French Strikes and Blockades 17th Nov

[Clarky]

Well done all those travelling through France today.

We have had a shit day, which started well but by the last road block we were fed up, taking it out on each other, redirected so many times, we didn't know if we were going North, South, East or West. Am so hissed off with lovely France, believe me I love France, I just want to get out as soon as possible.

Think that I would just find a nice aire to park on for a few days, close to shops for morning croissants, and just chill until thing get quieter.
No point in getting stressed unless you absolutely have to be somewhere quickly.
When you're retired life's a holiday so r e l a x.

Richard.

 

[mitzimad]

i wish we were there, weve spent weeks in france and apart from across a counter spoken to no one

 

[Armytwowheels]

We have managed to dodge one blockade this morning thanks to a swift turn right and some even swifter map reading. We have changed our route slightly and going via the Limousin and Toulouse instead of Bordeaux. Google maps is giving us a bit of advance warning of the hold ups. Keeping everything crossed for a more relaxing day.

I hope all travelling today get through ok.

 

[yodeli]

We have managed to dodge one blockade this morning thanks to a swift turn right and some even swifter map reading. We have changed our route slightly and going via the Limousin and Toulouse instead of Bordeaux. Google maps is giving us a bit of advance warning of the hold ups. Keeping everything crossed for a more relaxing day.

I hope all travelling today get through ok.

If you do it to Toulouse before friday, then you have a free pitch waiting for you here

 

[yodeli]

i wish we were there, weve spent weeks in france and apart from across a counter spoken to no one

Oh come on ..... let's have a little chat ... I'm on here very often. Mind you I can only type early in the morning, or like now while the toddlers are having they desert!

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[Khizzie]

My daughter is at Dinan at moment and she says most roads are still being blockaded and will continue all week.

 

[Augusta08]

I'm booked on the St Malo boat next Tuesday, coming back for some Motorsport and Xmas. Let's hope it is all over by then.

I guess the best time would be traveling from 1200-1430 hrs, they'll all be at lunch .

 

[Armytwowheels]

If you do it to Toulouse before friday, then you have a free pitch waiting for you here

That would be great Frankie, we would love to take you up on that.

We are visiting Mr & Mrs Munchie for a couple of nights, a) to give us a break from the stressy driving, and b) because we always see them on the way through if we can. Will Thursday night be OK?

 

[Jands]

Now in Gace on our way back to Calais, train on Thursday.
Went across on mainly minor roads from Fougeres.
One hold up on our way, they were stopping the lorries and letting us through on the other side, except they didn't know what they were doing and let both ways of traffic through at the same time. I just played awkward and wouldn't go where they said, rather look after my van than reverse into tiny spots or over grass verges.
Going through Rouen tomorrow, can't see any way to avoid it, expect delays, anyone been there?
Stopping at Montreuil sur mer tomorrow night.
Then hit the tunnel eventually Thursday.

 

[JockandRita]

We have changed our route slightly and going via the Limousin and Toulouse instead of Bordeaux.

You might just need to be aware of the possibility of more inclement weather, going slightly further east. Good luck Sandra & Colin.

If you do it to Toulouse before friday, then you have a free pitch waiting for you here

That would be great Frankie, we would love to take you up on that.

Been there, done that, and are able to recommend Frankie's hospitality.

Going through Rouen tomorrow, can't see any way to avoid it, expect delays, anyone been there?

Can't you go round Rouen, either on the Autoroute, or round the ring road that follows the river and industrial areas, rather than through the city?

Cheers,

Jock.

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[maz]

Have been working my way steadily through this thread with a growing sense of trepidation as we have a Eurotunnel crossing booked for this Thursday! Are we mad to even consider crossing at the moment as the plan was to drive down through France into Spain?

Good luck to all Funsters currently travelling in France.

 

[Armytwowheels]

Now in Gace on our way back to Calais, train on Thursday.
Went across on mainly minor roads from Fougeres.
One hold up on our way, they were stopping the lorries and letting us through on the other side, except they didn't know what they were doing and let both ways of traffic through at the same time. I just played awkward and wouldn't go where they said, rather look after my van than reverse into tiny spots or over grass verges.
Going through Rouen tomorrow, can't see any way to avoid it, expect delays, anyone been there?
Stopping at Montreuil sur mer tomorrow night.
Then hit the tunnel eventually Thursday.

