Calais to Benidorm? (1 Viewer)

[Kevingrc]

Hi we've just had the ferry to Bilbao cancelled due to bad weather and are looking to drive Calais to Benidorm and would appreciate advice on routes and sites that are open, thanks in advance Kevin

 

[tonka]

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/resources/tonkas-western-route-to-spain.99/

Sites.. nearly all will be closed... Aires in my list are all safe places, used for years and never any issues. Stayed lots of times with grandkids...
safe trip...

 

[MitchandJenny]

Nice one Tonka.

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[Judge Mental]

Most of us take the Tonka route it's fast and mainly toll free

 

[Neil S]

Hi we've just had the ferry to Bilbao cancelled due to bad weather and are looking to drive Calais to Benidorm and would appreciate advice on routes and sites that are open, thanks in advance Kevin

we use this site at Tours which is open all year
www.camplvad.com and a days drive from Calais
and use the toll free route to Bordeaux via N10 / D910 from#
Chartres .
From Bordeaux the A63 to the Spanish Border which is partly tolled
and overnight at www.larrouleta.com .
From Larrouleta we travel via Pamplona and take the toll free route to Zaragoza or if
you prefer the AP68 tolled motorway , after Zaragoza the A23 south which is free towards Valencia and then we overnight at www.campingaltomira.com

 

[gus-lopez]

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/resources/tonkas-western-route-to-spain.99/

..

I've never been able to open it.

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[MikeD]

When we travel down we usually stop at Gary's place near Bordeaux

http://www.twinlakesfrance.com/

He's open all year and not far from the motorway.

 

[Jaws]

Said it before, we never use aires or camp sites when on the road.. Just barrel along until we find a garage that is full of lorries and stop there

Straight down to Bordeaux, then over to Toulouse, Narbourne then pretty much follow the coast all the way down to Beni.
We do not 'do' tolls at all in France due to silly high costs, but aint fussed in Spain as the prices are reasonable

 

[MikeD]

I've never been able to open it.

There you go



UK – Benidorm. Version 6 Nov 2015



We always use Dover - Calais so journey is starting from there, most times we book an evening crossing and have our first night near Calais.

This is based on a toll free trip but certain sections can be used to gain time.

Use as a guide as so many thing can change the trip, weather, time of year, etc.


MAIN ROUTE

Calais - Abberville - rouen - Everuex - Druex - Chartes - N10 Tours - Poitiers - Angouleme - Bordeaux



From Bordeaux there are 2 options;



Winter - Bordeaux – Bayonne (toll) – Irun (toll) - Pamplona ( N121a or A15 depend on weather) - Zaragossa - Valencia - Benidorm



Summer - Bordeaux - N10 jn18 via Mont de Marsen - Orthez - Oloron - Somport tunnel - Huesca - Zaragossa - Valencia - Benidorm



Recommended Aires and stops.



CALAIS AREA.

We usually now stay at Cite Europe, follows signs for Bus parking and then you will see camping car signs. 50.932293, 1.810949

Overnight parking allowed, many vans stay there. No facilities.

If you dont fancy that then about 10mins away is Wissant, they have a free aire. Easily signposted from the motorway.50.886876, 1.670583 However this can be busy in summer and weekends.



Archen Bologne. Fuel station that also has a camping car bourne for water, toilet dump and drive over grey waste. Not overnight but cant see any reason why you could not, lots of large car park. This is a large commercial centre a very short distance from the main road.50.732394, 1.668200





BUCHY. (North of Rouen)

Few kms off the A28 just north or Rouen. Nice aire next to school. All signed as you enter the vilage.49.585313, 1.363595



PONT DE LA ARCHE (South of Rouen)

On the Seine following the N road. Newish aire just under the river bridge. Well signed as you enter the village from the south.

If coming from the North you need to turn left at the end of the river bridge.

4 places but some also park on the car park. There is a dump / bourne nearby just outside the campsite gates. 49.305476, 1.157538



NONANCOURT.

Aire in village, signposted and next to fire station. Never stayed overnight but has water, dump etc. 48.772646, 1.192608



MARBOU

1/2 hour South of Chartes on the N10 you will come into Marboue. As you go along the main st there will be an "aire" sign. Aire is a few hundred meters down a side road by the bakery. Lovely spot facing a park and open area. Bourne with usual facilities also when open a separate toilet block. Free parking, Play area for kids. In summer there is an open air swimming pool nearby.48.112480, 1.328881



CHATEAUDUN

Another 10 mins south of Marbou. Head into town and you should then find some camping car signs to follow. Free overnight

Car park where there is a dump spot for toilet and grey waste, there are toilets and many people get water from the tap inside. Nice spot next to Loire river and overlooked by the Chateau.

