We've been all over France with our caravan but this year is the first time in our newly acquired M/Home. Any tips from you hardened motorhomers. We don't intend to stay at freebies every night but the occasional one would help with the budget. We aim to go early June and stay out for app 4 weeks.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I'll be interested to hear how you get on. OH is very keen to change to a MH but altho I see the advantages, for me the disadvantages outweigh them, such as very reduced floor and storage space, and of course initial outlay
Many motorhome aires, signposted 'aire de campingcar' as you go into towns now charge either with a barrier or coin in slot facilities but you will often see 'unofficial' motorhome parking areas in tourist places with motorhomes parked for free. If others are parked there then ok for you.
Otherwise you can park overnight almost anywhere. probably better off motorway though in town carparks & supermarket carparks are a good bet as well.
'All the Aires' vicarious books. France is geared up for Camping Cars and seem to be welcome everywhere. As Michell8 says go for aires du camping cars and don't overnight at aires de service.
Always have a couple in mind and you will find somewhere to stop.
Quite a few are free.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We use Aires in France for almost all of our overnight stays.
The Aires are found in almost every village and town throughout France and most range from free up to around €10.
Many have a differing amount of facilities on site – waste water and cassette disposal points, rubbish bins, fresh water can cost up to €2 for 100 litres/ten minutes, if Ehu is available expect to pay a couple of Euros for a few hours of electricity – Aires usually have some or all of these facilities.
There is no hard and fast rules of what to expect on each site but some free Aires have all the facilities while some of the higher price Aires have almost none.
There are books, USB sticks ( www.campingcar-infos.com ) and many internet sites with information about Aires and what facilities they have and it depends on how much or how little you want to invest in getting information about Aires.
The Bible of Aires is 'All the Aires France Edition 4' (from Vicarious Books) which has details of 2,700 Aires and most people take this book in the early days of their MH travels.
Do not use Motorway Aires for overnight stops, they are okay for short stops, as they are not as safe as Aires in towns and villages.
Campsites can be used if you want guaranteed facilities, such as showers, but they are overpriced compared to any Aire.
France is very MH friendly and you should have no trouble finding anywhere to stay overnight at that time of year.
Here you can find examples of Aires, and other clips related to France, that I videoed in June/July last year –
www.youtube.com/user/Keithchesterfield
If you're going by Eurotunnel and/or taking a dog there are videos that might be of use to you amongst the clips
Thanks for the responses received so far.
Shirley. I agree with you but health reasons forced the sale of caravan, may lose licence and wife won't tow but will drive MH. In 2013 we had three hols in Canaries but missed France and a good summer to boot.
Have just had delivery of "All the Aires" and had already viewed Keith and 'Driftwood's' entry to the Aire at Honfleur.
Re: overnighting at Autoroute Aires. Have done it with caravan a few times at Baie de Somme on A16 - a very busy service area that feels safe. Have also spent a night just off the ferry at a spooky dark aire on A16 under those giant wind turbines not far from Calais. What VW would calls not using common sense - agreed.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We converted to campervan 3 years ago much easier than packing car with tent and equip. We use All Aires in France along with ACSI trying Passion France this year . With M/H if you want to explore take bikes with you or like us a 125cc scooter on back. Once we get to main site we erect gazebo and put up outside kitchen who wants to cook inside in that heat and if you got no extra transport your pitch is reserved for you while you drive about.
Hope this helps
ziggy
------------- 2014 Easter ?
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2014 REST OF THE YEAR ?
ANY IDEAS FOLKS
Quote: Originally posted by VWT4Transporter on 24/5/2014
Quote:
Do not use Motorway Aires for overnight stops, they are okay for short stops, as they are not as safe as Aires in towns and villages.
Rubbish. we and many other people use Autoroute Aires for overnighting and have done for years. The thing to keep in mind is common sense.
Common sense would suggest that the first statement is broadly correct. A motorway services is never going to be as 'safe' as parking in a town or village. Thieves go where they can find most victims & can effect a quick getaway. Which more likely to be a motorway services than a town or village.
Quote: Originally posted by neil and lena on 27/5/2014
Quote: Originally posted by VWT4Transporter on 24/5/2014
Quote: Do not use Motorway Aires for overnight stops, they are okay for short stops, as they are not as safe as Aires in towns and villages.
Rubbish. we and many other people use Autoroute Aires for overnighting and have done for years. The thing to keep in mind is common sense.
We stayed in our caravan on a road side aire on the A63 south of Bordeux and during the evening we had unwanted visitors , we moved on immediately
Where were you parked? Its like I said, you need to use common sense, park up near others or if pushed even near the trucks. Can be a bit noisy but it isnt that bad.
Weve been travelling in and through France since the 70's, always overnighting en route in Autoroute Aires and never ever had a problem, same as thousands of other people.
We never overnight anywhere near a large city, thats asking for trouble, nor anywhere where we are alone.
In a campervan we can park up next to the Service areas without any problems.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Hi all we stay in free aires all over France , just about every village has one. Get your self nor of the airs guide we have used them in the winter for a 3 months holiday , the book is quite easy to use and extremely useful well worth the money we paid for it, we have even stayed on the airs on the motorway just try and keep away from the refrigerated lorry 's we are now on a super site called twinlakes near Montendre great for fishermen if any one wants info I am just about to put a review of twinlakes on happy traveling
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: Motorhome `Newbies` in France
