They all vary, some lock the gates at lunchtime, others leave them open and allow you to find a pitch and return to the office once they have reopened. There is no hard and fast rule.
Hi, Never had an issue with early, but have sometimes with late!
If it was me I would probably aim for midday, but if you know which site have a look at their website for info, before you go if possible.
------------- Allan
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Long lunch breaks do seem normal at smaller sites. The big holiday park type sites usually are open all day in the main season. As said not all shut their gates when reception is closed so don’t be afraid to go in & pitch up wherever you want.
Some municipal sites have nobody there half the time & come around to your pitch in the evening for payment. We even arrived at one that required you to ring a number & somebody arrived & opened the gate despite my almost non existent French. All good fun.
Some rural sites are down long single track roads & it is a good idea to arrive in the afternoon to avoid caravanners leaving in the
morning.
That’s the bit of touring I really like. You end up deep in rural France in places you would never go if you having a different sort of holiday in a tourist area.
Quote: Originally posted by Motor homers on 26/5/2022
Morning all.
When we go touring next month just wondering what times you can get to and check in to a french camp site?
Is it like here where it is usually after 1pm, or are they more lax and you can get there any time (within reason (late morning)).
Thanks
I have arrived at sites at 8 am and at 10 pm. but can’t say whether earlier or later than that is oK.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by Motor homers on 26/5/2022
" stop for lunch at 12.30 to 3.30 "
crikey, who is on holiday, me or them :-)
A lot of France stops for lunch at 12.00 noon, campsite receptions are no different. But surely it's better that they will allow you to arrive at almost any time during the day, apart from their lunch hour, than the typical UK attitude of no arrivals before 3.00 pm or after 5.30 pm!
If unsure, a quick phone call or email would help. The site we're on now says pitches are available from 12 noon - at the previous site people were arriving whenever! In peak season it may be different but otherwise arrival/departure times tend to be much more relaxed.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 26/5/2022
But surely it's better that they will allow you to arrive at almost any time during the day, apart from their lunch hour, than the typical UK attitude of no arrivals before 3.00 pm or after 5.30 pm!
Not “typical” in the UK independent sites that we go to - midday check in is pretty standard, reception usually doesn’t close for a long lunch. 8pm is the more usual deadline.
But I can understand not checking in before lunch because your perfect pitch might still be occupied, it would be frustrating to see some else getting it after you’ve set up.
Quote: Originally posted by Motor homers on 26/5/2022
So, hopefully, getting there for 11.30 would be OK.
As opposed to getting to a recent CAMC one 15 minutes before 1pm and she went off her nut at us
We had that happen to us, but not a CAMC site so we turned around and went elsewhere. I refuse to spoken like an errant school boy as after all it is not a matter of national security! After all you are the customer and they are being paid to serve you!
We've turned up at sites in France at 10.30 am and had no trouble getting a pitch. When travelling, we try to be sited by about 4.30. Generally speaking, people seem to leave quite early (often they are on the move anyway) and arrive around 6pm. That's when it gets busy!
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
" stop for lunch at 12.30 to 3.30 "crikey, who is on holiday, me or them :-)
So, hopefully, getting there for 11.30 would be OK"
Hi, The answer to your first is, of course, you-but like it or not staff have conditions that may not be convenient to all their customers all of the time.
On your second, it seems that you want, or need, to get there before 1200 so as I said earlier you would be best advised to check so that you are not disapointed.
Quote: Originally posted by Motor homers on 26/5/2022
" stop for lunch at 12.30 to 3.30 "
crikey, who is on holiday, me or them :-)
You're in France, get used to it
It's becoming less common in the larger towns and cities but be prepared for a long lunch hour for tourist information offices, smaller shops etc. Some may randomly close on a Wednesday or Friday (especially boulangeries) - it part of the county's rural charm
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: What time can you get to a french site?
via mobile 26/5/2022 at 10:34am
