What is you favourite Aire and why

[barryd]

Im sure this will have been done before but in light of Jims Aires thread and having raked through all my photos Michelle and I tried to decide which our favourite was. I think for us scenery and the view is the most important rather than accessibility to facilities. Having the scooter helps.

Anyway the one for us that came up tops was the top Aire at Gavarnie in the Pyrenees. We were there in April and the weather was superb so that probably makes a difference. We also had the whole place to ourseleves apart from the odd van now and again. I imagine it is not always like that!

Anyway here it is

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Over to you!!!

 

[TomTee]

My favourite aires are any with properly marked-out emplacements. I've no desire to spend my holidays with a motor home four feet on either side of me!

In Brittany last year we found a superb one on the Crozon peninsular but, arriving in Concarneau, we headed for the aire to find that it was a car park by the railway station and they were crammed in like sardines.

We drove straight out and found a superb family-run site two miles away for 10 euro a night. It had generous pitches, a super view and all the facilities - no contest as far as I'm concerned!

The Crozon aire was at Camaret-sur-Mer, a delightful little port town.

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Im sure this will have been done before but in light of Jims Aires thread and having raked through all my photos Michelle and I tried to decide which our favourite was. I think for us scenery and the view is the most important rather than accessibility to facilities. Having the scooter helps.

Anyway the one for us that came up tops was the top Aire at Gavarnie in the Pyrenees. We were there in April and the weather was superb so that probably makes a difference. We also had the whole place to ourseleves apart from the odd van now and again. I imagine it is not always like that!

Anyway here it is

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Over to you!!!

Whereabouts in Gavarnie is that? We stayed at the little campsite on the road to the Cirque in 2006 - got to be one of our favourite spots in the world!!

 

[barryd]

Whereabouts in Gavarnie is that? We stayed at the little campsite on the road to the Cirque in 2006 - got to be one of our favourite spots in the world!!

Hi

I agree with you, its simply magical and no photo can do it justice. Its about a mile up the mountain from the villiage on the (only) road that goes up to the ski slopes. Quite a hike to the villiage if you dont have other transport! There are basically two large Aires on either side of the road with quite basic facilities. They charge about 4 euros in the peak season but there was hardly anyone about in April so we had it for free and to ourselves. There was a full moon one night and the moon was so bright I could hardly stare at it. Most of the vans were parked in the car park / Aire in the villiage, not sure if they were supposed to be there but obviously they wanted to be nearer to the shops, bars etc.

I also agree with the previous poster, I wont stay on an Aire where they are crammed in. These tend to be coastal Aires mainly, there are some lovely ones to be had inland if you look which are much less crowded, usually free and far more pleasant. The Aire at Biarritz for example people rave about but it was the worst one I have ever stayed on. Noisy, expensive (10 Euros) and cramped.

 

[meanders]

One of the best inland aires we stayed on was at Broglie right next to the river. the town was only small but some lovely walks by the river. This aire was set out like a mini campsite with individual hard standing with grass area surrounding. The gate was closed overnight so very safe and all for 5 euros

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[PenelopePitstop]

Honfleur is getting that way too - we've watched it get more and more crowded even out of holiday times. They're charging €9 now too and you can't always get hook-up.

St Valery sur Somme is nice - we were there last August and although busy they were quite large pitches, I think it was about €7

Bergerac is nice too but vans are a bit close and anything over 7 metres just won't get a place!

Montreuil- Bellay is gorgeous! Free and spacious and next to a river and a chateau!

 

[keith]

Enjoyed this one as very quiet and a few K off the A71 S of Orleans

 

[barryd]

Enjoyed this one as very quiet and a few K off the A71 S of Orleans

Stayed there on the way down to Dordogne in April I think. Very nice as well.

 

[lorger]

We have stayed at a few one we really liked was the first one we ever used it was at Mallbussion (spelling) right on the lake with great views and nice wee beach which after 5 oclock was really quiet had picnic tables and table tennis Pizza van came and made pizza fresh to order so tasty then at 8am around came the bakers van with hot fresh bread. There was a few vans in but not cramped.

