We tend to use either Chateau de Gandspette at Eperlecques or Le Bien Assise at Guines depending whether we are coming from the east or the west but they are both commercial sites. Both are within easy reach of the Tunnel or the ferries. The Municipal at Calais which is by the Port (which you can see from the ferry) always seems to look very crowded. Have no knowledge of the Grand Fort Phillippe site.
When we used the tunnel last summer, we stayed at the campsite in Sangatte - They let us leave the site early enough in the morning to get our 7:00 crossing. The Municipal in Calais would have still had us locked in!
Like David Klyne we always use Chateau du Gandspette - or in the past La Bien Assise. Outside peak season (July and August)these sites accept Touring Cheques (both) or Camping Cheques (Gandspette) - so cost a very reasonable £10.30 including electricity. Both are very handy for the ferries or tunnel. Haven't actually stayed at any of the other local sites - mainly because they're mostly given fairly poor reviews in the Caravan Club Europe guide - and we know that at Gandspette the sanitary facilities are clean, hot, and well maintained and we can also get a good cheap meal in the lovely restaurant there.
I checked out the Perplingues one - it is the closest to the tunnel. and not far off the beaten track. We've stayed at the one futher south between Boulogne and Calais at Wimereux (also basic, cheap and clean if uninspiring!) The town is pleasant though.
You're only 25 minutes away, but be warned that the toll booth on to the autoroute nearest to Gandspette only takes cards not cash - even though the toll is only a couple of euros. Just be prepared, we weren't the first time we stayed there, and thought we would have to reverse until a very nice French man paid the toll for us with his card, and then wouldn't accept the cash! We now use the N road, which is just as easy!
Did you try your UK credit card in the toll machine, Val A? In my experience, they work OK. (I think it's only UK CREDIT cards though, not debit cards.)
Angela
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
theres also one called Le Vallee (i think) at hervelinghan.not a municipal but very convenient. stayed there a few years ago and handily placed for the m/way and port.
hi we have stopped in sangatte for the last 10yrs on the way home.basic site but clean.two very good resaurants in village le blanc nez and le pub which is on the corner by the site.5 mins from the auchan for petrol and wine and a lovely beach to walk on.enjoy. there are no asylum seekers there now it was horrible when they were.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Municipal Sites near Calais
