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Post by Chrissy and Martin on Jun 20, 2008 14:33:50 GMT
We're thinking of nipping accross on the Ferry and doing the drive down to the hot end of France in the summer. We will almost certainly be stopping off for a night or two on route.
Any experiences of a similar trip?
I've heard about people camping on the motorway rest areas for a night. Is this a legitimate way of doing it?
Any expereinces of nice sites on or near a decent beach area in the south?
Martin
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jun 20, 2008 16:23:46 GMT
The year before last, we drove down to a spot the south coast about midway between Toulon and St.Tropez BUT that was before we had the van - we were in Celia's little convertible. We did one stop at a dreadful motel near Dijon.
The coast was great though, lots of small beaches that were relatively uninhabited (this was in October). It was so good that we went back there for Christmas (by air that time) and spent Christmas day on the beach and in the sea - it was fab...!
I believe, from reading a variety of forums (fora?), that it's not the best idea to stop on motorway rest areas for the night. Although incidents are quite rare, they seem to be more prevalent in those places than in aires situated off the main road in towns and villages.
We used the toll roads which cost us roughly the same in total as our petrol so quite a significant item. We are thinking of doing it in the van and would probably use the alternative main roads, take our time and maybe spend 3 or 4 nights on the trip down rather than blasting down the toll roads in 2 days.
I'm sure you'll get more info with those of personal experiences of doing the trip in a MH. It sounds like a good idea - I'd recommend it
;D
Doug
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Post by Chrissy and Martin on Jun 23, 2008 8:13:40 GMT
Turns out that the South of France wasn't far enough so we are now planning to get as far as the Algarve in Portugal!
I suspect that we'll drive in one direction but get the ferry from Portsmouth to Spain in the other. The ferry from Portsmouth takes about 30 hours and costs about £540 (for three people in an inner cabin). Has anyone done that particular crossing?
Martin
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effiemac
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
Posts: 33
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Post by effiemac on Jun 23, 2008 20:49:14 GMT
Did the Plymouth to Santander ferry which was OK (not a patch on the Rosyth Zebrugge one) but of course gets you past all those rude French people. Thank goodness for the Belgians... Lovely drive down through Spain's Picos de Europa to see my sister in Loule, Portugal. She tells me diesel very hard to find there just now and it's a lot further than I thought..... Cannes just fabulous but the continent seemed to close down completely end of September. Tolls well worth it...
Effie
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jun 24, 2008 9:46:04 GMT
but of course gets you past all those rude French people. What did you do to upset them...? I've always found them to be at least as friendly as any other national group (outside Paris, of course)...  Now that IS something you don't hear very often... ;D Doug |
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brummie
New Member
Renault Kangoo
Posts: 7
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Post by brummie on Jul 16, 2008 1:34:56 GMT
Hi Martin, In 2006 we took our ’97 Hylo down to the Med. It was our first time in a Romahome and the first time driving in France for many years. We crossed the Channel using Norfolk Line Ferries from Dover to Dunkerque. Great ship and great prices – check it out. The French roads, and particularly the motorways were a revelation. Very little traffic congestion; few roadworks; pleasant and frequent parking areas. On the way down, we stopped overnight at a motorway aire. There were good washroom facility and no other problems, but it was noisy with traffic movements and being so close to the motorway. Not all the motorways are toll roads, but we found that the benefit of not having to worry too much about routes and city driving was worth the £50/£60 cost for this first trip. Next time, we will probably take a more relaxed drive over a few days. As it was, we were within striking distance of the Med in two days, the little Hylo being quite happy to maintain motorway speeds for the whole trip. Having said that, they ( C15’s ) are realistically much happier and a little easier to drive at 65mph than 75mph. The other thing that astonished us was the welcome that is given to motorhomes and caravans in France. Small towns and villages actually want you to park up and stay ( and spend a few euros no doubt!) and there are many low cost Aires ( usually between 0 - 5 euros) and municipal sites as well as commercial ones, not to mention special parking provision in many cases. We went at the end of September and stayed in the area between Nice and St.Tropez and did not want to come home! There are many sites all along this route, but particularly in the area near Port Grimaud there are several with shady pitches and direct beach access. These sites often have tremendous facilities, particularly for the youngsters, but beware – these sites can be large and VERY busy during the July/August period. We had the Harrison awning which was very successful, and got a huge ‘kick’ from being able to leave the awning on site and just nip into town and park up in a multi-storey car park. One final point, as no doubt other Romahomers will tell you. Be prepared for the huge amount of interest that the French show in these vehicles. I reckon our Hylo got as much attention as a Ferrari ( well ….almost as much ). We’ve now just aquired a Hitop C15 which gives standing headroom for Carol (5’2”), and will be going ‘over’ again as soon as the piggy bank is full again. Good luck on your trip. Paul & Carol  |
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Post by peterholden on Jul 16, 2008 7:22:27 GMT
We went Feb 2007 on journet stayed at municipal campsite at Montreuil (we had a late afternoon ferry) Next night on aire at Uzerche just south of Limoges. It is in the old station. There is electricity, water and waste, also toilets and washbasins with hot water. It was free. We also stayed at Millau - no facilities on the brand new aire. the Aigues Mortes.
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Post by ilovetravel on Jul 25, 2008 15:03:31 GMT
Hello all!
We are putting together the next issue of i Love Travel, Romahome's official magazine and we are looking at France as a feature and need you! If you can email your stories, tips and places to stay on your French trip to us at lovetravel@freeborngroup.co.uk we could possibly feature you!
Thanks
i Love Travel magazine
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