First time France route ideas

[Ziggy123]

Hi all

We are due to embark on our first European trip end of September for couple of months and are thinking we will spend it in France, albeit plans may change when there! Hubby is working on all the practicalities of what we need and I am on trip planning.

Now I know you are supposed to have set plans but I am struggling with which way to start! I am torn as I would love to go over to the Alps as I love mountain scenery, so was thinking if we went this way we could come across from Calais to the Alsace region, do the wine route which is supposed to be great in Autumn and then head on in to Alps (maybe go in to Switzerland) and then make our way to the South of France to spend November exploring there, but am wondering if we are a bit late for weather in the Alps and it will be broken by then and not so good for walking and exploring (we have the snow chains though!) Has anyone been there October time of year?

Option 2 could be head south when we get off tunnel, do the beaches and slowly make our way down to Loire Valley and then head further down south. I think be too late to explore Pyrenees by the time we arrive as it seems season shorter there. I also appreciate France is a very big country and I have never been there apart from a horrendous school trip when I was 12 which put me off for life...well 40 years anyway!...and a wedding a couple of years ago which was a considerably nicer experience so it will all be new and exciting to explore wherever we go!

We are thinking of going across via the tunel as we will be bringing our large but not very brave Golden Retriever with us and it is a short crossing and we can stay together in the van. We had a car accident a couple of years ago (we overturned in the vehicle) and loud noises while travelling scares him ever since (he is petrified on buses) and we have had to slowly build him up on our UK trips to get him used to our van, but he is a lot braver now, as he knows it means nice new walks but he will not lay down or sleep while we are on the move and is much happier once we arrive at our destination! Porstmouth is a lot closer to us and the route to Caen has pet friendly cabins, but I am worried he will be freaked out if we have bad weather (so will I lol!) so think the longer drive to Folkestone is probably our best bet with him. On this note has anyone used the vet there for their AHC? Our vet wants £189.00 and it is only £99 there! Worth paying for an overnight stop in Folkestone!

Anyway sorry long post but if anyone has any suggestions or has some good websites they can recommend to help my research I would appreciate it. We basically love nature so good walking areas. Wildlife/landscape photography and looking forward to seeing all the old medieval towns and chateux's as love the architecture. We are just not city/shopping types. Wine and cheese on fresh baked bread sounds divine too!

Thanks Lisa

 

[Imala615]

Don't plan ,no need to in France and i would take option 2 at that time of year , and weather shouldn't be too bad. Have a look at the blogs a few in Sept/Oct

My campervan trips to Europe

rebbyvid.blogspot.com

 

[Folkranger]

So big a subject it's a bit like asking what you think about life. I would echo the view above to not plan. No need and it leaves you free to change your mind.
Possibly the main consideration is whether you want to wander going from place to place with short journeys (as we do) or bang on for a couple of days long driving to get somewhere.

As to mountains etc. When travelling south through France we often find it gets far too hot for us and by Annecy or some such place we turn east and head for the hills to cool off. Chamonix is a great place, where you feel its coldish and can do hill walking or, not to be missed go on the cable car over the Aiguille du midi over the top of Mont Blanc to Italy. Absolutely fascinating.

 

[Ernesto]

Worth mentioning the Rugby World Cup is on during October this year … should add to the colour and fun, but facilities near venues will probably be very full

 

[Tombola]

The only plan I make is left or right out the tunnel...then stop where we want when we want.

Good luck you'll enjoy it which ever way you choose

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[WillH]

We gave up making plans as we never stuck to them after day one. You got it right in that France is a big country, over 35 years touring and still haven't visited everywhere we want. This year discovered Loches, nice little town, and Blois, lovely and on the Loire near Chateaux Chambord.

 

[scousebird]

The tunnel is very popular with pet owners for the reason you have stated so I would go with that after reading about your dog.

As for plans keep them very loose, we tend to follow the weather and if we only move 20 miles a day then so be it. The alsace region is lovely and quieter in September with some lovely towns to visit, Colmar & Strasbourg are very pretty.

We went to the pyrenees in October many years ago, the weather was warm during the day but very cold at night.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Ziggy123]

The only plan I make is left or right out the tunnel...then stop where we want when we want.

Good luck you'll enjoy it which ever way you choose

When we decided to pack up our home and business and buy our first motorhome after Covid, our plan was to get out of the tunnel and turn right...maybe we should just stick with that then! Its taken a lot longer to get to this point but very excited its finally here!

