Traveling to Denia Spain via eurotunel route
Hi, having been too late book a pet cabin for the crossing to Santander we are doing it the long way via the Eurotunel, January 2023.
I intend using the west of France route to hopefully avoid any snow but will still have snow chains on board in any event. I can't find any open all year round campsites on the route until I reach Spain. So am after some advice guidance regards using the motorway service areas to stop off for some sleep whilst on route.
I am hoping to get across France with the caravan with the minimum of stops and have Tours in mind for one of the stops.
Has anybody done this route in winter and where did you stop. Many thanks in anticipation
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How far do you want to drive in a day? I have never been tempted to go in winter, but it can be done to the Spanish border in two days though the daylight is short.
Calais to Tours - Camping les Acacias - is 322 miles.
Tours to Urrugne - Camping Larouletta - is 347 miles.Those campsites are open in January and are probably more cheerful than motorway Aires. Others will advise on crossing Spain as Denia is over 400 miles from the border.
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Many thanks, I was getting nowhere on google re open all year round sites. Back in March 2020 we drove continuously from Caceres to Calais when the pandemic cut short our holiday and Brittany Ferries cancelled our ferry from Santander. So the mileage for these two suggestions are good to have. I can see Camping Larrouleta is open all year round but I have emailed Camping Les Acacias as it unclear on the website if they are.
My next problem to solve is whether we can take the dogs dry food (Eukanuba, made in Holland) with us
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Camping Tours Val de loire is open mid October and i thought was open all year, but not 100 pct sure.
Tours to Urrugne - Camping Larouletta - is 347 miles
we do this journey and normally spend 2 days at Larouletta to rest up.
from Larouletta we go to Camping Aranjuez south of Madrid, site open all year, you just need to call day before arrival, if you book on line it is a minimum of 2 days,
Aranjuez to Denia, never done this journey, but google says it is 425 kms. some go via Zaragoza 423kms, did not like the municipal site but apparently it has been improved,
re dog food, we have continued to take all our normal stuff, worst case scenario is that it just gets confiscated, so, with this in mind hide 4 meals for your dog under bunks or somewhere where it is difficult to find so that pooch does not goo hungary.
would be more concerned re snow in Northern Spain rather than France, but this will be our first time to travel in January (90 days rule
)maybe out paths will cross
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I guess the “western route” is cheaper but the direct route is Reims, Lyon, Montpelier etc. Either way, any autoroute full services (with fuel etc.) will have ample space for overnight parking and also should have shower facilities. I have generally found that the toll sections are better, for example, on the A75 from Clermont-Ferrand south there are very few services. We have stopped overnight in services several times in the past, occasionally using the lorry area although you can get noise from refrigeration units. Unfortunately, it is often the case with the autoroute services that as you enter you have to choose the lorry section or follow the caravan sign and it can be impossible to navigate from one to the other!
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"Camping Les Acacias as it unclear on the website if they are"
somewhere in the back of my mind i remember staying at Les Acacias on our outward journey March this year, but the site was full of Ukranians, and when we tried to book for return trip site had been given over to Ukranian refugees.
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Camping Le Futuriste at Poitiers is open all year.
Its possible to get from Calais to there then down to Larrouleta at Urrugne if you do early starts and don't mind the long drive.
Other sites that are open is at Bordeux
If you check on UK Campsites and click on France, select open all year sites you should find more enroute if needed.
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Hi Barry Jones,
fwiw … I’ll share my recent knowledge …
Note to all - for Jan 2023 to Denia ?
We have towed (with our well travelled Terrier) from Leeds, Tunnel crossing, and then down to Northern Almeria, so we pass Denia, in January 2018,19. & 2020. We are keen to repeat in Jan 2023 for another 8 / 10 week overwinter again in the sun. You don’t say if you are overwintering / long term pitching ?For us, our 2023 routing / plan is to accommodate the practicalities plus to resolve & consider new & previous issues. We have found travel & arrive in day light is very very much preferable, France in January is usually grey & gloomy, short days and it can snow or freeze down in mid France. Strange sites with often quirky Winterised owners, dogs and us to exercise, shops closed etc etc.
Our plan will be …
Day 1 UK. Leeds - Folkstone. Animal Health Certificate - we will use Abbeywell at Folkstone again and arrange chip check & collection at 5 pm ish, pitch up prior (likely at Drum Inn) in daylight hours and also dog exercise before dark. Pub meal.
