Anyone booked for France yet?

CJhaughey

Stena have a 25% offer at the moment, Dublin-Holyhead,Rosslare-Fishguard and Rosslare-Cherbourg.
Book and pay 100 and the balance by 5th of May.
I know funds are tight but its worth getting the trip at a good price if you can book that far ahead.

Moomat

Booked Irish Ferries when there was a 10% discount. Heading late May for a few weeks. We live in Dublin so the Dublin to Cherbourg service is very convenient. It was around e550 for 4 of us, inside cabin, and 7 metre camper.

The 100e deposit is very handy. We always add flexifare too. Had to use it last year and found Irish Ferries very accommodating.

CJhaughey

Its much cheaper in May, Mine is 400 more than that for mid June to early July.
No matter its only money the fun is worth it.
Thinking of heading to Slovenia this time instead of heading down the Atlantic coast, maybe visit the factory where mine was born!

Jaden

Booked for July, Cork to Roscoff. Six of us, 2 x inside cabins, 7 meter Camper. Nearly 1800 Yoyos total.

Moomat

CJhaughey wrote: »

Thinking of heading to Slovenia this time instead of heading down the Atlantic coast, maybe visit the factory where mine was born!

I'd love to head that far but it'll be the Atlantic coast for us this year. Never used campsites in France before, but our eldest is 3 so might make use of the ACSI card for pools and hopefully some little pals etc.

What type of van do you have?

CJhaughey

Adria 640SHX its a 4 berth van conversion.
We may not make it but we'll give it a go anyway!
Which part of France are ye headed to? We spent 3 weeks last year in France and N Spain.
Lovely campsite in Brittany called Moulin de Eclises just outside Asserac which has a very nice pool complex and a lovely beach which is very safe.
I highly recommend it.

Moomat

Moomat wrote: »

Had to use it last year and found Irish Ferries very accommodating.

That's the saving grace of Irish Ferries. They'll let you reschedule your sailing 3 days after you miss it.

autumnalcore

Jaden wrote: »

Booked for July, Cork to Roscoff. Six of us, 2 x inside cabins, 7 meter Camper. Nearly 1800 Yoyos total.

The cabins are ridiculously expensive I was looking at Cork Roscoff in June, it was cheaper to bring van on my tod and fly wife and kids ryanair Dublin — Nantes. 2-3 days of peaceful solo travelling for me 20+ hours less travelling for the wife and kids. Win win 😀

CJhaughey

I like BF, Boat is great, food is great arrival times are great. Their prices are:eek:

Moomat

CJhaughey wrote: »

Adria 640SHX its a 4 berth van conversion.
We may not make it but we'll give it a go anyway!
Which part of France are ye headed to? We spent 3 weeks last year in France and N Spain.
Lovely campsite in Brittany called Moulin de Eclises just outside Asserac which has a very nice pool complex and a lovely beach which is very safe.
I highly recommend it.

Nice van! Didn't realise they were a Slovenian company. I'd imagine it's great for when you need to make up a bit of time on motorways etc. Mine is 1990 Mercedes 709d - it would barely get me out of France in 3 weeks

We'll head down the Atlantic coast and spend the majority of our time in the Bordeaux region. There's an Aires down there that I like so that will probably be as far south as we go. http://www.campingcarbiscarrosse.fr/spip.php?rubrique2#&panel1-1

CJhaughey

Moomat wrote: »

Nice van! Didn't realise they were a Slovenian company. I'd imagine it's great for when you need to make up a bit of time on motorways etc. Mine is 1990 Mercedes 709d - it would barely get me out of France in 3 weeks

We'll head down the Atlantic coast and spend the majority of our time in the Bordeaux region. There's an Aires down there that I like so that will probably be as far south as we go. http://www.campingcarbiscarrosse.fr/spip.php?rubrique2#&panel1-1

Thats a lovely spot, can get very warm though. Last year we stayed in La Rive campsite in Bisca. 38 degrees!
Fantastic place though and a massive waterpark, might be a bit much for the 3yr old though but you could have fun.
I'd like to explore more around there, its a nice part of the world.

Moomat

CJhaughey wrote: »

Thats a lovely spot, can get very warm though. Last year we stayed in La Rive campsite in Bisca. 38 degrees!

We've a 1 year old too so hopefully won't get that warm. We'll be back to Ireland by mid-June. Low 20's would be just perfect When did you have those temperatures?

That campsite looks fantastic! Is entrance to the water park included in the price?

CJhaughey

Moomat wrote: »

We've a 1 year old too so hopefully won't get that warm. We'll be back to Ireland by mid-June. Low 20's would be just perfect When did you have those temperatures?

That campsite looks fantastic! Is entrance to the water park included in the price?

Yes it's all included, very nice campsite. The lake is a nice swim as well.
We were there in mid June, we left Puy de Fou and it was as hot with no waterpark. It was a bit of a heatwave I think, even the locals were complaining.

Nekarsulm

Went to the Normandy beaches and Bayeux in 2016, stayed 1st week at a great site the Cherbourg side of Utah beach.
Went to Waterford in 17, but booked to travel Rosslair/Cherbourg this August for 2 weeks.
7 metre auto-roller.

