In France with motorhome for first time (1 Viewer)

Aug 7, 2013
69
55
Northumberland
Funster No
27,375
MH
A Class
Exp
Since 2013
Hi,

we're at Folkestone camp site and are travelling over to Calais in a few hours. We haven't booked up anywhere based on previous discussions with members and we're getting a bit anxious. I know there are a lot of francophiles out there. Can anyone suggest a good camp site either caravan club or camping and caravanning that we can drive to and have a good chance of booking in. We know about the aires but for the first night we'd like to get into a good camp site. We only want to travel about 150 miles max from Calais and want to travel round Normandy and Brittany for a first visit. There are two motorhomes travelling together, all first timers.

Also if anyone can suggest places of interest, that would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can give us.:thumb:
 

kat_lewis

Free Member
May 25, 2013
62
52
Staffs
Funster No
26,173
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
since a nipper but only got back into it seriously recently when we inherited my mum's van
If you are aiming for Normandy head down the a16 towards Abbeville there are sites near the coast and you will be 1hr30 from Calais so plenty of time to look around :thumb:
 
Upvote 0

Emmit

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 14, 2009
8,010
17,556
Cornwall
Funster No
7,967
MH
Pilote Explorateur
Exp
Jan.2014
Greetings,

If you want to have a look at both kinds of motorhoming in one spot, you could do worse than Neufchatel en Bray.
Its about 2hrs from Calais, and has a good site where, alongside, the family that has the site have just built an Aire. Along the road is a Le Clerc supermarket and both Aldi and Lidl. and the town has everything you could want. It's a good first stop for the novice.
Can recommend.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Jan 27, 2013
1,334
871
Stamford
Funster No
24,452
MH
Benimar Mileo 282
Exp
Seven plus years
I know you said campsite but I really recommend going to Honfleur aire.

It's on your way.

You'll be a walk from a fantastic town.

You'll get the french motorhome experience on your first day.

Honfleur.JPG


honfleur-centre.jpg
 
Upvote 0

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
Consider putting N 50--29.717 E 001--57.953 into your sat. navs. this is an aire just less than 50 miles from Calais and it really is a brilliant spot to see if you like aires. there is a spotless toilet and shower block and the lady comes around in the evening to collect her 6 euro ish.

There are no shops nearby so ensure you have all the necessary provisions

Enjoy France we love it.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Nov 13, 2013
488
431
Bideford, Devon
Funster No
29,004
MH
Benimar Tessora 487
Exp
since 2011
1st time in France

Hi there, hoping you're having fun. There are loads of places to stay and getting on will not be a problem. We called in at Etretat on the coast between Frecamp and Le Havre last year. You have a choice of a campsite or Aire right on the edge of the town they are side by side. You could either walk in or cycle. There are some heat walks over the cliffs and lunch at the Casino on the front is very good value. If you play golf then the course at Etretat is spectacular right on top of the cliffs over looking the channel.
 
Upvote 0

Jim

Ringleader
Jul 19, 2007
36,197
128,646
Sutton on Sea, UK
Funster No
1
MH
Adria Panel Van.
Exp
Since 1988
Sorry to butt in, but threads like this are what its all about. I love it, all that info in under an hour, Priceless:thumb:

Have a great trip::bigsmile:
 
Upvote 0

Steve101uk

Free Member
Jun 6, 2012
408
1,042
EUROPEAN UNION
Funster No
21,347
MH
Pilote G740 C
Exp
since 2007 caravan before that
We like le Crotoy aire as a first stop on this route. Not far off the A16 but we take the secnic route and avoid the toll. There are loads of very decent aires along the coast to Normandy, no need to pay extra on a campsite.

I would definitely stay at Honfluer aire as its a lovely town and tons of space at the aire.

We stayed at the municipal at Bayuex last year which was a very nice campsite and town not to far to walk.

we use the tolls if we are in a hurry to get somewhere, but this is unusual.

relax and have a good time, your going to love it. I can't wait til May when we return to France.

Cheers Steve

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

lou020

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 5, 2010
488
355
huddersfield
Funster No
13,984
MH
autotrail chieftain
Exp
since 2010
As in previous post,,Neufchatel en bray campsite,,spotless campsite, with grass more like a bowling green with hard standing for the wheels,:Smile:
 
Upvote 0

Emmit

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 14, 2009
8,010
17,556
Cornwall
Funster No
7,967
MH
Pilote Explorateur
Exp
Jan.2014
Greetings Again,

And just for our 'other' listener, and to avoid any confusion, Neufchatel en Bray and Camping St Clair are the same place.

