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Can anyone please help.We have now retired and really would appreciate some help.I have booked a Ferry crossing from Dover to Dunkirk on the 2nd September until 29th.Although we have been caravaning for about 3 years I suppose you can say we are still novices but we do use the caravan quite a lot but we have never ventured across the water in it.Can anyone please suggest a nice stop over not to far from Dunkirk for a few days if this is the done thing and also some kind of itinery to take, I know its a lot to ask but the name of some nice sites along the way. I dont mind driving a fair distance as I was a H.G.V.driver my wife fancies going to the Loire area but we are a bit apprenhensive as this is our first adventure in France and we are not to sure what to expect of the sites.Thanks again. derek

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Hi,we went to the loire last year,it was our first time and we were apprehensive as well.No need to be,we had great fun.

We were camping so we did it in a day so didnt use ant campsites on the way.

What about Chateau du Gandspette at Eperleques, http://www.chateau-gandspette.com/gb.html for your first night - only about half an hour from Dunkerque, good site, restaurant, big pitches, clean facilities, and takes Camping Cheques (means will cost you only £10.30 per night, including electricity).    You could then head towards Rouen, and down to the Loire area - will come back to you with suggestions on that route, when I've had time to look at the guides!

Try Viamichelin, or mappy.com for routes - you can go N roads, or toll roads, whichever pleases you - and it will calculate a route, and tell you how much it will cost.

Sorry I think what I meant to say was after the first stopover the sites in the Loire area were the ones we wanted to know about  .Now we are getting into retirement we would like nice clean facilities ect.Thanks again.Derek

Delboy,

here in France there are many, many sites to choose from. From the most basic municipal (council) site to camping a la ferme (farm sites) to ones like ours (small, semi-commercial) to the large all-singing, all-dancing sites. There are very, very few bad ones. Those that don't keep up their standards quickly fall by the wayside. Here in the Loire you have a massive range to choose from. Have a look in at the  section of UKCS. Click on France, and then the Loire Valley. You'll get honest reviews of many sites of all descriptions. Don't be afraid, come on over!

My mum and dad have just retired too and are journeying down to the South of France in September with their caravan. They were a bit worried about planning the route but found the AA mapping service was great and have just bought a Sat Nav system for peace of mind.

Have never been to the Loire before but I would hazard a guess most French campsites in the Caravan and Camping Club book etc. would have nice facilities. You can download it off their website.

Have a great trip!

Why not look at the Camping Cheque website - for details of sites, and a very inexpensive way of having a holiday on good quality sites in France.  http://www.campingcheque.co.uk/en/

Stu's site in France comes highly recommended by everyone who visits - though we haven't been there ourselves

How about Camping le Citadel at Loches, in the Loire - a lovely site, in a lovely setting.  To get there try this route http://www.mappy.com - enter your start at Dunkerque, then Vias as Rouen, then Loches as your final destination.  Comes out at around 580 kilometres, and you could arrange several stops on the way, perhaps just north of Rouen - Camping La Forest is a pleasant stay, and within driving distance of Rouen to visit the town and the Cathedral http://www.campinglaforet.com/

We've also stayed near Orleans but it's a long time ago, and I'm sorry I don't remember the site name.

There are many other sites in and around the Loire area - and someone will no double come up with other recommendations.

Thanks to everyone I have now got some idea where to stay and what to expect but are still open to any other suggestions I am always willing to listen and learn.

Thanks again.Derek