The new Aire at the end of the Millau viaduct is superb (except for the loos, and I've complained to the Mairie at Millau about them). The building itself is an updated version of a Caussenard Farm with vaults, beautiful stonework, and inside is architecturally superb. Outside is a lovely viewing gallery!
We also like the Aire at the Viaduct du Garabit, which has no service building, just an information bureau and a toilet block, but superb views, a picnic area, and a wide wall where you can sit overlooking the lake below and watch the osprey, buzzards and red kites hunting over the lake or over the pine woods.
The very best is at Gueret on that little known free motorway E62/N145 that goes west to east across the middle of France - a lovely restaurant with a delightful outdoor terrace, a shop selling local crafts and produce, gardens and lawns, free wi-fi, and a real bookshop. It certainly beats Membury on the M4.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 09/5/2011
Thanks for that Val: I have now recovered from looking at those pictures - I hate heights. The thought of driving over them fills me with dread...
Sorry Bonzo! I'm not good with heights either, but many years of visiting France have diluted my fears somewhat!
The Gueret services may come on to our radar if it's on a free part of the autoroute!
The very best is at Gueret on that little known free motorway E62/N145 that goes west to east across the middle of France - a lovely restaurant with a delightful outdoor terrace, a shop selling local crafts and produce, gardens and lawns, free wi-fi, and a real bookshop. It certainly beats Membury on the M4.
Agree this is an excellent service area. It does seem to suffer from a lack of customers though.
Aire des Harras et Aire de la Dentelle d'Alencon on the A28 Southbound are both quite nice.
It depends on the motorway, on any main routes' ie A1, A10, A20, A6, A7 etc, the services will usually be heaving. The French don't seem to attach any importance to toilets which are generally inadequate & dirty.
Good tips are park before the fuel pumps as there won't be any room after them except miles from the main building & if you are a gal use the blokes bogs, if you are a bloke use a tree, its quicker.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Just to add my 2 bits worth. We've paused for a break and stayed overnight at various Aires on route to the Vendee and Central France. We've yet to visit one which doesn't beat any and all of the British motorway ones. There 's a lovely one north of Nantes heading for Rennes.
We stopped at a nice one two weeks ago on the A25/E42, about halfway between Dunquerque and Lille. As we said to each other, "You know you're in France when you get a really good cup of coffee in a motorway service station, the loos are immaculate, ut have no seats!
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
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: Motorway Services