 

[Suenliam]

As above - no need to plan. However, I always have an extensive Plan A. Always keep to it for the first couple of days - Caen to Saumur on Friday then market on Saturday then Plan goes out the window and we bimble about. We usually chat to MHers who recommend somewhere and we go from there.
What ever you decide have a great time. France very dog friendly although with a GR it's hard not to be
Sue

 

[Ziggy123]

Worth mentioning the Rugby World Cup is on during October this year … should add to the colour and fun, but facilities near venues will probably be very full

Thanks for heads up I didnt realise that, although I probably should have!

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[Ziggy123]

As above - no need to plan. However, I always have an extensive Plan A. Always keep to it for the first couple of days - Caen to Saumur on Friday then market on Saturday then Plan goes out the window and we bimble about. We usually chat to MHers who recommend somewhere and we go from there.
What ever you decide have a great time. France very dog friendly although with a GR it's hard not to be
Sue

Thats really good to hear as that is what I am hoping. Am nervous taking him, he could have stayed with our son for this first trip, but we would miss him too much and the whole point of having a MH is to travel with him together.

 

[Ziggy123]

So big a subject it's a bit like asking what you think about life. I would echo the view above to not plan. No need and it leaves you free to change your mind.
Possibly the main consideration is whether you want to wander going from place to place with short journeys (as we do) or bang on for a couple of days long driving to get somewhere.

As to mountains etc. When travelling south through France we often find it gets far too hot for us and by Annecy or some such place we turn east and head for the hills to cool off. Chamonix is a great place, where you feel its coldish and can do hill walking or, not to be missed go on the cable car over the Aiguille du midi over the top of Mont Blanc to Italy. Absolutely fascinating.

Yes I know its probably an impossible question. I have planned many overseas adventures but usually only 2/3 week trips and this is my first in a MH where no plan is probably the best plan...very hard for me to do!! I have been recommended Annecy by some friends who have been there, so that is on my list, although the campsites seem to close end of September but I am hoping there are other options....its on my list to check out!

 

[Ziggy123]

Brilliant thank you

Don't plan ,no need to in France and i would take option 2 at that time of year , and weather shouldn't be too bad. Have a look at the blogs a few in Sept/Oct

My campervan trips to Europe

rebbyvid.blogspot.com

 

[mikebeaches]

Lots of suggestions not to plan. However, IMHO, as a first-timer to France, I'd say it would be sensible to have some outline ideas, as you've suggested in the original post. With regard to the Alps, we tend to watch the weather as we get closer. If it's looking reasonably fine then Switzerland and Austria are superb. But if the weather isn't playing ball and not looking so good, then I'd be inclined to head down to the Med asap.

Oh and yes, I agree the tunnel is a good option. It's our preferred route and we don't have a dog, but in your shoes I'd definitely go that way - quick and non weather dependent.

Have a great first adventure over the water in the van.

 

[Grianan]

A few thought - firstly lucky you having 10 weeks!

Firstly dog. Eurotunnel all the way. It’s expensive but so easy with a dog. We did it for first time earlier this month and don’t regret it - infact we have booked again for October. Abbeywell in Folkestone gets good name and vet we used in Scotland is friends with them. Whilst you’re out there get a pet passport. I can pm you ver in Bruges who will do one and wormer, 3 yr rabies etc.

Secondly I would work backwards … you * probably ** want to be in the med in November/December as it’s the only place likely to have any warmth. You will need to check requirement for snow chains on your route back - e.g via west coast may not be a requirement?

October should be best weather so Alsace/Loire/Mosel etc likely to be ok then. We go weeks 2 and 3 and have had dry sunny weather in Loire, Marais Poitevin, Bordeaux etc.

I wouldn’t plan. Maybe have ideas of where you’d like to go and sites or sites you may like to visit but other than that follow the weather. Maybe have a first stop identified for east and west routes.

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[Ziggy123]

A few thought - firstly lucky you having 10 weeks!

Firstly dog. Eurotunnel all the way. It’s expensive but so easy with a dog. We did it for first time earlier this month and don’t regret it - infact we have booked again for October. Abbeywell in Folkestone gets good name and vet we used in Scotland is friends with them. Whilst you’re out there get a pet passport. I can pm you ver in Bruges who will do one and wormer, 3 yr rabies etc.

