Route to south of France

[veevee]

hdvrod - we are planning to do that route in the middle of March so we would be grateful for a report back when you do it. Especially on any alternatives you took.

To any of you who have done this in March we are planning to stop for the night in an Aire around Nevers/Moulins way and then try to do the "mountain" bit in a day and stop somewhere around Millau (or a bit South) the following night. Is that feasible please? Will the Aires near that route be busy at that time of year?

Moulins has an Aire and a camp site right beside the river, opposite the bulk of the town (don't think the campsite opens in winter at all). If you are driving down the N7/A77 and turn off at the first exit for Moulins town you have to cross the Allier via the bridge in the town centre. Once over the bridge (direction Bourbon L'Archambault / Souvigny) you are at a roundabout and turn left, you can just see the Aire to your left as you cross the bridge. There are all facilities if you walk back across the bridge including the most fabulous Art Nouveau café 'Grand Cafe' on the right side of the 'High Street'.
Moulins has a small Medieval centre, but there are better in France.

Back at the end of bridge Aire roundabout there is a medium sized Intermarche supermarket if you were to turn right, you can walk it from the Aire in max 5 minutes.

If you continue down to Clermont Ferrand there is a motorway Aire just after Clermont, maybe 5km after the last of the suburbs. If you park facing south you will, weather allowing, have a lovely gentle view of the hills and extinct volcanoes. Have overnighted there many times without any cause for concern, it's a very quiet area.

Last, the A77 from the A6 south of Paris to the end near Nevers is a very quiet AutoRoute. For a Class 2 MH it's 4.35 euros for a pretty and well designed AutoRoute with a number of really good small and one large Aire.

 

[busby]

It's more the weight as we're over 3.5 tonnes but only 3 metres high.

Sorry, must go to SPECSAVERS. Mostlly weight limits are 7.5 tonnes, but some 3.5 tonnes. Do not think you will have a problem. BUSBY

 

[mikebeaches]

Back on the subject of snow on the route south over the high ground from Clermont Ferrand to the Millau bridge - we travelled down on 25 May last year and there was six inches of the stuff on the verge in places, and it was coming down hard!! :Sad: Thankfully, south of Millau the weather perked up considerably.

I imagine the authorities work hard to keep the autoroute open through the winter, but it must be a heck of a challenge sometimes.

Mike

 

[veevee]

The Millau bridge when approached from the north looks like a line of large sailing ships, the view from the town under the bridge gives more of a sense of the magnitude of the structure. The aire on the north side is larger than appears from the road and always plenty of space out of high season in our experience.

As to weather during February and March. We live about an hour to the north of Clermont, have lived here for 8 years. The last 3 years winter weather has been unusual, and according to our neighbour who has live here 45 years he agrees.

February is usually the coldest month and when we mainly used to get snow for a week or two, but none to speak of recently. The autoroute always has priority for de-icing and snow clearing, they are well equipped to handle it.

If I were making that journey in February or March I would have 2 routes planned and go Clermont if the weather looks good and the road conditions are ok, failing that take a lowland route.

Here is a link into a premium up to the hour road condition site hosted by the French Transport Ministry I believe. You can expand the map and get an English version. We have found it very useful and pretty accurate -

http://www.bison-fute.gouv.fr/maintenant,langen.html

Here's the French weather site that will also help -

http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/clermont-ferrand/63000

For other towns just enter the name in the 'Ville' box.

In short there would be very few days in the year that we wouldn't use the Clermont to Millau autoroute.

 

[webby1]

Via Millau

Thanks Veevee your post was really useful as we are coming down that way in a couple of weeks..................we usually use the western N10 route but fancy a change and perhaps avoiding the Atlantic storms.................does it ever stop raining??

So our plan is to go via Clermont Ferrand and Millau..................realise it will be cold and snowy but understand that the route is usually kept open.

We'll go as far a Vierzon and if the weather looks really bad go via Limoge and Toulouse.

Now we like our facilities ans EHU so anyone know of any campsites open all year along those routes..................or other comments really welcome

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[peterc10]

If I were making that journey in February or March I would have 2 routes planned and go Clermont if the weather looks good and the road conditions are ok, failing that take a lowland route.

