I am planning a trip to Bordeaux in my touring caravan this December.
I would appreciate any help in doing this trip, we have a 10 day holiday period to complete the tip and would like to stay the first night near Calais as we are starting our journey from Newport, Gwent.
We are taking our Dogue de Bordeaux to Bordeaux and hope to stay a couple of nights in the Loire before heading to Bordeaux.
We are looking for advice on campsites to stay at and would rather peaceful locations.
Thank you in advance.
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Welcome to UKCS. You’ll get lots of good advice if you search this very forum: there’s bound to be someone who’s asked the same question before.
Nice idea to take the dog back to its origins! Check that you’re up to date with its paperwork requirements - again, all in this (incredibly useful) forum.
Most campsites are not open at this time of year. However there is one at Montreuil sur mer for your first night or so. This is a lovely little town and worth a visit. Only 45 minutes from Calais. I believe there’s an open all year site in Tours and another in Bordeaux but you would need to check those out.
Griff, certain large dogs are not accepted on French campsites - the list is on line and includes the South African or Boerbull mastiff. I realise your dog is of French origin mastiff type and not that South African variety of mastiff, but a campsite might jump to the wrong conclusion and refuse to accept you - and I don’t know how you would get round that unless your language skills are very good.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
It would save you a lot of driving going from Poole or Roscoff rather than Calais. If you ask nicely I’m sure someone would give you a Brittany Ferries Friends and Family code which would save you a few euros!
Thank you for the advice, I have checked with the not welcome breeds and the Dogue De Bordeaux is allowed as long as it is kept on a lead at all times and you have a copy of its AHC with you.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks Sean, we are travelling by Eurotunnel as we don't want to leave our dog alone in the car, we also plan on a bit of a road trip staying in the Loire valley en-route to Bordeaux.
We travel Portsmouth to Cherbourg and return, using a dog-friendly cabin (also available on the Portsmouth to Caen route). One of our dogs has epilepsy and so although they are very happy in the car, we need to keep them with us just in case he has a fit.
We've used that site, it's a nice site. You can catch a bus from just outside the site to the nearby tram hub which will take you into Bordeaux.
Alternatively, there's Camping Beausoliel at Gradignan which is a small but pleasant site. Gradignan is just to the south of Bordeaux but you can catch a No.10 bus from the stop about 400m from the site entrance, change at Peixotto for tramline B which takes you into Bordeaux. I don't know whether Camping Beausoliel is open all year though.
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