Secondly I would work backwards … you * probably ** want to be in the med in November/December as it’s the only place likely to have any warmth. You will need to check requirement for snow chains on your route back - e.g via west coast may not be a requirement?

October should be best weather so Alsace/Loire/Mosel etc likely to be ok then. We go weeks 2 and 3 and have had dry sunny weather in Loire, Marais Poitevin, Bordeaux etc.

I wouldn’t plan. Maybe have ideas of where you’d like to go and sites or sites you may like to visit but other than that follow the weather. Maybe have a first stop identified for east and west routes.

That would be fantastic thank you. Was hoping to get him a pet passport if possible when we are there, I read a thread on it and thought I must save some vet names so thank you.
Its actually working out cheaper on the Eurotunnel than the ferry which I thought was strange. I am not booking return yet as will see how it all goes! We have to be back by end of November as our daughter in law will be going back to work after maternity leave so will be needed for grandparent childcare duties! and our eldest son will be going on their belated honeymoon so grand-dog sitting duties commence in December too! I only work part time now and luckily can do that on the road so have to make the most of it while we can! I just have to hope our wi-fi is better in France than it was in Wales!

 

[Ziggy123]

Lots of suggestions not to plan. However, IMHO, as a first-timer to France, I'd say it would be sensible to have some outline ideas, as you've suggested in the original post. With regard to the Alps, we tend to watch the weather as we get closer. If it's looking reasonably fine then Switzerland and Austria are superb. But if the weather isn't playing ball and not looking so good, then I'd be inclined to head down to the Med asap.

Oh and yes, I agree the tunnel is a good option. It's our preferred route and we don't have a dog, but in your shoes I'd definitely go that way - quick and non weather dependent.

Have a great first adventure over the water in the van.

Thank you Yes thats what I think I need, I just want an outline idea of route which can be very flexible but I have some security if knowing where we are going at least initially and in areas I think we will enjoy. I waste so many hours researching each night we are there otherwise, I did when we went to Wales in May so best to do it now during our rainy summer!

 

[DBK]

Hi all

We are due to embark on our first European trip end of September for couple of months and are thinking we will spend it in France, albeit plans may change when there! Hubby is working on all the practicalities of what we need and I am on trip planning.

Now I know you are supposed to have set plans but I am struggling with which way to start! I am torn as I would love to go over to the Alps as I love mountain scenery, so was thinking if we went this way we could come across from Calais to the Alsace region, do the wine route which is supposed to be great in Autumn and then head on in to Alps (maybe go in to Switzerland) and then make our way to the South of France to spend November exploring there, but am wondering if we are a bit late for weather in the Alps and it will be broken by then and not so good for walking and exploring (we have the snow chains though!) Has anyone been there October time of year?

Option 2 could be head south when we get off tunnel, do the beaches and slowly make our way down to Loire Valley and then head further down south. I think be too late to explore Pyrenees by the time we arrive as it seems season shorter there. I also appreciate France is a very big country and I have never been there apart from a horrendous school trip when I was 12 which put me off for life...well 40 years anyway!...and a wedding a couple of years ago which was a considerably nicer experience so it will all be new and exciting to explore wherever we go!

We are thinking of going across via the tunel as we will be bringing our large but not very brave Golden Retriever with us and it is a short crossing and we can stay together in the van. We had a car accident a couple of years ago (we overturned in the vehicle) and loud noises while travelling scares him ever since (he is petrified on buses) and we have had to slowly build him up on our UK trips to get him used to our van, but he is a lot braver now, as he knows it means nice new walks but he will not lay down or sleep while we are on the move and is much happier once we arrive at our destination! Porstmouth is a lot closer to us and the route to Caen has pet friendly cabins, but I am worried he will be freaked out if we have bad weather (so will I lol!) so think the longer drive to Folkestone is probably our best bet with him. On this note has anyone used the vet there for their AHC? Our vet wants £189.00 and it is only £99 there! Worth paying for an overnight stop in Folkestone!

Anyway sorry long post but if anyone has any suggestions or has some good websites they can recommend to help my research I would appreciate it. We basically love nature so good walking areas. Wildlife/landscape photography and looking forward to seeing all the old medieval towns and chateux's as love the architecture. We are just not city/shopping types. Wine and cheese on fresh baked bread sounds divine too!

Thanks Lisa

We've done a few trips in France where we followed a river from either source to sea or sea to source depending on which way was most convenient.