Day 2 France. After a predictably 1st night poor sleep ( strange bed) on the Caravan we do a prompt day light start for Tunnel and then a steady c.200 miles run. Previous attempts at routing longer distances with leap frogging down France at available sites ( there are quite a few) has led us though to follow this steadier common to many routing & sites.
Calais, Rouen, Evereux, Dreux area, there was or still is two fairly convenient acceptable sites - Camping Le Domaine de Marcilly at Basse (dog walk in forested site) or Les Etangs de Marsalin.
Day 3. Dreux, Chartres, onto Peage north of Orleans down to south of Limoges and on to Camping de Montreal at St German les Belles, again arrive in daylight. Nice us & dog walk around the lake - usually grumpy owner.
Day 4. South to Toulouse dog leg slightly towards Med coast park over toward Narbonne then south over Border to popular Camping L’Albera at Capmany again arrive in daylight.
Day 5. It’s then 375 miles for you then to Denia (500+ for us) so your choice but we will stop at Benicassim (3 sites).There are of course other options for stopovers & routes. We prefer the Med coast of Spain for milder days and often the orange blossom & sea views rather than central upland Spain for the sake of a few miles. We would not choose to stop at most Services or the Picnic Aires. We have and would though stop at Baie de Somme Services (Caravan & MH area) twixt Calais & Rouen which might assist in you missing out a night at Dreux Northern France if you do home to there on the first day. Early start & 2nd day down St German.
I would use ‘via Michelin’ for routing, distances and likely Cat2 Tolls cost.
Useful for reviews & details and other searches is UK Campsites with filtering.
The key often to finding sites is that they usually have bungalows, statics, full timers or workers etc and are open 365 days. Most of the municipal are shut mid winter for Tourers.
The CMC winter overnight site options in France is woeful as a resource. I have complained that they could / should be offering an overview of all sites open in Winter for travellers like you / us.
Hoping this might assist you or others.M
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Many thanks for that, we are planning an eight to ten week stay in Spain in essence wintering in the sun. We plan to leave home on The Wirral early Sunday 8th Jan (weather permitting).
The dog is booked in for her AHC on Friday 6th Jan with our own local vet. Have some rest before boarding the Euro tunnel train on Monday morning 9th Jan.
Once in France we will crack on to Camping le Futuriste, Poitiers for the first over night stop, second stop Camping Larrouletta, Urrunge and then on the third day head directly to Camping Los Pinos, Denia for a three week stay.
Next up will be a two/three weeks stay at Camping Sopalmo, Mojcar and finally a few weeks at Estepona.
Thanks for all the tips and camp site suggestions. All the sites mentioned will be new to us. Looking forward to exploring and meeting new friends.
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Small update to Montessa's route:
Day3 Camping Montreal now owned by British lady called Alison, far from grumpy.
Stayed on Monday on our way back from Spain, & ate in restaurant which was very good (she has also taken this over)
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Many thanks for that helpful update news. Nice new website also !
He was really at his miserable unhelpful best when we were hell towing back from Spain in mid March 2020 (the overnight big European lockdown), overnighting and chasing getting up to Calais.
He just refused point blank to get up any earlier and open the gates before 8am.
Will email site to confirm opening 365 still this Winter as much used prior.
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I have never towed through France in winter but have done the trip many times solo in the winter months and with a caravan in the milder ones. Let me stress two things; it can be VERY cold in inland France in winter so make sure you have Propane gas!. I remember getting up one morning early Jan when staying in a hotel near Chatres and it was -14 deg at 9am!! Next, the daylight hours are short at that time of the year. I note that on your first day in France you plan to drive to Poitiers, I see that this is 389 miles and could take you 8 - 10 hours, I don't do this distance in a day in summer! Where will you 'rest' before your tunnel crossing? Re using the A75; I would check the forecast to see if the road is ok, if clear I would not be put off this option. OK there are fewer service stations than on other routes but there are more than enough (I think at least 4 between Clermont and Beziers including Millau and Caylar). If you are looking for a night stop near Dreux there is a basic site there open all year round, fine for an overnighter, and we were able to stay hitched up making leaving in the morning easy - Camping Etangs de Marsalin €19 all year; we used it last month a pleasant owner who speaks English (02 37 82 92 23). I once drove solo in early Jan to near Denia; I used the Rhone Valley route with no problems but did not have to check on the availability of sites. As an aside, diesel in France is relatively cheap at the moment especially if using Total stations we paid between €1.50 and €1.64 a ltr, even on the Autoroutes, last month.