We too have had to avail of Irish Ferries generosity after arriving late for boarding
They got us on the next sailing (to Roscoff instead of Cherbourg) for only 40 euro.
And the 40 was because we were going in a bigger cabin.

SeamusG97

Moomat wrote: »

Nice van! Didn't realise they were a Slovenian company. I'd imagine it's great for when you need to make up a bit of time on motorways etc. Mine is 1990 Mercedes 709d - it would barely get me out of France in 3 weeks

We'll head down the Atlantic coast and spend the majority of our time in the Bordeaux region. There's an Aires down there that I like so that will probably be as far south as we go. http://www.campingcarbiscarrosse.fr/spip.php?rubrique2#&panel1-1

Been there every year since 2009 when it was still a municipal aire at €7 per night. Great spot. Not travelling this summer and will miss it.

SeamusG97

CJhaughey wrote: »

Its much cheaper in May, Mine is 400 more than that for mid June to early July.
No matter its only money the fun is worth it.
Thinking of heading to Slovenia this time instead of heading down the Atlantic coast, maybe visit the factory where mine was born!

Lake Bled is the place everyone wants to be but it's madly overcrowded. If you're in the area try Bohinj (Camping Danica) a few km up the road. Still impossibly pretty and quite busy but you'll have a chance of finding a pitch if you turn up on spec.

Moomat

CJhaughey wrote: »

Yes it's all included, very nice campsite. The lake is a nice swim as well.
We were there in mid June, we left Puy de Fou and it was as hot with no waterpark. It was a bit of a heatwave I think, even the locals were complaining.

Wow, that's hot for June. We'll be heading up into the Pyreness for to cool down if that happens to us.

SeamusG97 wrote: »

Been there every year since 2009 when it was still a municipal aire at €7 per night. Great spot. Not travelling this summer and will miss it.

We love it too, haven't been there since 2013 though I imagine it hasn't changed much. The beach is fantastic.
Is there anything in the area that you recommend to visit? The only place we vistited last time was the dune du pilat.

SeamusG97

:mad:

Moomat wrote: »

Wow, that's hot for June. We'll be heading up into the Pyreness for to cool down if that happens to us.



We love it too, haven't been there since 2013 though I imagine it hasn't changed much. The beach is fantastic.
Is there anything in the area that you recommend to visit? The only place we vistited last time was the dune du pilat.

I've actually had to think about that as we always used it as a stopover to acclimatize on the way south - one night in La Rochelle and then three or five in Biscarosse, so we've come to regard it is a destination in itself. We made friends with some French people first time in '09 and met up with them nearly every time since so its a bit of a special place for us and I'm probably a bit biased.
It's so pleasant that it is easy to drift between the forest and the beach and the beach bar and do little else. I set up a hammock last summer and spent a whole day sipping beer, reading a book and watching the squirrels in the trees, except when the kids took over and tossed me out of it :mad:
There's a great cycle path leading all the way to Pilat towards the north. Salles Sud and Le Petit Nice are 20 min and 45 min cycles respectively with a sort of a desert island feel in the former. Nice outdoor bars to cool down in when you arrive all hot and bothered.

The town of Biscarosse Plage 1km away in the opposite direction is the usual grid-pattern modern beachside tourist trap with stalls selling all kinds of beach paraphernalia and other tat.
We rediscovered Navrosse on the way home last summer. There's a lovely aire that's close to the water.

Bordeaux to the north-east is possible for a day trip at a stretch - there's a campsite right in the centre I'm told but it wouldn't be my thing to be honest.
If you're heading southward St Girons is a nice stop close to the beach. Not the cheapest - its part of a campsite but good as it is probably time to to be looking for a washing machine by then.

Looking back on what I've said above, Bisca. could easily be a holiday destination in itself - certainly the popular campsite next door hasn't much more to offer. Our friends from Blagnac and Bordeaux make it their holiday. There's the beach, sailing and surf schools, forest, cycling, beach bar, supermarket nearby, a bit of sunshine most of the time and all in a relaxing and shaded woodland. Even though it is now privately owned and barriered it still feels like you are wildcamping in the woods. https://goo.gl/maps/oBYweU2RMd32
I'm getting all sad again because we'll miss this year it so I'll stop before I short-circuit the keyboard from weeping into it.

SeamusG97

SeamusG97 wrote: »

Lake Bled is the place everyone wants to be but it's madly overcrowded. If you're in the area try Bohinj (Camping Danica) a few km up the road. Still impossibly pretty and quite busy but you'll have a chance of finding a pitch if you turn up on spec.

In case you're not convinced - a Sunday morning about three years ago. A lovely cycle to this place about 2km from the campsite, through a valley that time forgot, narrow roads, small villages, hay, cattle, goats and tractors. And then a swim in in the lake before heading back for a Barbie. Has to be one of the prettiest places on the planet.

urbanshirl

You can use your tesco clubcard points as payment for the ferry, you can't use it in conjunction with the current offer, but you can pay the €100 dposit and continue to accumulate points before you go. Can be used on both Stena and Irish ferries.