The Loire is a good river for this as there is a lot to see along it banks. The Lot is another recommendation and you will need to do some walking to reach it's source.

The last one we did was the Garonne and an account of the trip starts at post #141 on this thread. It's not the prettiest of rivers but the trip took us to new places.

Two Go To France (2022)

Last time I was in La Rochelle there was CRS guy with a most ferocious looking animal which fortunately had a muzzle on. You don't want to mess with the CRS.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

We don't literally follow the river, just take it's course as a rough guide, diverting off in various directions to see anything of interest.

The Lot was possibly the prettiest and in hindsight we went down it too quickly as we were on the way back home after our trip to Corsica. We should try again at a slower pace. Account starts at post #218 here.

Two Go to Corsica

Never realised you were crazyguyonabike .... I read all your blog posts before we did our big cycle tour ?. Great inspiration and good for planning too. Just for clarity I'm not the actual crazy guy, he's American I think. I just used his website. :)

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[scotzsue]

We rarely plan, usually destination ill be France,spain portugal Italy , wherever. We intended tostay in France earlier this year, knew it would be expensive for anything other than free aires,but were shocked at just how much things had gone up, but plans/intentions can be changed. Heard friends would be in spain for a couple of weeks so, drove along the south coast of France to meet up with them after that we followed the weather, or dodged the rain. Loose ideas yes but set plans not for us, although we did do a Germany trip as a small group (not Funsters) no leeway of spending a couple of nights somewhere we liked, or moving on when it wasn't what we expected. Leader had done a lot of good hard work, but I (we) struggled with the inflexibility. So get out that tunnel head for the sun and have a great time, can't help with dogs as we dont have one.

 

[DerryW]

When we were in a similar situation a few years back, even after traveling all over Europe as an LGV driver, was a bit apprehensive when it came to taking our first MH trip across the channel and trying to pull together a loose plan of sorts. What we did was to take a look at a few of LennyHB’s old videos for some guidance and built a trip around some of them. It proved to be one of the best holidays ever, and resulted in us buying our very first MH.

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[suavecarve]

I do shed loads of planning and I mean shed loads, but I rarely stick to any of the main plan because I have a B C and D plan at the ready dependant upon weather and have no issue changing it at all.

What this now means is I have a number of plans that have not been used which I can now use as I have researched

Here is my plan for a month on the West Coast which is a bit of an extension of half a holiday last year

And earlier this year in the languedoc

Germany last month

Carinthia as yet unused

And yet we barely stayed at 10% of the aires on the top 3 maps but they were there if we needed them and will probably still be there when we return

 

[Camdoon]

Loire and Bordeaux v Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy and Rhone

 

[Grianan]

That would be fantastic thank you. Was hoping to get him a pet passport if possible when we are there, I read a thread on it and thought I must save some vet names so thank you.
Its actually working out cheaper on the Eurotunnel than the ferry which I thought was strange. I am not booking return yet as will see how it all goes! We have to be back by end of November as our daughter in law will be going back to work after maternity leave so will be needed for grandparent childcare duties! and our eldest son will be going on their belated honeymoon so grand-dog sitting duties commence in December too! I only work part time now and luckily can do that on the road so have to make the most of it while we can! I just have to hope our wi-fi is better in France than it was in Wales!

Sent you a PM with link to vet.

 

[Mohawk Mo]

I second Abbeywell vets as my dogs were registered with them when I lived near there and they were always efficient and helpful.. Their website gives the info you need, good luck, have a great trip.

 

[15edward]

We’ve used Abbeywell a couple of times. Really very straightforward . we didn’t overnight at Folkestone- it’s not a big detour to collect the passport they’re very efficient.
I think for a first trip and being a planner you probably need to follow Suavecarves advice- plans abc and d!
you could use / adapt his?
otherwise I agree, you’ll spend your days worrying about your next stop - at least in the first few days!

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[Riverbankannie]

There are all year round campsites, the ACSI camping website is useful.
You can put in region and dates and get a list of open places. Although aires are great, we do like a campsite now and again and on lots of aires which are like carparks, it is not easy for the dog to chill outside the van.
Yes get the AHC from Abbeywell Vets at Folkestone, but if all goes well on your trip, which I am sure it will, consider returning via Belgium for a European Pet Passport. There is a long thread somewhere with contact details.

ACSI Eurocampings - Find your ideal campsite in Europe!

