Good places to stop off with caravan

Tim Gaffn
Tim Gaffn Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited May 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi, I'm relatively new to caravanning but just about go the hang of it from several trips in the UK. We are going to La Rochelle this summer and whilst have been before, never with a Caravan in tow. We would like/will need to break the journey and wondered
if anyone had any advice on good stopping place which won't rely on my somehwat shakey manouvering skills to get in and out of!!!

Also, suspect this is a stupid question. When on the ferry overnight is there anything I need to do re caravan connection to prevent car battery running down or does fridge etc only pull power from the car when the engine is switched on? Any advice on driving
with caravan in France would be welcome, ides around convenient refullling etc? 

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #2

    Hi Tim, If your car is wired up correctly its battery  should only power the fridge when the engine is running, but if in doubt disconnect the plug while you are on the ferry.

    Now which ferry, where do you arrive and what time ?  Then some of us can suggest daytime and/or overnight stops. Good luck with the adventure 

  • allanandjean
    allanandjean Club Member Posts: 2,401 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #3

    As mentioned if you are concerned about the battery just disconnect. There are a number of options re stops but need to know arrival port and route. You could fill up before leaving and then just get what you need to reach your destination whilst en route.
    As here supermarkets are cheapest but, for ease of access, the Autoroute and main road filling stations will be best and also the easiest places in regard to paying as many supermarkets have automated systems.

    There are many places to get info but we use; 

    http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/

  • DJG
    DJG Forum Participant Posts: 277
    edited May 2016 #4

    Do not worry the worst thing is the drive in the UK. Once in France you might feel that you are the only one on the motorway, as they are so quiet compared to roads in the South of England. I just fill up on motorway service area, your sat nav should tell
    where fuel is and how far to nearest one, but if you are on holiday don't spent time trying to save 10 pence on fuel. 

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #5

    Some people avoid the Autoroutes for cost reasons (tolls) but my advice to anybody new to caravanning would be to use as many as possible. They are fast, spacious and safe but best of all there are stopping places (Aires) every few kilometres and the Aires
    nearly always have specific caravan bays; if not, use the lorry area. 

    Travelling on N roads stopping can be a problem so plan to look out for a place 15 minutes before needing it. You shouldn't have to manoeuvre but it's just a question of finding somewhere that is big enough and preferably set slightly back from the road.

  • Tim Gaffn
    Tim Gaffn Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited May 2016 #6

    Thanks all for your helpful comments. I agree on the toll roads. last time we travelled on it we did 100km on cruise control so empty was the road.

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