Driving Route to La Manga (1 Viewer)

[Dymockn]

Hi,

We are off to La Manga in Febuary and we are planning to drive and wanted some help with the best route and possible stop overs please.
Google maps says Its around 20 hours drive in total if we use the motorways so were thinking 4-5 hours driving a day, but not many sites in France open so is it best to stick to Aires? If so, any recommended ones on route?

 

[Old Gibber]

You haven't said which port you will be crossing to, or whether you want to use motorways. Takes about 5 days each way to get to La Manga from Calais. Via Rouen, and down the west coast avoids the worst of the bad weather. Loads of good aires in France, less in Spain. Cross into Spain at Irun, then Zaragosa (great aire there) then down to La Manga. See you there.

 

[Dymockn]

Sorry it will be Calais and happy to use motorways. I was thinking of 5 days.
Will be there 14/2-28/2 then moving on

 

[funflair]

Your first choice is "tolls" or "no tolls"

This is "tolls" on

And "no tolls" which is the way we have been a couple of times, you could of course do a bit of both and pay some small toll sections.

The will notice that the mileage is very close but obviously paying tolls is faster and again obviously more expensive.

Best to stick with Aires I would say, we used Marboue, then a little place I have forgotten the name of but there will be others, then San Sebastian, but you could stop at Zaragoza or bash on to the Spanish coast, remember the journey is more than just a means of getting somewhere.

EDIT you addressed the "tolls" or "no toll" question while I was compiling my reply.

 

[xsparks]

Tonka's route down the west coast gives a good idea which Aires will still have water available.

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[Two on Tour]

Tonka's route down the west coast gives a good idea which Aires will still have water available.

We are travelling down in a few days and not expecting to use all our fresh water in the two days that it takes to get through France.

 

[PhilandMena]

Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all dual carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

Fuel & Toll costs. For a class 2 Motorhome. Calais – Irun. Toll = €162.00 Fuel €188.44 Based on 1083 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr. 3.5T motor-home). N10 Calais - Irun. Using partial Toll = Toll €13.50. Fuel €183.44 Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr

Tolls: Avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 13.20 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville.

At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. Take the first exit on the bridge, down the slip road and turn left at the bottom and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (€1.80). At Jct. 24 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux.

To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (From Jct 6 €9.40 in total). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.

If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. Also near here, cheap fuel with easy access (https://www.fuelflash.eu/en/alcampo...rcial-txingudi-zona-araso_b_-ventas-80-33301/) and shopping opportunities. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm
If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.

https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm

Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.

https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.


https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app



A popular app/website. Used by many and worth taking out the small subscription. Loads of up to date reviews here too.

https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/


There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00

https://www.park4night.com/

One of the best off line MAP ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again, many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.

http://maps.me/en/home.

 

[Old Gibber]

Sorry it will be Calais and happy to use motorways. I was thinking of 5 days.
Will be there 14/2-28/2 then moving on

Are you joining the hosted site at La Manga?

 

[Fdhadi]

Have you looked at going Newhaven - Dieppe. Generally cheaper than Dover - Calais and it gets you further down into France so less on fuel and tolls. If you’re 60yrs + ring and get a discount.

 

[Dymockn]

You haven't said which port you will be crossing to, or whether you want to use motorways. Takes about 5 days each way to get to La Manga from Calais. Via Rouen, and down the west coast avoids the worst of the bad weather. Loads of good aires in France, less in Spain. Cross into Spain at Irun, then Zaragosa (great aire there) then down to La Manga. See you there.

Are you joining the hosted site at La Manga?

Yes, we are. First timers Doing 2 weeks in La Manga followed by 2 weeks in Alannia. Got the dates slightly wrong before; La Manga 16/2 to 1/3 then Alannia 1/3 to 15/3. Any top tips?

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[Dymockn]

Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all dual carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

Fuel & Toll costs. For a class 2 Motorhome. Calais – Irun. Toll = €162.00 Fuel €188.44 Based on 1083 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr. 3.5T motor-home). N10 Calais - Irun. Using partial Toll = Toll €13.50. Fuel €183.44 Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr

Tolls: Avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 13.20 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville.

At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. Take the first exit on the bridge, down the slip road and turn left at the bottom and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (€1.80). At Jct. 24 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux.

To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (From Jct 6 €9.40 in total). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.

If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. Also near here, cheap fuel with easy access (https://www.fuelflash.eu/en/alcampo...rcial-txingudi-zona-araso_b_-ventas-80-33301/) and shopping opportunities. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm
If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.

https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm

Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.

https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.


https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app



A popular app/website. Used by many and worth taking out the small subscription. Loads of up to date reviews here too.

https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/


There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00

https://www.park4night.com/

One of the best off line MAP ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again, many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.

http://maps.me/en/home.

