Hi, Thinking of taking the caravan to the South of France in mid-march. 1st time abroad with van, also taking dog. many thanks to everyone who have given good advice on both subjects, been reading avidly. Main question is most sites seem to be closed till end march, is this because of the weather?. If so it is worth going?
If so any tips, help on sites to stop at on way down/back and sites to stay at would be greatly appreciated
Many thanks
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We caravan in March regularly but only for short breaks. We chose our destination based on the weather forecast at that time. The weather can be both super and sh*te in quick succession or one or the other for long periods.
Have a look at the ACSI Card website, which is www.campingcard.co.uk and offers a lot of sites at a price of between 10 and 18 euros which includes pitch, two adults, car and caravan, awning, and one dog (on sites where dogs are welcomed).
Your main problem may be in finding sites open at that time of year - the French season is quite a short one and many popular sites don't open until 1st April or later.
There are lots of lovely inland sites, where you can walk to your heart's content but they may not be open in March.
Good regions for walking in the southern part of France are the Gorges du Tarn area, inland Provence, the Haute Languedoc, or Pyrenees Orientales - anywhere further north, or more 'inland' might still be suffering winter temperatures. We crossed the Massif Central in April and found thick snow!! Take a look at those regions and see if there is anything available when you want to go - then ask for more information if you need it.
Good luck - I'm sure that if the weather's good for you you'll be like so many of us going back year after year!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We've been to France a couple of times in the school easter holidays - Brittany this year and the Loire valley last. It was cold in the Loire (but so was everywhere!) but not too bad. Lovely weather for walking in Brittany this year. We had no trouble finding campsites at that time of year. Yes, lots are closed but the ones that were open were quiet so plenty of pitches. We just work out where we want to go then search for nearby campsites on here and on google maps. We stopped at Lyon on the way down to the south of France last time, took best part of the day to get there then a shorter drive to get to Provence the next day.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=248
Open all year
Alan Rogers site also lists 188 open all year in France
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We go to Lot et Garonne, Tarn et Garonne and Tarn deprtments in France early in the spring. The med. coast would be nice, not too busy etc.
We wouldn't dream of going towards the mountains, the Atlantic coast or northern France until later in the spring.
Remember rural France is as dead as dead can be after 5pm (especially before the clocks change) so also look for a larger town/city not too far away if you fancy an evening meal out etc.
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: South of France in March
