Off Abroad for the first time on our Cali

[ardvark]

We are taking our Cali abroad for the first time to France on the ferry Newhaven - Dieppe very excited. Would be great if anyone can recommend:
1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.
2. Any Pointers that we need to think about before taking our Cali to Europe? Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the EU ?anything else?
Thanks very much

 

[Perfectos]

Have a look at this

Driving in France Requirements Checklist 2024

A complete and up-to-date checklist of legal requirements for driving in France. All post Brexit rules, so you will be compliant for January 2024.

www.drive-france.com

the GB sticker is no longer, you need a U.K. sticker

can get number plate stickers from multicoloured auction site (U.K. companies too)

 

[Perfectos]

1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.

Dieppe has a couple of Aires right near the port. One on either side of the of the Harbour

 

[Perfectos]

Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the

Number plate sticker are cheap, compliant and unobtrusive

 

[Perfectos]

If you want somewhere to park up for free in Dieppe there is a free car park at the swimming pool, just outside the car park area is an area where you can park legally on the promenade.

there are public toilets nearby

 

[66tim99]

I understand you still need a 'proper' UK sticker in Spain and other countries. The number plate one isn't enough, and to my poor little sensitive eyes is just another bit of permanent clutter.
So I've gone for magnetic ones that I keep stuck to the metal at the front of the cab door, ready for use when I'm at the port. I've got 2 just in case one gets removed/dislodged, not that they ever have yet.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HCHRQWP/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[Perfectos]

anything else?

Take care of the speed limits,
they constantly change in France, depending on the road.
one to watch particularly as you approach a village the speed limit will be displayed
Lots of villages have a flashing electronic sign to remind you as you approach (but not all) , sometimes backed up by a speed camera.

on more main roads you are likely to see Radar signs which work on average speed.

French speeding fines explained | Speed cameras in France

Before you commit a faux-pas and land a hefty French speeding fine, read our guide to speed cameras and speed limits in France and their associated penalties

www.insurance.fr

 

[Ch1pbutty]

We are taking our Cali abroad for the first time to France on the ferry Newhaven - Dieppe very excited. Would be great if anyone can recommend:
1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.
2. Any Pointers that we need to think about before taking our Cali to Europe? Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the EU ?anything else?
Thanks very much

UK sticker required; there is a Halfords (and Sainsburys) almost next door to the ferry terminal should you forget anything.

If you arrive early, go for some food & drink in the Ark on the other side of the river and watch your ferry come in!:

The Ark Pub, Newhaven

Welcome to The Ark The Ark, Newhaven Located right on the River Ouse, with a huge garden and front terrace looking out over the river itself, The Ark prides itself on being a friendly, welcoming environment. With live music, specialty menu nights, and ample parking, it's the ideal spot to spend...

thearkpubnewhaven.wordpress.com

 

[Karlos]

Watch Speed limits carefully, lots fall foul, Remember headlight beam benders if your van doesn't have the option to adjust, take a 2 pin adapter for your hook up lots of sites in France still use these rather than the pin round one.

Most of all enjoy.

 

[Mehdime]

Waze is your friend in France. That’s the navigation app that most French people use and it will alert you of the speed traps. Pay attention as there are both fixed speed radars and mobile police units checking your speed absolutely everywhere in France.

Main national roads are especially confusing as most are limited to 80km/h but some let you go up to 90km/h.

Hence using Waze to take care of working out what speed you should be at + alert you of radars so that you can focus on enjoying the drive instead.

 

[ardvark]

Have a look at this

Driving in France Requirements Checklist 2024

A complete and up-to-date checklist of legal requirements for driving in France. All post Brexit rules, so you will be compliant for January 2024.

www.drive-france.com

the GB sticker is no longer, you need a U.K. sticker

can get number plate stickers from multicoloured auction site (U.K. companies too)

Great thanks very much!

