France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

54and56 · 23-11-2020 10:28am

Soulsun wrote: »

6 , 7 and 10

At that age and for a first trip I'd strongly recommend Benodet Camping Yelloh! Marina Village - less than two hours from Roscoff - https://g.page/campingbenodet?share

As the kids get older and you get more comfortable you can explore further south on the West Coast to places like St Jean de Mont etc.

SusanC10 · 23-11-2020 10:28am

The Carnac area of Brittany would work in terms of distance.

We are going to Des Menhirs all going well in 2021 but haven't stayed there before so someone else might have suggestions.

If you wanted to travel a little further, then the Loire Valley or the Vendee would be good areas too.
Have a look at Chateau des Marais in the Loire or Pin Parasol in the Vendee.

Soulsun · 23-11-2020 10:45am

Thanks for the replies,

Do we book the boat or site first?

Quazzie · 23-11-2020 10:48am

Soulsun wrote: »

Thanks for the replies,

Do we book the boat or site first?

Ideally both together, as one will definitely decide the times of the other.

First Up · 23-11-2020 10:50am

Soulsun wrote:

Do we book the boat or site first?

I'd book the Campsite first. Plenty of ferry options.

SusanC10 · 23-11-2020 11:13am

First Up wrote: »

I'd book the Campsite first. Plenty of ferry options.

We always book the Campsites first. And then book the Ferry when the Schedules come out.
The Ferry Schedules tend not to change year-to-year (pre-Covid anyway)

Soulsun · 23-11-2020 11:20am

And last question I promise..

Do the campsites want full payment upfront or deposit?

54and56 · 23-11-2020 11:27am

Soulsun wrote: »

And last question I promise..

Do the campsites want full payment upfront or deposit?

Depends on the campsite operator.

Deposit of €50 to €150 with balance payable in one or two tranches closer to the booking is common but discounts can sometimes be contingent on payment up front.

I'd also advise booking the site you want for the dates you want and then organise a ferry to suit.

First Up · 23-11-2020 1:34pm

SusanC10 wrote:

We always book the Campsites first. And then book the Ferry when the Schedules come out. The Ferry Schedules tend not to change year-to-year (pre-Covid anyway)

They will change this year for certain. IF are now operating from Dublin and BF from Cork and Rosslare.

fdevine · 23-11-2020 2:34pm

Soulsun wrote: »

2 or max 3 hours.., young kids

Les Ormes should tick all the boxes

Although we haven't been before it's where we had chosen for this year and fully intend going in 2021

Lots on site and not too far from beaches

There's an aligator park, a zoo & a couple of amusement parks not too far away

yiddo59 · 23-11-2020 5:34pm

First Up wrote: »

They will change this year for certain. IF are now operating from Dublin and BF from Cork and Rosslare.

Not forgetting Stenas Rosslare to Cherbourg service.

First Up · 23-11-2020 9:58pm

yiddo59 wrote: »

Not forgetting Stenas Rosslare to Cherbourg service.

Yes, that is unchanged.

shanec1928 · 23-11-2020 10:04pm

SusanC10 wrote: »

The Carnac area of Brittany would work in terms of distance.

We are going to Des Menhirs all going well in 2021 but haven't stayed there before so someone else might have suggestions.

If you wanted to travel a little further, then the Loire Valley or the Vendee would be good areas too.
Have a look at Chateau des Marais in the Loire or Pin Parasol in the Vendee.

Two good options there in Carnac and Loire valley. The further south you go generally better weather ( sun and heat) Brittany can have mixed weather but is also lovely.

Heroditas · 23-11-2020 11:42pm

lafors wrote: »

Hmm on the last screen for me when you put in your card details it has process payment. When you put the card details in and press that do you mean there's another screen after it? Thanks

Sorry, I'm honestly not sure. I thought the option was there before it looks for the card details

MorganIRL · 24-11-2020 10:50am

Hi guys we have usually gone further south to Vendée and loire regions but this yr looking at Brittany and specifically the site called Domaine de leveno. If possible would people have any experience in that resort and let me know there thoughts. How wud people compare weather wise the 2 regions. Prefer to get sun and warmth if possible like we have experienced before. TIA.

loyatemu · 24-11-2020 12:15pm

MorganIRL wrote: »

Hi guys we have usually gone further south to Vendée and loire regions but this yr looking at Brittany and specifically the site called Domaine de leveno. If possible would people have any experience in that resort and let me know there thoughts. How wud people compare weather wise the 2 regions. Prefer to get sun and warmth if possible like we have experienced before. TIA.

it's south Britanny so would be similar enough to the Vendee, obviously the further south you go, the more reliable the weather.

