Just want to know if I'm completely barking! Have camped in the UK a few times but never abroad and I really fancy being a bit more adventurous this year. What I really want to do is pop minimal equipment, the OH, 4 kids (youngest will be 9 so not littlies) and my 2 dogs in the car and head for France in mid August for a couple of weeks.
I only really want to get down as far as the Loire Valley this time and then maybe visit the coast but I'm very flexible and happy to just see where we feel like going when we're there so I'm not planning on booking campsites. Is this completely bonkers in August? Will having the dogs cut down massively on our options?
Thanks for your opinions - be kind!!
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Dover Calais I think - I'd rather spend time driving through France than sitting on a ferry, but price is the deciding factor. From my initial inquiries it seems cheaper to do the short crossing and pay more fuel than do a longer crossing.
And thanks for your initial positive response! Will look into the guide you've recommended.
Well worth getting the book, it lists just about every campsite in France, around 9,500. You are bound to find a suitable one! Guide Officiel camping caravanning en France I think is the full title.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We started criss crossing Europe with four children aged 1,7,9 and 11. - not a problem. Most places we went without booking - not a problem . But we didn't ever manage the minimal equipment you mention - we were an army on the move with as much luggage and kit as an army - and there's no way we could have fitted two dogs in as well - not in the car, not for sleeping , and not for the things we all did. That would have defeated us. But good luck with it.
Thank you Berriow - glad to hear from someone who has done something similar. I'm probably kidding myself about the minimal equipment but I'll try! We will actually be travelling in more of a van - a Renault Trafic with 9 seats and a huge boot so I'm not so worried about space, it's just the thought of getting loads of stuff out and packed away again when we stop somewhere.
Minimal equipment means only what you need & not cluttering yourself up with stuff you won't need. That's the way to go for any successful camping trip. It does not mean leaving stuff behind you will need.
Lay out all the gear on the floor that you think you might need then work out what you actually need. French sites do not usually charge for extra tents on pitch so it might be feasible for you to take 2 or more small tents & so on.
Dogs have to stay in car for the Dover crossings, if you don't want that then Eurotunnel crossing will be better but costs much more. If you have Tesco clubcard vouchers you can use these to pay for all or part of tunnel fare though.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
The second half of August is significantly less crowded than the first half. However, I would suggest stopping earlyish when travelling - say 4.30 - to be able to get a pitch where you want. If not, just move on. Inland sites are usually less busy than coastal ones.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
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: Winging it with 4 kids and 2 dogs!