Another one we stayed at was in Autun more for the position than anything, right next to a lake with a cycle path al the way round also next to local swimming pool. 10 min walk to a lovely town centre just had a good feeling about it.

Gerry

 

[AlanVal]

WE like chateau Gontier lovely by the river in the town...tried to put a photo on but it did`nt work .....

Val

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[neilmac]

Good topiic Barry:thumb:

There are numerous great aires and hard to pick just one...

We heard this was 'the best aire in France' before we got there and were pretty sceptical based on the photos we'd seen. Those who like space between vans would definitely not agree.

But it is in the true spirit of aires. Its a stunning harbour location and minutes walk away from a lovely town, markets and beaches. 3.40 Euro per night - shocking for such a location

The close proximity of other vans means there is a great atmosphere amongst the motorhomers there - we shared oysters with our German neighbours one evening.

Anyway.....

St Valery en Caux

The town

The sunset

Takes some beating

 

[schojac]

Hi,

Bouchemaine and Lac Du Vassiviere. Photos submitted and hopefully in the new French Aires gallery soon.

Jack

 

[vindiboy]

St Valery en Caux as previously posted looks great but I thought there was a 3.5 tonne weight limit there, but judging by the size of some of the vans there I got that wrong or perhaps the rule isi gnored, anyway that is one I intend to find as it looks great.:thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

[neilmac]

I thought there was a 3.5 tonne weight limit there

There is :Blush:

 

[atakd]

The best We've stayed at is Ouzouer-sur-Trezee on the Briare canal. It has free electricity and free hot showers and toilets in a clean block (the building to the right of the MHs in the photo).
We visited in June and there was one other van there - don't know what it is like in August though.


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[barryd]

Great phots Neil as always. We visited the Aire at St Valery en Caux last August just for a look. There was a bloke down the road turning vans away as it was packed. Great location but too busy. The All (some of) The Aires book describes it as possibly the nicest Aire in France. But here is the thing. What some think is a really great Aire others might not. I personally would rather have a crap view and loads of space than be packed in like sardines. At Honfleur in May the Aire was busy and 9 Euros but 2 miles up the road in a small village there was a free aire that was practically empty and very nice.

The book has a few aires highlighted in a different colour which are so called "Really nice" aires. We have visited a few of these and yes some of them are nice but some are flipping horrid IMO.

My priorities do not rank location at the top as I would rather have a small drive on the scooter and some space, piece and quiet and perhaps a free stopover spending some money in the local and less touristy shops. I think its a British thing, having your own space as others in the EU dont seem that bothered. I like a good chinwag and maybe a beer with my fellow campers but I dont really want to bang my door on their van when I get out or hear them snoring or worse!

Thanks everyone for relpying and keep them coming as its all getting noted for the next trip should I be lucky enough to have one!

 

[TDH]

This is our favourite - Verteuil sur Charente, just off the N10, SE of Ruffec.

 

[mondo]

Our favourite aires....

Bouchmaine..a great one if you like space between your van and next door..it's an former municipal.. hook ups.. showers the lot.. 10 euros a night right on the Loire river..Why?..The view

Mer sur Cher...
Smashing little aire with marked out pitches 6 or 7 in all if I remember rightly but only 5 hook ups!! 5.50 a night.Why..Nice and cosy

Forge les Eaux...
Belting aire about 60 Ks North of Rouen room for at least 50 vans bags of room opposite a campsite but a lot cheaper 5.60 a night collected by the camp site owners...Why ..Lovely little town

St Jean de Monts
Smack on the beach.. facing West it's just an overnight parking place really but it's always full no.. real services other than parking but it's free and the police do patrol it..If you like to photo sunsets (Niel Mac) this is the place to do it..Why..The best view ever!!

Unfortunately most of my photos are on my other lap top and it's a bit bust!! once I get it sorted will post pix of all the aires we've visited

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Good topiic Barry:thumb:

There are numerous great aires and hard to pick just one...