We can't all be wrong, it's a cracking spot.:thumb:
 
Upvote 0

Wildge

Free Member
Jul 24, 2013
1,762
1,980
East Midlands
Funster No
27,105
MH
Coach built.
Exp
since 2000
We like le Crotoy aire as a first stop on this route. Not far off the A16 but we take the secnic route and avoid the toll. There are loads of very decent aires along the coast to Normandy, no need to pay extra on a campsite.

I would definitely stay at Honfluer aire as its a lovely town and tons of space at the aire.

We stayed at the municipal at Bayuex last year which was a very nice campsite and town not to far to walk.

we use the tolls if we are in a hurry to get somewhere, but this is unusual.

relax and have a good time, your going to love it. I can't wait til May when we return to France.

Cheers Steve

Got to agree with this post. :thumb:
I know you mentioned you didn't fancy Aires but Le Crotoy, IMO is great for a first time visitor. Not too far to drive on easy roads. Feels safe ,plenty of places to eat, gets you into holiday mood straight away and ready for your treat at Honfleur. This time of year they shouldn't be too busy.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

automedon

Free Member
Mar 22, 2013
54
60
Huddersfield West Yorks.
Funster No
25,193
MH
Mercedes Sprinter convers
Exp
3 yrs
French Campsite

Hi,

we're at Folkestone camp site and are travelling over to Calais in a few hours. We haven't booked up anywhere based on previous discussions with members and we're getting a bit anxious. I know there are a lot of francophiles out there. Can anyone suggest a good camp site either caravan club or camping and caravanning that we can drive to and have a good chance of booking in. We know about the aires but for the first night we'd like to get into a good camp site. We only want to travel about 150 miles max from Calais and want to travel round Normandy and Brittany for a first visit. There are two motorhomes travelling together, all first timers.

Also if anyone can suggest places of interest, that would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can give us.:thumb:

Hi, from Calais head for NEUFCHATEL EN BRAY on the A16 South, approx. 1.5hrs you will see Neufchatel turnoff, take the slip road, head into Centro, you will pick up the Camping Saint Clare sign with 2 entrances, take the main one which is the second entrance, pull up outside Reception, talk to Francis the proprietor (usually on his bike waiting to take you to a pitch) the cost will be approx. 16euros per night, well worth it,the site is clean, well laid out with spotless loo facilities etc. you can order your morning 'pan' (bread) with Francis when you pitch up. The Town of Neufchatel is about 20 mins walk to your RIGHT when you leave the site, passing Leclere's the supermarket AND Mcdonalds (Free WIFI) on the way.
we stay there both on our way South then again on the way back up North when we reluctantly have to head for home via Calais after our 5 or 6 week tour of France (we will be there at Neufchatel the afternoon of the 13th June and stop for a few days before heading South) we will be in our trusty 'Liverpool Girl' Mercedes Sprinter Conversion who as we talk is coming through the 'oven' after having a new coat of paint (all white) we then put her new colours on to complete the job, blue and grey stripes, can't wait!! good luck on your journey, take care of each other & the 'Van
icon1.gif
.
 
Upvote 0
Jan 27, 2013
1,334
871
Stamford
Funster No
24,452
MH
Benimar Mileo 282
Exp
Seven plus years
Got to agree with this post. :thumb:
I know you mentioned you didn't fancy Aires but Le Crotoy, IMO is great for a first time visitor. Not too far to drive on easy roads. Feels safe ,plenty of places to eat, gets you into holiday mood straight away and ready for your treat at Honfleur. This time of year they shouldn't be too busy.

The OP is off having a great time by now but I too have to praise Le Crotoy too. Always a great spot and has a second smaller aire if you find the larger too, err, large.

Awesome selection of places to eat with mussels served all year.

I dislike Le Hourdel on the other side of the point though. Only two places to eat (Le Parc Aux Huitres) which is pretty dreadful and Le Pointe Du Hourdel, which is good but gets rammed at weekends.
 
