West coast of france beach holiday (1 Viewer)

[Allinthestars]

Hi all.
I am just starting to plan our first ever trip abroad for September. As a first venture, we probably will go for approx 2 weeks. My first question is on tunnel/ferry v cost and time.
1. Would it be better to travel by euro tunnel or ferry (Dieppe/Caen)based on costs including tolls and feul.
2. Any fantastic beach stays and scenic views/roads to visit/use.
Thanks in advance.

 

[mikebeaches]

In response to question 1 - everybody has their own preferences. For us, even though we live in Bristol, the tunnel often wins.

It's quick, flexible - up to 4 trains per hour and if you miss your scheduled crossing, just go on the next one - and never have any concerns what the weather might be doing in the Channel. Oh, and just stay in the van and consume own refreshments.

In the past we've shared a 'frequent traveller' account, which was excellent value. Sadly, Eurotunnel has closed the scheme. Understand the tunnel can now cost a bit more than the Dover-Calais ferries. But suspect we're still more likely to choose the tunnel.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Hi all.
I am just starting to plan our first ever trip abroad for September. As a first venture, we probably will go for approx 2 weeks. My first question is on tunnel/ferry v cost and time.
1. Would it be better to travel by euro tunnel or ferry (Dieppe/Caen)based on costs including tolls and feul.
2. Any fantastic beach stays and scenic views/roads to visit/use.
Thanks in advance.

From Staffordshire, and if no pets, I would choose Portsmouth Caen/Cherbourg or Newhaven - Dieppe to save the horrible slog on M25, M20 to Folkstone/Dover. You will then be best placed to enjoy the delights of west coast of France.
DBK ‘s threads are a good starting point for ideas but a quick search just using Brittany, Vendee etc will bring up lots of places to go.

Two Go To France (2022)

We are now in the queue at Plymouth waiting to board the 2200 overnight crossing to Roscoff. Charlie is with us so that expensive AHC must have been correctly filled out! Our first destination is the CCP site at Cléder a short distance from Roscoff where we are going to stay for a full...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[Ridgeway]

Biscarrosse is fairly stunning for beaches, plenty of Aires and campsites around there. Wilding is a bit tough, been moved on there a few times…..

 

[suavecarve]

Hi all.
I am just starting to plan our first ever trip abroad for September. As a first venture, we probably will go for approx 2 weeks. My first question is on tunnel/ferry v cost and time.
1. Would it be better to travel by euro tunnel or ferry (Dieppe/Caen)based on costs including tolls and feul.
2. Any fantastic beach stays and scenic views/roads to visit/use.
Thanks in advance.

I am a TFG and as per previous post the tunnel when FT was in use was the best option (if time is not a factor) but now Newhaven Dieppe is the best option if your outlook on finances is similar to mine !

Obviously Roscoff, st malo, Caen and Cherbourg are closer to your likely destination but the costs of those are prohibitive to me over a few gallons of petrol and not much time being saved (longer crossing negating the extra travel)

Less to see over that side in terms of scenic drives but better beaches !

As for where on the West coast, below Bordeaux (and the Medoc) are really uninteresting beautiful flat sandy beaches with dunes and secluded. Above there you have the stunning islands and the wild coast then some interesting towns on the coast before you get to Brittany and the fishing villages with deserted beaches. Dependant upon what you chose will narrow down the recommendations

 

[EuroTrotters]

Only Brittany for me, otherwise the med is so much better .

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[Allinthestars]

Interesting. Thanks for the replies.