This is great, thank you

 

[Dymockn]

Have you looked at going Newhaven - Dieppe. Generally cheaper than Dover - Calais and it gets you further down into France so less on fuel and tolls. If you’re 60yrs + ring and get a discount.

Thanks but don't like boats

 

[Old Gibber]

Yes, we are. First timers Doing 2 weeks in La Manga followed by 2 weeks in Alannia. Got the dates slightly wrong before; La Manga 16/2 to 1/3 then Alannia 1/3 to 15/3. Any top tips?

Fairly decent site now. Newish owners have made quite a few improvements in the last couple of years. Spar supermarket on site with a good range of items (including teabags!), 2 more supermarkets in nearby town, both motorhome accessible. Bring bikes if you have them, cycle rides generally organised each week, though not sure what will be on this year as hosts have changed in the last week due to illness. 8 mile walk every week too.

LPG just a few miles up the road from La Manga as you drive towards it. When you arrive, they give you your pitch at reception. Leave the van in the car park and walk down to check the pitch, you can change it if there are others available. I always try and get on a pitch where the waste water will easily drain - bring a drain and fw hose. The site is on a slight slope, and half the pitches have a drain up the slope. Also decide whether you want morning or afternoon sun. I try and arrive quite early to get a choice of pitches. Once settled, introduce yourselves to the club hosts, they will have a flag on their pitch. Blue mains socket. Quite a few bring fairy lights, they cheer the place up at night. The restaurant is quite a walk, but meals are very cheap and basic but good. Try and join the Facebook CAMC La Manga site, they you can book day visits in advance. For two weeks its probably not worth paying for the site internet access. I use my phone as a mobile hotspot, and have a second Smarty sim in it for extra downloads.

Don't forget you must have a UK sticker for Spain even if you have the UK flag on your number plates.

Any other questions, send me a private pm.

Come and say hello, mine is the white PVC with self levelling.

 

[Dymockn]

Great stuff, thanks for all the advice.
Will definitely come and say hi

 

[Tombola]

Just been down to La Manga and on my away to Los Alaczares, and was surprised to see a good few places to over night in great spots.
Its very quiet as one would expect , but it is defo on my return list.
Reminds me of St Pete Beach and clearwater at Florida.

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[MichaelT]

Are you joining the hosted site at La Manga?

Just been down to La Manga and on my away to Los Alaczares, and was surprised to see a good few places to over night in great spots.
Its very quiet as one would expect , but it is defo on my return list.
Reminds me of St Pete Beach and clearwater at Florida.

We stopped 2 nights on the car park in Alcazares as both Aires full till March.

 

[Tombola]

We stopped 2 nights on the car park in Alcazares as both Aires full till March.

I did the streets next to the La Serena golf course, near the unfinished development, 4 weeks ago, one of the quietest nights Ive ever had,

 

[StephandJohn]

We love France but having gone to Spain through France in the winter it was wet, cold and rainy nearly all the way. There's nothing as boring or miserable as yet another wet, cold grey aire with no-one but yourselves on it. Now we'd do mostly toll routes to get there quickly and make the first stop in Spain just over the border at Roses which is a great small town.
However, going from Santander or Bilbao would be a good option. Then go straight down to the Spanish southern coast. Not sure what the snow will be like on the way although it was fine when we came back from La Manga (via Granada) a few years ago. The roads were kept clear. I expect others on here will know more about that.
Wish we were doing it all again but at the moment ill health may force us not to do any motorhoming at all this year. No motorhomeing last year either.

 

[BikerGraham]

We love France but having gone to Spain through France in the winter it was wet, cold and rainy nearly all the way. There's nothing as boring or miserable as yet another wet, cold grey aire with no-one but yourselves on it. Now we'd do mostly toll routes to get there quickly and make the first stop in Spain just over the border at Roses which is a great small town.
However, going from Santander or Bilbao would be a good option. Then go straight down to the Spanish southern coast. Not sure what the snow will be like on the way although it was fine when we came back from La Manga (via Granada) a few years ago. The roads were kept clear. I expect others on here will know more about that.
Wish we were doing it all again but at the moment ill health may force us not to do any motorhoming at all this year. No motorhomeing last year either.

which toll route did you take please.

we are heading there for Christmas and New Year this year and decided to drive instead of the ferry to Santander. So the tunnel is booked. Also still have to decide on campsites and book them too.