Camping Car Park group in France

[Rodders1234]

Hi all, we are travelling down through France early in the new year and looking for stop overs. Has any one used Camping Car Parks and what is your opinion using for overnight stops? I believe pay £5 account set up, put credit on your account and book sites on line - does this work ok? Looks good to me as they have lots of all year sites and you have the confidence of booking sites ahead. I might be over worrying but we are traveling will be out of season. Thanks

 

[cyberyacht]

During a month earthier in the year we used 8 aires, 3 of which were paid and only one was CCP. Additionally used a couple of ad hoc stops as well.

 

[Figaro]

I always do a mix of aires, CCP and campsites depending on where I want to be.
I love a free aire and the good ones are excellent but getting harder to find. I suppose they cost money from somewhere to maintain and that's becoming more difficult for local authorities to justify.
The bad aires can be horrible with dirty or not working services and undesirable long term stayers.
I find CCP convenient and easy to use, good clean services always working, so I'm happy to pay, especially after experiencing the hassle of booking onto french campsites.
So for me the mix works

 

[Lenny HB]

Interesting thread for me . Apart from minor , detailed , criticisms vast majority love CCP .
On other motorhome forums many , like myself, have real concerns about what this company are doing to the Aires network in France.

Ditto.

I think many who like CCP are people who like campsites and find CCP cheaper.

There are those of us who prefer Aires, so see CCP and the other companies taking over management as a retrograde step.

Fortunately I think these companies are not interested in Aires with only room for a small number of MHs, as too expensive to install the infrastructure, so hopefully enough of those will survive the commercialisation.

Totally agree, we much prefer basic Aire with a dump point and tap.
I don't like this privilege card bit that allows people to book in advance, the idea of an Aire is to just turn up and have a place for the night. If loads of spaces are booked then some of them don't turn up you can't get in and they lose revenue makes no sense in the concept of Aires.

 

[Orion]

Ditto.

I think many who like CCP are people who like campsites and find CCP cheaper.

There are those of us who prefer Aires, so see CCP and the other companies taking over management as a retrograde step.

Fortunately I think these companies are not interested in Aires with only room for a small number of MHs, as too expensive to install the infrastructure, so hopefully enough of those will survive the commercialisation.

You also have to factor in that some local council owned aires would possibly be in danger of shutting due to lack of funding or political reasons. If CCP take over the running of the aire and upgrade and maintain it, then instead of it being a burden to the village/town it produces revenue and remains open albeit at a reasonable cost to users.

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[Dorset Diver]

Totally agree, we much prefer basic Aire with a dump point and tap.
I don't like this privilege card bit that allows people to book in advance, the idea of an Aire is to just turn up and have a place for the night. If loads of spaces are booked then some of them don't turn up you can't get in and they lose revenue makes no sense in the concept of Aires.

We have the privilege card but have only used it once when we particularly wanted a place on a small very popular site. It worked well but don't think that CCP loses revenue if pre-booking is used but not taken up. The system takes the payment up front, not from your CCP account credit but from a CC that you have to use at the time of booking. It also means that you get 24 hours midday to midday regardless of when you depart and it won't let you in early.

 

[scotjimland]

I think many who like CCP are people who like campsites and find CCP cheaper.

we are not one of the "many" .. whoever they are

we haven't been on a site in France for more than 20 years .. and that was when we were tuggers in the 90s. and couldn't use aires

since we bought a motorhome we have only ever used aires, be they free or paying.. including the excellent CCP network ..

just because we like CCP aires doesn't make is site lovers.. and I look forward to the day when they open them in the UK

An example of how CCP have given an old run down aire a breath of fresh air. (no pun intended),
Before the aire in Royan was taken over by CCP it was a rundown dump, and had travellers camping on it.. It is now a great aire, plenty of space , good bourne and walking distance to town,. it is certainly not a site.. just a well run affordable aire.

