Food shopping when we get through the tunnel.

[scotzsue]

We will arrive in France around 7.30am need to get our supplies in, don't really want to stop at Auchan as it doesn't open till 8.30, there will be 2 vans so will look after each others vans while the other shops. We are heading towards italy as toll free as possible Or perhaps not depending on fuel v toll costs. Any suggestions for a nice big supermarket to stock up till we get to our destination?.
JockandRita will probably be using your suggested route. We don't mind a good tramp each day how many do you think to get to Como.
All sensible suggestions welcome, but wont mind any which are humorous if in good taste

 

[Madcaravanner]

Well prepare to be amazed we came through 16 days ago
Not one check of the motorhome except Gas

We had a good quantity of food in the van but it's for PERSONAL USE so is OK apparently

As for a shopping stop the Auchan at Boulogne is great AND it's an overnight stop - there are security patrols at night and water and grey and black waste at the Station D'Essence

Proof ! LOL

 

[Googlebot]

Crossed this morning and no checks.

Didn‘t take anything anyway as didn’t want to chuck it all if I was stopped. Just stocked up south of Rouen.

Tried an Aire and it was rammed and no room, moved 10 miles South and next one is empty? Just me here. No idea why?

Got a Lebara SIM from the Tabac and now have 200GB for £21 plus the SIM card which was €12.

 

[rb62]

Personally I wouldn't stop anywhere neat Calais however vigilant you plan to be.If your taking JockandRita 's route I'd suggest the Auchan on the outskirts of Lille. On the other hand take what you need!

 

[scotzsue]

rb62 thanks, that will fit in nicely, I will risk taking some 'for own consumption' especially fresh milk, wonder if that is easier to get now. We are big fish eaters and can take 20KG don't think our fridge will hold that much

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[robrace]

Always stopped at Auchan in Calais but last year broken into whilst in the car park!Same at City de Europe so unless you have armed guards don’t stop anywhere near Calais.

 

[Mousy]

You are entering France not a war zone, I’m sure you will find plenty of places to buy food. Como is beautiful with a great aire above the town. Enjoy.

 

[rb62]

rb62 thanks, that will fit in nicely, I will risk taking some 'for own consumption' especially fresh milk, wonder if that is easier to get now. We are big fish eaters and can take 20KG don't think our fridge will hold that much

Looks like they have been busy,height barriers everywhere there is a Leclerc at Bailleul just north of Lille.

 

[GAVLAD]

Lovel

Well prepare to be amazed we came through 16 days ago
Not one check of the motorhome except Gas

We had a good quantity of food in the van but it's for PERSONAL USE so is OK apparently

As for a shopping stop the Auchan at Boulogne is great AND it's an overnight stop - there are security patrols at night and water and grey and black waste at the Station D'Essence

Proof ! LOL
View attachment 603742

lovely clean van there Madcaravanner hope you’re having a great trip

 

[JockandRita]

@JockandRita will probably be using your suggested route. We don't mind a good tramp each day how many do you think to get to Como.
All sensible suggestions welcome, but wont mind any which are humorous if in good taste

scotzsue. We left Gravelines on the Friday morning, and arrived at a pre booked site in Toscolano on the Monday, (which I forgot to mention earlier Sue ), so Como could be done comfortably in 3 x days I reckon.

Cheers,

Jock.

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[stevec]

We had a good quantity of food in the van but it's for PERSONAL USE so is OK apparently

Where did you hear this from? Seems the food ban also applies to fresh fruit.

 

[Armytwowheels]

rb62 thanks, that will fit in nicely, I will risk taking some 'for own consumption' especially fresh milk, wonder if that is easier to get now. We are big fish eaters and can take 20KG don't think our fridge will hold that much

Sue, we have been dawdling around France since 17th March and have bought fresh milk from Super U, Carrefour and LeClerc, but none in Lidl.

 

[scotzsue]

Thank you all will be arriving too early for the Calais Auchan.

Always stopped at Auchan in Calais but last year broken into whilst in the car park!Same at City de Europe so unless you have armed guards don’t stop anywhere near Calais.

Where did you hear this from? Seems the food ban also applies to fresh fruit.

Can se where the cinfusion arose, read the guidelines on official website, the 'for own consumption' is between EU countries not including Britain, it is poorly written and open to misinterpretation, perhaps that was the plan

 

[Minke]

The Leclerc at Bailleul does have height barriers on the first 3 entrances, but if you drive right down to the small roundabout the last entrance has no barrier, also the diesel price in the garage across the street is very competitive.
I should know as I go there every 2 weeks for shopping!!

 

[scotzsue]

The Leclerc at Bailleul does have height barriers on the first 3 entrances, but if you drive right down to the small roundabout the last entrance has no barrier, also the diesel price in the garage across the street is very competitive.
I should know as I go there every 2 weeks for shopping!!

Thank you,for others reading this, I was not inebriated when i made the last post

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[Shrimp]

Came thru tunnel Weds tea time one quick look at the gas bottles-didn’t even try the taps.
Fridge was full of sausages, burgers, cheese & Steak pie, freezer full of Chicken.
Not a look or question!

 

[Shrimp]

Sorry double post phone being silly!

 

[Madcaravanner]

We arrived home from Santander Friday

Guess what absolutely NO checks either in Spain or England not even a gas check

Although Steph did find a nice Red in Mercadona only €0.95c a litre and apparently it's very nice according to her wine connoisseur brother

 

[Jenka]

Had a full fridge of British finest food ! What checks !

 

[orridge]

Auchan at St Omer is great, large store plenty of fresh produce,

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[scotzsue]

We came over on the ferry to Santander with not problems apart from proof of ownership of the KTM. The Italy trip is later on in the year.

 

[Madcaravanner]

Lovel

lovely clean van there Madcaravanner hope you’re having a great trip

After 74 days it ain't clean anymore

 

[Tonks]

Where did you hear this from? Seems the food ban also applies to fresh fruit.

There is NO exemption to the official rules (ie. a permitted amount of prohibited foods for 'personal use') when travelling from the UK to an EU 'member state'. Facebook and forum rules don't count, however many times they're posted!!

Lots of folk are going with 'prohibited food' in their vans. At the end of the day that is each individual's choice and few vans are being checked for food. BUT, you COULD be stopped, you COULD have your food confiscated, and you COULD be fined up to a four figure sum. (Though the latter is pretty unlikely unless you're a repeat offender or are obnoxious with the customs staff who stop you.)

 

[chaser]

We have found there are plenty of supermarkets everywhere, just keep your eyes open for the signs maybe a mile before you get to them, useually says how long to get there and where to turn.