Sorry, another first trip to France thread. (1 Viewer)

Jul 2, 2011
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OK, looking like our first trip abroad has to be a little later than originally planned, now looks like 29th June-16th July.

Possibly looking to book a midnight-2am tunnel and travel down (240 miles) Thursday evening, then park up in France for a few hours before setting off into France Friday morning.

Not quite sure where we are heading for but don`t want to try and too thousands of miles so will eventually want to set-up for 5-7 days on a nice site. Vendee looks like the preferred area to head for to get to the coast and hopefully some good weather.

So the questions........

Is it worth bothering with a ACSI card as we will be travelling in July?

Is there somewhere near and and easy to find to park up when you exit the tunnel?

I have 2 x 13Kg Propane bottles normally, I thought I had read that you could only take smaller bottles on the tunnel. Can`t see any mention of this here... http://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/site-information/lpg/. This suggests with `several mobile containers` you can take up to 50Kg`s.
Have I got this right?

Is there anything unusual about obtaining diesel from French petrol stations?

I am sure there will be more.

Thanks in advance.

Steve
 

gozomike

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Hi Just a couple of points I can comment on

ACSI card. Discounts not normal in the peak season but the book or better still the disc does give you a good selection of sites to stay at.

Stopping at the end of the tunnel. A couple of weeks ago I stayed at the Cite Europe Aire which is at the shopping centre near the end of the tunnel. In the Aires guide book it does not recommend staying over night. It does not give a reason so I am not sure why this is, there were quite a few UK motorhomes and 2 french ones overnight.

Getting fuel. The only thing I can think of is IT's CHEAPER. Go with an empty tank, come back with a full one.:thumb:

oops that was 3 things.

Have a good trip
Mike
 

dercher

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Supermarket fuel is quite a bit cheaper as well,same as here.Enjoy france.

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TM59

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My kon-tiki has 2 x 13kgs gas cylinders. Have travelled tunnel with no problem. They will check to make sure they are switched off.

Trevor
 

Roryboys Dad

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The Cite Europe Aire is the quickest, easiest and cheapest to find on your first time to France.

Diesel in France is 'Gazole' and up to-date prices can be found here - www.prix-carburants.economie.gouv.fr/

Do not buy fuel at motorway service station as they are considerably dearer than the many Supermarket options throughout France.

:france::france::france:

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weejocky

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Stopping at the end of the tunnel. A couple of weeks ago I stayed at the Cite Europe Aire which is at the shopping centre near the end of the tunnel.

I would not overnight there. There's been a few breakins at Citi Europe of late
 

Roryboys Dad

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weejocky - I would not overnight there. There's been a few breakins at Citi Europe of late.

The site is well lit, quiet and Police patrolled.

Has anyone on these forums had a problem there recently?

:france::france::france:
 

Heyupluv

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weejocky - I would not overnight there. There's been a few breakins at Citi Europe of late.

The site is well lit, quiet and Police patrolled.

Has anyone on these forums had a problem there recently?

:france::france::france:

Roryboys Dad... I think what weejocky is on about a two or three days ago a young family (MHf member the dark side) put a thread on there saying he was robbed in the car park at Cite Europe...while they were shopping for wine to return home....I don't think it was the Aire..what he suggested was not both of you go shopping and leave the van empty.

Jim always says "one at a time" never leave your van un-attended

Mel

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MHVirgins

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We're off to France in early September (barring disasters:RollEyes:), so that's breathalyzers and two hi-viz jackets on the list now:thumb:

We were on the CC website last night and someone had asked a question about going to France for the first time, the majority of replies were simple and to the point, but then someone came in with a huge list of things to beware of:Doh:

After a list about 10 inches long, covering every eventuality you could think of (including wasp stings/ ants in the caravan and electrical storms :Eeek:) some people said they were put off by going to France, with someone else suggesting the Isle of Wight was just as nice:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: Priceless!
 
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We're off to France in early September (barring disasters:RollEyes:), so that's breathalyzers and two hi-viz jackets on the list now:thumb:

We were on the CC website last night and someone had asked a question about going to France for the first time, the majority of replies were simple and to the point, but then someone came in with a huge list of things to beware of:Doh:

After a list about 10 inches long, covering every eventuality you could think of (including wasp stings/ ants in the caravan and electrical storms :Eeek:) some people said they were put off by going to France, with someone else suggesting the Isle of Wight was just as nice:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: Priceless!


