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.

Vivienne23

Just booked our first trip to france in our motorhome , im a bit nervous about it but its on the bucket list so time to bite the bullet !

We have had a camper/motorhome for a number of years but kept our trips to weekends and headed off on a plane for sun searching ,

Booked from Rosslare - Cherbourg outward and roscoff to rosslare on the way back , we wont venture too far on our first trip , we are heading for 2 weeks late aug/early sept ,

I have to commend irish ferries on
1, Prices
2, the 100 euro deposit and being able pay the balance in installments is a great way to operate

Total return including cabins was 482 , hopefully we will get a trip to the UK free too ,

If anyone has any info ( dont worry i have a few threads bookmarked to read through ) especially maybe newbie mistakes they made etc id love to hear them because that will be me

SeamusG97

Vivienne23 wrote: »

Just booked our first trip to france in our motorhome , im a bit nervous about it but its on the bucket list so time to bite the bullet !

We have had a camper/motorhome for a number of years but kept our trips to weekends and headed off on a plane for sun searching ,

Booked from Rosslare - Cherbourg outward and roscoff to rosslare on the way back , we wont venture too far on our first trip , we are heading for 2 weeks late aug/early sept ,

I have to commend irish ferries on
1, Prices
2, the 100 euro deposit and being able pay the balance in installments is a great way to operate

Total return including cabins was 482 , hopefully we will get a trip to the UK free too ,

If anyone has any info ( dont worry i have a few threads bookmarked to read through ) especially maybe newbie mistakes they made etc id love to hear them because that will be me

Don't be nervous at all - you'll love it. There's tons of advice on this forum if you search back over the past few years. One newbie mistake is to try to see it all on one trip. Take it handy and don't try to cover too much ground and you'll be grand. There's so much to see and do that you don't need to travel all that much once you've got to where you want to be.

Vivienne23

SeamusG97 wrote: »

Don't be nervous at all - you'll love it. There's tons of advice on this forum if you search back over the past few years. One newbie mistake is to try to see it all on one trip. Take it handy and don't try to cover too much ground and you'll be grand. There's so much to see and do that you don't need to travel all that much once you've got to where you want to be.

Thanks for that! i think its driving on the wrong side of the road will be the most daunting,i drive a left hand drive here all the time and get on the finest , we had originally discussed going cork to santander and then coming back by roscoff to rosslare but we said for our first trip it might be too much ,

We will probably head south for a few days hugging the coastline ,book in somewhere we like for a couple of nights and then head back towards the ferry again , as you can see its very vague ! Looking forward to the planning , i wont ask any more questions until i have read a few threads !

PS we are two adults (girls) , no kids , there are a lot of recommendations for family camping so if anyone knows of suitable campsites that wouldnt have the "mosney" feel to them id love to hear them

SeamusG97

Vivienne23 wrote: »

Thanks for that! i think its driving on the wrong side of the road will be the most daunting,i drive a left hand drive here all the time and get on the finest , we had originally discussed going cork to santander and then coming back by roscoff to rosslare but we said for our first trip it might be too much ,

We will probably head south for a few days hugging the coastline ,book in somewhere we like for a couple of nights and then head back towards the ferry again , as you can see its very vague ! Looking forward to the planning , i wont ask any more questions until i have read a few threads !

PS we are two adults (girls) , no kids , there are a lot of recommendations for family camping so if anyone knows of suitable campsites that wouldnt have the "mosney" feel to them id love to hear them

Half an hour and driving on the 'other' side of the road becomes second nature. Road markings and signs provide a lot of subliminal cues and your van was designed to be driven there so visibility etc. will be even better than at home.
Regarding where to stay - Aires, Aires, Aires - its what the natives do and very good value for money and usually located somewhere pretty, convenient or useful. Just rock up and park for the most of them - pay the person who comes to collect the €10 or so in the evening and fill / empty to your heart's content. I always found the best plan was to have no plan and take each day as it comes. If you prefer campsites (we always used a mix of Aires and the odd campsite when we needed a washing machine), at the end of August there won't really be any need to book ahead as the French all take their holidays at the same time and most will be back at work when you're there. Only once in twelve years did I come across a campsite that was full. If you have a good guidebook or online equivalent you'll never be stuck.

Vivienne23

SeamusG97 wrote: »

Regarding where to stay - Aires, Aires, Aires - its what the natives do and very good value for money and usually located somewhere pretty, convenient or useful. Just rock up and park for the most of them - pay the person who comes to collect the €10 or so in the evening and fill / empty to your heart's content.

Aires would suit us perfect we like to go out in the evening to restaurants and visit the local establishments for a few beers !

I recall a few years back there was a spaight of gassing and robberies happening in aires and thats why we were leaning towards campsites just for safety reasons , we always wild camped in ireland until we had a bad experience one night in clare with a few undesirables and since then its been strictly parked behind a barrier with a crowd around , safety is very important to us as if we dont sleep right you might as well book into a hotel , but campsites are often outside of towns, villages so we would much prefer aires ill be doing a lot of research !

