France, Aires, Christmas/Boxing Day.

[shawn&emma]

After three seasons working on a site and patiently biding our time and saving some pennies we are hopefully taking a break for around 4 months and 90 days of those likely across the channel.

When we’ve been away before during the winter months, Christmas and new year has been spent with friends in Portugal but this year our dates are later. looking to take advantage of cheap tunnel prices on Christmas Day, 5:30 ish, are wondering how busy aires are likely to be during those days. We’re not interested in racing straight south and would prefer to just chill for a couple of days, we have used plenty of aires over the years 2-3 hours from Calais with no problem but are we going to struggle to find spaces?
We’ll be visiting family in Kent prior to leaving so will only be 30 minutes from Sangate.

Thanks for reading and looking forward to some feedback.

Shawn

 

[Landy Andy]

You will not struggle. The aires at that time of year are very quiet.

 

[dunnah01]

The only annoyance you'll have is finding fresh water. Most bournes are turned off in winter but there's no real guide as to which ones so it ends up being pot luck trying to find a working one. You may end up trying petrol stations instead but you will get water eventually.

 

[Landy Andy]

In our experience I would think 1 in 5 water supplies turned off. Most remain working

 

[Shrimp]

We have found Bournes open on fuel stations in winter.

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[namwaldog]

I think that the CCP (Camping Car Park) Aires have all their services open over the Winter. (but we haven't been in France for 2 1/2 yrs so it may have changed)

 

[chaser]

After three seasons working on a site and patiently biding our time and saving some pennies we are hopefully taking a break for around 4 months and 90 days of those likely across the channel.

When we’ve been away before during the winter months, Christmas and new year has been spent with friends in Portugal but this year our dates are later. looking to take advantage of cheap tunnel prices on Christmas Day, 5:30 ish, are wondering how busy aires are likely to be during those days. We’re not interested in racing straight south and would prefer to just chill for a couple of days, we have used plenty of aires over the years 2-3 hours from Calais with no problem but are we going to struggle to find spaces?
We’ll be visiting family in Kent prior to leaving so will only be 30 minutes from Sangate.

Thanks for reading and looking forward to some feedback.

Shawn

I know folks are waiting for this, but have you thought about gravelines, always plenty room , and an excellent Xmas market that will still be on I think.

 

[Barryh]

Arras would be a good choice on the nice new aire. Short walk into an attractive bustling town with a great Saturday market and probably a Christmas market as well.

 

[Chrisvh]

Arras would be a good choice on the nice new aire. Short walk into an attractive bustling town with a great Saturday market and probably a Christmas market as well.

As above. Great town with a lot happening. Market is a stunner. Great Aire too.

 

[shawn&emma]

I know folks are waiting for this, but have you thought about gravelines, always plenty room , and an excellent Xmas market that will still be on I think.

Thanks but no thanks. We had a bad experience there a few years ago so wouldn't go there again. I know its popular but for us its a no no.

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[Marty Gilly and Pup]

We’re in a similar position. Off just after Xmas. New Year at friends house in France. Then meandering to Javea/Zabia for 6+ weeks prior to a meander back. We’ll take advantage of the free stops along the way but have already topped up the camping car card to guarantee water/waste/charge up along the way if required. There will be few tolls and no rushing this time.
Ten month season is enough for anyone!!!!!

 

[shawn&emma]

The only annoyance you'll have is finding fresh water. Most bournes are turned off in winter but there's no real guide as to which ones so it ends up being pot luck trying to find a working one. You may end up trying petrol stations instead but you will get water eventually.

Thanks for replying. We tend to carry around 75-100L and that'll generally last us about 5 days so know we will find water in that time.
Shawn.

 

[Gillygrim]

If all else fails there's always the option of bottled water, so much cheaper than in UK ! For around €10 you'd get enough to top up your tank if you were running low. Some years ago when we were stranded due to blizzards and every Bourne was frozen, we existed on a car park for ten days with bottled water and using hypermarket toilet facilities to wash. Wet Ones are a good solution too !! Have fun, back to nature and Merry Christmas!!

 

[Tony50]

Arras would be a good choice on the nice new aire. Short walk into an attractive bustling town with a great Saturday market and probably a Christmas market as well.

Arras lovely place, sign in town said park up to 3.5 tonne, us 4.4 tonnes cafe owner it be ok police probably day off !!