Advice...camping trip to France

Post by **mwheatley** » 17 Jun 2008, 14:45

Hi All,

We are off on a 3 week trip to France in August & I would like to get any advice on offer regarding what to take, both for camping & mechanical eventualities!! I have paid for belt and braces RAC European cover, even covers the trailer & contents (join a VW motoring organisation and quote memb No. to RAC to get the 90% surcharge for 16yrs+ old vehicle, it got my quote from £247 down to £120!!!!).

I have seen in the Wiki there is a section informing you of some things to take (breakdown triangle etc), but all other information offered will be useful.

Thanks in advance.

Matt

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jun 2008, 17:36

very useful book so that you don't always pay out for expensive campsites

Post by **mwheatley** » 17 Jun 2008, 17:56

Thanks Louey, that looks very useful.

Matt

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jun 2008, 18:07

Where are you thinking of heading when you are over there?

Post by **mwheatley** » 17 Jun 2008, 18:33

We're planning on heading south, Dordogne area, for the first week, or 10 days then over to southern Brittany for the 2nd week, then maybe Normandy for the last bit....or home for a divorce

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jun 2008, 18:54

mwheatley wrote:....or home for a divorce

that happens if you choose to take your mistress instead

Post by **08Kev** » 17 Jun 2008, 19:07

We stayed in a nice campsite in the Dordogne called Le Capeyrou, run by a Dutch couple, right next to the river, hired canoes, they will take you up river about 10 miles and you paddle/drift back down again, fantastic day out. also great for cycling if your taking bikes.

Post by **plurker** » 17 Jun 2008, 20:12

I came on here to post exactly the same thread! We're heading to Dunkerque on 7th July (Norfolk Line) and then southwards aiming for (with luck) Venice until the 28th. 1st long trip in the van (after 4 years ownership!)

My list so far is the following, please add on anything i've forgotten

Legal necessities to drive in France:
1 x warning triangle
1 x hiviz jacket for each person travelling
1 x spare bulb kit

Essentials for van maintenance / in case of need:
Haynes manual
trolley jack
footpump
tow rope
some lengths of water hose
cable ties, jubilee clips, gaffa tape
jump leads / charger pack
fan belt
ratchet straps / bungies
vulcanising tape
tools - full socket set and variety spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, snips, hammer
tent (in case van needs to go into garage for any time)

Other:
1st aid kit
a selection of fuses and electrical wire
maps
guide des aires de services

guide des campings
french dictionary
5 gallon petrol tank
oil

and put the number for JustKampers in the glovebox - they deliver to campsites in France

Post by **mwheatley** » 17 Jun 2008, 21:09

Now Mr Plurker, that is just the type of answer I wanted, thank you very much. We are going on the 26th July, Norfolk Line again to Dunkirk, so you will be gone before us. But if I think of anything I'm taking that isn't on your list I'll let you know.

Good luck.

Matt

Post by **plurker** » 17 Jun 2008, 21:27

Well perhaps we will pass on a road somewhere as we'll be heading back to Dunkerque on the 26th (my birthday

)

Bonne chance a toi aussi Matt...

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 20 Jun 2008, 19:19

Hey Plurker, if your off to Venice take some mosquito nets and repellent, Mosquitos don't normally bother me but I was covered with over 200 bites and Carrie ended up in hospital, they were the most vicious little G*ts. Theres only one selected parking place for motorhomes in Venice and its damned expensive for an over night stay. We stayed on it for one night while waiting for the ferry to Greece and it turned out to be a nightmare and absolute mistake. Venice is a lovely place but cross over to the mainland at night, there are plenty of sites on the mainland approach to Venice.

Post by **plurker** » 24 Jun 2008, 22:15

thanks angeloevs, good advice there re mossies, i'll stock up on citronella b4 we get that far down!

just got in (11pm) after lacquering the cooker unit - gonna be pushing it to get the van ready in time i think. good thing i love the smell of fresh paint ans varnish!!
all good though, it's all good

Post by **Ivor Brownun** » 25 Jun 2008, 22:03

polarity checker for your 240 hook up and a French to UK adapter is needed on some sites for your hook up.

Post by **ding-dang-dhu** » 25 Jun 2008, 23:24

mwheatley wrote:Now Mr Plurker, that is just the type of answer I wanted, thank you very much. We are going on the 26th July, Norfolk Line again to Dunkirk, so you will be gone before us. But if I think of anything I'm taking that isn't on your list I'll let you know.

Good luck.

Matt

We are going on the 25th....same crossing at 2am. hopefully we will not see you because if we do, it means something is wrong with the van

Post by **joker** » 28 Jun 2008, 06:47

plurker wrote:I came on here to post exactly the same thread! We're heading to Dunkerque on 7th July (Norfolk Line) and then southwards aiming for (with luck) Venice until the 28th. 1st long trip in the van (after 4 years ownership!)

My list so far is the following, please add on anything i've forgotten

Legal necessities to drive in France:
1 x warning triangle
1 x hiviz jacket for each person travelling
1 x spare bulb kit

Essentials for van maintenance / in case of need:
Haynes manual
trolley jack
footpump
tow rope
some lengths of water hose
cable ties, jubilee clips, gaffa tape
jump leads / charger pack
fan belt
ratchet straps / bungies
vulcanising tape
tools - full socket set and variety spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, snips, hammer
tent (in case van needs to go into garage for any time)

Other:
1st aid kit
a selection of fuses and electrical wire
maps
guide des aires de services
guide des campings
french dictionary
5 gallon petrol tank
oil
Errrr you forgot "BEER"
and put the number for JustKampers in the glovebox - they deliver to campsites in France