You'll prob get more replies posting this on the abroad forum. There are so every experienced and helpful people on there. This will be our first time abroad with our caravan, took trailer tent last year. We too are going euro Indep for the kids clubs this year. The clubs are great, run to uk standards.
------------- From tents to trailer tents to a tin tent to an air tent to trailer tent and back to tin tent!
Towing abroad - firstly, much easier than towing in this country. Have a read of the pinned topic 'Advice for continental first-timers' - above the posts on this forum, and print out any sections you think are important.
There is much less traffic in France, and more 'caravan-friendly' places to stop, both on the autoroutes, and on the N roads. If you use the 'Peage' autoroutes then you will pay more towing a caravan than driving solo.
Fill up with fuel on your overnight stops - unhitch, set up the caravan, and then use the 'French Government Fuel Prices' website to find the nearest cheap fuel, so that you can fill up without the caravan on the back.
And 'Don't worry' - it really is easier than in England!
Its less stress and less traffic than the UK.Also the road surfaces are alot better, they even put signs up on motorway stating when next service station is in KMs and how much fuel is there.
There tolls can be abit of a pain but if you intend to visit France every year then get a toll like we have.
No queing or worrying about euros just follow fast lane/Hgv and straight through no delays.Its even better because they don't bill you until 30 days after use
Quote: Originally posted by dixon72 on 03/2/2014
Its less stress and less traffic than the UK.Also the road surfaces are alot better, they even put signs up on motorway stating when next service station is in KMs and how much fuel is there.
There tolls can be abit of a pain but if you intend to visit France every year then get a toll like we have.
No queing or worrying about euros just follow fast lane/Hgv and straight through no delays.Its even better because they don't bill you until 30 days after use
did you mean there is a toll card ? where can I get imfo on this, as would be useful being r/h drive when everybody else is asleep
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
For The George family. I endorse the comments made by other members. Don't feel rushed, the French have relaxed attitude to caravans compared to Brits. If there is one piece of advice I can pass on it is put a card in front of your dash saying "DRIVE ON THE RIGHT" it might seem elementary and dont be put off by other peoples comments. on our first trip to France with our own caravan I exited a campsite early one Sunday morning onto a deserted Route National, I fortunately the road was very straight as I travelled about 1/4 to 1/2 mile before realising my error, be warned this i a very easy thing to do in the absence of local traffic to remind you which side to drive on. It'll be great just check up on the speed limits relating to your outfit.
Take care. AB
------------- A. B.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I'd agree with Ards Boy - these days we say 'Keep your bum in the gutter' - and it becomes second nature, but there's always the occasion, coming out of a petrol station, turning into a quiet lane, or just a lapse in concentration, when you realise you're on the wrong side.
AND don't be complacent when you come home. Coming out of my Aunt's house, on a quiet lane in Kent, I started driving on the wrong (French) side of the road!
I'd agree with Ards Boy - these days we say 'Keep your bum in the gutter' - and it becomes second nature, but there's always the occasion, coming out of a petrol station, turning into a quiet lane, or just a lapse in concentration, when you realise you're on the wrong side.
AND don't be complacent when you come home. Coming out of my Aunt's house, on a quiet lane in Kent, I started driving on the wrong (French) side of the road!
We have a song. Well, the kids do, they made it up about 7 years ago. They sing it every time we set off in France, even after short stops. These days, we get it in three part harmony LOL! It's not long, not complex, but it's effective.
Thanks for all your replies, we have driven in France before just never towed. How easy is getting on and off the ferry? Last time we had quite a squeeze getting out the car and couldn't open the boot because of the car so close behind us. Im guessing we will be on the lorry deck with the caravan on??
No problem,just follow the crews directions.Take it slow going on and off as the jockey wheel might touch the ramp. We fold the car mirrors once on the ship,as people will be walking past.
Take it easy sur le continent,its great as roads are generally quieter.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Hi, exiting the ferry is painless as you are normally with the HGV's. We have never done your crossing but both Calais and Dunkirk were simple, both theses ports exit directly onto dual carriageways.
One bit of advice is if you are going to use the fuel price web site that Val A provided whilst en-route (i.e. Tintent still attached) I would check Google Earth for access and exit from the forecourt.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: First time in France
