I’ve been skimming this board and the motorhome board for a few days, trying to glean what I can before posting. My friend and I are borrowing his Dad’s motorhome (based on a Peugeot Boxer) for a trip to France in August. We’re normally canvas campers (Outwell Monte 6 or a proper canvas Saxon geteld), we both have experience of driving cars on the continent, and did a camping trip to Belgium in the Monte in 2015. We’re borrowing the MH this weekend for 2 nights to get a feel for the driving, plumbing etc, before we embark on a longer journey.
Our plan is 18 days away in total. From the North East to Oxfordshire for a wedding, cross into France via Eurotunnel the next day, stay near Arras. On to Verdun for a couple of days, down to Guédelon for another few days, back across and up via Evreux (have a friend there) to Rouen and then Amiens for the Somme. In France for a total of 9 nights. We’ll then be staying in Kent for a further week, but importantly, because of what we’re there for, we won’t be on a ‘proper’ campsite. (You may have gathered there’s a strong history theme!)
Our current list of considerations is this, but we really do welcome advice and guidance on taking an MH abroad for the first time.
Dartmouth crossing
Printed copy of MH insurance
Holiday insurance
EHICs
Driving licences
Cert'Air
Hi-Vis in cabin
Warning triangle
GB sticker
Headlight adjusters
Spare bulbs
Breathaliser kit
Spare toilet chemical
EHU adapter
EHU long lead?
I also have a slightly daft question. We won’t be taking bikes, so when we go out for the day, we’ll be taking the MH. I know this is rare, but the site owners won’t give away our pitch, assuming we’re leaving early, will they?
Sorry for the long, rambling post! Look forward to your thoughts,
F
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
You are about right. Take original insurance docs & V5 though although it's pretty unlikely you will get stopped. You don't need a GB sticker if you have euro numberplates. as pointed out breath test kits not enforced so save your money if not already bought.
Crit'air sticker only needed for city centres of Paris/Lyon/Grenoble & not through routes so probably not needed. Usual 25mtre ehu lead & French adaptor will do the job. Dartford crossing pay online for there & back beforehand then that's done. Toll free if you are crossing between 10pm & 6am.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Holiday insurance - needs both health cover (repatriation cost sets) which EHIC doesn't cover; and breakdown insurance. Of course, Sod's law says you won't need to claim - unless you haven't got it.
get yourself a copy of the 'all the aires' book - invaluable for the type of journey you are planning. contains details of all the free/cheap motor home stopping places, so you can plan where to stay.
If you need glasses for driving you need to take 2 pairs, just in case you lose one pair
Have a look at the website about-France .com, lots of useful information about travelling in France
------------- Basa
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
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: Advice on taking MH to France - newbie