What lowland route would you recommend please if the weather does look bad?

A20 & A61? Or A6 & A7? The trouble with both of those routes is the tolls I suspect, the A75 is largely toll free.

 

[peterc10]

Now we like our facilities ans EHU so anyone know of any campsites open all year along those routes..................or other comments really welcome

We are planning to head South in March and I spent some time looking for campsites open on the non-toll route via Rouen, Chartres, Orleans, Nevers and the A75 and found very few indeed. One at Chartres, another near Gien and one North and another South of Clermont-Ferrand, until you get to the Med. And even those don't open until the beginning of March, so no use to you.

In March we will be using Aires, some of which have EHUs - the All the Aires book is good for finding them. In reality we will not bother with EHUs, with 2 good batteries we can last out for a couple of days without them. The third day the wife will start getting desperate to wash and dry her hair, so we will have to find an Aire or campsite with electricity!!

 

[webby1]

Route South

Thanks Peter...................we'll let you know if we find any............unlike many of the

members here I do prefer to use site facilities if possible...............I've never used our

shower and the toilet only once for a number 2..............anyway enough information

 

[peterc10]

I've never used our shower and the toilet only once for a number 2..............anyway enough information

We prefer our shower in the van. Nice and warm and cosy and no long cold walk to and from the block. As for the second problem (and with me it can be a spectacular problem) we were recommended a brilliant solution. Link Removed./ It is brilliantly simple.

 

[busby]

Thanks Veevee your post was really useful as we are coming down that way in a couple of weeks..................we usually use the western N10 route but fancy a change and perhaps avoiding the Atlantic storms.................does it ever stop raining??

So our plan is to go via Clermont Ferrand and Millau..................realise it will be cold and snowy but understand that the route is usually kept open.

We'll go as far a Vierzon and if the weather looks really bad go via Limoge and Toulouse.

Now we like our facilities ans EHU so anyone know of any campsites open all year along those routes..................or other comments really welcome

Good aire 4 kms from Vierzon with EHU and toilet. BUSBY

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[peterc10]

Good aire 4 kms from Vierzon with EHU and toilet. BUSBY

Is that the one in Mery Sur Cher?

 

[FIDGET]

Hi Webby1



Hope these help



Aire: LANGON

ADDRESSARKING -- CANAL DU BERRY (N76)
TEL: 02 54 96 41 05 FAX:
EMAIL:
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/ BLACK DRAIN / ELECTRIC / TOILETS / RUBBISH
LOCATION: SEMI-RURAL NO. OF SPACES: 10

PRICES/ RATES:JETONS FROM MAIRIE & SHOPS
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: FREE
OPENING TIMES: 01/04 -- 15/11
GPS COORDS: N47.28190 E01.82729
DIRECTIONS: Exit A85 @ Jcn 14 & take D922 /N76 EAST to LANGON. AIRE is RIGHT hand side of N76 at LANGON, next to the canal.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The Aire here in this small village is in a tarmac parking area situated between the N76 & the Canal du Berry, with views over farmland. There is some shade provided by trees but there is road noise from the adjacent main road. Tennis courts adjacent. Euro-Relais service point with drainage grid & rubbish bins.
REVIEW

2005 Parking is next to the canal & services are free but we did not have a very quiet night, as the parking is too close to the main road. Good for services & a stop for lunch but not much else - spoilt by the road.
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Link Removed Aire: MENNETOU SUR CHER

ADDRESSARKING -- CENTRE DU SECOURS, PLACE DU 11 NOVEMBRE
TEL: 02 54 98 01 19 FAX:
EMAIL: tourisme.mennetou@wanadoo.fr
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/ BLACK DRAIN / ELECTRIC / RUBBISH
LOCATION: URBAN/ NEAR CANAL NO. OF SPACES: 15

PRICES/ RATES:JETONS FROM SHOPS & OT
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: 2€
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N47.26835 E01.86495
DIRECTIONS: Exit A85 @ Jcn 14 & take D922 /N76 to MENNETOU SUR CHER. Turn RIGHT over canal & bear right to AIRE - well signposted in the town, next to Centre du Secours and campsite.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The parking for this Aire is in a large tarmac & gravel parking area, with shade from small trees, & close to the town centre & shops. A quiet location in Place du 19 Mars, between the river Cher and the Canal du Berry. The Euro-Relais service point with drainage grid & rubbish bin can be found in Place du 11 Novembre next to the Fire Station.
REVIEW

