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Hi Patrick

I can recommend a campsite called Chateau de Gandspette (see reviews) near Eperleque.  It is used a lot by people for late arrivals/early starts which is a shame really as it is a beautiful campsite and deserves a few days stay.  It is about 30 minutes from Calais on mainly a motorway.  I don't know if its the closest site but its very safe if you don't fancy Calais itself which we didn't.

Pam

Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly

We always stay at Bien Assise (sp) very close to Calais.

It's one of the Castel sites, so not cheap, but good.

I'm pretty sure they don't shut the gates as they are a popular stopover for the ferries.

But, you do need to book as it's gets very full - although it doesn't really feel it.

We like Gandspette, too - but it does get busy.  However, they're used to one night bookings, and late arrivals, so there should be no problem.  If you're going in peak season then I'd just ring and book - and then you know you've got somewhere to stay. 

We have stayed overnight in Aires and despite the reported problems, have never experienced anything untoward - we've stayed near Calais at Aire sur la Lys and Aire des Deux Caps (both have good showers) and you can hook-up on a meter at Deux Caps.  There are others who say 'never stay on motorway services' but in 27 years we've never had a problem.  We always choose those occupied by other 'overnighters', and with manned services and petrol stations, not the 'picnic area' type of aire.   However, if you do choose to do this then make sure car/caravan/and valuables are secured, with things like phones, money, wallets, passports, well hidden IN THE VAN with you!  Won't describe the sorts of hiding places we use, but you'd have to be on fairly intimate terms with both of us to find anything!!!

Hi Patrick

You can park F.O.C. at the Port of Calais. I have done this outward bound and inward bound for several years. You will have no problem. The parking area is patroled 24x24hrs. so you can get a good kip without any worries.

 I do use aires in France and have had no problems, but due to the fact of people trying to get into Uk through the back door

I WOULD NOT USE AN AIRE IN THE CALAIS AREA.

Good luck have a nice holiday.

there is a quaint little site at Peuplingues (SP?) about 5 mile south west of calais.basic but has all you need, individual pitches, small shop , cost us 12 euros a night for caravan and 4 of us with electric peak season.close to the supermarkets and the superb d940 coast road to Boulogne.

very quiet site and worth a stay of several nights not just an overnight.

Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 29/11/2007

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I'd suggest staying down the coast a bit at Berck. I wouldn't want to stay anywhere near to the Ports themselves.

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