Whatever you choose, have a great trip.
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Just an update on diesel in France. For some reason the pricing is chaotic. On the autoroute in mid September it varied between 1.55 and over 2 euros. In fact we filled up on the autoroute cheaper than at a supermarket. Fuel prices on the autoroute are posted as you approach the services.
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Agree Hitch, exactly what we found in Sep. Total garages were always cheaper than all others so no point in using your Fuelpecker card!. About every 4th garage on the autoroutes are Total and, as you say, are well signed with prices.
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Many thanks for the helpful replies and tips. Distance doesn't faze me I used to drive HGVs so am used to long drags.
This will be our first time back abroad since the pandemic and Brexit. We are keyed up on the pet passport situation. The dog has had her rabies booster and is provisionally booked in for her AHC on 6th Jan I intend crossing on the 9th Jan so well within the 10 days period allowed. All subject to weather, if France is snowbound we will leave when it has cleared.
The dog food issue seems to be resolved, she eats dry food by Eukanuba which is made in Holland but will make sure she has some spare meals in case her food is confiscated.
I'm aware that no fresh or cooked meats, diary products can be taken abroad but presume tinned goods, cereals and sauces ( HP etc ) are still ok.
The loose plan is Travel to the Euro tunnel then use the West route through France, cut across Spain to Denia. Stay there for two/three weeks then head to Mojcar for another two/three weeks and then to Estepona and stay there for two/three weeks before making our way back to Calais and home.
Currently researching interesting places to visit and explore, we both like historic buildings, pretty villages, beautiful scenery, good food and good company.
I'm a keen cyclist so will be out most mornings for a 30/40 mile ride round the local area before returning for breakfast before we head out for the day site seeing.
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Top left of website states open all year. Listed on ACSI website as inspected annually.
Easy to get to from Autoroute at Tours, and large supermarche nearby, Leclerc I think from memory.
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Re dog food - Pediigree chum is widely available in Spain - but take the dry. Cereal mixer with you, or use yesterday’s bread! Give yourself time.on your first day out as there are sometimes delays on Eurotunnel
aranjuez site is close to the palace and the town centre - well worth the stop.
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So we got over as planned, here's some details of our current trip,
Day 1 Sunday 15th JanTotally fed up with the weather at home we set off for Spain. Taking my two best bitches, the wife and Lily the Labradoodle we were all set (so I thought) for a few months in the sun.
Staying at Black Horse Farm campsite in Folkestone the plan was to cross using the channel tunnel as early in the morning as we could. 300 miles chucking it down, good time to be leaving this green and pleasant but cold and wet land methinks. We made good time arriving just after 2pm. As usual my Lexus RX450h made light work of towing the 7.4 m Lunar Clubman. The fuel consumption as with all vehicles is dependant upon the speed you travel. At 60 mph I was getting 21 mpg, at 55 mph this increases to 26 mpg.
Day 2 Monday 16th JanSo 5am Monday we were up packed and off to the terminal. Now it's difficult when light for the first time travelling to an unknown location never mind in the pitch black.
Having taken the dog with us we had to take through pet screening, once sorted they managed to get us on the 7.20am crossing. Normally I’d have preferred to do the Portsmouth to Santander crossing however unless you book a January crossing as soon as the dates become available the previous June you’re screwed, Pet cabins are like gold dust and are snapped up as soon as they become available.Going through customs was straightforward once the dog had been our checks completed. The border staff checked the caravan. All they were interested in was the gas being switched off. No problems with the milk, cheese, bacon, eggs and other fresh produce in the fridge. Phew.
Travelling to Spain this early in the season presents a problem with campsites that are actually open in Northern France. The nearest one to Calais on the West side of France was Camping le Futuriste, Poitiers.
Leaving the Channel Tunnel a torrential deluge of rain that continued to fall for virtually all the 384 miles.
After a long and difficult drive, we found the site, due to the heavy rain we had to pitch on a service road alongside our allotted place. The staff at this particular site were not the friendliest.
Some minor points, since Brexit Sky Go, ITV X, BBC iPlayer no longer work in Europe for Brits. Netflix, Prime, Disney+, Paramount all work fine though but you need a good Wi-Fi connection to view. Whilst many will say they didn’t go on holiday to watch TV it does pass the time at night. No TV means finding other things to occupy the mind. I recall this being the case numerous years back, que two children in quick succession.