 

[ardvark]

I understand you still need a 'proper' UK sticker in Spain and other countries. The number plate one isn't enough, and to my poor little sensitive eyes is just another bit of permanent clutter.
So I've gone for magnetic ones that I keep stuck to the metal at the front of the cab door, ready for use when I'm at the port. I've got 2 just in case one gets removed/dislodged, not that they ever have yet.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HCHRQWP/?tag=eliteelect-21

Great advice thanks

 

[bullibuskombi]

We are taking our Cali abroad for the first time to France on the ferry Newhaven - Dieppe very excited. Would be great if anyone can recommend:
1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.
2. Any Pointers that we need to think about before taking our Cali to Europe? Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the EU ?anything else?
Thanks very much

You now need a UK sticker. I take out recovery insurance and have a sanef pass for the autoroute, much quicker at toll booths.

 

[westfalia]

anything else?

They drive on the other side of the road and speak a different lingo

 

[Hawthorn37]

I may get a slap for suggesting, but … as you’re arriving late, have you thought about a hotel for the first night? We’re doing the same trip later in the summer and booked a night in a hotel in Rouen that’s just off the highway, and about £55 for the night. Plus it says it has a secure locked car park.

Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Rouen Zénith.

 

[ardvark]

Dieppe has a couple of Aires right near the port. One on either side of the of the Harbour

View attachment 93135

Great intel thanks very much

 

[ardvark]

I may get a slap for suggesting, but … as you’re arriving late, have you thought about a hotel for the first night? We’re doing the same trip later in the summer and booked a night in a hotel in Rouen that’s just off the highway, and about £55 for the night. Plus it says it has a secure locked car park.

Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Rouen Zénith.

Thanks for this The thought had crossed my mind too !

 

[ardvark]

Waze is your friend in France. That’s the navigation app that most French people use and it will alert you of the speed traps. Pay attention as there are both fixed speed radars and mobile police units checking your speed absolutely everywhere in France.

Main national roads are especially confusing as most are limited to 80km/h but some let you go up to 90km/h.

Hence using Waze to take care of working out what speed you should be at + alert you of radars so that you can focus on enjoying the drive instead.

Thanks this is great

 

[ardvark]

Watch Speed limits carefully, lots fall foul, Remember headlight beam benders if your van doesn't have the option to adjust, take a 2 pin adapter for your hook up lots of sites in France still use these rather than the pin round one.

Most of all enjoy.

Thanks for the reminder ! Will have a rummage in the electric drawer!

 

[chockswahay]

I may get a slap for suggesting, but … as you’re arriving late, have you thought about a hotel for the first night? We’re doing the same trip later in the summer and booked a night in a hotel in Rouen that’s just off the highway, and about £55 for the night. Plus it says it has a secure locked car park.

Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Rouen Zénith.

Nah! Man up fer Chrissakes!

 

[Ozzy Pete]

We are taking our Cali abroad for the first time to France on the ferry Newhaven - Dieppe very excited. Would be great if anyone can recommend:
1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.
2. Any Pointers that we need to think about before taking our Cali to Europe? Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the EU ?anything else?
Thanks very much

Get the app “park4night” it will give you a good idea where you can stop near the ferry port. I would imagine that most campsites and hotels are closed for the night as it will be around midnight when you eventually arrive.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

Like most others have said watch out for speed cameras and plod with radar. There is only a tiny bit of leeway in France unlike in the UK 80 kph means 80 kph. With cameras you normally get warning signs but they can still catch you out.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I may get a slap for suggesting, but … as you’re arriving late, have you thought about a hotel for the first night? We’re doing the same trip later in the summer and booked a night in a hotel in Rouen that’s just off the highway, and about £55 for the night. Plus it says it has a secure locked car park.

Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Rouen Zénith.

We have done the same, but be prepared for the car park to be full if you arrive late for more central locations..in which case you might have to park in the street outside; We now do a quick google map search / streetview and choose out of town hotels which tend to have a larger carpark.

 

[Anthony1]

We are taking our Cali abroad for the first time to France on the ferry Newhaven - Dieppe very excited. Would be great if anyone can recommend:
1. a site at Dieppe as we will arriving after 23:00 to stop for the night before driving on.
2. Any Pointers that we need to think about before taking our Cali to Europe? Do we need a GB sticker now we are out of the EU ?anything else?
Thanks very much

Fluorescent jacket required and it must be kept inside van so it can be put on before getting out.

 

[yanathem]

I much prefer these.