We went to Leveno a couple of years back and weren't mad on it but it depends what you're looking for. There's a fantastic waterpark (speedos obligatoire in the pool); the site itself is very big and lively and is very French - there's cheesy entertainment on at the bar every single night, karaoke, very loud discos etc. We prefer something a bit more relaxed.

MorganIRL · 24-11-2020 8:01pm

loyatemu wrote: »

it's south Britanny so would be similar enough to the Vendee, obviously the further south you go, the more reliable the weather.

We went to Leveno a couple of years back and weren't mad on it but it depends what you're looking for. There's a fantastic waterpark (speedos obligatoire in the pool); the site itself is very big and lively and is very French - there's cheesy entertainment on at the bar every single night, karaoke, very loud discos etc. We prefer something a bit more relaxed.

We were in Clary's plage last year and weren't impressed, site was lovely but the size and a few different things weren't what we wanted in a location. Wud it be similar to Clary's do you know? There will be 2 families with 6 kids, (4 pre teens) so the waterpark is what attracted us..thks for info re entertainment not bothered with it normally stay in mobiles on decking shooting the breeze..

MorganIRL · 26-11-2020 9:16pm

Anyone think there will be BF deals for holiday companies this year. Got a great deal a few yrs ago with eurocamp

Edit: found this site through another link on boards never heard of them but looks like good prices. https://www.campsited.com/en/campsites-france/camping-in-france-last-minute-offers/

Poochie05 · 27-11-2020 10:17am

New ferry service starting from Rosslare to Dunkirk in Nortehrn France, 6 times a week by DFDS

Sorry can’t post a link but article on RTE website talks mainly about freight but there is a quote referring to tourism potential too, so should take passengers as well

boccy23 · 27-11-2020 10:38am

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1127/1180829-rosslare-wexford-ferry/

loyatemu · 27-11-2020 11:19am

24 hours for the crossing, even if it did take passengers I can't see much demand for that.

First Up · 27-11-2020 11:41am

loyatemu wrote:

24 hours for the crossing, even if it did take passengers I can't see much demand for that.

Wouldn't appeal to me either but we aren't the target market. I expect they have done their research with the freight operators.

ElJeffe · 27-11-2020 11:44am

The more competition the better.

Quazzie · 27-11-2020 11:47am

loyatemu wrote: »

24 hours for the crossing, even if it did take passengers I can't see much demand for that.

24 hours for €500 or 19 hours (*?) for €1000, I know which I'd prefer.

Not saying these are the actually prices, but if they were substantially cheaper it has to be worth considering

*I think this is the standard travel time

Newonhere · 27-11-2020 11:59am

Looking at the DFDS website it appears that this service is freight only.....

Newonhere · 27-11-2020 12:21pm

https://www.dfds.com/en/freight-shipping/routes-and-schedules/rosslare-dunkirk

the_amazing_raisin · 27-11-2020 12:28pm

Newonhere wrote: »

Looking at the DFDS website it appears that this service is freight only.....

Yeah I presume freight services like DFDS and Seatruck don't allow tourists in cars?

A couple more cruising ferries would be nice, travelling with young kids means it's nice to have amenities on board to keep them occupied

Poochie05 · 27-11-2020 1:31pm

Well the article had a quote from the Rosslare port manager referring to tourism, so maybe they will take limited passengers in the future when the route is more established

The new service, which will provide a crucial freight route, will also be very attractive for inbound and outbound tourism when Covid travel restrictions are eased", Mr Carr said.

ElJeffe · 27-11-2020 2:18pm

Newonhere wrote: »

Looking at the DFDS website it appears that this service is freight only.....

I sent them an email this morning and they have replied already informing me that the service will have some capacity for non freight customers. I think this will a good option for those looking to head to Germany, Switzerland etc... if the price is right. They said they will be updating their website within the next few days to non freight clients. I'll be keeping an eye on it as will be heading to the black forest region on the motorbike at some stage next spring.

josip · 27-11-2020 3:08pm

ElJeffe wrote: »

I sent them an email this morning and they have replied already informing me that the service will have some capacity for non freight customers. I think this will a good option for those looking to head to Germany, Switzerland etc... if the price is right. They said they will be updating their website within the next few days to non freight clients. I'll be keeping an eye on it as will be heading to the black forest region on the motorbike at some stage next spring.

Does depend on price.
It will be competing with Landbridge which gets you to Dunkirk from Dublin in 13 hours or less (sans Brexit) for around €700 incl fuel, peak season

Newonhere · 27-11-2020 3:23pm

ElJeffe wrote: »

I sent them an email this morning and they have replied already informing me that the service will have some capacity for non freight customers. I think this will a good option for those looking to head to Germany, Switzerland etc... if the price is right. They said they will be updating their website within the next few days to non freight clients. I'll be keeping an eye on it as will be heading to the black forest region on the motorbike at some stage next spring.

