First time in France first stop advice please

[2GB Racing]

Hi folks 9th sept we have our first trip to France arriving of the shuttle at 20.00 then heading south on the A26 I would love to hear advice for a safe first stop after a couple of hours of driving, no services required then off on an early start in the morning, your thoughts please ?

 

[cyberyacht]

How much driving will you have done before the shuttle? Will you have eaten? Do you really want to keep going until 10pm? Where are you heading? Presumably in view of the lateness of the hour, you're looking for an aire.

 

[Imala615]

Watten, St Omer, or the New aire at Arras.

 

[Lenny HB]

I agree just go to a nearby Aire and awake fresh the next morning.

 

[chaser]

Hi folks 9th sept we have our first trip to France arriving of the shuttle at 20.00 then heading south on the A26 I would love to hear advice for a safe first stop after a couple of hours of driving, no services required then off on an early start in the morning, your thoughts please ?

Gravelines

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Gravelines

How did we all know you were going to say than.

 

[chaser]

How did we all know you were going to say than.

What else can I do? I know you all think I'm mental, but if someone asks ,do I just ignore it, or say it again like an idiot, I try not to mention it now unless a question comes up so do I just ignore it or say it again.

 

[robrace]

Yes agree Gravelines nice walled town with Aire on estuary.Few restaurants inc good one 50 yards away.Dined there twice!We try to arrive 7 to 8 pm and then have meal,relaxing nights sleep then onto A 26 next morning.That is our plan for next Thursday 1st September hopefully

 

[Sid79]

In our years of holidaying in France from UK we always stopped on service areas if we were on the autoroutes, never overnight on an simple "aire". Not that we ever had any trouble, or know anyone who has, but the warnings suggest that the aires are fine during the day but not overnight (security), so why take the risk?
On a service area it may be noisier with trucks nearby and their refigeration units running, but the services are better, clean toilets etc. and more folk about, including service staff. Saint-Hilaire-Cottes possibly? Just over an hour from the coast depending how fast you travel!

Incidentally, depending on where you're heading, you may find the A16/A28 towards Rouen more pleasant (quieter), and you don't have to negotiate Paris (and the clean air zone).

 

[Lenny HB]

We would never stop on an Autoroute Aire we only use free ones anyway. Much better to find a nice village for a peaceful overnight stop.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Littlewheels]

In our years of holidaying in France from UK we always stopped on service areas if we were on the autoroutes, never overnight on an simple "aire". Not that we ever had any trouble, or know anyone who has, but the warnings suggest that the aires are fine during the day but not overnight (security), so why take the risk?
On a service area it may be noisier with trucks nearby and their refigeration units running, but the services are better, clean toilets etc. and more folk about, including service staff. Saint-Hilaire-Cottes possibly? Just over an hour from the coast depending how fast you travel!

Incidentally, depending on where you're heading, you may find the A16/A28 towards Rouen more pleasant (quieter), and you don't have to negotiate Paris (and the clean air zone).

I am pleased that you have been safe but the statistics show and the advice from the French Police is that it’s asking for trouble staying on Aire de Services as 99% on here will probably say find a local one just off the main Artery’s.

 

[Tombola]

Another one to recommend Gravelines ///joiners.teacup.hushing

Sangatte ///policy.plastic.instrument

 

[2GB Racing]

Yes sorry we are only around 2.00+hr from the tunnel but need to leave after guests have left our holiday let hence early evening shuttle.
Happy to drive for a few hours, found on S for S the Aire at St Omer next to the rail line/ station reports state early trains not to much off an issue as up and away again hopefull.
And defo will be at Gravelines for 24+ hrs on return leg as how can we not visit with such a recommendation

 

[Verteuil Man]

We find this site handy. Put in the Department and it will list the Aires.

Aires de services et campings en Charente : 58 aires | Camping-car Magazine

Trouvez facilement une aire de services ou stationnement en Charente. Consultez les informations indispensables: services proposés, tarifs, adresses, mais aussi l’avis des camping-caristes et bien d’autres informations encore.

camping-car.com

 

[Aly1]

I stayed at the Aire at Sainte Quentin. About 2 hours from Calais. It was nice and quiet.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Grasmere9]

Another vote for Gravelines....

