we spent less in france than we do in the UK. the site was cheaper the fuel was cheaper the food was no more expensive than here, everyone knows beer and wine is cheaper ,we didnt pay to park either.
the only thing that will burst the bubble for us is if the exchange rate sinks lower.
if so it may be wet rip off GB next June for us.......
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We first went to France over 20 years ago - and it has always been expensive by comparison with the UK. The last few years however have had a really strong pound which I think has lulled us all in to a false sense of security. In some ways I don't see the drop in the pound as being unusual. It has taken us back to the long-term norm.
I think we are at cross -purposes here. At home we shop carefully, know where to get bargains and spend time on it. On holiday we go to a supermarket, grab some decent food and move on to the barbecue or picnic.
As for portion sizes. In the UK we are used to thinking of a bar meal as being a main course. Consequently they provide a generous plateful. My impression in France is that they really do expect you to have 3 courses. I'm always quite astonished in those restaurants attached to supermarkets (Flunch?) to see people who are obviously working sit down with a 3 course lunch.
I'm amazed at you getting a Ryanair flight that cheaply. didn't they hit you for checking in, suitcases and paying for it?
We're off to the South of France in mid October for a week - so I'll find out then how prices for the things we buy are doing.
As regards ryan air im only going for 2 nights so will be travelling light ( holdalls only) and used a debit card so no charges there,,janurary I hade a pleasent weekend in Seville for £10 return,so im wounded at a 50% increase,seems everythink in euro land is going up.(sic)
Okay that explains it. We are getting a week in the South of France for £188 for 6 people. These were supposed to be £1 each way flights. However we had to pay to check-in (mandatory with hold luggage)for the luggage and £48 payment charges!!!!! My debit card is a Maestro (used to be Switch) and it was exactly the same for it so I went for the security of a credit card. The only free card was a Visa Electron, which none of us had- so we just had to grin and bear it.
James
------------- Everything comes to he who waits
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We had a four course meal at La Promenade near Les Peupliers in Couhe, which cost all of 10 euros - Moules Mariniere or Crudites to start, Steak and Frites for me, Veal for Mr Val A, lovely well-varied cheeseboard, and a pudding, including half a carafe of wine between 2. Well recommended.
Did you stay at Les Peups?
We've looked at La Promenade, but it's always seemed a bit empty. Maybe we looked at the wrong time!
Yes, we overnighted at Les Peupliers because our friends live nearby and the municipal site in their village only opens for July and August! We went to La Promenade at 7.00 pm - and it was empty - but by 9.30 it was absolutely full - with lots of French families, including Grandmas and still some children! It wasn't gourmet food, don't get me wrong, but it was all well cooked, David's veal was excellent, and the cheeseboard had a good variety of well-kept cheeses.
Back to the original subject, I did find things more expensive in France, but it's more expensive here too.
Before you leave the UK, you're already hit because of the weaker pound, and the higher prices in France seem worse than they actually are.
I do agree with Floydfan, that as a tourist, I tend to stick with what I know. I don't mean British brands, but if we wanted sausages for tea, we bought them. If they were more expensive, then we paid it. Holiday is too short to be traipsing around the shops.
We certainly had a picnic everyday, and I took plenty to drink while we were out, as buying drinks & ice-creams all the time can soon add up very quickly.
Higher prices, real or perceived, wouldn't stop me going again next year.
Smudger
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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: France seems very expensive.