2007 I would recommend this Aire as somewhere that is guaranteed to be very quiet. A simple Aire in a pleasant, picturesque village where there are nice walks. Jetons can be purchased at the many shops in Mennetou.
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MENNETOU
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Link Removed Aire: MERY-SUR-CHER

ADDRESSLACE DE LA MAIRIE
TEL: 02 48 75 38 18 FAX: 02 48 75 83 63
EMAIL: mairie-mery-sur-cher@wanadoo.fr
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/ BLACK DRAIN / ELECTRIC
LOCATION: URBAN NO. OF SPACES: 6

PRICES/ RATES:
PARKING: 3€ / 24HRS SERVICES: FREE
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N47.24614 E01.99023
DIRECTIONS: Exit A20 @ Jcn 6 & take N76 WEST to MERY-SUR-CHER. AIRE is in car park next to N76 & the MAIRIE.
SITE DESCRIPTION: The Aire here is located in a large tarmac car park near to & east of the centre of this village, but next to the RN76 -- giving some traffic noise. The Aire is surrounded by open countryside, there are shops & a restaurant in the village, but little shade. Artisanal service point with platform drain & a public toilet block + electric hook ups.NOTE: The parking is now (2008) controlled by a barrier which operates by a CB card only
REVIEW

2007 A nice Aire, well maintained & clean but noise from the lorries using the Route Nationale spoils it a bit, although it is quiet after 10pm. Minimarket, Boulangerie & a small restaurant in this very scattered village. A lady comes round in the evening to collect the fee.
2011 "A pleasant aire at the entrance to the town where 8 motorhomes can enjoy ehu's." CAMPING-CAR MAGAZINE
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MERY SUR CHER


Link Removed Aire: VIERZON

ADDRESS: MAISON DU PAYS, RTE DE VIEILFOND (D926)
TEL:02 48 52 04 21 FAX: 02 48 52 84 23
EMAIL: paysdevierzon@wanadoo.fr
TYPE OF AIRE: PRIVATE

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/ BLACK DRAIN
LOCATION: SEMI-RURAL NO. OF SPACES: 5

PRICES/ RATES:
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: FREE
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N47.24602 E02.06682
DIRECTIONS: Approaching VIERZON from NORTH on N20, turn LEFT at roundabout next to A71 motorway onto D926. AIRE is 600m on RIGHT.
SITE DESCRIPTION The aire is located in the parking area of the roadside restaurant "Maison du Pays", about 1.5kms north of Vierzon, located between the A71 motorway & the D926 road. Parking is in marked spaces next to grassy areas with picnic tables, lighting at night but little shade. The location is quite noisy due to the proximity of the two roads (only 50m away). Artisanal service point but grey drainage requires a hose.
REVIEW:
2008 Not somewhere I'd want to stay the night due to the road noise from the adjacent motorway. Otherwise it is OK for services & a meal. Good range of shops & services in town.
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VIERZON

 

[busby]

Is that the one in Mery Sur Cher?

Yes thats the one..Nice shop 50 yds away sells fresh bread and wine..Next door to the Maries Office...BUSBY

 

[veevee]

What lowland route would you recommend please if the weather does look bad?

A20 & A61? Or A6 & A7? The trouble with both of those routes is the tolls I suspect, the A75 is largely toll free.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, we were away for 10 days.

From where we are between Montlucon and Moulins we would travel west across to the A20 / A61 and if required further west again via Bellac and Angouleme, although the hills directly to the west of us are a little higher than where we are so if there were a major snowfall just happened or happening we may or may not travel at all. Once the snow has fallen there has in our experience never been a problem on the A71/A75 as they are set up to handle it.

I think it depends on where you are travelling to as to which route. If it were Perpignan and there was / had just been a heavy snow fall then the N10 coastal route is probably the safest.
If it were the Cote D'Azur and Burgundy didn't have any snow then across to Reims and down to Lyon etc. although that route is expensive for tolls.