Day 3 Tuesday 17th Jan
After another long drive in the rain, 297 miles, we arrived at our second French site that was open, Camping Larrouleta, Urrugne. A very nice site at the foot of the Pyrenees, friendly staff reasonable prices, great facilities. WIFI is extra but 5 euros gets you 20 hours and it’s a strong signal so no need to use my data on the mobile. The area is spectacular the Pyrenees dominating the skyline, snow covered perhaps indicating what was to come. Thunder boomed in the distance. That night we had rain, sleet and hailstone which resounded on the caravan roof.
Day 4 Wednesday 18th Jan
This time we are on our way into Spain and it’s snowing. Up and over the mountains and through a number of long tunnels through the mountains. I have never actually seen snowploughs ploughing snow off the roads, today I did. Whilst beautiful I couldn’t help feeling dread that grip may be lost and the snow chains needing to go on. Fortunately, their ability to keep the roads clear despite a foot of snow falling was very impressive. Camping Municipal Zaragoza was todays destination. A mere 183 miles away.
We made good time and once set up were about to visit the nearby supermarket to restock, still cold though but sunny. Wifi on this site had previously been reported as good, it’s not. In fact, it’s none existent. Perhaps they turn it off during the winter season. Using the mobile as a hotspot it is.
Day 5 Thursday 19th Jan
Heading to Camping Los Pinos, Denia, 281 miles. Another early start and off we go again. By now we have well and truly reacquainted ourselves with the caravan and the method to quickly pack and be on our way. The Lexus RX450h is performing faultlessly. I can hardly notice the caravan on the back. On arrival we are given a good sized pitch, shaded which, in the height of summer would be an enormous bonus however it in January and still a tad cold.
Our intention had been to stay three weeks then head down to Mojcar. However, after six nights we decided to head much south instead and chase the sunnier climes. Camping Los Pinos is a family run site, excellent facilities and lovely friendly staff. Had the weather been warmer we would have stayed longer. The site is very close to the seas and there is an excellent promenade which runs directly to the town and a mile or so in the other direction. We enjoyed numerous walks along it.
I managed to get some cycling in whilst there. The area is a mecca for the pro cycling teams, we saw a number of them out training when exploring the area. A day trip to Moraira is a must recommended by a friend of my wife’s, Holly Eaton who now resides in Spain with her husband and children. What a lovely pretty place this is. On route we saw Team Totalenergies out training with no less than Peter Sagan and Edvard Bosan Haggen in tow. (You’ve got to be into cycling to know who they are).
We had some excellent meals whilst in Denia, top tip come away from the mariner to get great food at a better price. Plum for the plate of the day you won’t be disappointed.
Day 11 Wednesday 25th Jan
Up very early ready to leave the site as soon as the gates opened at 8am. Destination Camping Cortijo San Miguel, Nerja, 335 miles. As we left Denia the rain fell relentlessly, bloody hell we’d come away for some sun if we’d wanted cold and rain we’d have stayed at home. As we neared Nerja the temperature increased, sunny skies, things were looking up. We had booked 46 nights (45 days plus gets a 30% reduction on the price) we like Nerja and the surrounding area having been here on numerous previous occasions. Once set up on an extra-large pitch we headed into town for tea.
Day 12 Thursday 26th Jan
Admin day, a day to take stock and plan for the future. Holidaying in the winter has grown in popularity. The Pandemic has seen a huge rise in motorhome ownership and these people all want to use them. The sites are populated by Germans, Swedes, Dutch and Brits in the main with a smattering of Spanish too. This means having to book sites instead of just turning up. So today I set about sorting our onward campsites and if we could get a crossing from Santander instead of doing the long drive back through France.
Using the Caravan clubs brilliant booking service, I booked ferry from Santander for the 9th April Pet cabins are like gold dust this was the only date they had within the 90 days we are now allowed to stay in Europe. Next campsite booked Bella Vista out Estapona way for two weeks. Also the travelling back through Spain sites booked, one in Salamanca and the other in Burgos.
Having taken care of this we spent the day soaking up the sun. Whilst the official weather reports stated a temperature of 16 degree I can tell you it was 21 degrees from my temperature gauge. It’s fair to say that it is cool in the mornings and evening but lovely and warm during the day. You can spot the tourists a mile away. We are the ones wearing shorts and tee shirts. The locals are all dressed for the Artic.
