Is it worth planning ahead the motorway services stops, or just go as one pleases as they are plenty along the routes?
Going from B&B Hotel at Cité Europe to the campsite in Normandie (plan changed and not going to Carnac anymore), via A16>A29 (bypassing Rouen)>A13>A84.
I would rather not shop at the Carrefour in Cité Europe and shall leave the hotel to start the journey at about 10:00 in the morning (I am not an early riser).
I am planning to go with the flow and stop along the way, at least 2 pit stops if not 3, with one stop at a big services near a big town/city to do a grocery shop en-route to the campsite.
Thanks for your help and advice in advance.
DK
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There are plenty and the signs will tell you distances to them.
Some " aire de service" have fuel and food others are rest places with basic toilets and picnic areas only. The signs show what is available.
For shopping nearer the campsite find a supermarket, where fuel will be cheaper if they sell it.
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We never plan stops but have noticed that at 12 noon many are very busy as this is when the French seem to stop for lunch. We tend to avoid stopping around then but would still stop if we really wanted to.
Never plan a stop at them as they are plentiful, and good signage for them on the motorway.
Between 12-2 parking at times can be dificult, certainly with car/caravan. You should be okay with your PVC though.
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Unlike the UK there are service areas at about every 15k on average.
They have varying levels of service from those with everything with hotel/restaurant/shops to just toilets and a picnic area.
This page is quite helpful as it shows the main service areas and what services they have which might help you plan your stops if in need of more than just a rest stop.
You will find that there is the "Aire de service", which is similar to UK services and the "Aire de repos" which we would call a good picnic area. They alternate along the route. So there is either or every 20km
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Although you say you don't want to shop at Cite Europe, I'd be tempted to at least find a supermarket before you jump on the Autoroute, as you may not want to leave a toll section to go shopping. We always shop first thing, or if we know our destination then we might wait until we arrive, but that means buying food at the Services, which is generally expensive and only adequate. No M&S there. Also remember that Sunday shopping is limited.
Quote: Originally posted by chrisandsandra on 17/4/2023
We also just stop as we feel like it.
Unlike the UK there are service areas at about every 15k on average.
They have varying levels of service from those with everything with hotel/restaurant/shops to just toilets and a picnic area.
This page is quite helpful as it shows the main service areas and what services they have which might help you plan your stops if in need of more than just a rest stop.
I found that page already before posting the thread, however, it's good to know it is legit and useful.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 17/4/2023
Although you say you don't want to shop at Cite Europe, I'd be tempted to at least find a supermarket before you jump on the Autoroute, as you may not want to leave a toll section to go shopping. We always shop first thing, or if we know our destination then we might wait until we arrive, but that means buying food at the Services, which is generally expensive and only adequate. No M&S there. Also remember that Sunday shopping is limited.
Got it.
It's not going to be a big shop, as I have planned to go out and about to eat at least once if not twice while I am there.
The usual like milk, cream, butter, salad items, some meat like Merguez sausages and steak tartare.
I am overnighting in Calais on Friday to start the journey to the campsite on Saturday, so it should be fine for grocery shopping.
I am coming back on Saturday too, so probably a grocery shop at Boulogne late afternoon before heading to the Tunnel for home.
DK :))
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
I may go to the Auchan near Boulogne early in the day, just need to be disciplined and not to spend 3h in there, which I had done in the past!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: French Motorway Services
via mobile 17/4/2023 at 11:11am
