Advice on Travel to Carnac and down the French Coast

[smallg]

Hi - bit of a newbie posting wise as I've been a member for a long time, but not really posted. I'd welcome advice from seasoned travellers on plans for our next major trip.

We normally travel around the UK and Ireland in our MH, which is an Elddis Autoquest 130, but are planning our first trip to Brittany and possibly down the coast to Bordeaux in September for a month with our dog Ziggy. It's our first real trip to the EU in our van, although we travel extensively via other means.

Catch is we are both 'digital nomads' as we work remotely online. For this trip we're looking at a split of 50/50 work and time off, although working hours allow us both to take in local sights, food etc... after the daily/nightly toil ends.

I've noticed that the majority of posts relate to more relaxed ways of seeing the sights (you lucky people). We've a few years yet before we can retire and do that.

I'm planning to ferry from Poole or Plymouth to Cherbourg or Roscoff. Either an overnighter with a dog friendly cabin or a quick-ish ferry crossing with a kennel would suit.

Then heading down to Carnac for a week or so to explore the neolithic and other sites. History and Archeology are passions for both of us. I've noticed that quite a few of the local MH sites close around mid to late September so advice on any decent sites would be great.

From there, we'd be exploring the coast down to the Bordeaux region.

Couple of queries for the collective mind that is the MHF forum:

• Tolls - is it worth getting some sort of electronic tag like Liber-T or are there not that many toll roads in that part of France?
• Good stop overs for wifi and services? We'll be living and working for 50% of the time in the van so will need decent sites.
• Other tips and advice or links to similar posts on the Forum please.

Cheers!

 

[MichaelT]

You get 5g in most places now so no worries. Aires will be open as will most sites especially further south.

 

[Nigel Crompton]

https://park4night.com/en should be your bible, or one of them.
Perfectly possible to avoid tolls in that neck of France, so for your first trip I wouldn't bother with a tag (Unless you have one fitted by HMG )

 

[cyberyacht]

Poole-Cherbourg is the shortest western channel route for mutt friendliness. I don't think there are any toll roads in Brittany, certainly not enough to bother with a tag. You'll always be able to find an aire although you may well need your own resources for internet connection. You can get local unlimited SIMS at reasonable prices. Have a read of the "RWG" thread.

 

[suavecarve]

If you go the journals section then select continental tours and then view full map you will see a number of options available for you to view in blog format.

For that area I would also suggest reading threads by DBK I think links are in his post (you will see link for journal entry for Brittany in my signature)

And if you use the search button on here, look for posts by me with "Brittany" in the title, you will find a thread with 600+ Brittany aires. Available at tourist offices

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[suavecarve]

Just looked and my Brittany journal isn't in my signature.

It's around somewhere and you work with IT.

I LL find it for you if you can't. Just not tonight

Just checked. It might be under France previous. I thought I did one last year as I got my toes tattooed

Another edit !

Try this as well as the France previous
Blog 'West coast France, Dordogne and back' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/journals/blog/west-coast-france-dordogne-and-back.324/

 

[CRD]

When we travel to Brittany, we take the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry, either overnight or during the day. The day ferry only takes 6 hours.

We’ve always taken our dog, and she always stays in the van during the crossing. If your dog is fine with this, then there is no need for a pet friendly cabin, which are difficult to book as they get booked very quickly.

Carnac is a great place. Other places to consider further down the coast are Concarneau and Pornic.

 

[DBK]

Hi - bit of a newbie posting wise as I've been a member for a long time, but not really posted. I'd welcome advice from seasoned travellers on plans for our next major trip.

We normally travel around the UK and Ireland in our MH, which is an Elddis Autoquest 130, but are planning our first trip to Brittany and possibly down the coast to Bordeaux in September for a month with our dog Ziggy. It's our first real trip to the EU in our van, although we travel extensively via other means.

Catch is we are both 'digital nomads' as we work remotely online. For this trip we're looking at a split of 50/50 work and time off, although working hours allow us both to take in local sights, food etc... after the daily/nightly toil ends.

I've noticed that the majority of posts relate to more relaxed ways of seeing the sights (you lucky people). We've a few years yet before we can retire and do that.

I'm planning to ferry from Poole or Plymouth to Cherbourg or Roscoff. Either an overnighter with a dog friendly cabin or a quick-ish ferry crossing with a kennel would suit.

Then heading down to Carnac for a week or so to explore the neolithic and other sites. History and Archeology are passions for both of us. I've noticed that quite a few of the local MH sites close around mid to late September so advice on any decent sites would be great.

From there, we'd be exploring the coast down to the Bordeaux region.

Couple of queries for the collective mind that is the MHF forum:

• Tolls - is it worth getting some sort of electronic tag like Liber-T or are there not that many toll roads in that part of France?
• Good stop overs for wifi and services? We'll be living and working for 50% of the time in the van so will need decent sites.
• Other tips and advice or links to similar posts on the Forum please.

Cheers!

Because most of our Continental trips start and end in Brittany it is a region we have explored frequently and is one of our favourite regions of France.