Oh please , please give the link to their site so I can have a good laugh.... and may be help as well !!
Don't know if I'll use the same username .... May be I could call myself "Pygmy".... small...savage...unsocialised...bizarre....AND speaking in a funny language...this would summarize it all ....the only equivalent I can imagine right now would be ..errrrr..."French" :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:


Amicalement

Frankie::bigsmile:::bigsmile:
 
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ukbill

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hopefully citi europe will be ok im staying there around midnight 16th going so late don't think i have much option unless i drive for a few hrs then stop somewhere away from calais
as for gas bottles np i carry 2 13kg and was ok just make sure they are turned off

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Apr 13, 2012
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Diesel and petrol are cheaper in France and I also always come back with a full tank but I also leave England with plenty of fuel as well. I'd rather have enough fuel to get away from Calais (in particular) and have something less to bother about. Driving a MH on the 'wrong side' of the road for the first time and finding your way are quite enough to think about.
I got off the ferry at Santander (Spain) once and the first petrol station was jammed with English cars and vans waiting to fill up. For the saving on 1 tank full of diesel IMHO it just isn't worth it.
 
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2 excellent aires about 15 minutes from the tunnel:-

Wissant - free. 5 minute walk into town for a bracing walk on the beach and fresh bread and croissants. Several restaurants and a market on Wednesday morning. No real facilities to speak of - just waste water and some bins. (full services at Ferme de l'Horloge at Tardinghen for 3 euros)

Tardinghen - all facilities and some parking at the farm but three seperate 'aires' on other parts of the farm. Our favourites - La Fleur des Champs with stunning views over the channel and Le Fond de Sombre close to the aire at Wissant. 5 euros for overnight and services (3 euros for services only) Proprietor calls in the evening. Farm is also on 'France Passion'.

http://www.sitedes2caps.fr/

We tend to stay at one of these on our first and last nights - its a stress-free few minutes drive up the motorway to / from the tunnel - both with great walks for the dogs!

Both are in 'All the Aires' with GPS coordinates. :Smile:

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Heyupluv

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Oh please , please give the link to their site so I can have a good laugh.... and may be help as well !!
Don't know if I'll use the same username .... May be I could call myself "Pygmy".... small...savage...unsocialised...bizarre....AND speaking in a funny language...this would summarize it all ....the only equivalent I can imagine right now would be ..errrrr..."French" :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:


Amicalement

Frankie::bigsmile:::bigsmile:

Well said Frankie........it sounds like a long list of frightening things what MHVirgins has read on the other Forum.....WOW.... I feel like General Gordon, Scot of the Antarctic, I feel like an Explorer going into the unknown coming to France
.
Here is some sound advise for that person......that I would like to pass on..just a few tips I have come across,
Do not travel on the road's or footpaths in case of a accident,....Do not travel on a ship in case it sinks,...Do not travel on a train in case it crashes,...Do not travel by plane in case it explodes or crashes....stay in the house with doors locked, windows locked, fly spray, Nippon ant powder, bleach/Javel, rubber gloves, tin helmet, mosquito spray and nets,..... do not eat any food in case of food poisoning..........Don't take all this above too seriously it just me having a larf....come to France you will enjoy yourselves honest

Most of these you would or should carry in the UK

What is needed for France
Hi Vis Reflective Vest / Jacket per person, Spare bulb kit, Warning Triangle, Breath kits, Driving license, Insurance, Logbook, E111 or equivalent, Travel health insurance, GB sticker, Headlamp beam adjustment


(These are two items are NOT compulsory but do help you and others...First aid kit and extinguisher.)

And your RADAR warning's on SAT NAVS turned off

May be one could stay at home and let other people enjoy there holiday......in France , Spain, Portugal,...and the rest of Europe

France is like the UK..it has nearly all of the same animals , birds, insects..the roads are the same as the uk without a lot of the traffic problems..yes they do drive on the wrong side to the UK.....It is better for Motorhomes..more chance of sun...friendly people...
A lot of the restriction they put on motorhomes in the UK do not exist in France...
There are places called AIRES..
The UK seem so anti motorhome...unless you go into a campsite,... and come out with empty pockets after a week.
Come over to France and spend your money over here and help the French economy you will love it
The British government does not seem to want you or your money!!! motorhomers.. all your barriers, height bars, T/Wardens.don't do this, can not do that, don't stop here can not stop there..etc...how sad is that...The Government certainly don't make it easy to motorhome in the UK...and hope you ENJOY your holidays motorhomeing around the UK.
 
