First trip to France - Any tips? (1 Viewer)

[OldBarry]

Hi all,

It's our first trip to France, if you have any tips or tricks, would be appreciated. We're hoping to stay at Aires and municipal campsites. We'll try and use smaller roads and avoid tolls if we can. We're starting in Caen, heading to the Loire valley and then over to the Alps.

Just looking for any advice for newbies!

 

[suavecarve]

Hi all,

It's our first trip to France, if you have any tips or tricks, would be appreciated. We're hoping to stay at Aires and municipal campsites. We'll try and use smaller roads and avoid tolls if we can. We're starting in Caen, heading to the Loire valley and then over to the Alps.

Just looking for any advice for newbies!

One of the things I would be doing is looking at the places I may stay at and the search function on here to get an idea of what others have done at that place. You may find the best boulangerie or a 9th century church or anything in between.

The Journals may be a good source as well. Click the link then click to the area you are going and see if there is an entry

Continental Tours - Map

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Riverbankannie]

Have a read of this

Newbies to France - Brainstorm

I'm about to write an in-depth article that will inspire and guide members into crossing the channel. I understand that for some, the idea may seem daunting, and for others, a little nudge is all they need to embark on this fantastic journey. I'm counting on your valuable insights! Share your...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[OldBarry]

One of the things I would be doing is looking at the places I may stay at and the search function on here to get an idea of what others have done at that place. You may find the best boulangerie or a 9th century church or anything in between.

The Journals may be a good source as well. Click the link then click to the area you are going and see if there is an entry

Continental Tours - Map

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Thank you! Very helpful !

 

[OldBarry]

Have a read of this

Newbies to France - Brainstorm

I'm about to write an in-depth article that will inspire and guide members into crossing the channel. I understand that for some, the idea may seem daunting, and for others, a little nudge is all they need to embark on this fantastic journey. I'm counting on your valuable insights! Share your...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Just what we need!!! Thanks.

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[tribalbrit]

We tend to go where our noses point, when ready to stop look at search for sights and pick a spot to stop.Read the reviews left by others and make up you own mind.
We never book anywhere and don't seem to have problems getting on either Aires or campsites when we want one.
Saying that just had two weeks in Germany but same applies. Now in France and will be heading down south for the sun soon.

 

[lorger]

Might be worth joining camping car park, you can join at any of their sites but I’d do it before going so you have your card.

 

[DBK]

Hi all,

It's our first trip to France, if you have any tips or tricks, would be appreciated. We're hoping to stay at Aires and municipal campsites. We'll try and use smaller roads and avoid tolls if we can. We're starting in Caen, heading to the Loire valley and then over to the Alps.

Just looking for any advice for newbies!

You can't really go wrong in France. If you have a tablet or smart phone then load at least one app such as Park4Night or CamperContact to find places to stop. There is a small cost but they are very useful.

Some of the aires and former municipals are now run by Camping Car Parks (CCP) which work on a card system. You can join using a machine at the barrier. Once done this will give you a card to access their sites. These are generally quite good but do cost around €10 to €13 a night, sometimes a bit less and sometimes a bit more.

Just go and enjoy it!

 

[Wildbill]

The most important thing is just enjoying your trip.
If the journey plans drift a bit just go with it been to France many times never have we set a trip schedule on plans a trip and had many fantastic holidays.
Stick to the small roads grate plan and remember to enjoy it that’s rule 1
Rule 2 enjoy it
Wildbill

 

[Kups]

In addition to Camping Car Park there is a much larger company AireParkReservation some can be reserved others not. https://www.aireparkreservation.com/aires-camping-car
Worth bookmarking their website.

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[Linda farley]

Hi all,

It's our first trip to France, if you have any tips or tricks, would be appreciated. We're hoping to stay at Aires and municipal campsites. We'll try and use smaller roads and avoid tolls if we can. We're starting in Caen, heading to the Loire valley and then over to the Alps.

Just looking for any advice for newbies!

We have a wreck of a house in moncontour in the Vienne . There is a nice campsite there. It was municipal, not sure it still is but last time we used it it was reasonably priced and showers etc were good. We’re on the afternoon ferry to Caen on Monday so May well be on th site Tuesday night if house needs too much attention.

 

[Rob Turner]

Drive on the right.

 

[HKF]

Apply for a Crit'Air sticker (anti pollution), even if you don't plan on going into any of the major cities. You may find you need to; if you get detoured, if you need a repair, if you need a hospital etc. It's really cheap, €3.77 per vehicle, and you'll get a confirmation immediately by email, in case the real sticker doesn't arrive before you leave.

Go here for details of Crit'Air stickers https://www.france.fr/en/holiday-prep/crit-air-anti-pollution-vehicle-sticker

And go here to buy one online. It's very quick and you can change the language to English if you need to.
DON'T BUY FROM ANY OTHER WEBSITE. There are plenty of rip-off sites, so stick to this official one https://certificat-air.gouv.fr/

When you receive it, stick it on the lower right of your windscreen, looking from inside the vehicle

Have fun!

 

[Grianan]

Some favourite places in Loire:
Chenonceau - take rowing boats out, black swans, river trip (kingfishers), cycle along tow path
Azay le Rideau - on L’Indre, our favourite chateau, nice aire
Saumur - Le Cadre Noir horses
Montrésor village on L’Indrois

If you have time try not to spend all your time driving - there is so much to see and do if you can afford to spend time in one area