Spanish first timers (1 Viewer)

[2657]

Snow chains are intended as a temporary measure to ensure the vehicle continues to progress when roads are covered with snow or ice. They are not mandatory on a country-wide basis, but you must carry and fit chains when conditions demand. The police can stop you and forbid you from travelling further if you do not have chains and fit them when required. Many countries have road signs indicating roadside bays where you should stop and fit snow chains. If snowchains are fitted you should travel at no more than 30 mph and should remove them as soon as possible to avoid damaging the road service. Snow chains should always be fitted to the driving wheels, and to the front wheels of 4x4s.

"not mandatory on a country wide basis" you seem to have forgotten to highlight that!

 

[Kevan]

"not mandatory on a country wide basis" you seem to have forgotten to highlight that!

Your missing the point, if you are not carrying them you can't use them if you are some where it is mandatory to do so, thus making it a legal requirement to carry them.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Not strictly true, only in mountainous areas where there are signs saying so.

Correct.

Using Motorway routes through France or Via Basque country. You should not require snow chains unless we get one of those freak weather incidents like the M11 in the UK or in the French Alps a couple of years ago. But then, you will have a warm cozy motorhome with lots of creature comforts.

Snow chains are only compulsory where indicated and are usually on alpine routes.

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[busby]

Your missing the point, if you are not carrying them you can't use them if you are some where it is mandatory to do so, thus making it a legal requirement to carry them.

Only if you decide to carry on where it is mandatory,,,if you avoid mountains in the winter no problem,,,BUSBY,,

 

[Kevan]

But i like the snow, and mountains, and i don't want to stay away from them, you can't make me, so there

 

[2657]

Your missing the point, if you are not carrying them you can't use them if you are some where it is mandatory to do so, thus making it a legal requirement to carry them.

I understand your point but as I said I have never seen signs for the use of snow chains on any of the main routes that I have used in France.

They are only on high level routes where snow lies all winter, if that is the type of road that anyone intends to use then snow chains would be necessary.

On the main routes if snow was a major problem they would close the road as they do in the UK, in Spain there are huge parking areas at strategic places for just such an eventuality.

If carrying snow chains makes anyone more confident then carry them but in my opinion they are not necessary if you choose your route wisely.

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[Kevan]

Where there's no snow, you can't Ski

 

[busby]

Where there's no snow, you can't Ski

The original post was about travelling to Benicasim to escape bad weather,,,,BUSBY

 

[Kevan]

The original post was about travelling to Benicasim to escape bad weather,,,,BUSBY

Oh well

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[MuddyPuddle]

I think snow chains has been done to death guys now....can anyone tell me if Its compulsory to have a life jacket when travelling via Brittany Ferries!....lol

 

[MuddyPuddle]

On a serious note has anyone experienced the 'economie' BF crossing which on this years prices appears to be a fair saving on price compared to the 'cruise' crossing. Before anyone mentions oars, hammocks and rowlocks I'll mention it now

 

[jtp890]

Checking yesterday for crossing mid Feb, economie cant take pets.

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[busby]

I have used it,,smaller ship with less facilities,,only one cafeteria,,and vinyl flooring in cabins instead of carpet,,other than that it was fine,,BUSBY,,

 

[WillinFrance]

It's not compulsory to carry snow chains in France, but agree if you go into the mountains it is common sense. You would be a fool to drive up to 2000m without them. Living in the Haute Pyrenees I use the snow chains often to go skiing, but you would be surprised how many French don't have them, or have no idea how to fit them when needed!!
As @Mikeo says, take the west route, stick to the motorway and watch the weather forecast. If in doubt wait a day or so. But I have never seen the Autoroute blocked around Biaritz into Spain, they are working hard to improve the A63 Autoroute on the French side.
We are going to Spain in February and that's the route I will take, without chains!! Good luck.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Checking yesterday for crossing mid Feb, economie cant take pets.

Hi,

They can!

http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/fleet/economie/baie-de-seine/travelling-with-a-pet

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[EuroTrotters]

We have only ever booked the commodore cabins on Baie de Seine. And always out-of-season. So I do not know what the comfort levels of the other cabins are like.

I have noticed quite a few people viewing commodore cabins to upgrade once on-board.

I tend to choose Cap Finistere as our preferred ship. Again booking Commodore cabins where available (there are only 8 2 berth de luxe on CF). We are BF Club Members for both France and Spain. So do get BF Discounts and £8 towards breakfast and 10% off dining on the Cruise style ferries.

Other than that, we book crossings that suit our timings. So if only BDS is available, the reduced main crossing prices goes towards the more comfortable cabins. Carpeted, Large Screen TV, DVD and Fridge with sea view. We do not dine on BDS or use the bar like we do on CF. We self cater.

We love the Balcony cabins on Pont Aven, but they get snapped up and the timings and port rarely suit our times.

If anyone needs any help with BF, please feel free to send me a PM.

Happy & Safe travels whichever route and crossing you choose.

TM

 

[EuroTrotters]

Where there's no snow, you can't Ski

Not true!

Think about that one?