Hi all, whilst not strictly a newbie, I will be to overseas camping. Having had a lousy year camping in the UK this year, we are looking to go over to France/Italy next year.
We live only one and a half hours drive from Portsmouth and two hours drive from Dover. We have a trailer, a 580 litre rooftop box and a big tunnel tent. We are a family of four. Kids currently 9 and 3.
Broadly speaking, the ferry crossing is an arm and a leg, particularly with a trailer. Assuming we decide on the Dordoigne/Loire Valley region, would it make sense to take the euro tunnel, (much quicker to land on french soil and much cheaper), and drive across France, but use approx' eight hours more fuel?
I know it might seem like penny pinching, but in the height of the season, those Brittany Ferries prices seem like the cost of a cruise!!
------------- Chalky
It's not a beer belly, it's a fuel tank for a sex machine!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We costed it out and even travelling from Cheltenham to Dover rather than Portsmouth or Poole it is still cheaper to use Calais and travel down to Brittany or the Loire and further. You can break your journey by using a cheap hotel (Etap or Formula 1) or even pitch the tent for a couple of nights somewhere. The longer crossings have become very expensive and if you have a tent that will pitch quickly you have freedom to plan your route. You can use your Tesco vouchers to pay for a tunnel crossing and therefore your only cost is the fuel.
This year we paid £250 quid on LD Lines from Portsmouth to Le Havre. Including a cabin for the 3 of us (sleeps 4). You can save on that and sleep on the floor, bu we are too old and grumpy for that. We have a Volvo estate the maximum size for an ordinary car, a top box and 2 bikes on the back. An estate is cheaper than a trailer.
If you're going to the east of France or Italy then Dover/Calais (Boulogne) is cheaper and very quick. Stopovers in a tiny tent are good, or an Etap' hotel (or F1) can be reasonable too.
Have fun though! It's a great place to holiday. There's usually an ideal solution for everyone.
Liz
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks Liz, a useful tip regarding LD Lines. I used to be a lorry driver for years and made a lot of trips into and around France, Italy, Holland and Germany, (every week), so any news that will save driving hours & fuel are most welcome. Unfortunately, the amount of gear/kit we take requires the trailer, the roof top box & our Ford Galaxy! We might get away with a Mondeo estate for the French/Italian trip as we will not be meeting up with in-laws for this one so, will not be needing the 7 seats.
The £250 you paid, was that return? It sounds excellent value if it was, as like you we are too old & grumpy to sleep on the floor and by next summer our jids will be 10 & 4 so not "even on the radar screen" I'm afraid!
------------- Chalky
It's not a beer belly, it's a fuel tank for a sex machine!
Hi OUr crossing this year was £127 car and large caravan return with P&O. If going to Dordogne cross to Calais and head for Paris!! turn off immediately after DeGaulle airport (roissy) and follow signs for BOrdeaux. At Orleans head for N20 -A20 get off at Soullac for the main Dordogne areas - about 30 mins or so from the motorway. The A20 is largely a free no toll trip but down to Orleans it costs!!! but you gain a bit in fuel consumption. LOng crossings with Brittany ferries seem a rip off for no rel advantage. I know a ver ynice anad cheap site in the dordogne but don't like to make it too public!!!! Jaiash at aol.com
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget that if you are pulling a trailer, you pay double fare on the Eurotunnel. (Because you take up twice the space!) We are looking at paying £250 in early June for a return crossing. Well, we aren't paying it, Mr Tesco is!
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: Newbie looking for help, please.
