France. First time in the Moho

Craigderby

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We’re looking to head to France from 21st August for a week or two and would like to pick your brains. We’ve been before, but only when we had a caravan, and rather than staying in one place for the entire time we’d like to do things differently.
It will be the first time we’ve taken the dog and we’re happy with how that works with passports etc, but as a result we are limiting how we get there to the tunnel for ease.
So for the questions.
At that time of year is it reasonable to think that we’ll be able to stay within 2 hours or so of Calais and expect to find somewhere to stay day by day, or do we really need to book?
Can anyone recommend any sites near beeches within that area? Ideally pool on site, and a beach where the dog will be welcome?
In general, are dogs allowed on beaches?
Thank you in advance
 
Can't help with sits in the north as live much further south but sure there are many who have toured the north.
Remember it is the school holidays so the coast will be pretty busy.
Reference the beaches a lot of them don't allow dogs in the summer months but once again doggie people I am sure will be along to help you out
 
Hi Found this on the Tinernet re Dog Friendly French Beaches


Doug
 
Should be OK for finding places to stop as the last really busy week in France is the week with the 15th Aug in it.
Can't help with sites as we don't use them.
 
Is still the school holidays however.
Reference dogs on the beach , some beaches don't allow dogs in the summer so some doggie people who have toured the north I am sure will b able to help .

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Are you aware that France has a network of stopping places exclusively for motorhomes, called Aires de Camping Car, which most people just call Aires? We use those as much as possible rather than camp site. Have a look at Camper contact. Try using their search facility to look for La Mailleraye. A lovely Aire on the banks of the Seine. They also have an app which will allow you to download all the info onto your smartphone so you have it hand wherever you are. Only costs about a fiver a year and well worth it
 
Montreuil sur Mer. No beach but free Aire and you can walk around the walls to the castle or the base for all round. Lots of places in Pas de Calais and the Somme. Aires vary from free to around €10/12 per night, some include electricity and water. ACSI is not available, usually until after the end of August.
 
Thanks for the replies folks.
I'm much happier to use Aires than forking out for campsites, but having never used them I wasn't sure how busy they tend to get in the summer. I was trying to avoid driving round all the time looking for somewhere to stay, but if that's not likely to be an issue we'll go for that option.
 
Thanks for the replies folks.
I'm much happier to use Aires than forking out for campsites, but having never used them I wasn't sure how busy they tend to get in the summer. I was trying to avoid driving round all the time looking for somewhere to stay, but if that's not likely to be an issue we'll go for that option.
Have a look at France passion, free parking on farms, vineyard, fisheries, you have to pay to join but we'll worth it.
www.france-passion.com/en/
 
Thanks

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Thanks for the replies folks.
I'm much happier to use Aires than forking out for campsites, but having never used them I wasn't sure how busy they tend to get in the summer. I was trying to avoid driving round all the time looking for somewhere to stay, but if that's not likely to be an issue we'll go for that option.
The ones near the coast will still be busy, but the answer is to get there lunchtime, after the morning leavers have left and before the afternoon rush.
 
Montreuil sur Mer. No beach but free Aire and you can walk around the walls to the castle or the base for all round. Lots of places in Pas de Calais and the Somme. Aires vary from free to around €10/12 per night, some include electricity and water. ACSI is not available, usually until after the end of August.
Yes Montreuil is a good one but popular however we stopped overnight in the car park next to the aire, toilet available here. The beaches on the north coast south of Calais are expansive and you will find many will let you take your dog on them if you go to the left or right of the town area. Our Welsh Terrier loves the beach at Wissant as its the only time he's let off the lead...no one about and massive.
 
Hi Craig
Last time I read you your post you were heading to Chatsworth for an initial couple of days in your new to you older Hymer.

I’m guessing it has performed well to be heading to France so do enjoy.

I keep looking at the older slightly bigger ones - have a 1993 B544 - they older ones really turn my head I have to say.

Jo
 
Your first shock with a 'Campingcar' in France will be that you are actually welcome! Unlike Britain where in many places you are frowned upon.

Links for discovering Aires etc. in no particular order...


(I would love to expand this list so if anyone can add to it please PM me.)

Our current personal preference is Searchforsites but often a combination of more than one source if information gives the best view of the location.

Where ever you go enjoy your selves, leave no trace of your visit except your tyre marks and keep safe.

Rod
 
We always went during school holidays when our daughter was at school and never once booked a site, the only place we had trouble finding a site was one night near Paris.

Searchforsites is good for Aires and campsites you can download the ap and pay around £5 or just use the online version and sign up for free.

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Could also recommend camping car parks. They are commercial aires costing 8-12 euros so relatively expensive but have good facilities for water and dumping ehu and wifi. Mainly in the south and west though. You can also check online to see if they're full.
 
Thank you to everyone for your input. You've put my mind at ease, so I'd going to research a few aires and decide which ones we'd like to try and use.
 
Hi Craig
Last time I read you your post you were heading to Chatsworth for an initial couple of days in your new to you older Hymer.

I’m guessing it has performed well to be heading to France so do enjoy.

I keep looking at the older slightly bigger ones - have a 1993 B544 - they older ones really turn my head I have to say.

Jo

Yes it's been great. We've been using it for taking my daughter to sailing events, which has been really useful.
We've only had one mishap when a £3 bit of plastic broke in the gear linkage, but it was easy to fix once it was home.

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57485936_10218467156653055_5812739439109079040_o.jpg
 
Thank you to everyone for your input. You've put my mind at ease, so I'd going to research a few aires and decide which ones we'd like to try and use.
And don't forget we're here to help when you are there and thinking where next.

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