Dover - Calais (1 Viewer)

[Geoff and Fiona]

We go on our first "abroad" trip in September from Calais to Dover.

Do we go to the car check in at Dover or is there a special area for motor homes.
And what about Calais?

On the return to Calais we plan to overnight at least 100 miles from the port, any advice on security and safety getting into the port please

 

[chaser]

Which way are you actually going and on ferry or tunnel, whichever you check in at the departure end and just drive off and away at the arrival end

 

[sueandjohn]

My memory ( not always brill) says just follow car sign. I think it is only cars and hgv which you aren't. After that they put you in the correct lanes so don't worry. As for Calais we never had a problem at cite de leurope . It's a handy stop with shopping . Restaurants open at night even after shops shut. We do this rather than be miles away and panic about catching the ferry in time. Enjoy

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[chaser]

My memory ( not always brill) says just follow car sign. I think it is only cars and hgv which you aren't. After that they put you in the correct lanes so don't worry. As for Calais we never had a problem at cite de leurope . It's a handy stop with shopping . Restaurants open at night even after shops shut. We do this rather than be miles away and panic about catching the ferry in time. Enjoy

Quite right , why would you want to be 100 miles from your ferry/tunnel

 

[tonka]

A bit dated but gives you an idea..

 

[Zains Pops]

Follow the car signs and your lane number and you will be fine. They sort out where they want you on the boat.
We stay at Guines about 5 miles from the ferry on a really good ACSI site.

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[dotsontour]

Don't worry , get in the lane your told to go in and relax . All you have to do now is go where your pointed to go . It's a slick operation it has to be
Enjoy

 

[two]

I'd like to tell you that you "cannot go wrong" but there's always someone who will then try to prove otherwise!
Just think how many vehicles they are dealing with each day, and some of those are dim and don't even understand English.
enjoy your holiday.

 

[Geoff and Fiona]

thank you very informative

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[kitetraveller]

And on the way back, once you get to the port, be prepared for French military (armed) to want to look inside everywhere!
We have a panel van conversion and the very nice lady with a gun wanted to see under the beds, and in the loo compartment.

As others have said, just follow the signs to the ferry port, and then go to the lane you are told; Dover and Calais ends.
If we get to Dover early for our 2315 boat, and don't get put on an earlier one, time for a quick kip, then onto the boat.

Have fun, and try not to stress.

 

[nicholsong]

And on the way back, once you get to the port, be prepared for French military (armed) to want to look inside everywhere!
.

At check-in, done from your cab, have your reservation available, in case, but they usually put your Reg. into the computer as you drive up to the booth so have it all in front of them. They then hand you a label with your parking lane number (MHs together) which you hang on the mirror or sunblind and off you go following the lane signs.

And tell security/army to wipe their frigging boots - oil on carpet last time.

We usually get to any port quite early, then once in your appointed lane there is time to relax while you wait to board - for ferry to arrive then disembark the inbound load (that can be 25-30 mins) , have a tea/coffee/breakfast, make the sandwiches - saves queing for expensive stuff on board.

Just remember to turn off the gas after the brew-up. Don't put the alarm on - it can be triggered by passengers squeezing past, vibrations from truck engines in a confined space or movement of the vehicle in a seaway.

Before you go up the stairs from the vehicle deck note the deck number and the stairwell colour, as there are usually different ones for fore and aft, then just note where you exited at the top for the return.

At the other end do not rush down as soon as they say 'Return to your vehicles' as it takes a good 10 mins. before you can get down the stairs in the queue.

As said above it is well organised so just go with the flow.

You will be surprised how easily it flows.

Have a good trip.

Geoff

 

[magicsurfbus]

At Dover you're either a car, a coach, or a truck. MHs are cars.

What always amuses me at Dover Port is the lane marked 'With Reservations' - I always imagine a lane full of indecisive people dithering over whether or not they actually want to catch the ferry.

Last time I looked, the campsite at Guines near Calais can be booked through CCC. It's a bit like camping in a revolving door though, as people are permanently arriving and leaving due to ferries or the tunnel. Our current preference is for the aire at Gravelines.

Keeping 100 miles from Calais is a bit extreme. There are nearer alternatives. Just don't use motorway service areas or rest stops.

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[peterc10]

100 miles from Calais is probably around Rouen. In that case try an introduction to the French Aires system with a stay at La Maileraye sur Seine. Lovely village and park on the river bank and watch the ships go by. 6 Euros a night.

 

[EX51SSS]

On the return to Calais we plan to overnight at least 100 miles from the port, any advice on security and safety getting into the port please

Is there any particular reason why you should park at least 100 miles away. IMHO a bit of overkill. Aires such as mentioned or Arques are within shouting distance and very safe. Even Cite Europe is excellent for last xx hours before you get ferry/train.