2 weeks in mainland Europe in a motorhome (no kids for the first time in a long time) over Easter, sailing Newhaven Dieppe, but where to go?
Belgium and the Netherlands?
South of France - Côte d'Azur?
Champagne-Ardenne region?
Bordeaux and beyond?
or elsewhere?
We will be mostly using camping Aires, and
looking for interesting/picturesque etc places to visit
Any suggestions?
------------- Candgjones
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We tend to avoid the Cote d'Azur early in the Spring as there can be a chilly wind blowing off the Alps. We usually aim for the Loire for better weather, unless it's warm enough to linger say on the Somme estuary. Interesting old places south of Saumur. Then you can tootle around a bit further.
Can't help with the Aires as we only use campsites.
Last year we were on the Loire slightly later than Easter, the river was already low and apart from a spell during the first evening the weather was kind. In which case I would head for Saumur, Camping Ile d'Offard is on an island in the river, great location, the aire is right next door.
Personally, I'd head further south to Bordeaux, I don't know of any aires in the area but Camping Beausoliel south of the city is a bus and tram ride into the city as is Camping Bordeaux Lac to the north west (we've used both and prefer the former, it does get busy though so you might want to consider booking). From there the Bassin D'Arcachon is near by and thoroughly recommended.
There's a lot of campsites and aires in the area, from there, you could visit the Dune De Pilat. There's a car park there motorhomes can park in but not overnight unfortunately.
When we were young and only had a fortnight to spare it was overnight from Portsmouth after work on a Friday - then 600 miles in two days to Avignon, Arles and Nimes - ten days there and a two day drive back again. But are you young?
As you're free to go wherever and stay as long as you can, why not leave it to the weather to decide? If Belgium and the Netherlands is having a sunny spell head there, but if the sun is further west head to Brittany, or south to the Loire, further south to the Dordogne, or even all the way to the Med or even Spain. We've been known to be heading for Italy, saw storms forecast, and ended up in Spain instead (and yes, for a two week Easter holiday with a caravan)! We had fantastic weather in Cambrils whilst Italy suffered some of the worst storms in recent history.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 25/2/2024
As you're free to go wherever and stay as long as you can, why not leave it to the weather to decide? If Belgium and the Netherlands is having a sunny spell head there, but if the sun is further west head to Brittany, or south to the Loire, further south to the Dordogne, or even all the way to the Med or even Spain. We've been known to be heading for Italy, saw storms forecast, and ended up in Spain instead (and yes, for a two week Easter holiday with a caravan)! We had fantastic weather in Cambrils whilst Italy suffered some of the worst storms in recent history.
That's a good tip, we do much the same whenever we cross the channel although we don't tend to venture so far as that.
Great advice thanks everyone. We don't tend to book anywhere and, were also thinking of leaving our final decision until we get there.
Whilst we don't have a fixed plan and don't mind putting in a shift to get somewhere, we like to think about option 1, option 2 etc.
We didn't think about the 'Alps factor' with the Côte d'Azur, so perhaps S West may be best (weather dependent).
If I was doing this, I'd have an ACSI book for good cheap sites, and first off head to somewhere around Tours - which is both achievable and a good central place for a first stop from where you can head to many places, but also a good destination in its own right where you might stay longer. I'd then see what the weather is doing in various areas that I'd be interested in a days travel away - for me that would include Vendee, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, Lot, Auvergne.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Bear in mind that Easter is early this year. Some sites do not open until April regardless. Also, the weather can be iffy wherever you go, unless you feel like heading down to Spain. Have a great time whatever you decide to do.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Either get one of the apps that show camping aires, join CampingCarPark for their Aire network (10 to 15 Euros per night inc Electric, etc) or buy the Vicarious Books of Aires. With one or more of that lot you should find somewhere to stay.
You have two weeks, do you want to drive a lot or just see the countryside?
We had three weeks a couple of years ago and drove from Calais to Ponte de Raz in Brittany without going on a proper site or driving on a motorway, with drives of up to two hours a day and lots of stops for coffee, baguettes, views and so on.
Whatever you do have a good time.
Would also recommend Camping Car Parks - generally good service points, EHU and in some great locations. Their ‘mon village’ sites are former campsites so with bigger parking spaces and open to self contained motorhomes. There’s one at Lude (Loire) alongside the municipal campsite, which is your alternative if it’s open. Good municipal pool on the same site, too.
Also near Saumur, there’s an aire (not CCP) on the River Thouet at Montreuil-Bellay, a great little town with chateau.
Do bear in mind though, that the Loire has seen quite a bit of flooding this year, so sites may open later, and aires with grass or sandy pitches may be very muddy !
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 25/2/2024
As you're free to go wherever and stay as long as you can, why not leave it to the weather to decide? If Belgium and the Netherlands is having a sunny spell head there, but if the sun is further west head to Brittany, or south to the Loire, further south to the Dordogne, or even all the way to the Med or even Spain. We've been known to be heading for Italy, saw storms forecast, and ended up in Spain instead (and yes, for a two week Easter holiday with a caravan)! We had fantastic weather in Cambrils whilst Italy suffered some of the worst storms in recent history.
6th year of living in the Dordogne and have had a log fire every night until at least mid April each year. Average high for Sarlat, March / April 15 - 17 C, average low 4-6 C.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 2 weeks in mainland Europe
via mobile 25/2/2024 at 9:09am