I suggest getting the DK Eyewitness guide to Brittany (there's a Kindle version) or go the whole hog and get their guide to France (which has plenty on Brittany) as once you've been to Brittany you'll want to see what the rest of France has to offer. This will also help if the weather is rubbish and you decide to head south. Much as we like Brittany it can't be denied it shares our UK climate. The book lists the main archaeological sites.

I wouldn't be fixated by Carnac. You do need to go but it is very, very popular (think coach loads) and you won't be able to enter the main alignments without signing up for a guided trip. I've heard out of season it is open to the public but in September access will be controlled.

There is a lot of old stuff throughout Brittany, the Morbihan is very rich. On an island in the Morbihan is a spectacular barrow you can visit which has the best carvings of any barrow I've visited. On the same trip they should also show you a stone circle half of which is below the sea - constructed when sea levels were lower. Our visit starts at post #47 in this thread.

Two Go to France

When we woke up this morning it was a bit cloudy and a might cold so we decided to move on and drove for about an hour eastwards through Lannion and stopped at Caping du Port at Landrellec, ACSI #1303. Our pitch could hardly be closer to the beach, there is about three feet of grass between us...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Post #63 probably worth looking at for more old stone bothering.

Carnac starts a #68.

But there is a lot around Roscoff including an absolutely massive barrow, the Cairn de Barnenez. The locals had been pinching stones from it for centuries before it was discovered but there is still a lot left.

If you are into legends (King Arthur anyone?) try the Forêt de Paimport.

As you say most campsites will be closing in September but there are some good aires. We're fans of the Camping-Car Parks (CCP) which are not the cheapest but they have several in Brittany, almost all have EHU and free WiFi but I wouldn't rely on the latter and just bring your own. Either set up a mobile phone as a hot-spot or get a MiFi and Data only sim card for it. A few of us have installed broadband routers and external antenna but this would be expensive for a single trip although if you rely on being connected it is the best solution here or elsewhere, especially if you want to explore away from the crowds.

I wouldn't bother with a tag for Brittany - one of its attractions is it has no toll roads.

We get the overnight ferry from Plymouth and the dog sleeps in the van. It is his natural sleeping time and has never be troubled.

Carving of a fée (fairy) in the Forêt de Paimport. Don't do anything to annoy them if you want a trouble free trip.

 

[smallg]

Because most of our Continental trips start and end in Brittany it is a region we have explored frequently and is one of our favourite regions of France.

I suggest getting the DK Eyewitness guide to Brittany (there's a Kindle version) or go the whole hog and get their guide to France (which has plenty on Brittany) as once you've been to Brittany you'll want to see what the rest of France has to offer. This will also help if the weather is rubbish and you decide to head south. Much as we like Brittany it can't be denied it shares our UK climate. The book lists the main archaeological sites.

I wouldn't be fixated by Carnac. You do need to go but it is very, very popular (think coach loads) and you won't be able to enter the main alignments without signing up for a guided trip. I've heard out of season it is open to the public but in September access will be controlled.

There is a lot of old stuff throughout Brittany, the Morbihan is very rich. On an island in the Morbihan is a spectacular barrow you can visit which has the best carvings of any barrow I've visited. On the same trip they should also show you a stone circle half of which is below the sea - constructed when sea levels were lower. Our visit starts at post #47 in this thread.

Two Go to France

When we woke up this morning it was a bit cloudy and a might cold so we decided to move on and drove for about an hour eastwards through Lannion and stopped at Caping du Port at Landrellec, ACSI #1303. Our pitch could hardly be closer to the beach, there is about three feet of grass between us...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Post #63 probably worth looking at for more old stone bothering.

Carnac starts a #68.

But there is a lot around Roscoff including an absolutely massive barrow, the Cairn de Barnenez. The locals had been pinching stones from it for centuries before it was discovered but there is still a lot left.

If you are into legends (King Arthur anyone?) try the Forêt de Paimport.

As you say most campsites will be closing in September but there are some good aires. We're fans of the Camping-Car Parks (CCP) which are not the cheapest but they have several in Brittany, almost all have EHU and free WiFi but I wouldn't rely on the latter and just bring your own. Either set up a mobile phone as a hot-spot or get a MiFi and Data only sim card for it. A few of us have installed broadband routers and external antenna but this would be expensive for a single trip although if you rely on being connected it is the best solution here or elsewhere, especially if you want to explore away from the crowds.

I wouldn't bother with a tag for Brittany - one of its attractions is it has no toll roads.

We get the overnight ferry from Plymouth and the dog sleeps in the van. It is his natural sleeping time and has never be troubled.

Carving of a fée (fairy) in the Forêt de Paimport. Don't do anything to annoy them if you want a trouble free trip.

View attachment 877855

Wow - much planning needed I think. My partner wants to head south to the border with Spain so we'll need to be selective.

 

[tomgrey]

I posted this elsewhere. But Fulli have a special offer starting 25th March until 20th May. They are waving the €15 joining fee and also providing 8 months of france free of management fees. Maybe worth a look?

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[CAB96]

I'd you need reliable Internet access then why not get Starlink?

 

[smallg]

Another question - I assume I'll need an adapter for the EHU. Can anyone recommend one please?

 

[Go_buddy_go_]

Another question - I assume I'll need an adapter for the EHU. Can anyone recommend one please?

We didn’t need one last year when in France but bought one just in case
Got it from ebay