Camping in France

[Mowbray]

Has anyone been camping around France and if so where are the best places to visit?

Also, how much does it cost to stay at a campsite in France?

I am thinking of taking my own car, is it much different from driving in England apart from driving on the opposite side of the road?

[jUKEjOINT65]

I've camped in Chamonix, Annecy (French Alps) and St. Tropez, Biot on the Riviera. They are great places to camp - the prices vary like anywhere, but were all good value.

The roads out there are excellent - especially the motorways - though you have to pay a toll. You will soon get used to driving on the other side. After an hour or two you won't even think about it.

[Machecoul]

Some questions first?

What do you like to do? e.g. Do you want to visit historical sites? Do you want beaches and lots of sun? Do you want countryside and a peaceful time?
Where will you cross to - e.g. Dover okay for eastern France / Paris / or long journeys everywhere else - also cheapest option. Cherbourg / St Malo / Roscoff better for western side - but much more expensive.
The south of France is a long drive / the weather in Normandy / Brittany can be very much like England in summer time - so rain does happen!!
AS JJ said driving can be very easy after you've got out of the ferry town (!) and on to the open road - in fact even minor roads can be very enjoyable and quiet. (Just try not to be on roads the nweekend at end of July / beginning of August and also round about third weekend in August. Get good maps.

We have been caravanning in France for 20+ years - during August and love every minute of it.

[Mowbray]

Hi Machecoul

Thanks for your answer.

Well, we want to see the sights of France: Countryside, the beaches, visit local villages etc. basically we want to experience the French way of living. Historical sites would also be an option too.

We are thinking of crossing by ferry at Dover then travelling to the SOuth of France. At tips?

[Machecoul]

Okay - Calais to say Nice is about 750 miles so it's going to be quite a way wherever you decide to end up.

Our favourite site costs us �6 a night - some sites can cost upto �26 a night. Sites in small towns are very reasonable and many will be able to take someone who is passing. Sites in the South can be busy and expensive in the summer so you might be advised to book in advance. With such a long journey you can plan to take your time - if you go west of Paris you can visit the Loire Valley and see the Chateaux or go east and visit Alsace/Lorraine. Both would give you history / and small villages / and the odd glass of wine.

If you join something like the Camping & Caravanning Club you can buy a book full of sites - with details of costs etc. (Caravan Club does the same - have you a friend with a caravan who might have a copy of the Foreign Touring Guide to lend you?)

You can get free routes from Multimap abd maybe from the AA. Do buy travel insurance. Take your time - it will be fabulous.

Enjoy.

[mata hari]

BEWARE if driving on certain roads of the "priority to the right" rule. These occur on back roads and some roads in the towns. It means you will be driving on the righthand side of the road, but someone approaching from a road on your right has right of way!!