Today we avoided one and got trapped in another, but I have to say, the one that caught us, was the most polite and smiley of the lot. They also only kept us there a few minutes.

We are now having a couple of days off @Clarky, too unwind and visit the notorious Munchies.

Then let the battle commence.

 

[Xabia]

Horrendous today! Stood for 3 hours 40 minutes as motorway into Bordeaux from south closed. Eventually routed around various towns and entered the ring road at Granigan, speedy drive until I hit the motorway North, totally blocked. Stood 3 hours, they set fire to the toll.booths, hundreds of protesters there, police did nothing. Slowly moved eventually, off on unknown side road a d plotted route via Libourne then country roads to the N10.

 

[Larby]

Horrendous today! Stood for 3 hours 40 minutes as motorway into Bordeaux from south closed. Eventually routed around various towns and entered the ring road at Granigan, speedy drive until I hit the motorway North, totally blocked. Stood 3 hours, they set fire to the toll.booths, hundreds of protesters there, police did nothing. Slowly moved eventually, off on unknown side road a d plotted route via Libourne then country roads to the N10.

That is going a bit too far ?

 

[David and Sally]

I admire the French for their abilty to protest. We seldom do.

But. If I were trying to travel through France I would be very annoyed at the delays.

Maybe we should try it here.?

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[big map]

We’ve got the tunnel booked for a short break this weekend we are going to make our final assessment on whether we go on Friday night.

 

[Nicepix]

The problem with this protest is that it has now been hi-jacked by all sorts of anti-establishment groups and so has now lost focus and crucially the support of the public. The longer it goes on the less impact it will have had.

There has been another death at a road block - that won't help the cause.

 

[Clarky]

We are now having a couple of days off @Clarky, too unwind and visit the notorious Munchies.

Very sensible.
Nice peaceful place to spend a couple of days.

Richard.

 

[klaatu]

Horrendous today! Stood for 3 hours 40 minutes as motorway into Bordeaux from south closed. Eventually routed around various towns and entered the ring road at Granigan, speedy drive until I hit the motorway North, totally blocked. Stood 3 hours, they set fire to the toll.booths, hundreds of protesters there, police did nothing. Slowly moved eventually, off on unknown side road a d plotted route via Libourne then country roads to the N10.

We were planning on going via Bordeaux to Arcachon on Thursday, and then on to Spain on Sunday. Sounds like we should find a different way to Spain and give Arcachon a miss this time!

 

[yodeli]

That would be great Frankie, we would love to take you up on that.

We are visiting Mr & Mrs Munchie for a couple of nights, a) to give us a break from the stressy driving, and b) because we always see them on the way through if we can. Will Thursday night be OK?

Perfect! I'll send you my details. May be The Munchies can explain a bit what to expect as for the surroundings so you can find your way easily.

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[jongood]

Horrendous today! Stood for 3 hours 40 minutes as motorway into Bordeaux from south closed. Eventually routed around various towns and entered the ring road at Granigan, speedy drive until I hit the motorway North, totally blocked. Stood 3 hours, they set fire to the toll.booths, hundreds of protesters there, police did nothing. Slowly moved eventually, off on unknown side road a d plotted route via Libourne then country roads to the N10.

Really!! Although I agree with their complaints, that is anarchy.

 

[Armytwowheels]

Horrendous today! Stood for 3 hours 40 minutes as motorway into Bordeaux from south closed. Eventually routed around various towns and entered the ring road at Granigan, speedy drive until I hit the motorway North, totally blocked. Stood 3 hours, they set fire to the toll.booths, hundreds of protesters there, police did nothing. Slowly moved eventually, off on unknown side road a d plotted route via Libourne then country roads to the N10.

Jeez, I thought we were seeing it all, but setting fire to the toll booths, that's just crazy.

 

[Armytwowheels]

The people we saw today seemed genuine, I.e locals trying to get their voice heard. However, yesterday we seemed to see professional protesters, burning tyres and acting like they ruled the roads, deciding who would pass and who should wait.

We have been told today that they are going to start blocking the ATM's?? Go figure that one!

 

[Armytwowheels]

Have been working my way steadily through this thread with a growing sense of trepidation as we have a Eurotunnel crossing booked for this Thursday! Are we mad to even consider crossing at the moment as the plan was to drive down through France into Spain?