Upvote 0

weekenders

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 30, 2008
2,657
1,957
Leicestershire
Funster No
2,443
MH
A Class
Exp
15 years
Consider putting N 50--29.717 E 001--57.953 into your sat. navs. this is an aire just less than 50 miles from Calais and it really is a brilliant spot to see if you like aires. there is a spotless toilet and shower block and the lady comes around in the evening to collect her 6 euro ish.

There are no shops nearby so ensure you have all the necessary provisions

Enjoy France we love it.



What area is this Alan?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Apr 27, 2008
11,794
13,956
Eastbourne East Sussex
Funster No
2,327
MH
Hymer low profile
Exp
Since 1972
Hi,

we're at Folkestone camp site and are travelling over to Calais in a few hours. We haven't booked up anywhere based on previous discussions with members and we're getting a bit anxious. I know there are a lot of francophiles out there. Can anyone suggest a good camp site either caravan club or camping and caravanning that we can drive to and have a good chance of booking in. We know about the aires but for the first night we'd like to get into a good camp site. We only want to travel about 150 miles max from Calais and want to travel round Normandy and Brittany for a first visit. There are two motorhomes travelling together, all first timers.

Also if anyone can suggest places of interest, that would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can give us.:thumb:

Just to show I read the OP. You will not find Caravan club or Camping and caravan club sites outside the UK. Though I did find one near Biarritz that was just like one, including parking on the peg, needless to say won't go there again.
 
Upvote 0

Bailey58

LIFE MEMBER
Jun 23, 2010
8,787
29,162
Norfolk and Toftir.
Funster No
12,267
MH
Sold
Exp
July 2010 (ex tugger)
Sorry to butt in, but threads like this are what its all about. I love it, all that info in under an hour, Priceless:thumb:

Have a great trip::bigsmile:

Me too. I bookmark all these touring threads for our future trips. I'm an insufferable organiser having been largely office based for the last 20 years of my working life. So far I've got Touring France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Europe, Scandinavia, UK as well as particular threads on Aires near Calais and all things to do with WW2 sites which we hope to do this year. :Doh:
 
Upvote 0

SMB

Apr 26, 2013
1,230
1,347
Spain
Funster No
25,710
MH
Coachbuild
Exp
Fulltiming since February 2013
Know how you felt only a year or so ago so I hope this will reassure you: I am now overwhelmed by the amount of places to experience! From initial concerns about finding a place to stop I now realize that, if one place does not fill your expectations, the next option is a stones throw away (in Europe, not England which is the worst). I have only been turned away once from a campsite, because the van was too big (my fault, lack of research). I am trying to plan ahead but there are so many places to visit it makes my head spin.
Hope this helps, but don't worry about getting on campsites...

ps I have been fulltiming so apart from a two-month spell in Blighty I have been on aires and campsites

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Soozywoozy

Free Member
Feb 18, 2014
534
452
Oxfordshire - edge of the cotswolds
Funster No
30,162
MH
Hymer B 704SL
Exp
2014, 2 motorhomes

Me too. I bookmark all these touring threads for our future trips. I'm an insufferable organiser having been largely office based for the last 20 years of my working life. So far I've got Touring France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Europe, Scandinavia, UK as well as particular threads on Aires near Calais and all things to do with WW2 sites which we hope to do this year. :Doh:

I too am a massive organiser and use evernote for everything, e.g. aires in france, wifi abroad, tolls, emission zones to name a few in my motorhome notebooks.
However, please advise how to book mark the threads, as there have been many I would like to reference but haven't been able to work out how to (newbie to forum error Im sure)
 
Upvote 0
OP
OP
C
Aug 7, 2013
69
55
Northumberland
Funster No
27,375
MH
A Class
Exp
Since 2013
Greetings,

If you want to have a look at both kinds of motorhoming in one spot, you could do worse than Neufchatel en Bray.
Its about 2hrs from Calais, and has a good site where, alongside, the family that has the site have just built an Aire. Along the road is a Le Clerc supermarket and both Aldi and Lidl. and the town has everything you could want. It's a good first stop for the novice.
Can recommend.

Just like to thank you and everyone else for suggesting Neufchatel en Bray. A brilliant site. We absolutely loved it. We will be there again. We're down near Deauville at the moment at St Arnoult La Vallee de Deauville. Great wifi and plenty of space, but more a holiday park. Preferred Neufchatel. Going to head south west in a couple of days.