Have to repeat that the Road & Traffic info site I posted here is usually up to the minute and if there are no warnings on a route then unless something happens as you travel it will be clear to travel.

I think that anybody travelling the A71/A75 during February or March would be very unlucky to find the road impassable, but it can sometimes happen.

It doesn't show very well on all maps but the new-ish A19 from just north of Orleans to just north of Montargis and on to the A6 (Paris - Lyon Autoroute) allows you to change route from the A71/A20 to the A77 to the A6 very quickly and easily.

Last, when travelling from Le Mans south we tend to use the non Autoroute road across to Montlucon. We like this as it flows very well and usually very well maintained, looks like France as we expect it to be and is a gentle and in the summer pretty drive. The towns are easy to navigate (we are a 4.6t gross weight) and some will be worth stopping in too. There is a camper emptying point directly on this route but can't for the life of me think where, there is also a large pretty car park there too. When travelling SE it's on the RH side.

- D338/N138 Le Mans to Tours -> N143/D943 to Chateauroux -> D943 to Montlucon where you can connect to the A71 to Clermont Ferrand and south.

We are travelling south to St Flour on the A75 this coming Friday or Saturday. We will take a look at the local meteo for a couple of days before and check the route info the evening before travelling, and that's it.

Hope this is of help, we are big fans of the A75 either in sunny conditions or when there is snow on the mountains and the high plain in the south.

 

[veevee]

Thanks Veevee your post was really useful as we are coming down that way in a couple of weeks..................we usually use the western N10 route but fancy a change and perhaps avoiding the Atlantic storms.................does it ever stop raining??

So our plan is to go via Clermont Ferrand and Millau..................realise it will be cold and snowy but understand that the route is usually kept open.

We'll go as far a Vierzon and if the weather looks really bad go via Limoge and Toulouse.

Now we like our facilities ans EHU so anyone know of any campsites open all year along those routes..................or other comments really welcome

Maybe as an alternative to Vierzon take a look at another post I made today on this thread.

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[peterc10]

From where we are between Montlucon and Moulins .

Veevee - thanks for the comprehensive post - very useful. We will try to use the A75 if we can, and before that we will probably cut across from Orleans to pick up the N7, rather than use the A71. We are going to take our time and were probably going to look for an Aire (can't find any open campsites) somewhere around Moulins.

We have the Aires book, but do you have any personal recommendations for us please? Looking for safe, clean, quiet and a short walk to maybe a reasonable restaurant and shops. The one in Moulins by the river looks nice, but would welcome other suggestions to look at.

Again, many thanks

 

[veevee]

Hello peterc10

I don't know of others in the area as we don't need to use any of course. Mel (Heyupluv) spent some time in this area about 2 years ago, he would have a far better idea so maybe pm him.

I do know there is an Aire at St Pourcain sur Sioule, again it's by the river (a different river to Moulins) and travelling there can easily be made to fit your route. It's a pleasant town and our nearest wine growing area (they are not to my taste), but don't know much about it.

You would be welcome here for a stop over but we can hardly get up our sloping drive due to rain, it's the wettest we have had in 8 years and we aren't even moving our own camper.

Enjoy your trip and if I can give any further useful info just ask...

 

[FIDGET]

Hope these help Peterc10
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Aire: ST







POURCAIN SUR SIOULE

ADDRESS: RUE DE LA MOUTTE
TEL: 04 70 45 91 94 FAX:
EMAIL: contact@ville-saint-pourcain-sur-sioule.com
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/ BLACK DRAIN / TOILETS / ELECTRIC
LOCATION: SEMI-RURAL/ RIVERSIDE NO. OF SPACES: 30