Moomat

SeamusG97 wrote: »

There's a great cycle path leading all the way to Pilat towards the north.

Chin up! I'm certain you'll be back again someday

Thanks for all the info. I'd been checking out that cycle track on google maps. Am I correct in thinking that the last part is on the road? My wife is not the most confident cyclist.

jace_da_face

Have booked for mid September, Irish Ferries, Dublin - Cherbourg. Van + 2 people + cabin, €420 all in. As it is a first time trip to France we will be happy to just stick to Normandy and Brittany unless poor weather is an issue and we find ourselves chasing some sun.

On the matter of insurance cover, is a standard Stuart campervan policy adequate? Cover abroad is there but I need to dig out the policy and study the small print to see what exactly is covered. But if anyone has any pointers in this regard, I’m all ears.

SeamusG97

Moomat wrote: »

Chin up! I'm certain you'll be back again someday

Thanks for all the info. I'd been checking out that cycle track on google maps. Am I correct in thinking that the last part is on the road? My wife is not the most confident cyclist.

Can't speak about all the ways up but as far as I remember it's all either forest track or a seperate roadside cycleway which is apart from the traffic. Mostly tarmac, and fairly level overall.

Moomat

SeamusG97 wrote: »

Can't speak about all the ways up but as far as I remember it's all either forest track or a seperate roadside cycleway which is apart from the traffic. Mostly tarmac, and fairly level overall.

Brilliant, thanks. Can't wait!

_Brian

We’re booked for our 15th year. Heading to Pornic near Nantes, 16 nights and one each way on the ferry.

CJhaughey

jace_da_face wrote: »

Have booked for mid September, Irish Ferries, Dublin - Cherbourg. Van + 2 people + cabin, €420 all in. As it is a first time trip to France we will be happy to just stick to Normandy and Brittany unless poor weather is an issue and we find ourselves chasing some sun.

On the matter of insurance cover, is a standard Stuart campervan policy adequate? Cover abroad is there but I need to dig out the policy and study the small print to see what exactly is covered. But if anyone has any pointers in this regard, I’m all ears.

Stuarts have a standard 3mth EU cover which can be extended afaik.

cath_1

Hi my husband & I are taking our camper to Leeuwarden Holland for a festival in August. We will be sailing to Cherbourg. We hope to holiday in France for a week on the way. Any tips on best campsites on our journey? Any other tips welcome as it’s our first time taking the Camper to another country.

mudabi

We have booked Dublin - Cherbourg for last week in Aug and first week in Sept. Car + 2 + Caravan. First long trip with the caravan, we only have it a few months!
We are thinking of staying around Normandy for this trip, to see all the WW2 sights etc and to minimise towing distance in France. Im used to driving on the right on holidays but that has always been with a left hand drive car with no caravan attached.
We are booking a few days here at Anse du Brick to get us started and will move on further along the coast when I suss out the roads.
Any advice, tips etc greatly appreciated.

oinkely

mudabi wrote: »

We have booked Dublin - Cherbourg for last week in Aug and first week in Sept. Car + 2 + Caravan. First long trip with the caravan, we only have it a few months!
We are thinking of staying around Normandy for this trip, to see all the WW2 sights etc and to minimise towing distance in France. Im used to driving on the right on holidays but that has always been with a left hand drive car with no caravan attached.
We are booking a few days here at Anse du Brick to get us started and will move on further along the coast when I suss out the roads.
Any advice, tips etc greatly appreciated.

Take your time and don't worry about driving / towing on the wrong side. It takes pretty much zero time to get used to it and as you are not going to be overtaking etc it's really not much different to driving at home with the caravan. Watch out for the roundabouts (go the right way!) and when turning at junctions be conscious that you end up on the right (wrong) side of the road. Lots of caravans and campers on the roads in France.

I did see a UK car with a caravan attached heading out the entrance of a shopping center car park last year. The entrance was in off a road with a central divide so getting back to the right side of the road involved a hundred meters on the wrong side of the road to the nearest roundabout. I admit I did chuckle a bit once they were safely back on the right side of the road. Then the following day I did exactly the same thing out of the same car park, thankfully without the caravan so I was able to do a hasty reverse before anyone was any the wiser. Karma!

Nekarsulm

cath_1 wrote: »

Hi my husband & I are taking our camper to Leeuwarden Holland for a festival in August. We will be sailing to Cherbourg. We hope to holiday in France for a week on the way. Any tips on best campsites on our journey? Any other tips welcome as it’s our first time taking the Camper to another country.

Bring your original tax book for the camper, as well as insurance docs etc.
Make sure you have room for wine etc on the way back!

Benbecul97

cath_1 wrote: »

Hi my husband & I are taking our camper to Leeuwarden Holland for a festival in August. We will be sailing to Cherbourg. We hope to holiday in France for a week on the way. Any tips on best campsites on our journey? Any other tips welcome as it’s our first time taking the Camper to another country.

The Municipal campsite in Bayeux (www.camping-bayeux.fr) - 100km from Cherbourg - is definitely worth a couple of nights.

Camping Omaha Beach (www.camping-omaha-beach.fr/) - 80km from Cherbourg - is a great setting and in an area packed full of history.