Going to France - what can't you live without?

[rustytop]

Perhaps this post is applicable for all long trips.

We're just about to do 10 days in the Loire. We're going with bikes, and a working gas fridge, a leisure battery and the other basics of a Devon interior but no awning, and no 230v connect up. Just two adults on board.

What can't you live without when undertaking a long trip?

Rustytop

[andisnewsyncro]

That's pretty much all you need, have fun

[T'Onion]

You will find all you need over there , I noticed that most of the bigger supermarches have an English area ,so you can get yorkshire tea and spam ( I kid you not) , it a bit like tesco's having the polish section.
Its only France not Norfolk that your going too

Have you got the 'all the aires' book ?

Best thing is to take a big smile and very little plans ENJOY

[Titus A Duxass]

You only need money.
Just enough to buy loads of wine and food.

[ronsrecord]

Its only France not Norfolk that your going too

[rustytop]

Yorkshire tea - now there's a thought

Not got the Aires book yet but will be on order today. Anything else?
Rustytop

[Flibbertigibbet]

spare headlight bulb kit
beam benders if RHD
Hi viz vest for driver and all passengers
warning triangle
All paperwork relating to van ie insurance docs, m.o.t. driving license
passports

Guess you can live without them but the Gendarmerie will not be happy

[Ralf85]

A Micehlin large scale atlas and a decent camp site book either Michelin and/or AA, as you may wish to shower and possibly eat out. If you are going to the Loire region visit the wine co-operative at Vendome if you are in the area. It produces local medal winning wines that you can taste and the prices are reasonably low. It is closed all day Mondays and between 12 and 2.00pm. Have fun.
Patrick

[woodmonkey]

cork screw (tirez bouchon if you do)

[sandwedge]

mozzy nets for rear and slider, doors open on hot nights, you maybe ok in the area your off to.

[tetleysid]

As someone said there are legal requirements you need to follow or risk an on the spot fine, usually around 90 euros
Also someone said, "its only France" ... true but its also a whole different culture/society so expect some embarrasing moments if you are not "au fais"
I can recomend the La Rochelle area highly . in particular the islelands, they are an adventure within an adventure, lastly, Bon route.

[Ian Hulley]

If you try doing a search I posted a list of the spares you may wish to consider collecting. Hopefully none will be neccesary BUT if you're reasonably handy with the old spanners they could prevent you becoming stranded.

Ian

[anaconda]

You only need money.
Just enough to buy loads of wine and food.

What he said!

Surely part of the good stuff is doing food shops over there, preferably at a few markets and maybe even a winery or ten.

[tetleysid]

Apologies if this has been covered already ................

1 Torches & batteries
2 Sleeping bags & pillows
3 Gas bottle (full)
4 Washing kit eg toothbrush etc.
5 Maps, ferry tickets etc.
6 Table & chairs.
7 Camera, phone & chargers.
8 CD's, cards, games or whatever.
9 Pots pans & cooking utensils.
10 Driving licence V5 Insurance & mot etc. ( In France you must have these on your person or face an on the spot fine).
11 Spare bulbs & a few vital spare parts belts, points etc.
12 A few tools & a pack of spare bulbs.
!3 A starter pack of food.
14 Suitable clothing including waterproof gear if you are not going too far south
And lastly a sense of adventure.

[psychonaut]

Yorkshire tea - now there's a thought

The most essential item on any camping trip!!