French camping question

[Cwoods1405]

Off to France in August for just under two weeks. Can't make up my mind on whether to book sites or just luck it! Any suggestions or advice as its school holidays over there as well. Want to make my way down to Bordeaux then come back. Nothing too exciting but it's a start!!

 

[Gavinskii]

I'd definitely book your destination. The whole of Europe is on hols in Aug and anywhere good starts releasing their plots 12 months in advance, so unlikely to find desired site on spec - unless you are looking for a more basic site.

 

[WelshGas]

If you plan to use sites then I would book.
If it is your first time then you could consider Eurocamp Independant. They book the ferry and pitches. You do the travelling. Bookings can be from 1 night to whatever, but some sites insist on a minimum booking in high season.
These are not "English" sites, Eurocamp just has pitches on French sites.

 

[GrannyJen]

August?

Book it.

 

[jeff]

I have always took a chance and winged it, always found a site just need to get there by lunch time. Only time I nearly lucked out was a bank holiday.

 

[marshian70]

Book in advance is my advice. By all means use Eurocamp and similar to research sites but booking with them will cost more than if you book with the site direct and arrange your own crossing

 

[WelshGas]

Book in advance is my advice. By all means use Eurocamp and similar to research sites but booking with them will cost more than if you book with the site direct and arrange your own crossing

It can be cheaper, but, you only have 1 person/company to deal with and sort out queries. You get a lot of useful information, which can be very useful for a first timer. Also a Campsite can be full but Eurocamp have places, something I found out a few years ago. They do also offer very reasonable Travel and Breakdown Insurance. For a first timer it can take a lot of the stress out of the planning.

 

[Alan]

Off to France in August for just under two weeks. Can't make up my mind on whether to book sites or just luck it! Any suggestions or advice as its school holidays over there as well. Want to make my way down to Bordeaux then come back. Nothing too exciting but it's a start!!

If your a solo traveler go with the breeze
If your taking a family you need to be organized especially that time of year

Happy traveling
Alan

 

[Cwoods1405]

Wow that was quick. Thanks very much to you all I all best get booking!

 

[briwy]

Have a look at the municipal campsites.
They can vary in quality but offer very good value and as they are run by the local councils are often in or close to town centres.
This site gives which whilst not comprehensive is a good starting point.
http://www.camping-municipal.org/index.htm
If you fancy breaking the journey down then I have stayed at this site a few times on my way back from the Pyrenees.
http://www.camping-le-futuriste.fr/?lang=fr#

 

[marshian70]

It can be cheaper, but, you only have 1 person/company to deal with and sort out queries. You get a lot of useful information, which can be very useful for a first timer. Also a Campsite can be full but Eurocamp have places, something I found out a few years ago. They do also offer very reasonable Travel and Breakdown Insurance. For a first timer it can take a lot of the stress out of the planning.

Each to their own but half the fun is in the research and planning!

 

[lakelander]

On a different note, get your camping gaz 907 from a supermarket in France, I refilled in the uk in September for £33.00 and in France in October for £15 - no brainer.

 

[WelshGas]

Each to their own but half the fun is in the research and planning!

I agree. But first time it can be helpful if you haven't driven or toured on the Continent before.

 

[marshian70]

I agree. But first time it can be helpful if you haven't driven or toured on the Continent before.

Out of interest, I priced up the site we are staying at next summer with Eurocamp Independent today. Came in at £1,165 for 16 nights, pitch only. Direct with site I make it €1,189, at current ex rate around £850.

 

[marshian70]

I agree. But first time it can be helpful if you haven't driven or toured on the Continent before.

Out of interest, I priced up the site we are staying at next summer with Eurocamp Independent today. Came in at £1,165 for 16 nights, pitch only . Direct with site I make it €1,189, at current ex rate around £850.

 

[marshian70]

I agree. But first time it can be helpful if you haven't driven or toured on the Continent before.

Out of interest, I priced up the site we are staying at next summer with Eurocamp Independent today. Came in at £1,165 for 16 nights, pitch only . Direct with site I make it €1,189, at current ex rate around £850.

 

[WelshGas]

Well I'll be travelling to Florence for my son's wedding on July 30 th 2016. We will be holidaying as well. Away 26 days, with 22 days camping and 15 with Eurocamp Independant. Including Euroshuttle and Insurance ( Health + Vehicle ) . Confirmed today at £925 in total. Mind you that does include an early booking discount + a previous customer discount. So happy with that cost.
When I went to Scandinavia then I booked everything myself.

 

[Cwoods1405]

I had already booked my ferry crossing before writing. I'll start planning now and book the sites for my maiden voyage. Really looking forward to giving the old girl a run!

 

[Pineweasel]

We've done the fortnight in France in August several times. We usually book a few sites on our chosen route, but always leave a night or two free between each of them. We've never had a problem finding somewhere to stop for those nights.

Although many sites do fill up in August they tend to be the obvious ones in great locations, and even they can have availability on the day if you are lucky. Going off the beaten track and chancing it is one of the great pleasures of exploring France.

 

[marshian70]

Well I'll be travelling to Florence for my son's wedding on July 30 th 2016. We will be holidaying as well. Away 26 days, with 22 days camping and 15 with Eurocamp Independant. Including Euroshuttle and Insurance ( Health + Vehicle ) . Confirmed today at £925 in total. Mind you that does include an early booking discount + a previous customer discount. So happy with that cost.
When I went to Scandinavia then I booked everything myself.

But a first timer wouldn't get the discounts you mention, hence my comparison

 

[GrannyJen]

I personally find my itinerary and places to stop being organised for me contrary to the principle of Cali ownership.

However I would not recommend my style of Cali ownership to anyone who likes to feel organised, safe and in control

Enough said that two months ago I set off for Margate and ended up in Belgium

 

[WelshGas]

Beg to differ. Early booking discount available to all. Also cost depends on Ferry /Euroshuttle used. Cost isn't everything. I hope you enjoy your holiday. I will and I was only offering advice based on 40 + years of experience.
You can always find a cheaper deal, but not always the best.

 

[calicasas]

If you stay for 2-3 nights per site you should be ok - never booked a site in 25 years and have never been turned away. All sites will have a small proportion of plots reserved for 'passers by' and if you decide to stay for a further few days they rarely turn you away.
If your stay is for a week or more on one site, then probably book to be sure.
Either way, you should do what makes you feel comfortable - we just wing-it which is not to everyone's taste...
We planned to go to Germany last Easter right up to the point at which we were on the Ferry and somehow ended up in La Rochelle... Paid 13€ p/night - of you don't like the site you just move on.
One of our best holidays ever!

 

[jts46]

As clicasas said been visiting France for 30 years never booked a campsite yet, our 2 children came with us until teenagers and the wife was a school teacher never any problems finding campsites.

John

 

[BerndRos]

I agree no need to book. The worse case is that you will have to camp outside the camp site for the night for free until someone moves on in the morning. Use the money saved on living costs for a couple of days.