Hi everyone, could anyone tell me of a 'decent' overnight hotel just below Valance which has secure parking - or is Port Grimaud accessable in about a 10 hr drive from Calais?
------------- Jimbo
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We go to Cavalaire sur mer which is not far from Port Grimaud, it would be a heck of a drive from Calais in one day, indeed I feel it would be dangerous to attempt it as you would be road weary in the final stages of such a long drive.
Previous years we have driven to Frejus/Agay in two days, starting the journey at Calais at 7am, stopping briefly for diesil and lunch, arriving at Valence at about 5pm. With a 9.30am start we reach the site before the midday siesta, so have the afternoon to set up.
The sites we have stopped over in are Les Ripettes at Pont de Vaux near Macon, and Camping L'Albanou at St.Julien en St Alban just south of Valence. Both are good and not too expensive. We book stop over sites on line to have the peace of mind that you will have a pitch.
We have also stayed at the hotel called B+B at Valence, and at the Campanile when we had a folding camper. We parked in the car park which had a barrier down at night.
I guess "decent" is a matter of opinion. But for me decent means clean and secure. If you don't rule out the likes of Formule 1 then I suggest you pick one of those anywhere along your route. They're all located close to major motorways and have well fenced and gated car parks. The one we have used quite a few times is at Troyes but that's about 250 miles north of Valence. The rooms are basic but adequate. The time you leave Dover is key for planning your stopover along with how far you driven before you cross the channel. I have driven from home (NW UK) to Frejus in one go and would never repeat it again.
We took a trailer tent down to Port Grimaud two years ago. We stopped at Lyon on the way down, and Dijon on the way back.
Lyon was just a little too far to be honest, I think Macon would be about right personally. There was a motel slap bang on the autoroute south of Macon which is exactly what you want.
On the way back we stopped at an "Etap" motel which was situated just off the junction of the autoroute and had a security gate. Check their website out it was clean and cheap and had air con.
Have great trip wherever you stay, we loved it down there. Check out Monroes restaurant, good food and drink. They have a happy hour for food and meals which made it excellent value.
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I do not know about the distance but want to say how jealous i am of you going to that part of the south. We have been on holiday to Cavalaire sur mer for the last 3 years and loved everything about that area inc Port Grimaud.
We are trying the Dordogne this year but already fretting about the weather, thats one thing you dont have to on the cote de azur!!!!!! Hope you have a great time.
Hi jayare, we are very fortunate that a friend has an appartment in la croix valmer, the village just before cavalaire so have never camped.
I dont know which part of the beach you go to but i know a part with a really nice restaurant. I am really sorry but i dont know any of the names of the beachs or restaurant but as you leave la croix valmer heading to cavalaire, the first round about you come to will have a Spar on the right hand side and a beach shop on the left. If you take the turning just before the beach shop carry on down the road. You will reach a free car park.
The beach is beautiful, the restaurant is red and white striped and does the most lovely food and great wine!!!!!!!
Oh Cavalaire,what fond memories for me.We stayed there Sept 1982.We were there when Princess Grace of Monaco was killed.We went to Monaco the day after the funeral,it was so sad.We loved it down there and hope to return one day.
Sue.
------------- Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed
Thanks Danielle, I know Croix Valmer and the roundabout you mention, we will try that end of the beach. We usually go to the same beach but nearer to Cavalaire. Another beach we like is Pamplone, from Croix Valmer follow the coast tiny roads round the peninsula to the next stretch of beach. The posh rich folk from St.Tropez drive their big boats round and moor in the bay. Then they come ashore in their tender to sunbathe on the beach! Never seen anyone famous tho!!!!
We love that area too. Stayed 6 nights at Prairies de la Mer in June. Had a lovely walk from Gigaro Beach near Croix Valmer along the coastal path to Cape Talliatt. I wanted to go there because I saw the beach in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A beautiful day to remember.
Cheers Latecamper
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Topic: night stop going to Port Grimaud