Day 13. Friday 27th Jan
Up at 6am dressed and out for a ride, reacquainting myself with the mountain roads. Being January yes I did leave in the dark. A bit cool but no ice and dry. Riding in the dark can be very satisfying quite roads, still air and having the opportunity to watch the sunrise over the mountain tops. 35 miles ridden, back for a shower.
Over the next few days I managed to get another three rides in before disaster struck. A gear shifter component failed meaning a trip to the Local Bike Shop only to be told the part could take a week to arrive…bugger.
So I contended myself with some walking and dealing with the gas bottle problem. I had stupidly left the continental adapter at home in the garage, schoolboy error. After visiting a few hardware and gas supply stores I had an alternative EU compliant gas hook up. As at home if you purchase your gas on site it’s much more expensive than going to the supplier which in my case was 500m down the road Repsol. As I needed a bottle (no exchange with me) the total cost for a 11.5kgs one was 37 euro’s as opposed to 55 euros onsite.
Next thing to go wrong was the TV. The screen was just a mass of vertical lines. Checks online indicated that the main control circuit board was broken. New TV required. Now the choice was wait a week for one to be delivered. If you’ve got an Amazon account, you can actually use the Spanish version with your UK login details and it works fine. However, I decided not to wait and bought one from a large shopping estate near Malaga. Travel plug adapter to sort the plug in problem, sorted. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting an Avtex TV 32”, at £499 they aren’t cheap, perhaps from a caravan show it will be cheaper.
Electrics on Spanish sites are much lower in amps than in the UK. This current site in Nerja is 6 amp and they trip with regular occurrence. Too many van’s on the supply. Especially first thing in the morning when everyone is putting the kettle on. Even with low wattage appliances it trips. So you find yourself using more gas.
Day 22 Sunday 5th Feb 2023,
I can hardly believe this is the fourth Sunday we have been away; the days just fly by. We have settled into a routine, when I have my bike I’m up at 6am and back by 10 to 10.30. We have breakfast/brunch, sunbathe, read, head into town for some shopping, perhaps visit a popular site or go on a magical mystery tour. Things are quiet in Spain on Sundays. It’s a Catholic country and the traditional day of rest is observed. Although it’s more a family day here. Spanish families dress in their Sunday best, go to church then spend the day doing family things. Few shops are open but some of the bars/cafes and restaurants are.
My bike is still at the shop. I left it too late to phone them yesterday, it’s a half day on Saturday for them. It would just be my luck that they had fixed it on Wednesday but couldn’t get in touch. If you don’t use the +44 prefix for UK numbers, even mobiles, it doesn’t work.
I had a terrible nightmare last night. I dreamt Liverpool FC got battered by Wolves and Everton beat the league leaders Arsenal 1-0.
We had a lovely long walk into Nerja last night. In fact, we walked a little farther than we had intended. Poor Lily was knackered by the time we got back to the caravan.
Today was the hottest it’s been since leaving the UK. Whilst the official weather forecast says 16 degrees it is considerably hotter with bright sunshine. My tan is coming on nicely. So a day lazing in the sun reading. A leisurely lunch at 2pm all healthy stuff then back to reading. Time wise we are an hour ahead here so 5pm comes round quicker and G&T time it is.
I have sorted a VPN which has addressed the issues regarding Sky, BBC and ITV.
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Hi Barry,
Good to hear of your progress. Overland down through France in Mid Winter was again so dreary & wet but hear that the alternative early January Biscay Cruise was character building and very lumpy with land sickness to follow on for some. So refreshing to cross the border and arrive again at a dry & sunny Capmany site Spain with two days down the Med coast to follow.
We are now again settled near Villaricos, 10 miles north of Mojacar Playa, at our usual beach side over winter site. Thankfully the recent brief rain showers & breezy cooler days (12-14 !) have now gone. Do feel that SE Spain in Winter is almost perfect Caravanning weather, pleasant warm temperatures to sit & eat out in, daily blue sky and almost no rain or grey days.
We chose this trip to just leave the TV at home and went 100% online by Mifi / Nord VPN, O2 chip, iPad and the various online channels. In 4 weeks no issues and very pleased, we use an external receiver panel plugged into the Huawei Mifi to assist & improve signal input. Agree we have also found most site Wi-Fi strength awful & pricey and also open house to many communal woes.
Keep posting ….M
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