Royan CCP aire , photos form June 2023

 

[Dorset Diver]

we are not one of the "many" .. whoever they are

we haven't been on a site in France for more than 20 years .. and that was when we were tuggers in the 90s. and couldn't use aires

since we bought a motorhome we have only ever used aires, be they free or paying.. including the excellent CCP network ..

just because we like CCP aires doesn't make is site lovers.. and I look forward to the day when they open them in the UK

Until the aire in Royan was taken over by CCP it was rundown dump, and had travellers camping on it.. It is now a great aire, plenty of space , good bourne and walking distance to town,. it is certainly not a site.. just a well run affordable aire.

Royan CCP aire , photos form June 2003

View attachment 834126View attachment 834127View attachment 834128View attachment 834129View attachment 834130

I totally agree but we do use a mix of sites, aires both free and paid, and CCP which are to us just well run and maintained paid aires. I too would like to see a network in the UK.

 

[scotjimland]

Interesting thread for me . Apart from minor , detailed , criticisms vast majority love CCP .
On other motorhome forums many , like myself, have real concerns about what this company are doing to the Aires network in France.

what they are doing is cleaning them up and making them places with good facilities and security .. many of the old free village aires were becoming dumps and used by travellers.. and other 'people of the night' ..

interesting you mention other motorhome forums.. which ones ?

 

[Joethejoiner]

what they are doing is cleaning them up and making them places with good facilities and security .. many of the old free village aires were becoming dumps and used by travellers.. and other 'people of the night' ..

interesting you mention other motorhome forums.. which ones ?

No disagreement over what CCP are doing with individual Aires just think their company plan is worrying.
Have very occasionally come across sites with travellers. Not had any problem . Dumps ? Again not a common problem , in my experience.
All the well known forums .
Just to be clear not arguing against people who prefer sites or whatever.
I just don't like the way things are going with Aires etc . I think CCP are probably partly responsible.
It may be inevitable progress (?) .
I find that sad

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[scotjimland]

I just don't like the way things are going with Aires etc . I think CCP are probably partly responsible.

so what don't you like .... responsible for what ..

do you mean modernising an old aire, installing wifi, wastewater point, electricity, fresh water…and generally making it a safer and nicer place to be, is that a retrograde step?

of course, those who prefer to 'free camp' won't be enamoured .. that's their choice..



sur

 

[Jenben]

There are still a great number of free aires and new ones are being added all the time.

However, I don’t blame the communities trying to make money from an aire by handing them over to someone like ccp. At one time a ’free’ aire could be justified with the knock on local spending by those using them.

Unfortunately, during our 15 years of motorhoming in France we have noticed how hard it is becoming to spend any money locally as shops/bars etc are no longer open in the smaller villages.

Anyway, back to the OP , we quite like the ccp model, it’s really handy in the winter . I wouldn’t bother with the privilege pack, the App allows you to see how many spaces are left which is enough for our needs.

 

[LesW]

so what don't you like .... responsible for what ..

do you mean modernising an old aire, installing wifi, wastewater point, electricity, fresh water…and generally making it a safer and nicer place to be, is that a retrograde step?

of course, those who prefer to 'free camp' won't be enamoured .. that's their choice..



sur

.... and all for about 12 quid a night... try and find that in England without having to book in advance.

 

[scotjimland]

.... and all for about 12 quid a night... try and find that in England without having to book in advance.

and paying £30+ for the privilege

 

[Barryh]

I’m looking forward to the new one opening in Narbonne. We always liked a day and night in Narbonne, but it’s been off our list since the aire near the sports complex closed and the big Carrefour banned overnight parking.

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[Joethejoiner]

so what don't you like .... responsible for what ..

do you mean modernising an old aire, installing wifi, wastewater point, electricity, fresh water…and generally making it a safer and nicer place to be, is that a retrograde step?

of course, those who prefer to 'free camp' won't be enamoured .. that's their choice..



sur

Pretty sure I've already explained what my objections are quite clearly .
Think they are genuine concerns for motorhomers . Expressing these concerns is nothing to do with 'free camp' preferences
Not anyone's business but I stay in all kinds of aires/sites etc . Some free , many not .
Not sure what you see wrong in what I've stated ?

