Would like to go to France camping next year, but never done anything like it. Don't even know where to start looking e.g area, campsites, towns even. Would be grateful for any advice on this. We will have a 5 and 7 year old and two adults, were not rich so cost is a cosideration and we prefer simply things like walking, bikes, swimming etc rather that full on entertainment. Thing is started looking on internet and go over 1480,000 sites where do I start!
Jo
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We all started somewhere and to be honest I took the 'easy' way. I ordered the Select Sites brochure and decided that as first timers, we wanted something not too far from the coast, main towns and a fairly easy route from the ferry port.
The cheapest way to cross the channel, unless you're using Tesco points, is a Dover -Calais crossing if you're towing and Speed ferries if you're not. However if you're wary of driving, you might be advised to look at sailing into somewhere like Caen, which takes you closer to the Normandy/Brittany areas.
Then find a site which suits your needs - then ring Select Sites - get them to cost it out, if the price is acceptable just let them take the strain. They are excellent with advice and suggestions and they know the sites they recommend. They sedn a pack with maps and information on the area and checklists etc.
Have to agree with PP. Let Select Sites (or others) do all the work for you on the first trip, but after that - France is yours for the taking. It's easy to make bookings, the driving's a joy. So many wonderful areas to explore with very few cars on the roads compared to the UK. Plenty of choice of types of campsite, from the Camping a la Ferme, to the municipals and the smaller commercial sites (like us) to the big boys like the Castel sites.
One thing's for sure, once you've been over here, you'll be back!
We had never been before either so we packed the car up and booked a ferry with P and O Dover to Calais and just went for it! We used the net to research areas and settled on the Auvergne, then narrowed it down to a site and I then pulled off the via michelin maps and bought a French road atlas (didn't have sat nav 2 years ago).
Had a fab time, you'd love the Auvergne if you like simple and uncrowded. It is full of extinct volcanoes, gorges, rivers, canoeing, cycling and there are hardly any Brits nor indeed natives - the roads are dead.
I am the lady of the house, OH had only just passed his driving test, so muggins here did the bulk of the driving. It was very very easy, the motorways are a dream and the N roads equivalent to our A roads picturesque.
So don't hesitate, jump on the ferry and go. We did Norfolkline last year btw, lovely lovely company to sail with with brand new and clean boats that don't carry coaches so no hoards of swarming schoolkids and Dunkerque is so easy to get out of and straight onto the motorway.
Aim for last 2 weeks of our school hols - Many french will have gone back to work - If you are only doing a week then cross with speedferry and hire a static mobile in the last week of Aug when the prices are real bargains. [hope you understand static mobiles ;-)) ]
If you want to aim for more than 1 day drive from the port then Hotel BB do rooms for 4 - Their eat as much as you can breakfasts will set you up for the day but watch out for the 'pot noodle' of bacon and eggs - I like it but I can see why others don't.
Return crossing about £60, 2 nights BB for 4 inc breakfasts about £100, about £400 for TWO weeks hire of mobile on top site [*eg link below after 18/8], £200 fuel and tolls, £50 insurance.
We did our First trip to France last year - have a 1 + 6 year old. We though optioned for a good entertainment site and worked well for us in Loire Valley. I would consider first picking a area - based on how far you want to drive in one day, and then using this site to search for sites. Most of the site shave reviews anyway.
We book last 2 weeks in August, most sites then have spaces and it does not seem as crowded. Now - to save money, do you use tescos? If not, start - tesco vouchers can be used for euro tunnel and what a saving that is.
Quote: Originally posted by TethersEnd on 20/5/2007
Quote: so no hoards of swarming schoolkids and Dunkerque is so easy to get out of and straight onto the motorway.
Ali
they have 5 and 7 year olds - kids love to see other kids - and when kids are happy mum and dad can relax
Yes but I was referring purely to the ferry. They aren't going to let a 5 and 7 year old roam around a ferry with other kids, unsupervised, are they? You get families with kids on there but just not packs of 50.
Quote: Originally posted by TethersEnd on 20/5/2007
Quote: so no hoards of swarming schoolkids and Dunkerque is so easy to get out of and straight onto the motorway.
Ali
they have 5 and 7 year olds - kids love to see other kids - and when kids are happy mum and dad can relax
Yes but I was referring purely to the ferry. They aren't going to let a 5 and 7 year old roam around a ferry with other kids, unsupervised, are they? You get families with kids on there but just not packs of 50.
Ali
You don't have to let them roam unsupervised - Big ferries have 'stuff' for kids [soft play/ball pits/ cartoon lounges/pocket money things in the shops] - I've not gone Norfolk Lines but if I didn't have kids I'd be quick to try it.
Norfolk Lines are exactly the same, in fact they have a fantastic PS2 room where kids can play on consoles etc. They are not kid free and are just like any other ferry company except you don't get coachloads of people on them. That is one part of ferries I personally hate as they tend to stick together and swarm around clogging up passageways, shops, restaurants, seating areas etc.
You do get plenty of families with children which is cool, the restaurants are usually queue free and they are altogether a nicer experience for anybody with little experience of crossing the channel. I am unsure why you seem to think you'd only want to try it if you don't have kids?
Ali
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I stand corrected
Perhaps I read too much into your phrase 'no hoards of swarming schoolkids' and assumed you were advocating that those who wanted to avoid kids use Norfolk Lines - I realise now that you mean Norlofk Line is child friendly but there aren't many. Many thanks for taking the time to clarify.
Yep! Same goes for pensioners off on a booze cruise, coachloads of stag night hooligans you name it. You really must try them, once the motorway splits on your way home and you lose the Calais traffic it is bliss! Very quiet in Dunkerque and so easy to find your feet without being hassled. I love it, would use them every time if possible.
Only crossing I'll not do again is Portsmouth Cherbourg on the cat - No upper deck and the TVs were showing a prog in French about making wine and then an episode of animal hospital with Rolf looking at a cat having its leg wired back together: It there any less appropriate way to get you in the holiday mood? With nothing else to do kids were climbing the bulkheads in boredom.
Preferred crossing for us now is Dover Boulogne - Boulogne is closer to the south, easier to get in/out of than Calais : the crossing is quick, cheap, has cartoons, and the upper deck is quite invigorating at 40 knots.
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: Dont know where to start - advice
