Going to France for first time

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Jescreet said:
Going to France and maybe Spain in Septemeber, would anyone recomend buying one or maybe two 12v fans, or will it have cooled down by then.
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If like me, you love the hot weather (30degress+) but hate being sticky hot in the MH, then mini fans are essential! I even use them at Easter in France on sunny days sometimes when we are there skiing!
Currently have four in the van, clip on 3 speed and USB rechargeable. Last at least a full night on the lowest setting when fully charged. Gives enough movement of the air to take the uncomfortableness away.
Cost about £15 off Amazon, can probably send the link if you want it. Definitely on my list of must haves!
 
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cliffanger said:
I’d highlight one thing RobPullen said, because it’s worth spelling it out.

Don’t use the Aires on the motorways, too many people have had their vans damaged and broken into.

You can use the apps to pull off the motorways to spend a night while travelling to where you want to go, or just wander, as we’ve spent the last six weeks doing 👍
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Hang on, if you have a lot of cash and a Rolex or two then motorway aires are the places to stop(y)

Just wear a gas mask.
 
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Martin 1 said:
New memberg. Gto France for the first time. Ferries and sites booked. What do I need to take I to consideration and where can I find helpful information
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Hi there! We have just come back from an 8 week trek to France. I agree with the advice from the Caravan Club and/or Motorhome Club. Also Wandering Bird blog has lots of useful information. You can buy a kit from Halfords for everything you need for France/Europe including taking some disposable breathalysers, which is law. If you are a big vehicle you will need Angles Morts stickers (available from Amazon) and you will need a first aid kit. We always take some gaffer tape to repair something that will break en route! Our rear number plate fell off this time so I stuck some tape and wrote our number on it to make us legal! Take a tool box with a selection of tools, fuses, lightbulbs, needle and thread. I found this very good bathroom sealant tape from Amazon which I was able to secure our fridge and freezers when the locks, inevitably broke. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTCH4HK4?tag=mhf04-21. It stuck very securely and then came off easily without any residue!. Also tie down straps and pull in your awning if the rain is expected to be very harsh. We met someone who left theirs out and it flipped over the roof damaging a roof light and front of the vehicle. Sat Nav for motorhomes are better than ones for cars and saves you being guided down small narrow lanes. Also an up to date map, just in case the Sat Nav gets it wrong! If you are travelling far you will need to use the tolls. France is bigger than you will expect! We found it easier doing contactless payment, but the odd one only accepts currency. I have a whole list of places to stay and why. Happy to share with you. If you have joined Passion France you can stay at farms and vineyard for nothing! You are expected to see what they produce with no obligation to buy, but you generally do. Occasionally they can not accept you for reasons such as weddings or funerals, but you are just polite and move on and find somewhere else. Don't take any of the prohibited foods, although you can bring stuff back! Have a fabulous time!

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Grasmere9 said:
This is the rough plan...booked two nights at Port de Plaisance for the kids...then off we go! If you can recommend any swimming spots along there I will add them! Thanks 🥰



View attachment 932823
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Unfortunately I havent done many up north but following the young Seine and Mesni, which appears on your map would see you well. There are a few beaches around the lake at Mesnil which seems to appear on your map.
This is an interactive map I created of the Wild Swimming Edition 2 which I can allow others to view, as long as I am satisfied (via pm) that you have purchased the book, as I have no intention of doing Daniel Smart out of revenue, so you can see how many spots there are to swim at, many of which it is possible to stay overnight at, and lots of them are free

1723041770127.png
 
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Jescreet said:
Going to France and maybe Spain in Septemeber, would anyone recomend buying one or maybe two 12v fans, or will it have cooled down by then.
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Both our fans are highly likely to be in use overnight via USB port, as well as refrigerated pillows and our new neck fans from Temu. We are off for nearly the whole of September heading Provence and I would anticipate using them most nights
 
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marshwader said:
ou can buy a kit from Halfords for everything you need for France/Europe including taking some disposable breathalysers, which is law.
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Unfortunately incorrect, I firmly believe the law has been repealed, but if it is still in place the fine for not having a disposable breathalyser is zero euros. It has never been enforced and I also believe it was created by the politician owner of the breathalyser company. Halfords and others (ferry and eurotunnel) need you to believe that it is the law to have one as they have so many excess to sell.
Never had one
 
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If you’re going in September (think I read this was the case) then you shouldn’t need to book. Download Park4night app and use that to find aires or CCPs to stay. That also has the advantage that you can switch direction of the weather doesn’t play ball.
I’m trying to think back to our first trips to France - beaches, rivers, lakes and curly slides were all hits. Breakfasts - coffee/hot chocolate for kids and baguettes or fresh pastries. Lunches, baguettes and picnics … or eat out on a fixed price menu - no late lunches aim for 12pm. Markets - start early and are often clearing away by lunchtime.
Above all enjoy - I love France! 🇫🇷💕

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LithiumConvert said:
If going Dover Calais oiir Le Shuttle, avoid aires/shops near Calais.
Conduisez à droite.
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We are not long back from France. We finished with 3 very pleasant nights in Calais, staying in the campsite by the marina; there is a Camping-Car-Park next door. The seafront has been very well upgraded in the last few years, and you mustn’t miss the mechanical dragon.