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Aug 23, 2011
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I know what is deadly in France - that Pastis (and even worse, some fluorescent green stuff that is equally potent). It nearly did for a few of our friends on a rugby trip to Castres and Montepellier! The French should be ashamed serving that without a health warning.:winky:

Does anybody know if the aire at Arques (near St Omer) will admit late arrivals (i.e. after 10pm). I thought I read somewhere that there is a barrier at night?
 

Heyupluv

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I know what is deadly in France - that Pastis (and even worse, some fluorescent green stuff that is equally potent). It nearly did for a few of our friends on a rugby trip to Castres and Montepellier! The French should be ashamed serving that without a health warning.:winky:

:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

Does anybody know if the aire at Arques (near St Omer) will admit late arrivals (i.e. after 10pm). I thought I read somewhere that there is a barrier at night?

The barrier does go down in the evening to the Aire around the back lane on the side of the ponds....what time ??? and does he do it every night ??...BUT I think you can lift it yourself, as it is just a manual bar across the road..I have never seen any locks....also somebody may need leave early or need to get back home in an emergency....if all fails park at the side of the borne till he lifts the barrier in the morning

Mel:thumb:

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slobadoberbob

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the Cite Europe Aire was busy yesterday

We were at the Cite Europe Aire yesterday while we awaited the ADAC breakdown truck. There were a lot of motor homes parked up.. a fair few British registered and others.. looked like some were just day visitors, others were there longer. We did see the security truck come round while we were waiting. No one else bothered us. One british motor home (lady with a dog) asked if we were OK. But otherwise quite.

For those that do not know where the aires is.. just follow the sign for the bus park and it is nearer the top of the hill by the police station... when I said to the ADAC telephone operator we were by the police station the breakdown truck found us with no trouble.

There is a very high fence along side a road... I doubt any one could get over that.. the rest is just a very big car park with motor homes everywhere.

Bob
 
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Hi Steve

Just come back from there, diesel is about £1.20 per gallon cheaper, look for the big supermarket garages, Super U for instance (1.30Euro a litre) there are a couple of aires we stay at about an hours drive from tunnel, Fort Mahon Plage and Le Touquet Paris Plage, both very nice seaside towns. Cost us 9.50 euro at Le Touquet and its 9 at Fort Mahon Plage (unless you have disabled badge then its free here). Both listed in the Aires book.

Have a good trip

Rog
 
Apr 23, 2008
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We're off to France in early September (barring disasters:RollEyes:), so that's breathalyzers and two hi-viz jackets on the list now:thumb:

We were on the CC website last night and someone had asked a question about going to France for the first time, the majority of replies were simple and to the point, but then someone came in with a huge list of things to beware of:Doh:

After a list about 10 inches long, covering every eventuality you could think of (including wasp stings/ ants in the caravan and electrical storms :Eeek:) some people said they were put off by going to France, with someone else suggesting the Isle of Wight was just as nice:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: Priceless!

We have just come back from two weeks driving around France, down through Northern France into Brittany and the Vendee region, and back up again, worst part of that was the bloody ferry coming back in the gale force winds!!!, Be sensible, dont leave your brain at home because you are on holiday and you will have a smashing time!

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magicsurfbus

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There are 2 Aires in Calais (apart from the Cite Europe camper van park), both run by the campsite opposite the ferry port. the more popular (and busy) Aire overlooks the port so it can get a bit noisy with ferry engines, and that's off Digue Gaston Berthe. The second one is a quieter open parking area with marked MH bays just off Boulevard de la Resistance a little way back from the sea front.

If you're planning to use Aires, keep a stash of 1 and 2 Euro coins, as many have coin-op ticket machines and service points. Not all accept foreign bank cards.

Supermarket fuel is definitely cheaper, but watch out for the 24/7 pumps which are automated (card only) and need a reasonable command of French to work out what they're all about.

When you're approaching toll booths on Autoroutes, keep right - that's where you'll usually find an attendant taking cash payments. Don't go down the Telepeage lanes.

Useful stopovers on the way to the Vendee area include the Aire at Honfleur, then either Parc Puy du Fou (worth a visit in itself) or Parc Futuroscope near Poitiers. You're not obliged to go in either theme park if you use their Aires.

