Calais blockade by French drivers 5th Sept
although I'm aware there are numerous posts on other threads about Calais, just wondered if others who use that crossing today and in next day or two, could report their experiences re the proposed blockade by French drivers along the A16. We are due to
travel Wed 7th Sept and it's not clear from news reports if the blockade is just 24 hours or longer. I'm wondering whether to book an alternative route, as They are threatening major disruption along the A16 between Dunkirk and Boulogne.
Comments
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Yes, looks a bit of a minefield over the next day or two. It is possible to exit the port of Calais on normal 'N' roads without having to touch the autoroute, and hopefully the port authorities will be directing people on to those routes if they actually
sail at all. Similarly it's possible to get to and from Eurotunnel without using the autoroute.However, my thoughts are with anyone caught up in the blockade today. Unfortunately the French aren't doing themselves any favours by adding to the negative impressions people are now getting about using Calais!
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Absolutely - and worrying in terms of what will happen in the future. Numbers are well down in France this year, (from all nationalities apparently, not just less British visitors) and it concerns me that sites will close, and there will be less choice
especially at the lower priced end of the market.0 -
As said we can only hope that the effect on people travelling now will be bearable.
I also hope that one knock on effect will be that people do consider other routes for their travel which they may have dismissed, or not even considered, up to now.
For caravanners the Brittany Ferry routes can attract great savings as part of an ITX package, the distance to their ports are often less than to Dover and you avoid the M25 car park. Was chatting to a couple at a local market on Saturday who went to the
Dordgne from Cornwall on the Shuttle and had not even considered the Plymouth routes due to 'cost'.0 -
Was chatting to a couple at a local market on Saturday who went to the Dordgne from Cornwall on the Shuttle and had not even considered the Plymouth routes due to 'cost'.
If they are motorhome owners I can fully understand this. I looked into using this crossing in 2014 but the costs in August were horrendous compared to using the tunnel even though it was 300 plus miles to Dover.
peedee
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Peedee is right. Even though I live a mere 25 miles from Plymouth ferry port I could save money by driving from Cornwall to Dover. That would probably save me £200, though I would have to contend with motorway traffic, the chaotic situation in Calais and land us sleeping in a French car park late at night.
Or I could save about £100 by driving to Portsmouth and going on the just before midnight Economy boat to Le Havre - and even cheaper if I settle for a reclining seat or sleep on the lounge floor.
Or I can pay full price from Plymouth, go on board an hour or so before Pont Aven sails, leave an overnight bag in a cabin and about 7.30 pm. ask the waiter for a window table in the restaurant and start reading the menu.
Thursday, this week.
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Or I can pay full price from Plymouth, go on board an hour or so before Pont Aven sails, leave an overnight bag in a cabin and about 7.30 pm. ask the waiter for a window table in the restaurant and start reading the menu.
Thursday, this week.
But you would have to leave you dog/s in kennels or in the van and if you are not a good sailor, pray for good weather. If I lived close to a port, that and my destination may well influence my choice. The only ports I have not used are Plymouth and Poole and for me, when travelling east, the convenience of the tunnel, wins hands down no matter what the destination.
peedee
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Dogs, Peedee? There are still one or two of us on here whose holidays don't revolve around dogs. Eccentric I know.
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As said we can only hope that the effect on people travelling now will be bearable.
I also hope that one knock on effect will be that people do consider other routes for their travel which they may have dismissed, or not even considered, up to now.
For caravanners the Brittany Ferry routes can attract great savings as part of an ITX package, the distance to their ports are often less than to Dover and you avoid the M25 car park. Was chatting to a couple at a local market on Saturday who went to the
Dordgne from Cornwall on the Shuttle and had not even considered the Plymouth routes due to 'cost'.I don't want to highjack this thread but can you explain what an ITX package is ? and what diff it can make to the ferry price ? thanks
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BirderBilly, ITX = Independent Tour Excursion = a package of ferry plus campsite, or ferry plus camping cheques, sold by this Club on certain routes on certain dates, at a limited range of campsites, and sometimes at remarkable value. . Talk to the ladies at Club HQ travel department to ask what they can offer you.
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David if you book an ITX over the phone you only have to purchase 3 Camping Cheques so an even bigger saving!
I booked last week and was told it's now 5 Cheques minimum, or 7 for the price of 6.
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Thanks all that is interesting, so in your example David the ferry has actually cost you £287 minus £105 i.e £182 (which is a huge saving) - assuming you can use the camping cheques. Which begs my next question what does a camping cheque get you ? a nights
site fee ? or a certain amount off ?0 -
and just to follow up can you only get ITX on BF ? what about DFDS etc ?
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Birderbilly, you phone the Club travel office and ask for a ferry fare by itself or for a ferry fare with some Camping Cheques. Compare the two prices. Some you win, some you don't.
A cheque will give you a standard pitch for two people + electricity + one dog for one night - but you are limited to campsites which are members of that scheme and limited to the dates that each of those campsites has set.
More info on the camping Cheques website.
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