We heard this was 'the best aire in France' before we got there and were pretty sceptical based on the photos we'd seen. Those who like space between vans would definitely not agree.

But it is in the true spirit of aires. Its a stunning harbour location and minutes walk away from a lovely town, markets and beaches. 3.40 Euro per night - shocking for such a location

The close proximity of other vans means there is a great atmosphere amongst the motorhomers there - we shared oysters with our German neighbours one evening.

Anyway.....

St Valery en Caux

That's where I fell and tore a tendon in my shoulder 6 weeks ago!!oh:oh:oh:

The road from the town to the aire is very narrow - wouldn't like to meet another motorhome coming the other way!!! Rocks on one side and drop into the harbour on the other!!

We didn't stay the night just called in to have a look on our way to Calais and free overnight parking at Franglais wine warehouse!

 

[drs]

Great phots Neil as always. We visited the Aire at St Valery en Caux last August just for a look. There was a bloke down the road turning vans away as it was packed. Great location but too busy. The All (some of) The Aires book describes it as possibly the nicest Aire in France. But here is the thing. What some think is a really great Aire others might not. I personally would rather have a crap view and loads of space than be packed in like sardines. At Honfleur in May the Aire was busy and 9 Euros but 2 miles up the road in a small village there was a free aire that was practically empty and very nice.

The book has a few aires highlighted in a different colour which are so called "Really nice" aires. We have visited a few of these and yes some of them are nice but some are flipping horrid IMO.

My priorities do not rank location at the top as I would rather have a small drive on the scooter and some space, piece and quiet and perhaps a free stopover spending some money in the local and less touristy shops. I think its a British thing, having your own space as others in the EU dont seem that bothered. I like a good chinwag and maybe a beer with my fellow campers but I dont really want to bang my door on their van when I get out or hear them snoring or worse!

Thanks everyone for relpying and keep them coming as its all getting noted for the next trip should I be lucky enough to have one!

Barryd
I don't suppose you can remember the name of the village 2mls from Honfleur as we will be going that way next month, As we have already seen the aire there we'd rather go for a smaller aire.

DRS

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[barryd]

Barryd
I don't suppose you can remember the name of the village 2mls from Honfleur as we will be going that way next month, As we have already seen the aire there we'd rather go for a smaller aire.

DRS

Yep. Its La Riviere St Sauveur. Here is the link. Its in a quiet village but there is a little traffic noise from the motorway peage flyover about half a mile away but not too bad.

http://www.campingcar-infos.com/Francais/aire.php?numid=870&Localité=LA RIVIERE SAINT SAUVEUR

Latitude ( North ) Decimal 49.40856 ° or 49 ° 24 ' 30,816 ''
Longitude ( East) Decimal 000.26926 ° or 000 ° 16 ' 9336 ''

Its a short flat cycle ride to Honfleur or a bit of a hike on foot, not sure if there is any buses as we used the scooter. Use google Translate to translate the French. The photo looks like its near a busy road but it isnt.

EDIT: I just remembered, there was something wierd about the services. I couldnt work out if you had to buy a 5 euro token for electric (on the service point) and water or if you could buy them seperately for water or electric. As it happens we didnt need either but its free to spend the night.

 

[nozzmoking]

We made our 'newbie' trip to Normandy/Brittany last week, so only got to stay at 3 Aires.

Honfleur - was really busy. Loved the town, but very expensive to eat & drink out. Stayed there for our first night, and also our last. Tough to find a parking spot so we ended up right by the water in a great spot.

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Plouha - (on the recommendation of ScotJimLand) and we loved it. As soon as I walked back down to the beach, the sun came out!

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Mont St Michael - again very expensive doing the museums / eating / drinking etc. but it had to be done.

View of the Aire from the Mont

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The Mont from the van

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A couple of sunset shots

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Can't wait to get back!

Paul

 

[barryd]

We made our 'newbie' trip to Normandy/Brittany last week, so only got to stay at 3 Aires.