PRICES/ RATES:
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: 2€ WATER OR ELECTRIC
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N46.31312 E03.29654
DIRECTIONS: From NORTH follow N9 thru town, RUE DE LA MOUTTE is the last turn on the LEFT before BRIDGE over river. AIRE is at the end of road on WEST bank of river -- next to STADIUM
SITE DESCRIPTION: The Aire here is on the banks of the River Sioule & next to the Municipal campsite. Pitches are located on grass underneath willow trees next to a tarmac access road, illuminated at night. A quiet location with shops & town centre within ½ km. The service point has a Flot Bleu borne on a central plinth with a double platform drain allowing 2 motorhomes to access it at once. There are 2 separate terminals for electric hook ups & an information board at the entrance. The aire is well maintained & managed by the adjacent campsite managers, there is a good selection of shops /eating places in town.
REVIEW
CAMPING CAR MAGAZINE RECOMMENDED 02/07:
"A new aire in a pleasant & green location, on the side of a river with various shops less than 5 minutes walk away -- agreeable & practical".
2007 This is a very nice facility provided by the town; very peaceful on the banks of the river -- parking is free & hook-up is 2€ for 4 hours, water & black drainage is 2€, grey drainage is free. A nice spot under the shade of weeping willows -- close to the town centre & the sports stadium.
2007 A good aire de services; quiet, clean, well-equipped, plenty of room in a nice position & open all year.
2008 CAMPING CAR MAGAZINE -- WINNER OF AIRE OF THE YEAR 2008:
Comments: "A combination of tranquillity, beauty, practicality & security -- all close to the town".
"A good welcome from the site manager, always available in case of any problems"
2011 "The former camping has been transformed into a large aire for 60 camping-cars with free parking & 24 hour ehu for 2€. " CAMPING-CAR MAGAZINE RECOMMENDED
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ST POURCAIN


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Aire: MONTOLDRE

ADDRESS: SALLE DES FETES, VILLAGE CENTRE
TEL: 04 70 45 03 09 FAX: 04 70 45 02 63
EMAIL: mairie.montoldre@wanadoo.fr
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/BLACK DRAIN
LOCATION: URBAN NO. OF SPACES: 6

PRICES/ RATES: CASH
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: 2€ WATER
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N46.33295 E03.44799
DIRECTIONS: From VARENNES-SUR-ALLIER take D21 NORTH to MONTOLDRE. AIRE is in village centre next to the SALLE DES FETES, opposite MAIRIE.
SITE DESCRIPTION This purpose built modern aire is located in the centre of this small rural village, next to the village hall & opposite the Mairie, where there are 6 level spaces for motorhomes, parking on tarmac with adjacent grass areas. The aire has little shade but is lit at night & there are picnic tables available. Mini Euro-Relais service point with drainage platform. Bar/ restaurant in village, 70m from aire & tennis court adjacent.
REVIEW:
2011 "An aire in the heart of the town for 7 vehicles located around a lawned area with a picnic table for each space. Parking is quiet & free. " CAMPING-CAR MAGAZINE RECOMMENDED
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Aire at Montoldre
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Aire at Montoldre
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Montoldre
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[FONT=&quot]Aire: CRESSANGES[/FONT]

ADDRESS: ROUTE DE SOUVIGNY, D137
TEL: 04 70 47 20 17 FAX:
EMAIL:
TYPE OF AIRE: MUNICIPAL

FACILITIES: WATER /GREY DRAIN/BLACK DRAIN/ ELECTRIC/ TOILETS
LOCATION: URBAN NO. OF SPACES: 6
PRICES/ RATES:
PARKING: FREE SERVICES: 2€ WATER or ELECTRIC
OPENING TIMES: ALL YEAR
GPS COORDS: N46.44641 E03.16080
DIRECTIONS: From NORTH take D137 South to CRESSANGES. As you approach central area of village, AIRE is on RIGHT (signposted).
SITE DESCRIPTION A new aire has recently been opened (2013) in the small rural village of Cressanges in Allier, Auvergne. The aire is located at the northern end of the village -- about 100m from the centre where there is a mini-mart, boulangerie, poste & petrol station. The aire has 6 marked spaces on tarmac with shade in places, lighting at night. Picnic tables & benches on adjacent grassed area. Euro-Relais service point with drainage platform.
[FONT=&quot]REVIEW: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]2013 A quiet, clean, very modern aire with new toilets. Small selection of shops within walking distance. Slight slope on parking. Spaces shaded by mature trees in places. [/FONT]
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CRESSANGES
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Aire at Cressanges
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