 

[Chockswahay]

Another one to recommend Gravelines ///joiners.teacup.hushing

Sangatte ///policy.plastic.instrument

Great use of what3words! it just makes life so much easier

 

[Simon Meadwell]

Dont get Gravelines . Each to their own though.

 

[G10]

Neufchatel en Bray - approx 2hr drive, aire accessed via a barrier, close to supermarket. Petrol station and a McD.

 

[Imala615]

Neufchatel en Bray - approx 2hr drive, aire accessed via a barrier, close to supermarket. Petrol station and a McD.

nowhere near A26.


Avion is a nice stop Country park and lakes to walk round

and just off A26 close to Lens

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MattR]

Hi folks 9th sept we have our first trip to France arriving of the shuttle at 20.00 then heading south on the A26 I would love to hear advice for a safe first stop after a couple of hours of driving, no services required then off on an early start in the morning, your thoughts please ?

Where are you heading too?

We normally stop at Beauvais (2 hrs from Calais on the way back way to Paris) but that is not on the A26.

 

[Imala615]

Dont get Gravelines . Each to their own though.

I prefer to use The Paarc Rives de L'Aa as only usually get there late and a good stop for tunnel/ferry and a nice walk round the lake.

Foudoo - Gravelines | Foudoo

Une journée entière de plaisir dans l'eau !

www.foudoo.com

​

 

[Simon Meadwell]

Neufchatel en Bray - approx 2hr drive, aire accessed via a barrier, close to supermarket. Petrol station and a McD.

Stopped there recently on the site nextdoor because the aire was full. Fabulous family run restaurant on site very competitive prices.

 

[Billylou]

Stopped there recently on the site nextdoor because the aire was full. Fabulous family run restaurant on site very competitive prices.

Was there for the last 2 nights. Good place to stop and stock up.

 

[stevewagner]

In our years of holidaying in France from UK we always stopped on service areas if we were on the autoroutes, never overnight on an simple "aire". Not that we ever had any trouble, or know anyone who has, but the warnings suggest that the aires are fine during the day but not overnight (security), so why take the risk?
On a service area it may be noisier with trucks nearby and their refigeration units running, but the services are better, clean toilets etc. and more folk about, including service staff. Saint-Hilaire-Cottes possibly? Just over an hour from the coast depending how fast you travel!

Incidentally, depending on where you're heading, you may find the A16/A28 towards Rouen more pleasant (quieter), and you don't have to negotiate Paris (and the clean air zone).

Straight from the horses mouth, we got robbed while asleep in a service aire. Took as much as they could get their hands on including passports which was a nightmare to sort out.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Diabalo]

Another one for Camping St Claire Nuefchatel en bray

 

[Soycd]

If you want a nice campsite not too far from Calais (30 mins) on the way back then this is the one we use. Its, clean, has a restaraunt and not expensive.

Campercontact

www.campercontact.com

Might be advisable to check its open though? Its usually open until the middle of October.

 

[Reallyretired]

I have only once stayed overnight on a services aire, didn't get robbed but the refrigerated lorries running all night did not aid restful sleep.

 

[robrace]

If you want a nice campsite not too far from Calais (30 mins) on the way back then this is the one we use. Its, clean, has a restaraunt and not expensive.

Campercontact

www.campercontact.com

Might be advisable to check its open though? Its usually open until the middle of October.

Look great!might suit us instead of Gravelines.as we are heading down A26!Do you have to book for restaurant?What time is reception open till?thanks bob

 

[Soycd]

Look great!might suit us instead of Gravelines.as we are heading down A26!Do you have to book for restaurant?What time is reception open till?thanks bob

I'd probably give them a call if I were you, the women there speak excellent English. If you are not getting to Calais until 20:00 then could be tight. We stayed there last Tuesday night.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}