That’s certainly good news, I often visit friends in Belgium on my way down to Provence so this route would be ideal for me.....

the_amazing_raisin · 27-11-2020 5:27pm

josip wrote: »

Does depend on price.
It will be competing with Landbridge which gets you to Dunkirk from Dublin in 13 hours or less (sans Brexit) for around €700 incl fuel, peak season

I would imagine that for tourists the land bridge will still be worthwhile as it'll mostly be freight affected by new border checks. The biggest issue would be tailbacks on the way to the port and hopefully they'll have enough traffic management in place to deal with that

First Up · 27-11-2020 5:56pm

cruisey1987 wrote: »

I would imagine that for tourists the land bridge will still be worthwhile as it'll mostly be freight affected by new border checks. The biggest issue would be tailbacks on the way to the port and hopefully they'll have enough traffic management in place to deal with that

The only appeal of the landbridge is speed. Its a tedious drive and not something I want to do again if I don't have to. The speed advantage is now under threat from port congestion and I wouldn't want to rely on traffic management to get me to my ferry on time.

Rosslare - Dunkirk is aimed at freight trucks and I doubt the ship will have much to offer families. 24 hours at sea sounds long but it might be only a few hours longer than the landbridge and Dunkirk is well placed for the auto-route to Paris and elsewhere. Plus the drivers will also start fresh on arrival and thus be able to cover a longer distance before resting.

SusanC10 · 27-11-2020 6:11pm

We did Landbridge once and I would only do it again if there was no other choice tbh.

First Up · 27-11-2020 6:35pm

SusanC10 wrote:

We did Landbridge once and I would only do it again if there was no other choice tbh.

Me too. It's a tough way to start - and especially finish - a holiday.

yiddo59 · 27-11-2020 9:15pm

DFDS Rosslare to Dunkirk schedule https://www.dfds.com/en/freight-shipping/routes-and-schedules/rosslare-dunkirk

Probably wont be much holiday traffic demand but as already posted its another option for those heading east and of course if the price is right some may think it worthwhile!

the_amazing_raisin · 27-11-2020 10:02pm

SusanC10 wrote: »

We did Landbridge once and I would only do it again if there was no other choice tbh.

Yeah I'd probably only consider it if we were going to stay a day to two in England as well, which kind of negates any speed advantage

Fann Linn · 28-11-2020 1:22am

Just looking at the BF run down to Bilbao. Has anyone on here done it and can they recommend any sites or locations in the Costa Verde northern Spain location?
Thanks.

MorganIRL · 03-12-2020 7:40am

1st time booking in August and having difficulty marrying up the ferry with sites. Is this normal? Sites were looking at only hi sat to sat, ferry gets in on Fri or sun..

Peckham · 03-12-2020 9:39am

MorganIRL wrote: »

1st time booking in August and having difficulty marrying up the ferry with sites. Is this normal? Sites were looking at only hi sat to sat, ferry gets in on Fri or sun..

Many sites in August seem to be either Sat to Sat or Sun to Sun and need to be booked in 7 day blocks. It's a pain!

Look around. Some of them are more flexible.

54and56 · 03-12-2020 9:40am

MorganIRL wrote: »

1st time booking in August and having difficulty marrying up the ferry with sites. Is this normal? Sites were looking at only hi sat to sat, ferry gets in on Fri or sun..

Common enough problem.

Options are either lose a day by paying for the 1st Saturday and arrive Sunday which I've done several times or arrive Friday, stay in a hotel (lot's of good value family friendly functional options) and arrive onsite nice and early on the Saturday.

If travelling a good distance e.g. to SW France near the Spanish border (as we do) or further afield to the Mediterranean coast, as a few hard core members of this thread have done in the past, arriving into Cherbourg/Roscoff on Friday and splitting the journey over 2 days to arrive Saturday afternoon actually works perfectly.

MorganIRL · 03-12-2020 4:04pm

54and56 wrote: »

Common enough problem.

Options are either lose a day by paying for the 1st Saturday and arrive Sunday which I've done several times or arrive Friday, stay in a hotel (lot's of good value family friendly functional options) and arrive onsite nice and early on the Saturday.

If travelling a good distance e.g. to SW France near the Spanish border (as we do) or further afield to the Mediterranean coast, as a few hard core members of this thread have done in the past, arriving into Cherbourg/Roscoff on Friday and splitting the journey over 2 days to arrive Saturday afternoon actually works perfectly.

Done the SW of France a few years ago. Worst thing we cud have done with 2 under 4 at the time :-( Broke it up into 2 days but not advisable with those age of kids. But still one of the best areas we have been to over the last 7 years.

I think we'll do the extra night in the hotel, any excuse to extend the holiday. Thks for the I do.

