I am looking to go to france this year...I have camped in tents for years...and changed to a folding camper last year.
I am pregnant and due in august so wish to go in may, however I am scared, of driving over there etc.
I am looking for some advice of where to go that is close to the ports, I think Calais is the cheapest, easiest place to travel to? correct me if im wrong....
I have never even been france before so I don't even know which area to start looking at. I have 2 children so would like a nice campsite with a pool maybe? not too far away....
any advice would be appreciated...and is driving over there difficult?!?!
thank you
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
The ferry from Poole to Cherbourg will cost you more, but Camping Anse du Brick is only 5 miles from Cherbourg and might be the sort of site you are looking for., with good facilities for you and the children.
Good luck for your new baby in August
In May I would stick to Dover to Calais, then have a look at the ACSI Camping Card sites (www.campingcard.co.uk) in the areas you fancy. You buy the ACSI Guide in advance, cost around £10.50 from the website, and within it is a card which you detach and show on arrival at the sites in the guide. They then charge you the ACSI Card discounted rate, which can be either 12, 14, 16 or 18 euros, and this includes your pitch, car and caravan (or camper, campervan, motorhome, or tent) and two adults, awning and electricity. Some sites offer free places for up to three children under six years of age.
There are lots of lovely sites in France - and L'Anse du Brick mentioned by Berriow is one of them - with the ACSI Card it will be 18 euros per night but with supplements for the children on top of that.
Another similar scheme is Camping Cheques, and there is a site just about 15 miles from Calais on a straightforward route - Chateau du Gandspette. It can be a bit of an 'coming and going' site as it's near the ferries, but plenty of people go there for a longer stay.
We've been holidaying in France, camping, then caravanning, since our youngest was just six months old (34 years ago now!) and we've been back every year since - different sites, different areas, but we still love France
And no, driving in France is easy compared to over here - less traffic, better roads, more camper-friendly places to stop, including picnic spots with set up benches and tables.............! I would tend to go just a bit further afield if you can, to get a real feel for France.
Fuel is cheaper, and now because of the great exchange rate so is food. We use Lidl a lot - a Baguette Rustique is just 59 cents or 42 pence! Their chickens are €3.29, as are pork chops, lamb steaks, meatballs, and sausages and so on are even cheaper. Vegetables will be about the same in Spring - in summer prices come down when the French vegetables come into season, and when cheap Spanish fruit is available.
Have a great holiday and don't forget to ask if there are other things you want to know.
As Val says driving in France is easypeesylemonsqueezy and really a pleasure. Roads are much quieter than in the Uk and on Sundays lorrys are not allowed to drive, making the roads even quieter on those days.
In May you would never need to book anywhere, even the top 5 star campsites will be half empty as the French dont venture out until later in the season!
For a first trip, why not have a look at some of the tour operators who offer amazingly cheap deals for that time of year. You could then leave your folding campervan behind for your first trip, then, if all goes well take it with you the next time.
Some of the Dutch sites offer ridiculously cheap prices, cheaper than if you took your own kit. dutch site
Great idea Clare - and try Roan Holidays where the website is in English. You'll have to travel further, but it will give you a good grounding and a good idea what to expect on French campsites, but without the added complications of taking your own kit with you.
It's the way we started, all those years ago - a ready-erected tent, with Canvas Holidays.
Driving in france is bliss, it feels like wacky races in comparison when you get back to the uk.
have a look at the champs neuf site, kids will love the pool slides and its not too far from calais.
http://www.camping-lechampneuf.com/en/
Champs Neuf (mentioned above) is an ACSI Card site, at 16 euros which will save you five euros per night on the normal site tariff! I agree the Baie de Somme area is a good one to start with, with a holiday feel and plenty of interesting things to do and see.
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: 1st time in france HELP NEEDED :)
