Grave Lines - too risky?

Paul an Jane MK

Paul an Jane MK

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Elddis Encore 255
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enjoyed the freedom over the last couple of years but still Wish we could have got away more often
Just waiting to get on ferry for Calais, tempted to stop at Grave Lines as quiet and close to port and we stopped their four weeks ago with no problem.

We don’t have any bikes on the rack so is it worth risking it or any better suggestions?
 
Thanks for that, there is another Aire enroute at Veurne but only 10 spaces, would hate to get there and it be full so might have to be Gravelines
 
Is Gravelines risky?

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There was a report on radio 2 this morning saying there are a lot of migrants near the beach at gravelines and traffickers supplying kayaks for them to paddle across on !
Not sure if that makes it risky, but I'd probably Look for somewhere else.
 
Boringfrog said:
Is Gravelines risky?
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A few bike thefts attempted or otherwise over the years and one review on camper contact where some one got hassled by a group of youths in a car
 
A bit further to drive, but Watten is a nice aire if you want to outdistance any problems near Calaise.

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Arrived last night to find 10 Motorhomes predominantly UK and we all had a very peaceful night.

Oh! Apart from me setting off my alarm by mistake. Sorry if you were there last night
 
Vic. Parsons. said:
A bit further to drive, but Watten is a nice aire if you want to outdistance any problems near Calaise.
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Been there before and really nice by the river plus decent supermarket with easy parking but last time we tried it was full up and we are heading to Belgium for F1 so in the wrong direction
 
We used the Aire at Grnd fort philipe
Posited a campsite and free ( probably why Lenny HB said about it )

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Maybe we have been lucky but we have stayed at gravelines, on the harbour at least 4 times a year for the last eight years, never seen a scrap of trouble or immigrants and athe most friendly bunch of folks you could wish to meet anywhere in the shops and bars , one of my favourite places in France, we aren't on holiday till we hit gravelines (y) (y) :)
 
Paul an Jane MK said:
Been there before and really nice by the river plus decent supermarket with easy parking but last time we tried it was full up and we are heading to Belgium for F1 so in the wrong direction
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The aire has been enlarged and takes about double what it did before.
Have fun at the races?
 
Manic said:
We used the Aire at Grnd fort philipe
Posited a campsite and free ( probably why Lenny HB said about it )
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Been stoping at Grand Fort for many years, this year was the first time I used the new Aire, great location right by the nature reserve. Love the way they have turned WWII bunkers into hides.
 
There was a brief report on R4 Today programme this morning about the theft of motorboats from Gravelines for trafficking migrants across the channel. Local fishermen were said to be patrolling the area at night in an attempt to prevent it.

It all seemed idyllic when we stayed there at the beginning of the month!

We were approached by a figure who emerged from the bushes at Cite Europe when we were loading our shopping though. He wasn’t agressive, but we got into the van and drove off.
 
Misterg said:
There was a brief report on R4 Today programme this morning about the theft of motorboats from Gravelines for trafficking migrants across the channel. Local fishermen were said to be patrolling the area at night in an attempt to prevent it.

It all seemed idyllic when we stayed there at the beginning of the month!
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Staying overnight in proximity with potentially violent people trafficking gangsters who have firearms would not be my idea of idyllic. OK, I will admit that I am more risk-averse than some.

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Paul an Jane MK said:
Arrived last night to find 10 Motorhomes predominantly UK and we all had a very peaceful night.

Oh! Apart from me setting off my alarm by mistake. Sorry if you were there last night
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Was this the big gravel type carpark on the main rd? we drove past yesterday but ended up sleeping right on the harbour front as I managed to find a space big enough for our tag axle. Had a lovely meal on the front, restaurant 116 or something like that. kids were happy with 2 euros each for 1/2 hour on bouncy castles. cheapest thing I found in France this time round LOL
 
We often stay at Bergues aire, there is always space and it’s free. No facilities apart from dustbins though. Easy walk to charming town. And the entrance road has been resurfaced.

Paul
 
We used to stop, at a nice quiet little Aire, outside a Campground, about 1/2 hrs to 40 min run from Calais Port. I think the place was Maquaise? or similar. Charge a couple a quid (FF pre Euro) a night for hookup and water. (2003). Then it was a reasonable run to the Filling Station, (cheap) Diesel up and onto the ferry.
 
You can also stop in bourbourg , car park in town , no services but close to all village type things and free
 
Easyliving said:
We often stay at Bergues aire, there is always space and it’s free. No facilities apart from dustbins though. Easy walk to charming town. And the entrance road has been resurfaced.

Paul
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That's our plan, or possiblyTournai if we have enough time to get there. Gravelines was on tv last night re immigrants stealing boats, SWMBO not too comfortable with that. Not that we have a boat.
 
We've often stayed at gravelines never seen it full since it was enlarged not everyone realises that you can park on the grass area as well as the hsrdstanding

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