Possible first timers
Coming up to retirement and thinking of going to France for the first time. When researching places and ease of going it feels like Motorhomes are more favorable than caravans?? Am I thinking this is right or wrong?
Answers
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We have toured in France with both. From April through to October both are well provided for. Through the cooler months, the number of sites open that caravans can use drops off rapidly, whilst MH’s have the advantage of being able to use the extensive network of Aires. From a personal point of view I much prefer touring with the MH, because they are able to use Aires as well as standard campsites you are literally spoiled for choice.
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Having had both and spent, in the past, many years touring in France and beyond I think a motorhome is more convenient. In France we tended to use campsites, old habits I suppose? But at least with a motorhome you have the choice. Having said that I do think on how you will use whatever unit you decide here in the UK as the parking provision for motorhomes is no where near as good as on the Continent. BTW are you completely new to this or are you just weighing up which would be best for you?
David
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Hi Nigel, My advice? Stop thinking and stop researching. Put your paperwork in order (passports, insurances, bank cards and all that) then just go.
There are campsites a plenty - all grades, all sizes and all prices. Things get busy at some sites for a peak season of about six weeks but in June and September you would not have any difficulty of touring without reaservations at all. For caravanners the beauty of the widespread provision of motorhome Aires in France is that campsites are less busy than they ever were. Here’s a photo example of a good quality site near Royan I have posted many times.
Be bold and go Good wishes to you.
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I think it all depends on how much time you intend to spend over there and whether you want to spend most of your time on one or two sites . If you are just going for two to three weeks a year, and only intend staying in one or two places then a motorhome might not be the best option but if you intend to tour extensively then a motorhome would be better. Motorhomes are king over there and are well provided for in most countries especially the major destinations of France, Germany and Spain They far out number caravans. I have toured with both and in retirement much prefer a motorhome even though in this country, sadly, they are not so well provided for..
peedee
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Many years ago, we stayed at a campsite just outside Royan, and your photo looks very familiar. I just can’t for the life of me remember the name of the site. Quite a big site, with a large swimming pool, a short (ish) walk through a pine forest avenue to the beach.
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Good guess Freddy, but it’s 2 or 3 miles inland, so it was empty because that’s too far for motorhomers to walk to the beach - so they were are all at a tarmac car park near the sea. We were sitting in the evening sun, they were inside their vehicles because the sign where they said no outdoor chairs and tables. I would never want to holiday like that in France with a motorhome.
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We were sitting in the evening sun, they were inside their vehicles because the sign where they said no outdoor chairs and tables.
Can’t say I have ever noticed that. Yes the signs are there but I have never noticed anyone taking any notice of them to the extent of not sitting / eating outside. Plus I wouldn’t want the OP to think all Aires are the same. The picture below was taken on an Aire.
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There are specific motor home sites in France and provision at tourist sites is better but as Steve says it depends how you intend to tour. If you want a day here and two days there a motorhome is probably better as less packing, hitching etc.
If you intend to stay for several days on one or two sites a car and caravan may suit you better as you can use the car as needed to go to places where public transport may be the only other option. A bit horses for courses depending how you tour.
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