View the 9606 annually inspected campsites in Europe and find your ideal campsite or motorhome pitch.

www.eurocampings.co.uk

We travelled to France last autumn leaving UK on 16 October with the intention of going south to Nice and med coast near Italy, after getting the PP from Belgium. I use the free Ventusky app and it showed this

So we went South West instead!

 

[Ziggy123]

We've done a few trips in France where we followed a river from either source to sea or sea to source depending on which way was most convenient.

The Loire is a good river for this as there is a lot to see along it banks. The Lot is another recommendation and you will need to do some walking to reach it's source.

The last one we did was the Garonne and an account of the trip starts at post #141 on this thread. It's not the prettiest of rivers but the trip took us to new places.

Two Go To France (2022)

Last time I was in La Rochelle there was CRS guy with a most ferocious looking animal which fortunately had a muzzle on. You don't want to mess with the CRS.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

We don't literally follow the river, just take it's course as a rough guide, diverting off in various directions to see anything of interest.

The Lot was possibly the prettiest and in hindsight we went down it too quickly as we were on the way back home after our trip to Corsica. We should try again at a slower pace. Account starts at post #218 here.

Two Go to Corsica

Never realised you were crazyguyonabike .... I read all your blog posts before we did our big cycle tour ?. Great inspiration and good for planning too. Just for clarity I'm not the actual crazy guy, he's American I think. I just used his website. :)

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

That is great, thank you for all that. It sounds a really good idea and will look forward to reading your blog. My friend used to love going to Corsica, loved it there and there was plenty to keep her active hubby occupied too with cycling and mountains!

 

[Ziggy123]

When we were in a similar situation a few years back, even after traveling all over Europe as an LGV driver, was a bit apprehensive when it came to taking our first MH trip across the channel and trying to pull together a loose plan of sorts. What we did was to take a look at a few of LennyHB’s old videos for some guidance and built a trip around some of them. It proved to be one of the best holidays ever, and resulted in us buying our very first MH.

I've come across them and are gradually working my down the list and making some notes! That's reassuring to hear, it's just getting going isn't it. We've done road trips in the Arctic and Costa Rica but for some reason this feels more daunting! I think its cause normally I've spent months researching route & booked everything before we go and now everyone says don't plan and that's scary! Plus still relatively new to motorhoming and first time abroad in it...unless you count Wales as abroad lol!

 

[Ziggy123]

There are all year round campsites, the ACSI camping website is useful.
You can put in region and dates and get a list of open places. Although aires are great, we do like a campsite now and again and on lots of aires which are like carparks, it is not easy for the dog to chill outside the van.
Yes get the AHC from Abbeywell Vets at Folkestone, but if all goes well on your trip, which I am sure it will, consider returning via Belgium for a European Pet Passport. There is a long thread somewhere with contact details.

ACSI Eurocampings - Find your ideal campsite in Europe!

View the 9606 annually inspected campsites in Europe and find your ideal campsite or motorhome pitch.

www.eurocampings.co.uk

We travelled to France last autumn leaving UK on 16 October with the intention of going south to Nice and med coast near Italy, after getting the PP from Belgium. I use the free Ventusky app and it showed this
View attachment 786412

So we went South West instead!
View attachment 786411

Thats fantastic thank you! My hubby has got us an ACSI card, arrived this week so I will have to get on and take a look at that!
Someone is kindly messaging me with the Belgium vet details that's really good to know and a great plan & as it will be getting close to Christmas I can stock up on the choccies too then...wine in Calais ..French cheese, Christmas sorted lol!

 

[Ziggy123]

I do shed loads of planning and I mean shed loads, but I rarely stick to any of the main plan because I have a B C and D plan at the ready dependant upon weather and have no issue changing it at all.

What this now means is I have a number of plans that have not been used which I can now use as I have researched

Here is my plan for a month on the West Coast which is a bit of an extension of half a holiday last year

View attachment 786399


And earlier this year in the languedoc
View attachment 786400
Germany last month
View attachment 786401

Carinthia as yet unused

View attachment 786402
And yet we barely stayed at 10% of the aires on the top 3 maps but they were there if we needed them and will probably still be there when we return

Thats brilliant you are absolutely my type of planner I have very full Airbnb folders from pre motorhome days of all the trips we ever done, don't delete anything as you might revisit one day! Take iceland for example, volcano goes off I know exactly where to look to stay at short notice

Looks like I have lots of work to do seeing yours! Thank you for sharing it helps me start

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