First time in Europe with kids, route planning (1 Viewer)

[Derp]

Hi there,

We got our first Motorhome last year, a 2010 Fiat Mooveo c6, We've used it a handful of times in the UK and it's been great so far.

This summer we're planning on going to Disneyland Paris for 3days then on down to the southern french coast and onto Barcelona for 2 nights then home, We plan on crossing at Dover.

18 nights is not set in stone but a rough guess at the minute, 16-20 nights is the aim.

Does the above look realistic with a couple of kids? (7,14)

Any improvements or suggestions welcome

Thanks

 

[Ridgeway]

Simple maths says: approx 4k KM journey and if i take the worse case of 16 nights then that’s 250km a day.

Most people on here will tell you you’re crazy and that’s a 3 month journey but then they are retired and not tied to the school hols and jobs etc.

Doable yes, but you will enjoy spending time in one place for more that 1 night, I’m pretty sure about that.

 

[scotjimland]

yes, don't see why not,

many years ago, we did a similar trip in three weeks.. with two kids. ... not with a motorhome, but caravan !

France then down to Spain ,stayed there for 7 nights, came back via south coast of France, over French Alps into Switzerland.. and back to Calais ..

a lot of driving, but wasn't a problem

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[Boringfrog]

Yes but miss out the Spanish section.

 

[chaser]

Yes I don't see a problem , if you get to the south of France and fancy a lazy day or two just cut the Spain bit out.

yes, don't see why not,

many years ago, we did a similar trip in three weeks.. with two kids. ... not with a motorhome, but caravan !

France then down to Spain ,stayed there for 7 nights, came back via south coast of France, over French Alps into Switzerland.. and back to Calais ..

a lot of driving, but wasn't a problem

 

[chaser]

Yes but miss out the Spanish section.

Great minds

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[meanders]

Depends on how much the kids will tolerate being stuck in the van. Having done similar with kids, Disney will be great but it might all be a huge letdown afterwards. If you have to start the holiday there, I would skip the Spanish bit and return up the East coast calling at Frances best kept secret Grand Parc Puy du Fou for a couple of days. ( Different to but as good as Disney.)

Then up to Normandy to the museums that they will find fascinating and then onto home.

Good Aires at Put du Fou, Arromanches and all round the South and East coasts. Easy if you don't bit off too much each day. Spend a couple of days where you like. Note getting onto Aires can be difficult in summer. Aim to arrive mid afternoon and have at least one backup planned stop.

 

[urban_biker]

Personally when motorhoming with the kids we always liked to have a destination site with a pool etc. So the night stops at aires etc would just be side adventures on the journey. In your shoes I would try and do a few less single night stops and less distance. Perhaps plan 5 days or more at a decent site for recovery and relaxation (for you) and fun, swimming, socialising (for them).

Note that you don't have to go to the coast in France for swimming opportunities. There are plenty of lakeside sites inland and its pretty guranteed to be hot anywhere south of Paris.

 

[PhilandMena]

Any improvements or suggestions welcome

Thanks

You may this of use when planning trips into Europe. Safe Travels.
Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all dual carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

Fuel & Toll costs. For a class 2 Motorhome. Calais – Irun. Toll = €162.00 Fuel €188.44 Based on 1083 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr. 3.5T motor-home). N10 Calais - Irun. Using partial Toll = Toll €13.50. Fuel €183.44 Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.74 per ltr

Tolls: Avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 13.20 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville.

At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. Take the first exit on the bridge, down the slip road and turn left at the bottom and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (€1.80). At Jct. 24 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux.

To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (From Jct 6 €9.40 in total). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.

If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. Also near here, cheap fuel with easy access (https://www.fuelflash.eu/en/alcampo...rcial-txingudi-zona-araso_b_-ventas-80-33301/) and shopping opportunities. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm
If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.

https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm

Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.

https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.


https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app



A popular app/website. Used by many and worth taking out the small subscription. Loads of up to date reviews here too.

https://www.searchforsites.co.uk/


There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00

https://www.park4night.com/

One of the best off line MAP ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again, many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.

http://maps.me/en/home.

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[ChrisL]

I can't recommend Puy Du Fou highly enough, both for kids and adults, there is an aire there, you need two days really but if your pushed for time at least do one day, you can rent a translation device so you can understand the commentary if your French isn't great.