There is not a lot in the traditional town apart from a lot of good restaurants in the square. The Cité d’Europe is quite safe for shopping now; I recommend the 3 Brasseurs restaurant (own brewery and local style food) at the opposite end to Carrefour.
 
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Martin 1 said:
New memberg. Gto France for the first time. Ferries and sites booked. What do I need to take I to consideration and where can I find helpful information
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Oh another thing which is very handy to have, A Monzo Bank or Revolut bank card, keep the cards in Euros, or both on one card, can change them back to sterling at the press of a button, And using them on your phone app, you can use the facility of disposable or virtual cards, which are handy when filling at fuel stations etc, in case of copy machines, can't fault them so far, great rates, If you join using the links below we both benefit with a few freebees, here are the links to sign up for the Monzo Bank: https://join.monzo.com/c/tkgpnbn or the Revolut Bank sign up page https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=robertmsrm!AUG1-24-AR P.S. Anyone else can use these links too, if they these bank cards.
 
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Barriesimpson said:
Really? It states on my licence that I wear glasses and was told the rule still applies. Same for flying.
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In my license too, and you need to wear them to drive, but what I mean is that it's not mandatory to have spare glasses in the car anymore. It was a few years back, not now.

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Choose which direction you want to head in once you get off the ferry and just enjoy it, much more pleasurable than touring in Britain. Use park4night or Search for sights and you won’t go wrong.
 
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Grasmere9 said:
No unfortunately... it's their home. But there is a France passion location in Chenas..🇨🇵💓
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www.searchforsites.co.uk

Cave du Chateau de Chenas

Details for Cave du Chateau de Chenas a France Passion Chénas, Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, 69840
www.searchforsites.co.uk

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Martin 1 said:
New memberg. Gto France for the first time. Ferries and sites booked. What do I need to take I to consideration and where can I find helpful information
Click to expand...
Lots of good info on here already but no you don't need breathalysers. Haven't for many a year .
Do think about getting some form of bip and go gizmo for tolls , I use Ulys at present.
Stopping on motorway Aires is often handy and , depending on location, not a problem. Common sense is a wonderful tool
 
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ctc said:
Be aware a lot food in France is seasonal.
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Although not as seasonal as it used to be.
We went in May/June and shock!!! they were selling haricot vert (green beans) that had been flown in from Kenya.
Second shock, they were selling Polish mushrooms!
They'll be asking questions in Parliament.
 
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Emmit said:
Although not as seasonal as it used to be.
We went in May/June and shock!!! they were selling haricot vert (green beans) that had been flown in from Kenya.
Second shock, they were selling Polish mushrooms!
They'll be asking questions in Parliament.
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If you want a wide range of fruit and veg, look for a Grand Frais.
 
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The only thing not mentioned is the stickers for your headlights.
Have a left hand drive camping car so no issue for us. Yes try the aires they are great. Have been travelling for 4 months with no bookings. Only a couple of full parks.

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RobPullen said:
I

If like me, you love the hot weather (30degress+) but hate being sticky hot in the MH, then mini fans are essential! I even use them at Easter in France on sunny days sometimes when we are there skiing!
Currently have four in the van, clip on 3 speed and USB rechargeable. Last at least a full night on the lowest setting when fully charged. Gives enough movement of the air to take the uncomfortableness away.
Cost about £15 off Amazon, can probably send the link if you want it. Definitely on my list of must haves!
Click to expand...
Have a look at this one. Only £20 so worth it for the fan alone but you get 5 water atomisers that give out a cool cloud, doesn't work for the whole van but very effective for about 12 to 18 inches. I set it up for my cockatiel and she seems to like it when she's hot.

Portable Air Cooler - Portable Air Conditioner Small Quiet Personal AC,USB Powered Mini Desktop Cooling Misting Fan, 1/2/3 H Timer, 3 Speeds,360°Adjustment,for Office, Home, Room,Desk,Car - White https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTKH25TG?tag=mhf04-21
 
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