 

[scotjimland]

Pretty sure I've already explained what my objections are quite clearly .
Think they are genuine concerns for motorhomers . Expressing these concerns is nothing to do with 'free camp' preferences
Not anyone's business but I stay in all kinds of aires/sites etc . Some free , many not .
Not sure what you see wrong in what I've stated ?

nothing is wrong what you stated..

but you haven't actual said what your objections are to CCP running aires

 

[yodeli]

their company plan is worrying.

Excuse me sir.... But this is what they are , and what they do! And I DO think it's a pretty good job.

Qui est le propriétaire de camping-car Park ?

I let you use Google translate, I'm a tad tired to do it all right after work, sorry!

Qui êtes-vous ? CAMPING-CAR PARK est une entreprise basée à Pornic (en Loire-Atlantique) qui gère des aires pour camping-cars à distance. Les propriétaires des aires sont, la plupart du temps, des collectivités. CAMPING-CAR PARK leur reverse environ 2/3 des revenus générés par l'aire.

Definition of "Collectivités"
Les collectivités territoriales sont des structures administratives françaises, distinctes de l'administration de l'État, qui doivent prendre en charge les intérêts de la population d'un territoire précis.

Nothing wrong in taking care of the population, and as a few said.... What's the problem? Cheap for most and sometimes free, all services most of the time.... Oh ... Yes... Of course.... Sorry , it's French... Heck!

 

[vzac]

Well we think they are great, we have stopped at 16 this yr and all but 1 has been excellent. We are at a free commune Aire tonight and that's also great, and have stayed in many free Aires around France. Have had a property in France in the past I am more than happy to pay a little, especially when a proportion goes to the commune and will be spent in the commune. Long may it continue with both free Aires and the CCP. Would people be complaining if say camping car took over camc for example and reduced the prices accordingly. Not many complaints from me on that idea.

 

[Joethejoiner]

I do wish people would actually read posts before commenting
One more time
Most CCP Aires are very good . Prices are usually reasonable .
I have , quite often , used them .
My objections to the corporate like taking over of french Aires whilst prohibiting motorhome parking elsewhere is , to me , concerning .
Hopefully it won't happen . Or hopefully by the time it does become a major problem I will have ceased to be bothered , if you know what I mean .

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[yodeli]

I quoted the annoying bit "Their Plan is worrying" You've been asked in what way worrying, but never really answered.
Now you say
"to the corporate like taking over of french Aires whilst prohibiting motorhome parking elsewhere is , to me , concerning ."
Prohibiting MH Parking wherever it happens, has nothing to do with CPP. And fortunatly IF it happens they are there to help us finding places to park, just like underground car park in center towns hold by Vinci autoroute!!
Prohibiting MH parking is a Maire's decision taken with population vote mainly. And it's wild parking, like when at the sea side taking all the parking places facing the beach/sea
Prohibiting MH parking on Carrefour parking places is a private decision coming from the local management

In France you can nearly park everywhere for the night. PARK !!! It's really easy, you don't take anything out, you keep quiet and that's it. The only thing you should do, if you don't want to be doing silly things, is just see if the parking rules in the town you want to visit are hold by the Mairie or by a private company.
Rambouillet for instance (where my daughter lives hence my concern): you can park everywhere as long as you fit in a car parking place (one! not 3 when parking along the kerb that is). The Mairie is not in charge , a private society is. OR, follow the indicated rules on spot (parking autorisé de jour seulement)

Camping car park doesn't take the job of someone else. it just makes live a place which would be left abandoned. They take old campsites, and use the facilities which are on, make them match the new laws (very often the previous owner couldn't afford to do it and the Mairie would not let another private owner take over as the same problems could occur.) Easier for CCP to renovate all the systems while other aires work properly and give them the funds to do so.
There is no "devil" plan. They earn money... well fair enough, and they help with the rehabilitation of old places that no one wants. It gives local jobs too, and once job's over it is simply ruled as quoted "2/3 given back to the "collectivités". I never said you didn't like them. I just don't get what is so vicious in their...plan??

