I'm going in my camper van to Calpe in Spain,(near Benidorm) dover- calais ferry,which do you think is the best route, I'm thinking of taking in that road bridge, can't remember where it is, on my way down or back, should be away for about 4 weeks, any ideas anyone?
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It's on the A75, at Millau - which is a fantastic way to get down to Spain. We usually do Calais - Abbeville - Rouen - Chartres - Nevers - Clermont Ferrand - Millau - Montpellier - Perpignan - Spain (never been down as far as Benidorm, though). Sometimes we skirt around the other (eastern side) of Paris, and then join the above route from Nemours south. This is a lovely route, and large sections of it can be done toll-free - there are also loads of lovely places on the way - do make the journey part of your holiday and enjoy some of the fantastic sites along the way. I'd certainly recommend a stopover in the Millau area where the Tarn and Jonte Gorges are definitely worth a visit.
Thanks Val, sounds great,can't wait to see the bridge and I intend to spend a few days in Millau, and I just might call in to Andorra, I don't really plan a route I just wander in the general direction, if it's nice I stay two nights, if not I carry on next morning, not going until April next year, but it keeps me going over the winter months.
If you are after mile munching we have found the best way after trying several routes towing a caravan to be Reims,Dijon,Lyon,Perpignan then into spain via jonquera, Whilst the other routes mentioned are definately more scenic, the Milau route almost killed my car ! Many hills make it caravan unfriendly!...hope this helps
If you have never done the Millau route, try it; it is an experience to remember. The drop down to the coast needs to be taken quite slowly though.
Cheer,
Jim.
Just to add a bit - here's a link to sites near the main routes through France, giving details and opening dates. Can be very useful for finding sites open during the 'closed' season: http://users.pandora.be/leo.huybrechts/00frame.htm - listed in a North/South direction, (or East/West) so makes finding a site easy. Have a great trip!
There are loads of sites all down that route - and you probably won't need to book in August. The municipal at Nevers is good, similarly there's a municipal site in almost every town you pass. The link given above (here again http://users.pandora.be/leo.huybrechts/00frame.htm) lists all sites within 15 kilometres of the route - and if you're only staying one night they should all be fine!
Hi Val, Just been checking the route you mentioned and the Millau area and the viaduct seen on the internet is really impressive,so can't wait but we are tent users so need a overnight stop over halfway in hotel for one night preferably fairly secure as our gear is carried in the car!! or roof box following your route any ideas or anyone, thanks.
There are chains of budget hotels in all the towns you pass near to - see this link http://www.eurapart.com/budget.html. We've stayed in several - and most now have secure parking, entered via coded gates, and are easily accessible from the main routes through. You can work out your route, and the timing of arrival in France, and estimate approximately where you might be at an appropriate time. If you pre-book, for most of these chains, then you access the car park, and hotel using the plastic card you paid with, and then get a code and a number for your room. I think you can arrive up until very late, without any problems.
If you're looking for budet accommodation in Millau itself, then the Deltour hotel is good enough - at about 37 euros for a double room. We stayed there when we went down to watch the opening of the Viaduct. It's outside the bustle of the town - there are others nearer to the town centre, but at the moment can't remember the names!
Formule 1 tend to be cheapest, but basic, without en-suite facilities, and Ibis/Campanile at the top end for budget hotels - with loads of others in mid-range.
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: best route to spain