Puy du Fou | The best theme park in the world | A must-see in France!

Le Puy du Fou: A unique multi-award-winning theme park in France! Embark on an unforgettable journey through time, from the Roman Era to the 20th century! Come and be amazed by our spectacular shows!

www.puydufou.com

 

[oldiesontour]

When ours were very young 4 /5 we started at Disney drove down to Italy (just over monte Carlo border) stayed a couple of weeks then back via Europa park,bobberjan land,Phantasiland and one in Holland,(with a tent) They still talk about it now both in their early 20s...the actual travelling no memories ,the stopping points loads of memories

 

[meanders]

Last time we went to Bobbejaanland the rides were awesome but the whole place looked really run down and uncared for. I had concerns about the ride safely. May well have improved though.

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[Jewellbags]

If you are set on that route then as you approach the south of France then the gorge du tarn would be interesting for you and the kids and you must , though it costs , go across the millau suspension bridge - took our two over there some 20 years ago and they still remeber it today

 

[jennywren]

Does the above look realistic with a couple of kids? (7,14)

It's a personal thing and I'm sure it's doable but I think you need to decide what you and the children want from it. For us (we are retired so in no hurry), we would be looking at doing a third of that distance in that amount of time.

Just for information, when we plan a trip, we tend to work on about 50 miles per day to ascertain how far to go in a given time or, alternatively, we work out the total distance and divide by about 50/60 miles to ascertain a trip's duration. For us this has worked pretty well for trips of between 5-7k miles in Europe and Scandinavia. This does not mean we only do 50 miles per day and then stop for the night, it is purely for planning purposes. For driving to the UK ports (from north of England) and possibly across northern Europe (to get to Scandi for example), we tend to calculate in days, the 50 miles per day is used more for when the 'holiday' has commenced.

It works for us as we like to stay a few days in one area and go hiking/mountain biking etc, but probably not for everyone, especially if you have limited time.

Have a great trip, wherever you end up and however long it takes.

 

[Nanniemate]

Best route
Leave home
Arrive at grandparents
Leave kids at grandparents
18 day in Europe
Home va grandparents

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[Jewellbags]

In our last trip we wouldn’t drive more than 3 hours a day , mostly 2 and overnight stops were interspersed with 2-3 day stops , and we were childless (though my wife would disagree )

 

[MattR]

Hi there,

We got our first Motorhome last year, a 2010 Fiat Mooveo c6, We've used it a handful of times in the UK and it's been great so far.

This summer we're planning on going to Disneyland Paris for 3days then on down to the southern french coast and onto Barcelona for 2 nights then home, We plan on crossing at Dover.

18 nights is not set in stone but a rough guess at the minute, 16-20 nights is the aim.

View attachment 870097

Does the above look realistic with a couple of kids? (7,14)

Any improvements or suggestions welcome

Thanks

How old are your kids? What do they like doing? Is Barcelona to see Barca / Camp Nou? If so, it is undergoing refurbishment and much of it isn't viewable for tourists until the end of next year. I'd save Barcelona for when it is less busy and not so hot, assuming you're planning your trip for the summer.

IMHO, you're going to be spending more time travelling and less time enjoying your trip. I'd aim to do the trip down to the south of France and enjoy a week or so on the south coast or in the Dordogne rather than going further west than Perpignan. Carcassonne is worth a visit if you're in the area.

 

[Riverbankannie]

I would also say to consider going to Dordogne after Disney. Especially if it’s in the hot summer, the kids will just love splashing about in the river, kayaking etc. or go west and find the beaches on west coast and the other attractions there like Puy de Fou mentioned above.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

Unless your planning on leaving the kids in Spain somewhere( permanently) I wouldn't bother. Just Potter around France for your short holiday otherwise your just driving for driving sake. Lots to see in France and the kids will enjoy it more unless they like sitting behind you in the van with a colouring book.

 

[meanders]

Our first ever trip we headed for Normandy and Brittany for the couple of weeks of three, then crossed to Paris and DLP for I believe 4 nights (3 full days in the park), and home from there. Quite enough for the first trip.

 

[meanders]

One thing we learned on that first trip was that most hamlets etc have a 50kph speed limit. If the village sign has a red surround, like

its a 50kph. The same sign on the way out with a diagonal stripe takes you back to the previous limit.

