June trip in the Planning.

[AliMcCali]

We are in the planning stages of our trip for the month of June. We have a number of destinations in mind Ypres, Koblenz, Gutenstein, Austrian and Italian Dolomites, Italian Lakes, Chamonix then home via Honfleur.
Anyone have any site recommendations along this route for us to enjoy on our trip in Billy Ocean.
It’s just the 2 of us, no children, no dog just a couple of bikes on the back.
Thank you

 

[chockswahay]

Call me old fashioned but I’d use Aires and Stellplatz all the way for a road trip like that (we have done many times) . The trip looks great, enjoy!

P.S you can virtually ‘wild camp‘ anywhere out in the rural areas too.

 

[calibusje]

Wow, nice! There is too much to say about all that you could do, see and visit during that trip. I limit myself to posting random things: I understand Ypres (no Bruges? Maybe you already saw it or there is no interest or you will visit our city another time ). I notice you cross the Belgian Ardennes and then you will drive through beautiful regions here and there. It’s not bad but a bit like what I will write down about Italy…
Koblenz looks nice (also: Moselle wine). Not much to say about the more than 800 kms route Koblenz-Gutenstein: didn’t do that yet. I visited Austria many times as a child, but this is an area that has not been rediscovered for me until now (but this summer we’ll first do Switzerland).
The Italian Lakes: mostly beautiful region but only been there twice (there are bigger experts here on that area). I found it quite busy in the towns close to it and on the way there and even some areas not nice to drive around at all. The Dolomites (aka the Southern Alps) on the other hand, really impressed me: just drive through them on the alternative roads.
Actually, I have only visited Italy a few times and have just a bit mixed feelings about this country: sometimes beautiful (just enter Italy along the Alps/ or also: The Liguria region is beautiful and whimsical) but a little further on only industry and unattractive cities. As an example: Modena: drive there and you will understand what I mean (although the Ferrari museum is not to be despised). I will definitely visit Italy again because I think it has even more beautiful things in store. I've been to Pisa, Sienna, Firenze, Lucca, Venice (whatever they say, it's definitely worth a visit because this is a must see): I enjoyed these cities very much. It's just, well, sometimes the way there and others totally unattractive towns and villages that you will cross. I understand that this is the case in all other countries, but I just want to nuance Italy a bit. So don’t misinterpret me: I do like Italy but with a twist. Too bad you don't have children with you: they love children ! To conclude Italy with a highly positive end note: South Tyrol with its Dolomites and passes is beautiful! But then again: I love driving in the mountains.
From Chamonix to Honfleur is again roughly 800 kms and I can't begin to say what you could do (but I guess that you might just cross it and that it is not the intention to discover and visit).
Honfleur is a beautiful harbor town, definitely worth a visit and if you like fish soup, fruit de mer, definitely do it! I suppose you then drive to Calais to take the Ferry back (or Chunnel) well: you can do this via major roads or -and I strongly recommend this one- the D940: you take that after crossing the Pont de Normandie. From now on you pass nice villages and of course also Boulogne-sur-Mer (you are still on the D940) and you also pass Nausicaá there. Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez: worth a stop and a picture.
Oh and sites? Just use Park4Night (sounds English but is French) or CamperContact (Dutch) or Searchforsites. Or a campsite (they won’t be full in June). I would rather advise against an overnight stay in a parking lot at a gas station or other aire along a péage. Many do it, I don’t. I have my idea about that, but each to his own about this. It's best to sleep where you feel good and safe and you have to decide that yourself.
You will cross beautiful countries, enjoy and have a great trip!

 

[Corradobrit]

Wow, nice! There is too much to say about all that you could do, see and visit during that trip. I limit myself to posting random things: I understand Ypres (no Bruges? Maybe you already saw it or there is no interest or you will visit our city another time ). I notice you cross the Belgian Ardennes and then you will drive through beautiful regions here and there. It’s not bad but a bit like what I will write down about Italy…
Koblenz looks nice (also: Moselle wine). Not much to say about the more than 800 kms route Koblenz-Gutenstein: didn’t do that yet. I visited Austria many times as a child, but this is an area that has not been rediscovered for me until now (but this summer we’ll first do Switzerland).
The Italian Lakes: mostly beautiful region but only been there twice (there are bigger experts here on that area). I found it quite busy in the towns close to it and on the way there and even some areas not nice to drive around at all. The Dolomites (aka the Southern Alps) on the other hand, really impressed me: just drive through them on the alternative roads.
Actually, I have only visited Italy a few times and have just a bit mixed feelings about this country: sometimes beautiful (just enter Italy along the Alps/ or also: The Liguria region is beautiful and whimsical) but a little further on only industry and unattractive cities. As an example: Modena: drive there and you will understand what I mean (although the Ferrari museum is not to be despised). I will definitely visit Italy again because I think it has even more beautiful things in store. I've been to Pisa, Sienna, Firenze, Lucca, Venice (whatever they say, it's definitely worth a visit because this is a must see): I enjoyed these cities very much. It's just, well, sometimes the way there and others totally unattractive towns and villages that you will cross. I understand that this is the case in all other countries, but I just want to nuance Italy a bit. So don’t misinterpret me: I do like Italy but with a twist. Too bad you don't have children with you: they love children ! To conclude Italy with a highly positive end note: South Tyrol with its Dolomites and passes is beautiful! But then again: I love driving in the mountains.
From Chamonix to Honfleur is again roughly 800 kms and I can't begin to say what you could do (but I guess that you might just cross it and that it is not the intention to discover and visit).
Honfleur is a beautiful harbor town, definitely worth a visit and if you like fish soup, fruit de mer, definitely do it! I suppose you then drive to Calais to take the Ferry back (or Chunnel) well: you can do this via major roads or -and I strongly recommend this one- the D940: you take that after crossing the Pont de Normandie. From now on you pass nice villages and of course also Boulogne-sur-Mer (you are still on the D940) and you also pass Nausicaá there. Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez: worth a stop Anna picture.
You will cross beautiful countries, enjoy and have a great trip!

