Citi du Europe

Well that has put me off going to and coming back from France via Calais ....
 
Why is that? Apart from the alleged bike stealing, has anyone ever seen anything untoward at gravelines?
We haven't.
Up until last year we have been there at least 4 times a year and lots 6 times.
So in 12 years must have been over 40 times.
 
chaser said:
Why is that? Apart from the alleged bike stealing, has anyone ever seen anything untoward at gravelines?
We haven't.
Up until last year we have been there at least 4 times a year and lots 6 times.
So in 12 years must have been over 40 times.
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Can't tell if you went there last year or not? But our experience last year was that the migrant situation is far worse than it has ever been in previous years. Previously we'd seen the odd one or two walking around, but last year there were large groups of them it seemed wherever you looked.

They are much bolder now too. We needed to stop for diesel and LPG when we got off the tunnel last year, and despite being (what we thought was) alert, we still managed to pick one up....he must have slipped in the passenger door when we had a problem with the LPG pump. Our backs were turned for less than a minute (the time it took for hubby to get his card out and pass it to me) and in that time he managed to climb aboard and hide himself in the shower.
I wouldn't be able to properly relax knowing that all it takes is one lapse of concentration - and that's why we won't be stopping overnight anywhere near Calais.

Puddleduck said:
Well that has put me off going to and coming back from France via Calais ....
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Don't be put off....just don't stop over in the area.
 
DangerMousy said:
Can't tell if you went there last year or not? But our experience last year was that the migrant situation is far worse than it has ever been in previous years. Previously we'd seen the odd one or two walking around, but last year there were large groups of them it seemed wherever you looked.

They are much bolder now too. We needed to stop for diesel and LPG when we got off the tunnel last year, and despite being (what we thought was) alert, we still managed to pick one up....he must have slipped in the passenger door when we had a problem with the LPG pump. Our backs were turned for less than a minute (the time it took for hubby to get his card out and pass it to me) and in that time he managed to climb aboard and hide himself in the shower.
I wouldn't be able to properly relax knowing that all it takes is one lapse of concentration - and that's why we won't be stopping overnight anywhere near Calais.


Don't be put off....just don't stop over in the area.
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We in fact did go , last year just for a week, and spent the whole time at gravelines, not a spot of bother.

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If / when we go again we'll probably not use Dover. It's a pain to get to from Scotland and I think I'd prefer to use a nearer ferry terminal - Newcastle or Hull.
 
I've stayed at the Auchan supermarket at Boulogne, its outside of the city and the wrong side of the A16 along the N42 away from Boulogne, I think they also had LPG there although I could be mistaken, been a while.

Edit yes it still does sell lpg as of yesterday
 
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chaser said:
Why is that? Apart from the alleged bike stealing, has anyone ever seen anything untoward at gravelines?
We haven't.
Up until last year we have been there at least 4 times a year and lots 6 times.
So in 12 years must have been over 40 times.
Click to expand...
We have always enjoyed Gravelines and we have been back since but there’s nothing alleged about bike stealing there. One evening a couple of lads walked slowly up and down the aire and lingered a bit too long around us. We had 2 bikes on a fully covered rack. Twice we were woken during the night by people trying to take the bikes. My wife wouldn’t let me go out so we just made a lot of noise. In the morning we found the cover had been Stanley knifed and so much force had been used that they had cut a chunk out of the rack. Wouldn’t fancy taking on lads with knives. I’ve since had an alarm fitted by Vanbitz.
 
Revolvor said:
This is relevant to me, as I want to stay somewhere the night before our tunnel journey to UK on 31st August.
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Thanks everybody who's replied to me. Lots of good information and advice. I'm sure I will find somewhere suitable.
John
 
Barryh said:
We have always enjoyed Gravelines and we have been back since but there’s nothing alleged about bike stealing there. One evening a couple of lads walked slowly up and down the aire and lingered a bit too long around us. We had 2 bikes on a fully covered rack. Twice we were woken during the night by people trying to take the bikes. My wife wouldn’t let me go out so we just made a lot of noise. In the morning we found the cover had been Stanley knifed and so much force had been used that they had cut a chunk out of the rack. Wouldn’t fancy taking on lads with knives. I’ve since had an alarm fitted by Vanbitz.
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Wasn't doubting your experience but I think it was someone out of another van rather than locals, as can happen anywhere.

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Speve said:
Gravelines up at the rowing arena 😊
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We’ve used that one, but have heard reports of youths asking for alcohol.
Don’t know how true because we have never had a problem.
 
chaser said:
Wasn't doubting your experience but I think it was someone out of another van rather than locals, as can happen anywhere.
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Sorry but I think not. The 2 lads were in their 20’s, jeans and leather jackets and after eyeing up the bikes walked off into the direction of town. Too much of a coincidence really for it to be someone from another van. But I still like Gravelines.
 
Revolvor said:
This is relevant to me, as I want to stay somewhere the night before our tunnel journey to UK on 31st August. We will be arriving from the North on our way back from Spa. I'd hoped to be reasonably close, to catch an 10:20 am train, without having to get up too early.

Does any have any suggestions where we could stay for the night?
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There is a compground at Wissent, not to far away
 
Manic said:
We’ve used that one, but have heard reports of youths asking for alcohol.
Don’t know how true because we have never had a problem.
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hardly ever seen anyone else there when we have used it always feel safe there😊👍

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A bit further down is an Abbeville, campground not to far off the main drag,
 
Barryh said:
Twice we were woken during the night by people trying to take the bikes. .... In the morning we found the cover had been Stanley knifed and so much force had been used that they had cut a chunk out of the rack. I’ve since had an alarm fitted by Vanbitz.
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It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. ;)

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Over the decades gone through Calais scores and scores of times. Never ever stopped to shop there in or out.
Reading this story highly unlikely we ever will.

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