the sea! A quick look at the map and for no real reason but ......Montpellier???

Where would you recommend?

Hello, I'm also just planning a trip to the South of France, close to the border with Spain, for next year at Easter. How long are you going for and what time of year? So far i've found a stopover site near Orleans for the first night, then travelling to Millau to stop for the second night and finally arriving near Argeles sur mer. I haven't decided on a site there yet. We've not been this far south before but we also fancy a trip into Spain. This looks a lovely area (where isn't?), have you had a look at this area - Languedoc-Roussillon.

Hi

I travel reguarly to the South of France (normally Frejus area) and I often then go on to Spain. I occassionally tow a caravn but more often than not take a folding camper or similar. there are several reasons for taking a folding camper-its a very very long way and with a caravan you have to be prepared to"plod!" If you are going to use toll roads these are expensive and you pay extra for a caravan and then depending on how many axles you have. I cannot remember off the top of my head but I believe the Route de Soleil is about 50 euros alone without a unit! The fastest I have ever done the south of France in-not towing is 11 hours. You definately definately need at least one stop over to get there.Do not be tempted to stay in Aires areas as many people have been broken into etc even when asleep in their vans! The service areas generally are not like the Uk. You can buy a decent cup of coffee from a machine for 1 euro and on you go again- they are much more geared up for long drives. I don't know whether you will be taking kids , what sort of thingsyou are looking for in a campsite but I maybe able to point you in the right direction! All the negative stuff said- I will never camp in the Uk again- its that good when you get there! Bon Voyage!

Some of these places sound nice. We do have 3 children 11,9 and 1 at time of travel.

We will probably go for around 17 days inc travelling. I thoughtit would take about a day and a half.

The tolls are something to think about. In a campsite we like sunshine :-), good facilities, walking distance to places to eat and drink, walking to a beach if poss, play areas for the kids......the usual stuff really.

Thanks for the great replies

U r spoilt for choice! When mine were little money was always a big issue. I used to book the cheapest teatime crossing from Dover I could into Calais. I fed the kids at a service area in France (generally cheaper and good food) I then started the drive. Fortunately there were 2 drivers so we did it whilst the kids slept and they woke up in the morning as we were ready to pitch in France or Spain. Ths is not for the faint hearted though!. You will require at least 2 drivers and plenty of stops!

There are plenty of good stop overs all over France,again depending on the time of year. A particualr favourite of our famiy was La Baume at Frejus. The site is huge but doesn't feel it. The pitches are lovely and relaxed. There are more swimming pools and water flumes etc than I can remember and every kids club under the sun! Facilities are clean and theres plenty for mum  and dad too-restaurants,  shops, peace and quiet! The only downside is the beach is about 5 miles aways but its wel well worth the drive! St Aguylf-my favourite in the world! I would definately not go in July or August though! The Parisians take their holidays then! Whit holiday was always a favourite. Weather superb, have the beach to yourself ,all amentities running and its classed as low season!

Last year we travelled down towing our caravan to Narbonne in the south of france, near to spain.  We went through the tunnel and arrived on the french side around tea time.  We stopped at an aire at (baie de somme) for a break and then carried on.  We then pulled into an aire for the night ( somewhere mid france ) and carried on in the morning with a few more stops, arriving about teatime.

On the way back we broke the journey into 3 stopping at 2 campsites.  The journey back was much more relaxed and enjoyable.  I drove all the way in both directions and used sections of road without tolls where possible.  This year we are going to holland where the site (duinrell) is within 30 mins of the ferry port, but next year we are thinking of trying the la rochelle area.

Brian

Quote: Originally posted by beerok on 30/5/2009

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Hey all,

Thinking of making some plans to tow the caravan abroad next year. Either South of France or even Spain.

How many of you have made the trip and is it easy?

What is the best route and how long will it take to S of France??

Can you reccommend any good sites to stop at on the way?

Thankyou

Colin

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