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[Riverbankannie]

One thing we learned on that first trip was that most hamlets etc have a 50kph speed limit. If the village sign has a red surround, like
View attachment 870876
its a 50kph. The same sign on the way out with a diagonal stripe takes you back to the previous limit.

They might look a bit like this at the moment

 

[KatrinK]

Totally doable. Enjoyable? I don’t think so. It looks like you’ll be spending the majority of the (hopefully) beautiful weather stuck inside driving.

We’ve been on the road all around Europe with our two 6-year-olds for the last 21 months and your planned route is giving me some serious anxiety We went through France during May and June last year and stayed at some of the most beautiful campsites and locations in the centre and south-east of France. You’d be missing all of that.

I don’t know how important Barcelona is for you (also bear in mind the summer heat down there!), but my recommendation would be to focus on France, pick 4-5 nice areas and give yourselves plenty of time to enjoy them. Happy to share our favourite campsites/stops if you are interested

 

[Nirvanauk]

Remember it’s the kids holiday and they are not going to like being stuck in the van for many hours at a time.

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[Stealaway]

Hi there,

We got our first Motorhome last year, a 2010 Fiat Mooveo c6, We've used it a handful of times in the UK and it's been great so far.

This summer we're planning on going to Disneyland Paris for 3days then on down to the southern french coast and onto Barcelona for 2 nights then home, We plan on crossing at Dover.

18 nights is not set in stone but a rough guess at the minute, 16-20 nights is the aim.

View attachment 870097

Does the above look realistic with a couple of kids? (7,14)

Any improvements or suggestions welcome

Thanks

I do hope the kids like sitting in the van especially two trips around the Paris peripherique, definitely find an alternative if at all possible

Forget the south of France and Barcelona head to the west and the coastal resorts there is so much to see
Book Pay du fue for a couple of days the kids will love it

Puy du Fou | The best theme park in the world | A must-see in France!

Le Puy du Fou: A unique multi-award-winning theme park in France! Embark on an unforgettable journey through time, from the Roman Era to the 20th century! Come and be amazed by our spectacular shows!

www.puydufou.com

 

[Nirvanauk]

yes, don't see why not,

many years ago, we did a similar trip in three weeks.. with two kids. ... not with a motorhome, but caravan !

France then down to Spain ,stayed there for 7 nights, came back via south coast of France, over French Alps into Switzerland.. and back to Calais ..

a lot of driving, but wasn't a problem

KIds must have hated it.

 

[kingoftheroad]

Depends on how much the kids will tolerate being stuck in the van. Having done similar with kids, Disney will be great but it might all be a huge letdown afterwards. If you have to start the holiday there, I would skip the Spanish bit and return up the East coast calling at Frances best kept secret Grand Parc Puy du Fou for a couple of days. ( Different to but as good as Disney.)

Then up to Normandy to the museums that they will find fascinating and then onto home.

Good Aires at Put du Fou, Arromanches and all round the South and East coasts. Easy if you don't bit off too much each day. Spend a couple of days where you like. Note getting onto Aires can be difficult in summer. Aim to arrive mid afternoon and have at least one backup planned stop.

Hi
Is Puy Du Fou worth a visit for adults

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[Stealaway]

Hi
Is Puy Du Fou worth a visit for adults

O yeah - Definitely.

I didn't know what to expect when we went.
We just followed the crowds to what turned out to be a bird show - Not my kind of think at all
It was magnificent - breathtaking - it was awesome

And that was just start - it's all brilliant and not to be missed


This place is also not to missed for a completely different reason

Oradour-sur-Glane: Martyred Village | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

The visible remains of Nazi brutality.

www.nationalww2museum.org

 

[kingoftheroad]

O yeah - Definitely.

I didn't know what to expect when we went.
We just followed the crowds to what turned out to be a bird show - Not my kind of think at all
It was magnificent - breathtaking - it was awesome

And that was just start - it's all brilliant and not to be missed

Great thanks for replying, will add it to the list

 

[Grianan]

We did some great holidays with kids to Sommieres, Ardeche and Lac de Pareloup with 16 days.
Main thing is to make sure there’s lots of the fun stuff - pool, pain au chocolate, slides.
You’ll want to book your sites early - they book up early.
I agree about skipping Spain - focus on a couple of great spots and enjoy.

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