Help and Advice needed

[POH]

Hi Guy's thinking of going to France this year for the first time , wondering which is the best way via chunnel or ferry via Portsmouth to St Malo or Cherburg also whats the best time to go (we can go anytime but cost would need to be thought about) and what docs etc would i need, have a sat nav (trucknav) which has been Ok so far , some sites would be good to (free or otherwise) unit is Autotrail Imala 730 on fiat Ducato 130 , would be about 2 weeks duration or so, also would need recovery/ breakdown ins as mine for the car won't cover EU , Thank in advance.

 

[TerryL]

France is dead easy in a motorhome - it's paradise compared to the UK. Your only decision really is when to go. Brexit may affect your decision of course but nobody really knows what's going to happen yet so for now we'll just ignore it. There are a couple of other longish threads full of opinions.

Channel crossing - ferries, depends on where you want to go in France and if you want to drive longer to get a shorter (cheaper) crossing. Tunnel is our favourite but that's because we get it for nothing via Tesco vouchers, plus we stay with the dog. It's (usually) much faster and we don't mind driving in France, it's part of the trip. And TOH doesn't like ships. Some Funsters use the tunnel partners scheme where you buy a small block of tickets along with someone else - watch the threads for someone looking for a partner, I believe it can save quite a bit.

Where to stay - campsites tend to only be open in high season although there are a few open all year round. Many motorhomers use the comprehensive Aires system which is basically somewhere to park and stay overnight or longer with water, waste disposal and sometimes electricity. They cost anything from nothing to €15 or more, depending on facilities and the location - they can be found in almost every town and village in France. These are the areas provided by the local council not the motorway service areas which should be avoided for anything more than a pit-stop. They tend to have the facilities turned off in winter although you usually can still park up.

If you've only got a couple of weeks don't try to drive too far although remember if it's good weather you're after you'll either need to go further south, and maybe use one of the longer ferries, or go in spring/summer. France is a big country, has lots to see, but many people try to do too much and spoil it for themselves.

What you need - vehicle docs, passports, pet passport if you're taking a dog, cat or ferret, hi-viz vests for everyone, warning triangle, breathalyser kit (it's still legally required but nothing will happen if you haven't got one!), first aid kit, spare bulb kit, can't think of anything else for the moment. Your satnav will probably be fine if you have France maps on it, I've got a range of POI's loaded in mine to help find campsites, aires etc. Smartphone apps such as Campercontact are brilliant. A decent map will help with planning.

That will probably be enough for you to be going on with and to consider your thoughts in more detail. There is lots and lots of information here on the forum, try the Touring/France section - go to Forums page and scroll down to find the relevant section. Anything else specific, ask away there will be plenty of Funsters just itching to add their threepennyworth once I've stopped typing!

But the most important piece of advice is JUST DO IT!

 

[nigel GARDNER]

Agree (TerryL), we found the Aires books helpful (now two volumes, covering France). Thing is what happens between now and March 29 2019. What a mess! We are in a dilemma as planned to journey to Spain via France come 3rd week January not returning till mid / late April; have two dogs with pet passport so no problem getting into the EU prior to March 29 and no issue returning into UK (provided tape worm treatment done in good time). But given our plans to be away prior to any agreement should we have considered a no deal scenario? If so we're scuppered (would prefer an Anglo Saxon expletive); pets have to have a rabies blood test to prove effective 3 months prior to travel and health clearance to do so issued by a vet here. And do we need an International Driving Permit? I couldn't find out on 'Government advice' pages, well, gave up to be more accurate.

 

[TerryL]

Long thread elsewhere on this subject.

 

[Puddleduck]

People went to France before we were part of the EU, and whatever the outcome we will travel whether there is a deal or not - but we don't have a dog or cat or even a ferret travelling with us.

The only things that would put a damper on our travel plans for next year would be the pound becoming almost valueless or family issues.

Our son is already making plans for going to Germany in 2020!!

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[jollyrodger]

Have been going to and from , through and even bought a property in France since the late 60's early 70's well before the euro .
Back then the exchange rate was the only planning .
Used to get ff travelers cheques for a better rate, and spend or exchange at the till.forget all the hype and enjoy your travels .
Planning your route or destination camper contact app , park4night, and mr giggle could help.
Bon travels

 

[Charente16]

You might find the following of interest, it is the French english language newspaper, The Connexion, they have translated the various statements from the Interior Ministry regarding the effect(s) of Brexit on both residents and travellers - The Statements cover all eventualities whether agreement is reached or not.

There is a specific section concerning Drivining Licences on the page
https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/Brexit

 

[nigel GARDNER]

Thanks CH...useful source info. Self interest our concerns but it seems we'll be ok during transition period. Hope everything pans out ok for Brits living in France (we know a couple).