Watch where you park as it's used as a turn around spot by the local bus. 48.071352, 1.324016



VENDOME

Drive along main N10 and pass McDonalds and the carrefour. After that look for signs for the campsite and a right turn at some traffic lights.

Follow signs to campsite and outside the gates are 6 dedicated free overnight bays marked for motorhomes. If they are ever full there is a huge piece of land at the side where many do park. Facing large parkland. No facilities except for a lift up drain where you can dump grey and toilet.47.791289, 1.075749















MONTBAZZON (South of Tours)

Just south of Tours on the N10.

As you come to the Village nameplate for Montbazon, on the left will be an Intermarche. Look out for camping car sign.

There is a left turn and only 20mtrs off the main rd is a small aire. Not the best BUT the water is free and you can get to dump grey waste. 47.291865, 0.719913

A little further on at the lights is a left turn to VEIGNE, just a few km off the N10 and there is a campsite there with a free aire outside the gates. 47.289056, 0.733912



There are many other aires along this next stretch just check out the aires book.

I am listing main ones we use or have some interesting points like free water etc.



LA CELLE-saint-avant

This is brand new Aug 2015. As you approach the village, left at the roundabout. The Aire is signposted but signs are small. Down a short distance and then a right turn. Next to a lake with marked out large plots, own water and electric post. This is chargable and €8 a night, pay by credit card on entry. You get water and some electric included. Drive over grey waste dump.47.012501, 0.611495



DANGE SAINT ROMAN

The N10 passes through this village. If you turn at the church, right as you go south, left as you come north.

Behind the mayors office is a large car park. Slept there many times BUT park away from the school gates as the kids come early.!

No facilities but a safe place to stop if needed. 46.937134, 0.603260



VIVONNE

South of Poitiers. Nice town with aire facilty. Look for tourist office and parking / aire is there.

Never stayed overnight but popular town with river. There is also a campsite very close by.



ROULLET

South of Angouleme, take the exit for Roullet centre, so not the first one. Camping car signs will take you to a free large aire. 45.580819, 0.044397

Drive over grey waste, toilet dump and a free water tap. In winter it usually still works.



CAVIGNAC

Just before the N10 joins the A10 motorway north of Bordeaux.

Leave at signposted junction and you will know if the right one as there is a McDonalds and Lidl there. 45.100420, -0.390924

Follow into town. Left at the T junction and follow signs. Nice big gravel parking area next to church and graveyard.

Also, SAINT SAVIN / SAINT YZAN as nearby, These both have parking areas, also on the opposite side of the N10 at Laruscade is another aire. All fine for free overnight stops.



GAREIN

On the D834 between leaving the A63 / N10 and Mont de Marsan. As you come into the village there is a sign for truck parking. Turn in and there are several parking bays. We have stayed and no problems. A few trucks come and go during the night so a little noisy. No facilities.44.045746, -0.651469



MONT DE MARSDEN

Not used this but advised by a Motorhome Funster. Former municipal campsite now made into an aire. €7.50 a night. Access via a barrier off a main road, some noise at night. 43.889780, -0.475534



NAVARRENX

Never stayed overnight but there is a parking area that looks ok for overnighting. We often use this as a tea break stop. 43.323874, -0.758088



OLORON ST MARIE

In aires book, aire for parking and facilities. Next to river, short walk into town.

If you have a long van take care turning in as entrance is narrow but plenty of room once turned.

No issues with our 7.5mtr van. 43.183937, -0.608732









SPANISH STOPOVERS


SABINANIGO

Just off the A23 / N330 Between Somport tunnel and Huesca.
I have not visited yet. But advised a large parking area with waste and toilet dump.
There is a charge of €4 which you pay at local police station or someone may come around to collect. Been told includes electric for 48 hours. Local resturants nearby.

42.505615, -0.356585



HUESCA

Not visited but mixed parking available near town centre. 42.135700, -0.419865

Also on the south side of town there is a Repsol garage, reported to have Water and dump facilities. 42.125069, -0.429625



MARLOFA (Zaragossa north if you come from Irun)

On the A68 10km before you get to Zaragossa (heading south) is a truckstop. There USED to be signs for motorhomes and some dedicated bays are marked but I understand these are now removed but still not an issue to stay. It's a free stop BUT noisy with all the trucks.

41.735895, -1.066834



CARINENA ( A23 Zaragossa south)

Half hour 30km south on the A23. Follow signs into town and onto the old main road.

There is a petrol station on one corner and a truck park / resturant on the other.

