Free campsites in France?

[T+T]

Hey guys, it's nearly time for us to set off on our europe trip!! jus 5 weeks to go!! weve booked our ferry crossin dover to calais, I was just wondering if anyone could recommend any free campsites nearish to calais for our first stop over?? Any suggestions would be helpful!!

Cheers
T+T

[mikestef]

Dont know of any campsites,but a friend told me that you can park up in France without causing a fuss as long as its just for one night.He has done this and always found the french very camper friendly.Have a good holiday!

[andisnewsyncro]

Get the book about Aires, or have a search on here for info & what the book is called, also look into the "France Passion" scheme; where various local producers, farmers, vineyards etc alow a couple of nights at their places in return for trying to sell you something - not generally a hard sell, but a bit of wine tasting never hurt....

Have fun
Andi

[Vanda]

I bought the France passion book from http://www.vicarious-shop.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , they also do the Aires book. Looks like there are a good half a dozen places places (farms?) to stay not far from Calais. You need to buy the book in order to get the map, details of the places involved in the scheme and a sticker for your van.

Haven't tried it out yet, not going to france until August, but looks like a great scheme and I'd be interested to hear about any experiences people have had using it. i think Andi said he had friends who'd used it last year.

[andisnewsyncro]

Well remembered Vanda, yep 2 friends who are full timers use the France Passion scheme a lot whilst travelling through. Caught up with them a couple of weeks back and they have a lovely brandy and wine cellar at the moment

Generally it's a very relaxed set up apparently, maximum of 2 days stay iirc, and often in the middle of nowhere so make sure you're set up for wild camping, self sufficient. We're certainly to going to give it a go next time we're over there.

Have a look at http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/Forum.php I think there's a few threads on there with recommendations etc. It's perhaps more aimed at bigger motorhomes, but they do accomodate the likes of "us lot" and a lot of the basic info is the same, regardless of the size of your van

Andi

[dearjohn]

Hi, We have stopped a few times in rural areas, when we were lost basically, and never had a problem. Often good wide grassy areas along little country roads. Just dont park in front of a field gate, as clambering naked into the drivers seat to move the van at seven in the morning, while a farmer looks on from his tractor, is no fun at all!
Clear up after yourself, and get to the nearest village before the bakery runs out of chocolately bread. Enjoy
Nigel

[T+T]

Thanks guys, we hav heard of the France Passion scheme and were thinkin of maybe giving it a go, it sounds brill, only prob is we're only plannin of passing through france for a week or so so dont think we're gonna need a full book of sites lol. not heard of the Aires one but will def hav a look at that and the other forum. Nice to know that the French are pretty relaxed about over night parking too, we might just try that.

We'll let you knw how we get on
T+T

[sarran1955]

Hello,

I live in France, and would make 2 suggestions.

1) On French motorways there are service stations, (Aire de service) with fuel and resto.every 40 kms , and Aire de repos, 25 kms, long lay bys for night halts, usually unlit,. with toilet facilities. These are free. Avoid lorry areas as they do not sleep all night.

2) Many French towns have a 'Camping Municipale', usually of 2 star standard, and very economical, being run by the local council. Avoid big tourist towns, and you can come across some amazing places. There is always an inexpensive restaurant nearby, try the local specialities....I doubt that you will be disappointed!!!!!

Cordialement,

[T+T]

Thanks thats really useful and the local restaurants certainly sounds tempting!! Can't wait to try them out!!

T+T