Spain via France etc,etc.

Kanberlingo · 26-11-2009, 15:06

Hi all,

SWMBO wants to re-connect, early in the New Year, with our time in France when we were Caravanners many years ago.
But this time, she wants to go down to Southern Spain (Cadiz) area, via France to see our Son, who lives there.

No maps have been looked at yet, but amazingly my SatNav came up with a route when I, just for a laugh, typed in his address. So, all you seasoned travellers out there, how would you go about it. Time is unimportant. So the advice we are looking for is, Ferry v Tunnel, gas cylinders on the ferry/tunnel? & further supplies en-route. Stop-overs for maybe a week or so at a time (site names, areas etc.) or just 1 night halts. Plus any advice/info/experiences you've come across would be greatly appreciated.

BeeJay

savantuk · 26-11-2009, 15:17

I went down to Spain in September/October. I travelled from home (Longtown) which is on the Scot's border, via Calais, and the down to Barcelona.

All was on main roads (except in the UK), and the saving in tolls paid for the fuel. It took around 10 days to get down, all of which were very pleasureable - you get to see much more of the 'rael' France if you stay on main roads.

We came back a different way, but still via A roads. Mileage was around 3.5K.

I'd do the same trip again tomorrow, though to be absolutely truthful, I'd rather start from Dover!!

Kanberlingo · 26-11-2009, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by savantuk

I went down to Spain in September/October. I travelled from home (Longtown) which is on the Scot's border, via Calais, and the down to Barcelona.

All was on main roads (except in the UK), and the saving in tolls paid for the fuel. It took around 10 days to get down, all of which were very pleasureable - you get to see much more of the 'rael' France if you stay on main roads.

We came back a different way, but still via A roads. Mileage was around 3.5K.

I'd do the same trip again tomorrow, though to be absolutely truthful, I'd rather start from Dover!!

Hi Doug,
Thanks for the reply. Longtown eh! Would that be the same Longtown that has a CL called Low Moor Head, which we've stayed at a number of times, & has traffic going past doing 100mph

That's one helluva fast country lane.

I'm with you on the "Dover" comment. Any continental touring for the likes of us "ooop norf" starts with a marathon drive to get "darn sarf"

BeeJay

GregM · 26-11-2009, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kanberlingo

Hi all,

SWMBO wants to re-connect, early in the New Year, with our time in France when we were Caravanners many years ago.
But this time, she wants to go down to Southern Spain (Cadiz) area, via France to see our Son, who lives there.

No maps have been looked at yet, but amazingly my SatNav came up with a route when I, just for a laugh, typed in his address. So, all you seasoned travellers out there, how would you go about it. Time is unimportant. So the advice we are looking for is, Ferry v Tunnel, gas cylinders on the ferry/tunnel? & further supplies en-route. Stop-overs for maybe a week or so at a time (site names, areas etc.) or just 1 night halts. Plus any advice/info/experiences you've come across would be greatly appreciated.

BeeJay

We are thinking of doing similar some time next year, going to Costa Brava. Well me and the kids like the idea but the better half is not as keen as we drove in the car a few years ago with just one stop over each way which she didn't enjoy and expects it to be the same but I would like to spend a week to 10 days each way travelling although this will be flexable, any recommendations of route/sites/Aires it would be appreciated.

ScotJimland · 26-11-2009, 16:40

Hi Beejay

In January, the weather in France will be to say the least.. bad , I see no point in hanging around France..
Head down the west coast to avoid the snow, personally would use the toll roads at this time of year.. it's faster and the time gained offsets the fuel wasted slowing down to negoitate endless French villages with a zillion roundabouts.. Winter isn't the time to appreciate the French countryside.

Dover, Rouen, Le Mans, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Burgos, Salamanca, Seville, Cadiz

Not many sites open in France and even fewer through central Spain.. but there are plenty of aires in France. Buy a guide or ask on here about a specific place. There are quite a few that you could use in the Google map in my signature.. take your pick..

In Spain there are few aires, we usually get off the main road and look for a truck stop cafe .. buy a meal and get permission to stay the night, never had any problems.

Snow may a problem in Spain.. bon voyage

jim

hilldweller · 26-11-2009, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by savantuk

and the saving in tolls paid for the fuel

I thought only a woman could make a statement like that.

Our route this year:

Calais
Abbeville
Rouen
Le Mans
Tours
Saint Maure de Touraine - stop in good free aire.
Niort
Pessac
Biarritz
Saint Jean de Luz - Stop a couple of nights.
Vitoria
Burgos
Madrid
Aranjuez - stop two nights
Jean
Granada
Torre del Mar - stop 4 nights

Then on to Morocco.

Of that whole run *the* sight is The Alhambra but we've seen it in the past. We have visited Toledo but not this time. Worth a look. Aranjuez has a spectacular palace. The caves at Nerja are worth a visit as is Nerja. Torre is a really nice place to stop.

Kanberlingo · 26-11-2009, 18:59

Brilliant, thanks chaps. Keep 'em coming.

BeeJay

Parcverger · 26-11-2009, 19:27

You could always se the A20 Paris-Limoges-Toulouse-Spain, calling in at where else but Parc Verger (Welcome to Parcverger Limousin) en route for either a stopover (we have some drive-through pitches) or a few days to enjoy a real break. Main thing is if you want to stop at Parc Verger ring ahead to book - were open all year but we have some visitors who enjoy staaying here for months at a time, even during the French winter (which is not that bad!).

Discount for MHFunsters too!

Bob