We have always stayed there free, no one came and asked for anything. Usually caravans and campers park around the back.

Small resturant and bar inside. Local wine sellers nearby. 41.339932, -1.219760

Also, now discovered there is an aire in town with water and dump facility.

Calle de Carmen. 41.337992, -1.230579



TERUEL

A23 - Here there is a Dinosaur museum, Dinopolis. Very well signposted, big purple signs.

It has a huge car park, so ample free parking and quiet at night.

Supermarket and petrol station by entrance.

From reading other people comments it was said that the local Mayor had no issues and encouraged people to stop.

In summer very busy but by 6.30 it's empty.

Lots of locals pass you going on their evening walks etc. Stayed several times.

40.332437,-1.086612

There is also another parking area near the police station. 40.331318, -1.092729



SERVICES

A23 Just south of Teruel at exit 92 is a Cepsa garage. At the rear is a French style bourne where you can empty toilet and grey waste.

Also has fresh water for €2.

40.219904,-0.939431



SERGORBE

A23 - 20km North of Valencia.

There is a newish FREE aire with toilet and waste dump. No water turned on when we visited Aug 2013.

Follow aire signs through town or the railway signs as it is roadside parking near the station.

Not stayed overnight as yet.

You are parked alongside the road and the street light are close to the edge. So if you have a large rear overhang, just watch out for your back end as you pull out. 39.847379, -0.482367



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To Benidorm and in winter i usually do following but it all depends on what time you like to catch ferry, how long you like to drive etc.

Night one - Calais

Night two - Marbou or Vendome

Night three - Cavignac

Night four - Zaragossa (carinena)

Zaragossa - Benidorm

















TOLL's and time saving options.



1. The A16 between Boulougne and Abberville can save 45mins, cost approx €12

2. Rouen- You can follow signs for Paris and join the free A13 motorway, there is then a small toll of about €3 to join the N154 down to Evereux.

3. Tours - Watch your sat nav here as it may try and take you through the city. You can join the A10 free to cross the city at JN 20 as follows:

As you come south on N10, pass the airport and watch out for a roundabout with a KFC on the left. Go left there and it will take you to motorway. Join motorway south and Once over the river you can leave at Jn 22 before the toll starts and go back to the main road.

4. Bordeaux - This is a big city and like all others is very busy at times. Try and plan your trip to avoid rush hours and holiday peaks.

5. The A63 used to be free almost all the way down to Bayonne but now 2 new tolls have been added at €5.30 on each leg.

If you are taking the Somport tunnel route then you can leave at JN 18 and go via Mont de Marsan, Orthez, Oloron.

6. After Valencia you can use the coast road down to Benidorm. Using the AP7 will save an hour on this section but costs around €12.

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[Kevingrc]

Thanks to everyone for the info much appreciated I'll study tonight at broadhembury park, hope to see some funsters at Beni when we get there

 

[Spanishsteve]

Thank you Tonka, route saved for future use.

 

[SteveB123]

The coast route seems to be most peoples favourite but I have found the road busy with lorries and very flat and boring. I much prefer going Rouen then down to Clermont Ferrand then A75 toll free except for Millau, then Narbonne then all the way down the coast to Beni. There are a lot of hills on the A75 though.

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[gus-lopez]

There you go

.

Thanks for that .

. There are a lot of hills on the A75 though.

& also kms of fog in some areas ,even in July.

 

[tonka]

KEEP UP. !!!!
I have done version 7 now ! Jan 2016 with the toll costs for the A63..

 

[Camping Parc Verger]

Hi we've just had the ferry to Bilbao cancelled due to bad weather and are looking to drive Calais to Benidorm and would appreciate advice on routes and sites that are open, thanks in advance Kevin

Hi kevin

We get a lot of funsters who come over via Calais and stop with us at www.parcverger.com on their way to Spain.

We are mid way from the ports and Spain and only 3o mins from Limoges.

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[Boringfrog]

Bare in mind lots of Aires in France will have the water turned off in January.

 

[Kevingrc]

Hi

Hi kevin

We get a lot of funsters who come over via Calais and stop with us at www.parcverger.com on their way to Spain.

We are mid way from the ports and Spain and only 3o mins from Limoges.

hi forgot about parc verger I've never been but heard a lot about it we're already at Spanish border but will try and see you on way back, thanks and take care

 

[Camping Parc Verger]

Hi

hi forgot about parc verger I've never been but heard a lot about it we're already at Spanish border but will try and see you on way back, thanks and take care

Hi Kevin
hope you both have a good break.

We will look forward to your possible visit on the way back.

Franc and Lisa
https://www.facebook.com/parcverger

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