Arriving too early for site check-in.....what to do?
First timer here, and I have identified my first mistake.
We travel on the Plymouth to Roscoff overnight ferry, just the two of us and doggo, in a smaller single-axle caravan.
I failed to consider the Roscoff arrival time of 0800hrs and the check-in time for our first site, Sandya, Le Ranolien, Brittany, which is 1400hrs and only a short distance from Roscoff.
I have explored if I could check in earlier, but there's no flexibility - I will have some time to kill.
Practically, we could use this time well, maybe stock up on groceries, exercise the doggo and have some lunch and still be at the site close to opening time.
Ideally, I'd like to have some plan before we go, which is why I am posting this question.
I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Mark
Best Answer
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Generally I would agree that on Autoroutes and similar roads there are plenty of opportunities to stop ( can get crowded at lunchtime) but it looks as though the OP's route will be mainly on the D786, I have only used this road once but found that it's quite a slow journey and I wouldn't want to rely on finding somewhere to stop for several hours with a car and caravan.
Supermarket car parks are certainly a possibility, near Roscoff there is an easily accessible Leclerc at St Pol De Leon, there will be others at Morlaix and Lannion but I don't know where they are located. Some have height barriers - check on Google Earth.
You could try looking to see if you can find somewhere to park at the port when you arrive and then walk into Roscoff, it's not far and it's a pretty little town. BUT parking for a car and caravan is very limited.
We often arrive at sites in the morning, before reception closes for lunch, and have never been turned away but we tend to use smaller individually owned sites, may not be the same with Sandaya.
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Answers
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No personal kowledge of the area but Google Earth might be of help in identifying parking areas? You can trace the route from the ferry to the campsite. Also look at the campsite on Google just to check what the parking is like at the campsite,there may be room to wait outside.
David
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I do not know the area, but it looks like you have about a 1-1/2 hours drive to the campsite. It would be very unusual in France not to find convenient lay-bys on this journey. Looking on Google Maps your route would take you along the D786. There seems to be plenty of places to stop by the beach at Plage de Saint-Efflam. Have a look at Google Maps and perhaps someone who has toured this area can come up with better suggestions.
peedee
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Thanks the suggestions, but I don't want to roll the dice on the day and find somewhere, without a steer.
I can see that some Super Us have MH parking spaces, which could work.
Having never travelled in France, let alone towing, I'm trying to negate some of the inevitable dramas caused by my ignorance.
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Two options. Change your ferry or change your first night site. But do talk to Ranolien and ask what flexibility they can offer you.
We would use the overnight ferry on a Saturday night from Plymouth - it dawdles across and arrives at 1015 so time for a leisurely breakfast on board before going ashore.
Then we would pull in to Camping Le Bois de la Palud at Plougoulm - no barriers, no strict arrival time, no staff there till the lady arrives at tea time. But the site is closed till mid June so that might not help you.
It’s a lovely area and I hope you enjoy your visit.
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Mark, driving in France is a joy. You will have no problem finding somewhere to pull over and break your trip. The major/toll roads have excellent Aires with ample parking, toilets and park benches. Even the smaller roads have them, with the added benefit of the usually large petrol stations offering fuel at good prices and lots of parking.
Colin
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