Again thanks again to everyone for suggestions. We missed Honfleur will either get it on the way back or next time.::bigsmile:
 
Upvote 0

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
What area is this Alan?

Sorry only just seen your post as wifi is useless at Parc Verger but the coordinates are for a brilliant first time aire at EMBRY listed in the aires book and is less than an hours drive from Callais and is such an easy drive and a useful introduction to anyone to aires for the first time. Do go stocked up though as no shops in the near vicinity

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
Very much each to their own and may it stay that way but if we had been recommended Le Crotoy as our first aire we may never have used aires again, see the photo of our visit in September last year. I have to agree it had a nice friendly atmosphere but boy was it crowded. It sure does not represent the beautiful French aires that are available
 

Attachments

  • Crotoy 001 (Small).JPG
    Crotoy 001 (Small).JPG
    91.2 KB · Views: 101
Upvote 0

Allanm

Free Member
Jun 30, 2013
5,431
9,191
Cotes d'armor, France
Funster No
26,730
MH
Burstner Harmony TI 736 G
Exp
Since 1987
Very much each to their own and may it stay that way but if we had been recommended Le Crotoy as our first aire we may never have used aires again, see the photo of our visit in September last year. I have to agree it had a nice friendly atmosphere but boy was it crowded. It sure does not represent the beautiful French aires that are available

It is generally busy, we were there in February and there were about 50 vans there, last week, we stopped 2 nights and there were around 80 vans. Very busy, but plenty of space and a friendly atmosphere.
And the bread van comes around every morning! We also got to have a trip to St Vallery on the little railway. Great fun and highly recommended.
If you want a quieter, prettier aire nearby, the one at Quend is really nice, but the town is closed out of season
Allan

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Aug 31, 2009
107
44
Lot-et-Garonne, France
Funster No
8,231
MH
Changing
Exp
15 Years
Just like to thank you and everyone else for suggesting Neufchatel en Bray. A brilliant site. We absolutely loved it. We will be there again. We're down near Deauville at the moment at St Arnoult La Vallee de Deauville. Great wifi and plenty of space, but more a holiday park. Preferred Neufchatel. Going to head south west in a couple of days.

Again thanks again to everyone for suggestions. We missed Honfleur will either get it on the way back or next time.::bigsmile:

Heading south West?...We stayed at Camping Haliotis a few years back, which is 9km along a cycle path from Mont Saint-Michel. This is worth an out of season visit.

I agree with the recommendations of the aire at Neufchatel. We had intended to stop here as an overnight stop a month ago and ended up staying three days, exploring the excellent cycle path which is about 10 yards from the aire's entrance. (Yes..we are slow cyclists.)

Pictures of aire and cycle path on blog at http://peterandnia.com/2014/03/13/heading-for-provence/
(Scroll down a bit)
 
Upvote 0
Nov 13, 2013
488
431
Bideford, Devon
Funster No
29,004
MH
Benimar Tessora 487
Exp
since 2011
Further West

Just like to thank you and everyone else for suggesting Neufchatel en Bray. A brilliant site. We absolutely loved it. We will be there again. We're down near Deauville at the moment at St Arnoult La Vallee de Deauville. Great wifi and plenty of space, but more a holiday park. Preferred Neufchatel. Going to head south west in a couple of days.

Again thanks again to everyone for suggestions. We missed Honfleur will either get it on the way back or next time.::bigsmile:

Not sure how far West you are going but have noticed Golf as an interest. The course at Dinard is spectacular, second oldest in France and built by the Brits. Now if you want a lunch with a view then Pleneuf Val Andre golf course is the place. A new restaurant overlooks the Bay of Saint Brieuc and you can also see their signature hole! Then to cap it all there's a nice little Aire in the town. We're heading out end of April to play some golf but probably further down the West Coast. Perhaps we should have a 'Funsters' tournament!
 
Upvote 0

DAVWOD

Free Member
Sep 23, 2013
169
61
Staffordshire
Funster No
28,234
MH
Pilote Bavaria
Exp
6 years
Fantastic replys for this thread .. I'm also heading to Calais and yet to choose our 1st stop so will defo be checking if any of these sites are on our way out .. :thumb:
 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top