SeamusG97

Vivienne23 wrote: »

Aires would suit us perfect we like to go out in the evening to restaurants and visit the local establishments for a few beers !

I recall a few years back there was a spaight of gassing and robberies happening in aires and thats why we were leaning towards campsites just for safety reasons , we always wild camped in ireland until we had a bad experience one night in clare with a few undesirables and since then its been strictly parked behind a barrier with a crowd around , safety is very important to us as if we dont sleep right you might as well book into a hotel , but campsites are often outside of towns, villages so we would much prefer aires ill be doing a lot of research !

The gassings are an urban myth - there's a fairly comprehensive debunk of that posted on here a few years ago. Aires are as safe as a campsite and more often than not full of vans - it's all very laid back and pleasant. France is safe, motorhome friendly and a great place to travel and stay in. The usual common sense applies - once you don't park somewhere completely silly you'll be fine.
edit: here's a link to the gassing thread: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95575181
I'm dragging this thread off topic so I'll bow out for the moment.

Freedive Ireland

I'd second the advice above. Wild camped mostly and did a few aires where needed. Follow back roads as much you can, it's interesting. Mont saint-michael is like so much worth visiting but get in early, as in first thing. Found the French to be very helpful if you make any attempt at all at French. We bought a big map book as decided we'd try and keep the phones off as much as possible. Almost every village has a boulangerie and a major part of my day was buying food and wondering about by van and by foot.

jamesbil

Booked Stena Line Rosslare - Cherbourg 5 June.
It will be a mix of wild camping, aires and campsites. Got a ACSI card.
Just need to get some breakdown cover, who do you use?

Vivienne23

what do people use for wifi while in france?

I have seen people suggesting a mifi dongle with a 3 sim card but on there website a prepaid card is 5 euros per day , any cheaper way of doing it ?

CJhaughey

Have a look at this site, no affiliation but they are purpose made and have some good deals on 3 data sims as well.
https://www.motorhomewifi.com/

Vivienne23

just been looking at some campsites ,

I see some have 10 amp and some have 16 amp electricity connections ,

Do i have to check if my motorhome is suitable for each one or do you just plug in and work away as normal ? and that is just the power you can use i.e the 10 amp wont boil as domestic kettle etc?

If anyone could give me a simple explanation i would be very grateful,

PS i hope there isnt too many of you caught up in the irish ferries disaster , fingers crossed it will get sorted !

Jaden

Vivienne23 wrote: »

PS i hope there isnt too many of you caught up in the irish ferries disaster , fingers crossed it will get sorted !

What?

Vivienne23

Jaden wrote: »

What?

The new ship wont be ready for july , sailings are affected , anyone affected should have got an email

autumnalcore

Vivienne23 wrote: »

do you just plug in and work away as normal ? and that is just the power you can use i.e the 10 amp wont boil as domestic kettle etc?

If you exceed the available current you just need to reset the trip switch although the very odd site the trip box may be locked and you need to ask a staff member. A fast boil kettle probably would trip it but you can get a 2.2kw kettle in tesco for about €8.50 should be ok in 10 amp supply. In reality a 10A trip might not trip until 11-15A.

LeChienMefiant

Vivienne23 wrote: »

The new ship wont be ready for july , sailings are affected , anyone affected should have got an email

Called them saturday and rebooked to the day prior ex Rosslare. Took 4 minutes total. A lot of people complaining vociferously in the hopes of getting extra compensation.

Vivienne23

Vivienne23 wrote: »

what do people use for wifi while in france?

Dual sim phone with three.UK sim PAYG & £20 feel at home bundle.
3G only. Slow but worked.

Tethering worked too until I got my 'puter kicked off all the networks for torrenting misdemeanors.

autumnalcore

autumnalcore wrote: »

In reality a 10A trip might not trip until 11-15A.

I fit selectable MCBs on the vehicle incomer so you can trip locally before the supply.
Fancy inverter-charger combo units have input limit thresholds and can supplement the rest from the battery.

Nivekork

Just been on to Irish Ferries site looking to book a trip to France from Rosslare round 26 May and there is no availability for campers over 2.25m high from the 18 May right through to 15 June. Irish Ferries say every sailing is fully booked ........... has everyone left the country already or is it Irish Ferries just being awkward.

Never remember things being so busy before and I wonder if anyone's heard anything.

The Epsilon still has availability though.

Nekarsulm

They must have everyone from the WB Lates accommodated on the Oscar Wilde by now (those who could avail of different sailing dates)
Unless they are holding a number of spaces in case the boat is an extra week late.....

Benbecul97

Irish Ferries cancels all summer sailings on new WB Yeats ferry

https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/irish-ferries-cancels-all-summer-sailings-on-new-wb-yeats-ferry-37002317.html