It sounds easy to say, but if you decide to go, then it will simply cost what it will cost. Prices are similar on average to UK. Some things cost more, some things cost less. It's horrible to spend a holiday worrying about cost.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We found during our recent trip that most things in France were a similar price to what we pay in the UK. In fact some things like instant coffee are more expensive. Wine I reckon, quality for quality is no nor different in price to the UK especially when you consider the many offers you get here like 3 for £10 or 25% off. Often better value in France is the wine in a bladder, also say carting lots of bottles around! Campsite fee cost very much depend on the time of the year. Unfortunately going at peak cost top dollar but those of us that are fortunate enough to be able to go out of main season we have the opportunitity to use those discount schemes that have been mentioned. In my view eating out is poor value especially on campsites, €40 t0 €50 for two is expensive. The supermarket suggestion is a good one, Flunch do particularly good value meals - but you have to get used to their system!
The real difference in going to Europe with the current exchange rate is that it costs the same as going on holiday in the UK but you also have the extra cost of getting there, insurance and tolls which generally double the cost of the holiday!
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 29/11/2009
It sounds easy to say, but if you decide to go, then it will simply cost what it will cost. Prices are similar on average to UK. Some things cost more, some things cost less. It's horrible to spend a holiday worrying about cost.
Yes, can't argue with that sentiment at all We went to the Loire in September and spent more than we'd anticipated but had an amazing time so not to worry in the grand scheme of things.
At lunchtime we either picnic-ed or made use of the menu de jour offers (had some delicious meals) and mainly BBQ-ed at home with one blow out dinner (25 euros for 4 courses) that was worth every cent. Prices in the supermarket seemed pretty much comparable to those over here - we mainly bought fruit and veg, steak hache, sausages, cheese, crudites/salads and baguette. Coffees/croissants, beers in cafes and accidentally using lots of toll roads by getting lost(!) seemed to be the priciest things.
The only thing we didn't come across was dirt cheap wine - we mainly bought from vineyards at about 5/6 euros a bottle - very good indeed. We bought a box of Champigny Saumur to take home which is almost gone :o( Had some under 2 euros wine in Sardinia which was drinkeable but not what I would call madly enjoyable...
If you are going to s. or sw. France then try to buy some local wine at the supermarket. If you like it, find the vineyard and pay them a visit. Growers tend to keep the better stuff at their vineyard shops whilst supermarkets will buy the not so popular vintages - simply because of price. You'll get a marvellous bottle for around 5 euros a bottle by paying a visit. 10 euros will get you a masterpiece!
If you feel a bit more confident, see if you can beg, blag, borrow or even buy an English version of the 'Guide Hachette' and check the appelation for the area you are visiting. This will point you towards vineyards that produce good quality stuff and it usually tells you what to expect to pay. This all adds fun and enjoyment to the moment you later crack that bottle open, whether its in your awning or with your Christmas dinner later in the year.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 29/11/2009
It sounds easy to say, but if you decide to go, then it will simply cost what it will cost. Prices are similar on average to UK. Some things cost more, some things cost less. It's horrible to spend a holiday worrying about cost.
I too would agree that that is the best way to approach it.
Now we are retired we have stopped worrying about what things cost. We have looked at our birth certificates and our bank balance......and booked another trip!
You need to "cut your cloth" to suit your income, going abroad is not worth it if you have to spend the holiday worrying about the cost.
From 2003 till 2007 we did not go abroad as we had a daughter to support through University, but we are making up for it now.
Quote: Originally posted by Claydoncamper on 03/12/2009
If you are going to s. or sw. France then try to buy some local wine at the supermarket. If you like it, find the vineyard and pay them a visit. Growers tend to keep the better stuff at their vineyard shops whilst supermarkets will buy the not so popular vintages - simply because of price. You'll get a marvellous bottle for around 5 euros a bottle by paying a visit. 10 euros will get you a masterpiece!
If you feel a bit more confident, see if you can beg, blag, borrow or even buy an English version of the 'Guide Hachette' and check the appelation for the area you are visiting. This will point you towards vineyards that produce good quality stuff and it usually tells you what to expect to pay. This all adds fun and enjoyment to the moment you later crack that bottle open, whether its in your awning or with your Christmas dinner later in the year.
If you want a Christmas present, put "The Wine Atlas of France" by Hubrecht Duijker and Hugh Johnson on your list. This has been our constant companion for 30 yrs. Wherever you are in France, it gives the wines , the producers, the food, restaurants, and places of interest. Not a cheap book, but one that repays time and time again. If you do want to dabble in degustation, mention the book at the vineyard etc. or go with your copy under the arm, it is frequently the key which opens the gates to a special visit.
We have met many charming and friendly producers, in virtually every region of France. The main points are "Don't go around lunch time." "Try to telephone in advance for an appointment" "Avoid like or dislike in favour of prefer". No one buys quality wine in high summer to keep in the car when the ambient temp is 25 deg plus, so you will not be expected to buy massive quantities. It is acceptable simply to request details of distributors in UK, maybe in the region where you live.
Would agree with all of that above and the book that Frogman recommends would probably be a better one than the one I suggested - I'm not sure that Guide Hachette even do an English version anymore.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I've got to go back next year - I still have a hundred Euros left from this year to spend!
Somne things are cheaper, some are dearer, life's too short to spend your life agonising over it.
It may make sense to take some stuff with you. Our children like Ribena and a bottle of that is always worth packing for us. Likewise I usually take a box of Kelloggs Cornflakes.
This year somebody with us broke a glass roll-on deodorant and a like for like replacement was much more expensive than here, about 8 euros compared with £2 if I recall correctly.
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: Spending money France?
We went to the Loire in September and spent more than we'd anticipated but had an amazing time so not to worry in the grand scheme of things.