I second the mixed bag of Northern Italy. I lived in Milan for 5 years so I know the region well. Bergamo, Como and Verona are really the highlights wrt to towns. The rest as Calibusje says is very industrialised and quite dirty. Since I left the mid 90's its only gotten worse with much more graffiti, congestions and other issues related to over population etc. I would skip Italy altogether unless you head further south to Tuscany. My suggestion would be to traverse Switzerland (although its quite expensive and wild camping is forbidden).

 

[JGov]

The campsite at Fécamp right on the beach was really nice. It’s been 7 years, so
it’s all quite vague, but I ate a Fruit de Mer pizza at the local pizza shop a few blocks back from the harbor (sleezy street, sleezier shop and cars picking up pizza’s non stop) and I can still taste it, it was the best piece of pie I ever ate!

 

[Photo Nan]

One of our planned visited while we are away for 8 weeks from the end of May might interest you. Two adults no children no dogs two bikes ( one super keen bike rider who is going to ride this pass while I enjoy the views with lots of photography stops) staying at this campsite for a few days in June bit posh but why not need to make sure we have a good day to do the pass.

https://www.sportcamp.at/en

Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Discover one of the top 3 sights in Austria: the unique High Alpine Road with 48 unforgettable km of beautiful nature.

www.grossglockner.at

 

[Corradobrit]

One of our planned visited while we are away for 8 weeks from the end of May might interest you. Two adults no children no dogs two bikes ( one super keen bike rider who is going to ride this pass while I enjoy the views with lots of photography stops) staying at this campsite for a few days in June bit posh but why not need to make sure we have a good day to do the pass.

https://www.sportcamp.at/en

Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Discover one of the top 3 sights in Austria: the unique High Alpine Road with 48 unforgettable km of beautiful nature.

www.grossglockner.at

I remember pushing my Dads NSU Prinz up the Grossglockner in the 70's cos the 650cc air cooled engine couldn't hack it fully loaded with 2 adults and 2 kids. Good times.....

 

[calibusje]

Those times... love it! We took a few passes with our fully loaded vw T4 westfalia california with 78 hp, 5 gears, 4 persons and it took us everywhere; although this was sometimes slow with black smoke behind us. Splendid times. Now with our 150 hp T6.1 coast and dsg it will be even more fun coming from our oldie. An old one has a good vibe but so does a new one and it's all that bit easier. Just as nice I think.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

That looks like an excellent itinerary, you really are packing it all in, well done. The Dolomites are to die for in a van if you are hiking, such a beautiful mix of Italian and Austrian culture there. Biking is also great fun, if you have the same genetics as Chris Froome. We travelled from Lichfield through to Canazai but I don't think it really matters where you go, it's all absolutely lush, omg and the roads, easily the most stunning driving I have done in my life.

Lake Iseo was great fun, you can cycle round it in a short day on road bikes, with a couple of great places to stop for a swim. Finding a campsite there took a little work in the September but was fine. The campsites are all cramped around the lakes and cost more than they are worth to be honest.

You could easily spend a 10 days doing both, I have no idea how your'e going to fit it all in.

Chamonix is a bit meh after you've done the Dolomites but if you've never been to the top of Mont Blanc and looked out, then you are in for a real treat.

 

[AliMcCali]

Thank you so much everybody for such interesting replies. Haven’t yet had a chance to digest what you’re all saying but I can assure you I will be going through it with a fine tooth comb. I just wanted to say again thank you for your comments.

 

[Arnoob]

An alternative for your route back home: search for a route along the frontline of the First World War. We did this on our bicycles and were very impressed. And we liked the route itself.

 

[Azteccamper]

Strangely enough just planning a similar trek for June and July. Taking in Grossglockner, Lake Bled, Porec, Italian lakes, Cinque Terra, Jungfrau and Chamonix.
Proper road trip.
Hikes & Bikes.
Did a similar trip last May and July around Portugal and northern Spain.
Be good to see any ideas/tips you might have.