Good luck to all Funsters currently travelling in France.

Mel, if I was in your shoes, I would wait a bit. I wish we had, but then we like most people thought it was just going to be one day.

It has been hard work getting this far and we both feel frazzled and tired by the effort needed to constantly re-route. We put our destination into the Snooper sat nav, he watches that, while I am closely watching Google maps to try and get advance warning of the hold ups. The balance between the two has caused a bit of panic as Google does not know our weight or height, hence the snooper device is needed, but snooper does not give the real time up dates on the delays.

 

[Armytwowheels]

We’ve got the tunnel booked for a short break this weekend we are going to make our final assessment on whether we go on Friday night.

Personally I would delay it if you can, or maybe risk the bit of France to get into Belgium.

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[jumar]

Personally I would delay it if you can, or maybe risk the bit of France to get into Belgium.

Hi Colin and Sandra, don't Panic, getting to Totana Camperstop is not such a good idea, WE AINT THERE ANYMORE.... And there is a Dutch van taking your pitch and the two adjoining it......because WE AINT THERE ANYMORE, and the managers dont know how to manage....HOWEVER....Norman and Ros are there, they need company, they need.......YOU... Hope you clear France soon, get to Totana and enjoy the riding....might be a good idea to read up, when you can , the new regulations regarding....Eating a Menu de Dia and riding a bike in Espuna.........Would love your new bike rack, trailer cum A frame, but as we drive Spanish reg vehicles, it could be a little illegal.......or perhaps not.......Nice set up you have now.....

 

[maz]

Mel, if I was in your shoes, I would wait a bit. I wish we had, but then we like most people thought it was just going to be one day.

It has been hard work getting this far and we both feel frazzled and tired by the effort needed to constantly re-route. We put our destination into the Snooper sat nav, he watches that, while I am closely watching Google maps to try and get advance warning of the hold ups. The balance between the two has caused a bit of panic as Google does not know our weight or height, hence the snooper device is needed, but snooper does not give the real time up dates on the delays.

Hi Sandra and many thanks for your advice. I also think we should wait - although, of course, we have no idea how long these protests might go on. One thought that crossed my mind is that if they start disrupting fuel supplies would that include LPG? It’s one (bad enough) thing to get caught up in all the blockades, it’s yet another to be unable to heat the van.

As we fulltime, it’s my instinct to just forget about Spain this winter and over-winter in the UK as I’ve done many times. However David is kind of desperate to be somewhere warmer ......

 

[Mr Colpot]

So...we are booked on a day trip to Calais on the tunnel Sat Morning - quick visit to Auchan to stock up on the Winter Wine and back in the afternoon. Should we be ok? Off the tunnel to Motorway down 1 junction and the same back.

 

[JockandRita]

As we fulltime, it’s my instinct to just forget about Spain this winter and over-winter in the UK as I’ve done many times. However David is kind of desperate to be somewhere warmer ......

We too are keeping our eye on things Marian, but have 2 x weeks yet. We are hoping that both sides will have reached an amicable agreement, and that the people's protest will be over soon. Could you possibly delay your journey for a bit, as it would be a shame to miss out on a bit of "winter sun".

Bookings for a Campervan on the Tunnel over the next fortnight are currently available for all time slots, (I've just checked).

Good luck with your decision.

Jock.

 

[maz]

Hi Jock. Yes, we can delay - indefinitely I suppose, when you think about it. But we’re both fed up with hanging around Chichester Marina as we’ve been here on and off for over a year now - the exception being our ill-fated foray in the boat for 3 months. If we do cross over to France in the next week or so, there is little point in heading off somewhere else in the UK in the meantime. However, if the protests drag on and on we’ll be wishing we had started a tour of the UK. And do we do that after another week or so, or do we still sit it out at Chichester Marina hoping maybe next week ..... ?

My brain has been shooting off at a tangent and I’m wondering about the practicalities of still crossing over tomorrow as planned, but then promptly heading into Belgium and down through Germany as far as we can get. Then either heading for southern Italy for the winter instead, or maybe cutting across southeast France to Spain if the protests cease. However, from my vague recollections of threads, Germany might be a problem re winter tyres, Austria is also a problem for reasons I can’t remember, and Italy - who knows? Trying to research all of this at the last minute when we’re all geared up to drive through France is doing my head in!

I hope things are all sorted by the time you head off to France.

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