I am a regular on here, travelled to europe on many ocassions but always ready tents or, ok i admit the ocassional mobile home!
Next June we are going to take our own tent to France as i have not got around to booking any of the Canvas bargains breaks! Will use tesco for Chunnel but i need to know how far i can realistically get in one week, how much time i need to allow from getting off the very to pitch up etc etc
I quite fancy Lake D'Orient as we are going to have to stick to East side as not prepared to drive 9 hours. If we go here can we do the Chunnel, drive and pitch up in one day?
All advice very gratefully received.
------------- France Lover
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
The Loire is achievable in a day if you are not towing. We always get the early train usually 6-7am. Stop somewhere in France for breakfast and lunch and then get to the Loire (Saumur) by about 5-6pm.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
One thing I can add, is to know how long it takes you to pitch your tent. If it's a new set up, have a night at a local site before you go abroad, to practise. If it takes no more than half an hour, like we used to, then you can travel for longer. If you need a couple of hours to set up, then won't want to go as far.
Don't necessarily rule out the Canvas option yet. In the weeks leading up to last May's half term Canvas reduced their ready erected tent prices down to same price as offered in the pre-30 September promotion e.g around £74 for a week in Spain.
Personally we catch the Tunnel and then drive through to the early hours then snatch a few hours sleep before setting off at day break. It means we reach northern Spain or southern France around lunchtime either with our own tent or in pre-erected.
Coming back we set off at breakfast and have an overnight (or two nights at same site) ) en route. Arriving back Sunday evening. This means you can actually manage 9 nights away rather than a standard 7.
Obviously, it depends on your attitude towards and aptitude for a long drive, but it can be done.
Just a word of caution on Lac de Orient - many, if not the majority of the pitches there are amongst the worst I have ever seen for drainage with deep standing water lasting for days after rain. Not brilliant in a tent!
VB
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: Taking tent abroad first time
