A search revealed that the last time this question was asked was 2005 so thought it worth an update. We would love to go further South in France but without so much driving. We aren't tourers as such and prefer a base for at the very least a week but in a new place probably 10 days at least. So as we regularly use Plymouth / Roscoff anyway thinking of Plymouth / Spain ferry and then drive back into France. I'm hoping for some pros and cons please, including how the route is for towing. Many thanks
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We have stayed in Bidart (just south of Biarritz) a couple of times now and used the Plymouth to Santander ferry. We found it a nice relaxing start to the holiday and then an easy 3.5 hour drive on motorway from Santander to Bidart, so no issues towing. The Santander ferry makes that part of France so much more accessible and we would definitely use it again if we were returning to that part of France. The first year we used it, we got the ferry to Santander and stayed in Bidart for 2 weeks and then toured up through France stopping off at a few places and then staying in the Loire for 10 days before returning home from Portsmouth. The second year we spent 2 weeks in Bidart and then 2 weeks in Northern Spain so used the Santander ferry both ways. We would definitely recommend it.
Yes ... don't flee from Santander all the way across the north of Spain .... explore the amazing Cantabria and Asturias ... fantastic seaside villages and towns ... the extraordinary Picos de Europa mountains ... and lots more.
We have been returning over the past twenty years ... seven times so far ... again in 2019.
My reviews for La Isla Picos de Europa, El Molino de Cabuerniga, La Viorna and others, give a good run down of things to do and see.
The drive back up through France will take you past Bilbao (don't miss the extraordinary Gughenheim, and San Sebastian (best tapas bars in Spain?) ... then Bordeaux and up to the Marais Poitevin for a couple of days in the amazing Venise Verte ... will make an unforgettable holiday!
Thanks both. It's definitely tempting, mind you just priced up the crossings without a Brittany ferries discount which we could apply an eye watering £1800 plus as we are going in school hols. But agree that it would be a nice start to a holiday. This year we drove Roscoff to the Dordogne'. I know that a lot travel a lot further but it was a big old hike!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Make the journey part of the holiday. We always chose 'overnight sites' where our children would be happy... and therefore so were we. Don't try to do it as a 'get there quickly' option but enjoy the travelling and the places you go through on the way from A to B.
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: Santander to Biarritz