Honfleur - was really busy. Loved the town, but very expensive to eat & drink out. Stayed there for our first night, and also our last. Tough to find a parking spot so we ended up right by the water in a great spot.

Can't wait to get back!

Paul

Whoa! Photos to rival Neils!! Thanks for sharing those they are brilliant. Honfleur is lovely buy I know what you mean about the food. We ate at one of the harbour side restaurants and my steak was so bad I sent it back. I think its the same the world over. The tourist spots are always hit miss. Im afraid becuase of this I would rather spend £30 in a French Market and go and have a fantastic picnic!

Do you know that the Aire at Mont St Michel is soon to be flooded as is the car park and the whole place turned back into an island?

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Do you know that the Aire at Mont St Michel is soon to be flooded as is the car park and the whole place turned back into an island?

There is always the other aire - opposite the campsite at the crossroads - it's about €7.90 a night and has nice pitches and everything except a shower block! :thumb::thumb:
We've stayed there twice now - August and October - never full and very peacefull.

 

[barryd]

There is always the other aire - opposite the campsite at the crossroads - it's about €7.90 a night and has nice pitches and everything except a shower block! :thumb::thumb:
We've stayed there twice now - August and October - never full and very peacefull.

We seem to visit many of the same places! We have stayed there twice now. I think its the one where you get the key code from the Hotel Verte over the road next to the campsite.

http://www.campingcar-infos.com/Francais/aire.php?numid=3024&Localité=ARDEVON Le Mont Saint Michel

Lovely little place and great value when you consider where it is. The local supermarket is really pricey though so if your going to Mont St Michel find a Super U on the way first. I dont mind shopping locally to support the local economy normally but its very expensive there. I suspect it will become very busy once the other Aire is closed.

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[PenelopePitstop]

We seem to visit many of the same places! We have stayed there twice now. I think its the one where you get the key code from the Hotel Verte over the road next to the campsite.

http://www.campingcar-infos.com/Francais/aire.php?numid=3024&Localité=ARDEVON Le Mont Saint Michel

Lovely little place and great value when you consider where it is. The local supermarket is really pricey though so if your going to Mont St Michel find a Super U on the way first. I dont mind shopping locally to support the local economy normally but its very expensive there. I suspect it will become very busy once the other Aire is closed.

Yes that's the one! Lovely view of the Mont in the distance - if you choose your pitch carefully!

The whole place is expensive but sometimes these things have to be done!

We went up the Mont in October - got some great photos in the rain! anyone can take photos of it in the sunshine!!!

 

[nozzmoking]

Talking about Mont St Michael, has anyone ever seen lorries/vans etc. delivering to the site? I just wondered how all the hotels, businesses etc. get their supplies. We were there for 2 days and never saw one delivery. Must be a secret entrance somewhere!

 

[barryd]

There is a way of getting vehicles around the outside of the Mont, if you ever ventured down to the left hand side ramparts at the end there are vehicles parked there. Now there is an old service lift and I am sure Mrs D said there is a modern one still in use but Ill have to ask her. Same thing in Rocamadour if you have ever been there in the Dordogne / Lot area. Village built into a cliff, must be a nightmare getting services there. If you like the Mont you will love Rocamadour. There is an aire which I think is free but has no facilities but however there is also a cracking little site with spacious pitches, wifi and when we were there in April and May It was E8.50 or E11.60 with EHU. Pretty good value for such a famous place.

Sorry about the naff photo

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[barryd]

Oh and while we are talking about our fav aires, here is a reminder of just how mad some can get.

This was the Aire at Erquy in Brittany in August last summer. We never stayed but had a whiz round it on the bike. Some vans were parked about a foot apart! IT looked like a happy atmosphere though. If you want to be next to the beach though then dont expect to be on your own. There are however some really good wild spots in Brittany if you look hard enough with fab views and a little less crowded. The French must be pretty tolerant though. Would you fancy having one of those houses right next to such a packed Aire?

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[hilldweller]

On a G string.

Why ? Well it's good innit.

You'd be Baching mad not to like it.

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