La Rochelle has a Park'n'Ride Aire, and my top tip for low cost holidaying in that area is the Ile d'Oleron, where two of their aires are ex-campsites with wide grassy pitches, EHUs and shower blocks, and other MH stopovers are low-priced. Only drawback there is the need to travel around the Island by bike or bus as MH parking around the coastline is very limited.

For some detailed coverage, click the aire today link in my signature below.

Bon voyage.
 
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First Trip to France

Good overnight stop when you come out of the tunnel would be Aire 2 Caps. Just follow the Rouen/Bologne Motorway route, you go up a hill and you can't miss it on the right. Easy to park, toilets and a restaurant. We always stop here when we arrive at night and have never had a problem. You can also fill up with fuel in the morning. Avoid Euro Citee for overnight parking lots of dubious characters hanging around!

Have a great trip:Smile:
 

sedge

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Lob some fresh water in before you go.

We plump for a train at that time too and depending on whether we need baccy straight off or on the way back we either use Auchan at Dunkerque (Jct 54b, Centre Commercial) or Auchan at Boulogne. (St Martin de Boulogne Centre Commercial) Spend the night in the supermarket carpark, nobody bothers you; security drive round in a van all through the night - if it isn't Monday the following day (closed on Mondays) it's fresh croissants for brekkie when they open, and a fresh baguette ready for lunch then drive round to the petrol station to fill up with diesel and away we go.

At least one of these Auchans is compulsory pay at pump, but you get the choice of languages so just press the Union flag and off you go - 'she' talks to you in English. She's terribly loud though and she's talking to everyone else using a pump at the same time but at different places in the instructions! Quite funny really. LOL

All free and you shouldn't need a borne at that juncture of your holidays, surely?

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OP
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Thanks for the replies.

I think after getting out of the tunnel we will just want to park up as soon as possible to wait for daylight.

I gather that the road out of the tunnel leads you pretty much straight onto a motorway. Have I got this right?

Are petrol stations on the whole the same as ours with a choice of paying at the pump or inside?

If a Aire has a charge, how and when is that paid?

Thanks

Steve
 

lorger

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Hi Steve

The road from the tunnel can take you right on to M/way or you can turn off for cite de europe shopping centre and Calais.

Petrol stations are much like ours some have a person in a small kiosk some you can pay at the pump. When the kiosk is closed its only pay at pump.

If the aire has a charge it will either be a ticket machine, someone collecting or pay at certain place in village, we have even had local police collect money. Some aires that are free still charge you for water so make sure you have a few euro coins in the van.
 

ukbill

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Good overnight stop when you come out of the tunnel would be Aire 2 Caps. Just follow the Rouen/Bologne Motorway route, you go up a hill and you can't miss it on the right. Easy to park, toilets and a restaurant. We always stop here when we arrive at night and have never had a problem. You can also fill up with fuel in the morning. Avoid Euro Citee for overnight parking lots of dubious characters hanging around!

Have a great trip:Smile:
do you know the exact address for this aire please and can you get on there at around 1am after all i have read i dont fancy stopping at citi europe now so need somewhere at around 1am sunday 17th

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MikeandCarolyn

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Hi Steve


If the aire has a charge it will either be a ticket machine, someone collecting or pay at certain place in village, we have even had local police collect money. Some aires that are free still charge you for water so make sure you have a few euro coins in the van.

Some aires use 'Jetons' which you purchase locally (Marie,Office de Tourism,designated bar or shop etc).
Tip-on some aires where Euros or Jetons are used for water a measured amount is delivered ,if the guy before you doesnt use it all you can benefit from this -if you are quick::bigsmile:

Mike.
 

jonandshell

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Although a bit noisy at times, the best free (and possibly safest!) place to stop is the ferry port ticket office car park at Calais. Unfortunately, Calais seems to attract transitional lowlifes (probably waiting for an opportunity to get over here) and the port car park is busy enough to deter thieves.

You won't be alone at the port car park, it's a very popular place to get some kip prior to your next day's journey.:thumb:

Once away from Calais, France is a fantastic, secure place to tour. I wouldn't worry about using sites, the Aire network is the best way to explore Europe! Use the money you save on sites by trying the local food and wine!::bigsmile:
 
OP
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Thanks again for the replies.

To be honest, I am not overly concerned about the potential crime aspect of stopping near the tunnel (or anywhere else). Being our first trip I think it makes sense to just pull over asap, get some sleep and set off in daylight. If the shopping car park is the easiest to find, we will probably stop there.

Steve

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