Alternative to Cite Europe aire? (1 Viewer)

[Roxie]

Given all the problems in the Calais area, we're considering using an alternative aire the night before our early morning Eurotunnel crossing at the end of August. We'll be approaching from Ypres.

Can anyone recommend somewhere that would do the trick, please?

 

[Bill_OR]

where better than Gravelines?

 

[WynandJean]

The obvious one would be Gravelines. Lovely setting, nice town to visit and very good chippie in town. Midway between Dunkerque and Calais. A very popular stop prior to ferry or train. We'll be there in the next day or two! (Don't let that put you off)

Wyn

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[Gizmouk]

Yep, definitely Gravelines.

 

[davanne]

Yes I agree Gravelines

 

[Roxie]

Thanks everyone - looks like it's Gravelines, then.

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[magicsurfbus]

Wissant is 30 minutes from Calais Port, has a seafront and a selection of eateries and drinkeries. Gravelines will tend to fill up more quickly at weekends. Both are good alternatives to Calais itself, but Gravelines is the obvious first choice if coming from Belgium.

 

[Zoppydog]

Last year we stayed in Ypres and went straight into Calais for our crossing, only a couple of hours. I guess depends what time you are crossing at!

 

[Judge Mental]

where better than Gravelines?

Spent last night there. Less then 30 mins up the road from tunnel and so peaceful. Nice end to a horrendous day!!

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[Deleted member 29692]

We've stayed at Wissant and like it. It's more or less the same distance from Calais but in the opposite direction from Gravellines down the coast. A third option we discovered on this trip, about 30 minutes inland is Watten. All three are equally good depending which direction you are heading the next day.

 

[magicsurfbus]

I should have added that if you have a big pre-ferry shop in mind without going to Cite Europe, there's a shopping centre at Dunkerque where you can find Dunkirk Spirit(s), wines, beers etc.

 

[denisejoe]

Or you could go to Grand Fort Phillip, the other side of the river from Gravelines. Great chip van which also does fantastic filled hot baguettes to go with them. You have to try them to find out!

Joe

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[SomeoneElse]

Boulogne-sur-Mer 50.7442, 1.5975, about 20 minutes south of Calais.
Auchan Supermarket at the next junction further south 50.7345, 1.6757
Just beware when Auchan realise your a Brit they try to get you to pay in pounds at a less than good (bloody terrible) exchange rate.

 

[Soozywoozy]

Bergues - use it every time. No facilities, pretty little town 5 mins walk and 45 minutes easy drive to the tunnel

 

[xjrchris]

Gravelines for us , nice aire and a short walk into town

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[escapee]

I agree with gravelines -but found a nice one last time over a couple of weeks ago where we thought we might have to sit out the strike etc at calais .About 30 mls inland -straight through on toll road (3.90)its behind a municipal site at Arques n50 44 731 e002 18 276 page 448 of all the aires

 

[WynandJean]

Guess where we are today? There is a market in the town and it has a variety of stuff on offer. UNFORTUNATELY it's been pouring with rain all day! Oh well at least our location is good overlooking the estuary.


PS free wifi too!

Good old Gravelines!

Wyn

 

[GeriatricWanderer]

I agree with gravelines -but found a nice one last time over a couple of weeks ago where we thought we might have to sit out the strike etc at calais .About 30 mls inland -straight through on toll road (3.90)its behind a municipal site at Arques n50 44 731 e002 18 276 page 448 of all the aires

.... and if you do stay at Arques, which is very nice, you don't have to go to Calais to do your shopping - a huge LeClerc close by at Lumbres 50.71341 2.10937 with no queues of Brit loaded trolleys at the checkouts.

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[WynandJean]

WynIt's not unlimited, apparently. Just had a notification that my time is up but can log in in 1 day(s)!


Wyn

Guess where we are today? There is a market in the town and it has a variety of stuff on offer. UNFORTUNATELY it's been pouring with rain all day! Oh well at least our location is good overlooking the estuary.


PS free wifi too!

Good old Gravelines!

Wyn

 

[Abacist]

Just south of Boulogne-sur-mer is a delightful aire at Equihen-Plage at Broken Link Removed.

This is a cliff top location and there is a local bar, patisserie and a lovely restaurant up the road where you can eat on the terrace on the cliff top overlooking the channel. My wife thought her meal was the best that she'd ever had in France. She had smoked salmon, filet steak and chocolate mousse. I had the seafood starter and the same otherwise. She is a fussy eater.

Automatic entry and exit system using your credit card so you can leave or arrive anytime to suit you.

Not far from the tunnel and our route through Boulogne took us right past a very cheap serve yourself petrol station for a convenient last fill up.

Far enough away that we did not see any migrants on the way to the tunnel.

 

[laird of Dunstan]

I drove from leper (ypre ) this morning , I saw two Aires just before dunkirk that had been closed

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[Stealaway]

51°04'42.85" N 2°30'52.70" E Bray Dunes good for a free overnight and only a few miles from
51°04'19.12" N 2°36'07.85" E Adinkerke for cheap booze and fags

 

[Stealaway]

I drove from leper (ypre ) this morning , I saw two Aires just before dunkirk that had been closed

Been closed for a few years now, probably due to the immigrants problems.