We tend to just go and see where the road takes us with a few places to aim for.

It’ll be a brilliant trip!

 

[Photo Nan]

Thank you so much everybody for such interesting replies. Haven’t yet had a chance to digest what you’re all saying but I can assure you I will be going through it with a fine tooth comb. I just wanted to say again thank you for your comments.

We are doing a very similar route bit starting off visiting family just outside of Nantes then across to northern Spain. Onward to northern Italy before heading to Austria and Germany. Worth getting the ASCI book for discount on sites. With two bikes on the rack staying at Aires isn’t an option for us.

last year we had 5 weeks in Europe where Pete rode (on his bike)the Stelvio Pass the year before having climbed The Matterhorn the week before he rode the Ventoux. I really enjoyed the drive on these my bike safely on the back of the van.

 

[Azteccamper]

We are doing a very similar route bit starting off visiting family just outside of Nantes then across to northern Spain. Onward to northern Italy before heading to Austria and Germany. Worth getting the ASCI book for discount on sites. With two bikes on the rack staying at Aires isn’t an option for us.

last year we had 5 weeks in Europe where Pete rode (on his bike)the Stelvio Pass the year before having climbed The Matterhorn the week before he rode the Ventoux. I really enjoyed the drive on these my bike safely on the back of the van.

Northern Spain is great - weather was a bit hit and miss though. ACSI book was brilliant. Some great climbs by Pete in fairness. I loved the Stelvio.
Haven’t ridden many roads in recent years but hoping to get my cycling mojo back this summer.

 

[Photo Nan]

A question for you when on this trip what are your plans to be able to access the Internet on your phone. With Brexit phone deals changed ? As we are going to be away for 8 weeks we will need to use the Internet/

 

[Neuromancer11]

With two bikes on the rack staying at Aires isn’t an option for us.

Why is that out of interest?

 

[The Tall Luthier]

A question for you when on this trip what are your plans to be able to access the Internet on your phone. With Brexit phone deals changed ? As we are going to be away for 8 weeks we will need to use the Internet/

I have a phone capable of incorporating an eSim. So I went to mobile.free.fr and bought one for 20€
It gives 210Gb in total per month, however only 40Gb can be used outside of France, which is where we were based.

 

[Azteccamper]

A question for you when on this trip what are your plans to be able to access the Internet on your phone. With Brexit phone deals changed ? As we are going to be away for 8 weeks we will need to use the Internet/

As I have a long standing contract with EE they allow me same coverage as back home - think it’s about £20 sim only for 160gb per month so we had no problem last year - I even gifted my wife’s phone 30gb a month to use as well.

 

[Amarillo]

Delete Koblenz and add Trier for more cycling options, a nicer town, more vineyards (with tastings) and a better range of campsites (none of which are notably better than others, but go for a riverside one).

 

[calibusje]

Delete Koblenz and add Trier for more cycling options, a nicer town, more vineyards (with tastings) and a better range of campsites (none of which are notably better than others, but go for a riverside one).

This post has made me want to read your blog about your family Euro trip again. Was captivating. I was a fan back then.

 

[chockswahay]

Delete Koblenz and add Trier for more cycling options, a nicer town, more vineyards (with tastings) and a better range of campsites (none of which are notably better than others, but go for a riverside one).

The Moselle is a lovely place to camp/ride etc. There are also plenty of low cost Stellplatz all along the river bank every few miles. We did most of the Moselle valley on our Brommies

 

[Amarillo]

The Moselle is a lovely place to camp/ride etc. There are also plenty of low cost Stellplatz all along the river bank every few miles. We did most of the Moselle valley on our Brommies

I have cycle packed the Moselle/Mosel from Nancy to Koblenz; the Rhine from Koblenz to Strasbourg; the Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Strasbourg to Nancy. Trier was our favourite overnight stop.

 

[larrylamb]

Delete Koblenz

No way. Great campsite right at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, great city to explore. Yes, visit Trier but Koblenz is great.

 

[Amarillo]

No way. Great campsite right at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, great city to explore. Yes, visit Trier but Koblenz is great.

Rhineland wines come in a sludge brown bottle. Mosel wines in a crisp green bottle. I think of the rivers in those terms too. Koblenz, of course, benefits from both rivers, but the Rhine is so much more industrial.

Apfelstrudel with a well chilled Riesling Auslese from the Mosel by the Mosel over a Müller-Thurgau from Rhineland by the Rhine anytime.

 

[SteveBristol123]

One of our planned visited while we are away for 8 weeks from the end of May might interest you. Two adults no children no dogs two bikes ( one super keen bike rider who is going to ride this pass while I enjoy the views with lots of photography stops) staying at this campsite for a few days in June bit posh but why not need to make sure we have a good day to do the pass.

https://www.sportcamp.at/en

Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Discover one of the top 3 sights in Austria: the unique High Alpine Road with 48 unforgettable km of beautiful nature.

www.grossglockner.at

Back in 1981 on holiday with my parents I remember doing that. The brakes seized in an automatic Volvo on the way down!