54and56 · 04-12-2020 9:41am

MorganIRL wrote: »

Done the SW of France a few years ago. Worst thing we cud have done with 2 under 4 at the time :-( Broke it up into 2 days but not advisable with those age of kids. But still one of the best areas we have been to over the last 7 years.

I think we'll do the extra night in the hotel, any excuse to extend the holiday. Thks for the I do.

The first time we went to La Reserve (kids were 15 and 11) we overnighted along the way and found it to be more of a hassle than it was worth. Had a nice meal and scout around Niort which we'd otherwise never had stopped in and got to LA Reserve in good time on the Saturday but we've never done it since. Now we are off the ferry circa 10:30am and usually get to La Reserve around 20:00 with 2-3 stops along the way for food and to stretch the legs. Thankfully my wife and I share the driving so we do 2-3 hour stints then stop, swap and nap until we stop again. It's a long day but with music, podcasts and a comfy car it's very doable. Don't think I'd try doing 780km in one go if I was doing all the driving though.

Gavlor · 04-12-2020 10:05am

MorganIRL wrote: »

Done the SW of France a few years ago. Worst thing we cud have done with 2 under 4 at the time :-( Broke it up into 2 days but not advisable with those age of kids. But still one of the best areas we have been to over the last 7 years.

I think we'll do the extra night in the hotel, any excuse to extend the holiday. Thks for the I do.

Driving to SW makes no sense to me to be honest!

If folk are planning on going to Languedoc-Roussillon then why not fly to Perpignan or Toulouse?? Far less hassle!
The likes of argeles, st Cyprian etc are within 25 minutes of Perpignan airport so you wouldn’t even need to rent a car.

MorganIRL · 04-12-2020 10:23am

Gavlor wrote: »

Driving to SW makes no sense to me to be honest!

If folk are planning on going to Languedoc-Roussillon then why not fly to Perpignan or Toulouse?? Far less hassle!
The likes of argeles, st Cyprian etc are within 25 minutes of Perpignan airport so you wouldn’t even need to rent a car.

I'd probably fly again unless we were staying for an extended period. It seemed like a good adventure to see France but all I saw was motorway.. coming back was cool, route brought us by some WW2 sites. But it is nice to have ur own car instead of a basic hire car..as long as we can get away next year I'll go in any form of transport..

Gavlor · 04-12-2020 10:36am

MorganIRL wrote: »

I'd probably fly again unless we were staying for an extended period. It seemed like a good adventure to see France but all I saw was motorway.. coming back was cool, route brought us by some WW2 sites. But it is nice to have ur own car instead of a basic hire car..as long as we can get away next year I'll go in any form of transport..

Hear! Hear!

54and56 · 04-12-2020 10:39am

Gavlor wrote: »

Driving to SW makes no sense to me to be honest!

If folk are planning on going to Languedoc-Roussillon then why not fly to Perpignan or Toulouse?? Far less hassle!
The likes of argeles, st Cyprian etc are within 25 minutes of Perpignan airport so you wouldn’t even need to rent a car.

We go for three weeks and like to do a lot of cycling whilst there so bring our own bikes etc which makes the long drive worthwhile. Also much prefer my own car to a rental and of course we can bring (and bring home) a lot more than will fit in suitcase.

If we were going for 1-2 weeks I don't think we'd drive.

Was lucky enough to get to Malta when it was (very temporarily) added to the green list in the summer (as we cancelled France this year) and I found the flying experience a right pain in the ar$e to be honest but it's definitely the way to go for 1-2 week holidays or where the destination is too far to drive. I'm at my absolute max driving distance in La Reserve (near Mimizan about 1.5 hours south of Bordeaux), anything further south than that we'd definitely fly.

SusanC10 · 04-12-2020 11:37am

We go for 3-4 weeks when going to France and like bringing the Car for the Bikes and also to bring home decent quantities of Wine !

We have driven Cherbourg to the Dordogne twice in the one day. Over 700km. My Husband does all the driving for that trip. 2 short stops and arrival just before 9pm both times.

We are hoping to make it to Spain (after the Dordogne) next Summer.

54and56 · 04-12-2020 11:38am

SusanC10 wrote: »

We go for 3-4 weeks when going to France and like bringing the Car for the Bikes and also to bring home decent quantities of Wine !

We have driven Cherbourg to the Dordogne twice in the one day. Over 700km. My Husband does all the driving for that trip. 2 short stops and arrival just before 9pm both times.

We are hoping to make it to Spain (after the Dordogne) next Summer.

Fair play :P

SusanC10 · 04-12-2020 12:07pm

54and56 wrote: »

Fair play :P

I worded that badly, didn't I ?!!

Two different times !

France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

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