 

[vzac]

I do wish people would actually read posts before commenting
One more time
Most CCP Aires are very good . Prices are usually reasonable .
I have , quite often , used them .
My objections to the corporate like taking over of french Aires whilst prohibiting motorhome parking elsewhere is , to me , concerning .
Hopefully it won't happen . Or hopefully by the time it does become a major problem I will have ceased to be bothered , if you know what I mean .

I hope you are not refering to me here. Read your views and you are getting upset. Chill out. My comments are my views. Not related to any one other comment.

 

[cyberyacht]

I think the fear of some is that once CCP become ubiquitous they will use the monopoly position to substantially increase prices across the board. It seems, however, that the price is decided by the local primary owner, CCP being more of a management company rather than an outright owner, if I understand the situation correctly.

 

[Dolmen]

This thread is about CCP, however, however, I believe they are very small in comparison with Aire Park Reservation, just wondering if Funsters feel the same way about Aire Park Reservation or is it simply that CCP web pages are in English and the much bigger Aire Park Reservation is in French? It would seem to me that APR are taking over many more Aire's than CCP and that is just the way France is moving, presumably the old lifestyle of pulling into a little French village to a beautifully kept Aire with free water and waste will gradually decline and paid Aire's just become the new norm. I was in St Suzanne recently and I know I preferred to use the paid Aire rather than the free one (appreciate every one is free to make their own choice)

 

[pjay]

AireParkReservation is run by AireServices who make service points that you see on alot of aires, They either own or manage alot of the aires and run them along the same lines as CampingCarPark but cheaper and you don't need to join or have a membership card. You can also check availability and book online but I've never used their system so not sure how it all works.
Its confusing as some aires listed are free and don't have a barrier so not sure how could book one of those, Nonancourt being one example.

For info, linky to Aireservices main websites and the booking website..

https://www.aireservices.com/

https://www.aireparkreservation.com

Pete

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[LesW]

AireParkReservation is run by AireServices who make service points that you see on alot of aires, They either own or manage alot of the aires and run them along the same lines as CampingCarPark but cheaper and you don't need to join or have a membership card. You can also check availability and book online but I've never used their system so not sure how it all works.
Its confusing as some aires listed are free and don't have a barrier so not sure how could book one of those, Nonancourt being one example.

For info, linky to Aireservices main websites and the booking website..

https://www.aireservices.com/

https://www.aireparkreservation.com

Pete

Thier website doesn't seem as good as CCP, couldn't see any pics or reviews.

 

[Joethejoiner]

I hope you are not refering to me here. Read your views and you are getting upset. Chill out. My comments are my views. Not related to any one other comment.

If you read comments referring to my posts you would , perhaps , understand my frustration. I feel as though I've kicked some people's grannies .
I find the , probable , ethos (future growth) of these companies concerning . I think that concern is quite logical .
Hey ho

 

[mikesue32]

wish i had known this ,,we spent 4 hours racing up to caen to get a space watching them disappear to zero 3 miles from the site

I'm new to all this so have contacted CCP for more info. They are quite categoric in saying no reservations, even same day, without the Priveledge card. I will post more info later today (22 November)

 

[rob1234]

I'm new to all this so have contacted CCP for more info. They are quite categoric in saying no reservations, even same day, without the Priveledge card. I will post more info later today (22 November)

thanks ,,this is what i thought , thought they had changed it, or i had missed something

 

[Dorset Diver]

I'm new to all this so have contacted CCP for more info. They are quite categoric in saying no reservations, even same day, without the Priveledge card. I will post more info later today (22 November)

That's correct but in reality you don't need to book for most sites.

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[Neil S]

I'm new to all this so have contacted CCP for more info. They are quite categoric in saying no reservations, even same day, without the Priveledge card. I will post more info later today (22 November)

I’ve the privilege pack but only ever reserved pitches in advance when we follow the Tour de France if it’s on the route for one of the stages otherwise I have felt the need to pre book
Have used CCP frequently since 2017 and use the app to check availability