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itsSteve
We have been campervanning in France for the past twelve years, since my son was four. If we have needed to make an overnight stop "en route" we have either used "Aires du Camping", which can be found in many towns and villages or parked up at services on a "Peage". The problem with aires is that the popular ones tend to fill up quite early, so don't seem to fit with your very late arrival. The toll motorways offer quite a high level of security, with video cameras recording entry and exit. The tickets make it clear that they are valid for twenty-four hours and most service areas have parking areas specifically for 'vans. Unlike in the UK, you will not be charged for staying longer than two hours; the French seem to take the ridiculous view that a tired driver should be encouraged to sleep for as long as necessary rather than pushing on, eyelids dropping, energy drink can clasped in hand!
My further observations are that if you want to tour and sightsee, northern France has many opportunities, in Britanny, Normandy, Picardy all of which offer interesting towns and countryside, within east reach of Calais. If you want some heat you may be best advised to get south of the Loire, either inland or on the Atlantic coast. Another post recommends the Cevennes, which we keep returning to, but it's fifteen hours or so from Calais, perhaps too far for a one-week trip. Wherever you end up, enjoy!
My further observations are that if you want to tour and sightsee, northern France has many opportunities, in Britanny, Normandy, Picardy all of which offer interesting towns and countryside, within east reach of Calais. If you want some heat you may be best advised to get south of the Loire, either inland or on the Atlantic coast. Another post recommends the Cevennes, which we keep returning to, but it's fifteen hours or so from Calais, perhaps too far for a one-week trip. Wherever you end up, enjoy!
