Hi all,
Me and the girlfriend have been talking about the summer and rather than go on a package holiday we're considering going to France for 3 weeks maybe, I'm thinking that this may work out cheaper and probably be more fun, in my head it's an adventure driving all that way, have many of you ventured overseas any places recommended? Or to avoid for that matter!
"All that way"? It's only forty miles from Hull to France (plus the length of the ferry!)
Kidding aside, you'll find lots of ideas on the Caravanning and Camping Abroad section - would help if you could specify which area(s) of France (it's quite a big place!)
going to have a good luck over the next few days thanks bob, we're quite easy on where to go, would like to make it to some nice beaches, at the minute i'm thinking of only staying a few nights in each place then moving on, maybe get quite a way down then on the return a hotel stay for two nights.
Quote: Originally posted by sunners1 on 09/5/2014Thanks Nick,
Just me the lady and the motor, I've just had a quick look and found seafrance for £89, that makes me happy hahaha
Interesting .... Seafrance stopped sailing and went out of business a couple of years ago. MyFerryLink bought and now operate a couple of their boats on that route. P & O and DFDS also offer good value crossings.
Depending on when you are thinking of going, it may be worth considering an
ACSI card
In response to the OP, France is a big country, bigger than it looks on the map. If you are arriving in Calais or thereabouts then it is quite a drive to the west coast, which is where the beaches are. That said, consider getting the 'places of interest in France' list out, and you will find that there are numerous inland sites that are in areas of incredible scenery etc. It's horses for courses, but you will see a lot more to remember by travelling inland than you ever will sat on a beach.
There is a huge volcanic region down south with some amazing caves that are open to the public, these have cave drawings, and even prehistoric bear claw marks on the walls, all it up with stunning lighting systems etc.
There are also numerous WW2 sites that are now tourist attractions all preserved, and most are free access. Anywhere around the D-Day beaches, Arromanches, Caen (Pegasus Bridge) etc has plenty to see. It's on the north coast so a good stop off point. St Nazaire has the U-boat pens. Chateau De Chenonceau is a picture postcard place, you get an ipod to give you an English spoken guide around the place (a lot of English history attached to this).
You will find plenty of decent campsites, especially in the tourist areas, though remember that during August the whole of France goes on holiday, so you might want to avoid that period.
As soon as Sep/Oct comes along an awful lot of places shut up shop for the winter, I have been caught out by that myself, had to drive many, many miles just to find a hotel that was open??
Keep your tank topped up on a Saturday, as fuel can be difficult to find on a Sunday.
Rules of the road:
Always watch your mirrors.
Contrary to common belief France does have both fixed and well hidden mobile speed camera's, and the Gendarmes will happily pull you in for a 100 Euro on the spot fine, and yes they do have card machines.
The police are usually out in the rural areas after Sunday lunchtimes, booking all of the French who have been for a Sunday lunch with the family and drunk too much vino.
Don't hold anyone up, the outside lane is for overtaking only, pull back to the inside lane as soon as you have overtaken something. Traffic will not slow down behind you, it will sit on your bumper waiting for you to get out of the way.
Motorcycles are treated with complete respect, everyone gets out of their way. If they stick their foot out it is their way of saying thank you, they are 'not' trying to kick your car (a lot of people make that mistake).
Do not get into a race with a motorcycle, the police are very likely to ignore the bike, and book you.
France is a great place, I love it (used to live there), and the people are very friendly. It makes a world of difference if you learn a few phrases like please, thankyou, good morning, how are you, etc. The young French know a bit of English, but not so many of the older generation.
Before you plan your trip decide how many times you are willing to put up (and take down) your tent. The Mojave 5 is large enough to start getting annoying if you erect it every day.
Now you know how many campsites you are going to visit.
Next decide how far you want to drive in a day, unless you are a petrol head time spent on French motorways with a fully laden car is not a pleasure but driving on minor roads where you can stop and explore can be fun.
Then join up the dots.
The further South you go the hotter it gets, the northern limits of some reptiles, harmless snakes and lizards is mid Brittany. The road will appear to get up and run away as you walk along it.
The Pas de Calais is like England but French. The First World War was held there.
Normandy is full of cidre and the Allied Invasion beaches are there.
Brittany is very Celtic and green, look out for the ancient menhirs around Carnac.
The Vendee is beige and very hot, not much to do except sunbath, swim, surf and drink the local wine, it is rather good. Try to put your tent near a shady tree and find out what time the shops shut before heading for the beach.
The Med is expensive and probably fully booked by now.
French beaches are big enough that if you walk a little way out of town you can have a quiet spot all to yourselves and you can do whatever you like without upsetting anyone.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Camping En Francais
