January/February French Mediterranean coast
I am fully aware the weather cannot be guaranteed at this time but do know that some Dutch and Germans overwinter in southern France.
Anyone with experience of having done this?
I've been looking at sites all along the Med coast.
Comments
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The weather is better than UK, Crissy, but there are few campsites open. One possibility is Camping de la Baie at Cavalaire sur Mer which opens in mid March. We're looking at it as we've been unable to go to Spain. It's been one of our favourites for Spring and Autumn in past years.
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This campsite at Biot near Antibes used to be open all year. Might be worth a check to see if it still does. Not directly on the sea as a railway line in between so should be more sheltered. Walking distance of shingle beach, supermarket and railway station.
David
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You may well find yourselves a little lonely! As hinted at, most sites close over the winter period so some detailed research will be needed. We lived near Beziers for a number of years and found that the villages on the coast tended to shut down over the winter. Sete was quite lively and Meze still offered lovely fish restaurants. Don't expect hot weather! You may well find that you will get some bright sunny days with temperatures of 16 deg+ but the night temperatures will be low - below freezing if away from the coast as we were. It can rain VERY heavily at times! Can't comment on the Riviera area; however, it is well known that Menton has a micro climate.
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Thank you for the replies and information. I know about Le Vieille Ferme David as someone I know has been going there every February and March for the last three years, only had to stop for personal reasons. Lots of Germans and Dutch there over winter. She loved it there.
But very expensive. Cheaper to rent an apartmen or house!
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I think that 150 years ago the Victorians went to the French Riviera in winter because there was nowhere else they could sensibly go - but now there are so many other alternatives. And alternatives to spending the winters in caravans and motorhomes.
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I admit I hadn't thought of Arizona. My photo above was southern Thailand, but some of you must be watching the latest Marigold Hotel programmes in Kerala, southern India.
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Crissy, my suggested site at Cavalaire sur Mer has the benefit of being in a seaside town and port which is residential and thus the cafes and shops are open year-round. The site is populated in low season by Dutch mainly, it has its own restaurant and bar, and is within walking distance of the high street, the port ,and the casino.
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, Err !! Plane fares ,taxi fares ,property costs , !!! I'd stay with my wheels ,and tour Europe thanks .YES Menton does have a micro climate ,and is open all year .Close to the Italian border too ,for some diverse shopping and visits ,(lived there for 8/12 years .)
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So if it.'s got to be Spain in winter rather than southern France.... the fare for Car plus Caravan and two people on the ferry to Spain is about £900 return and takes 24 hours.
Long haul air fares for the same two people to somewhere exotic is also about £900 , and only takes 12 hours
I've been accused of sneering. I'm just suggesting alternatives.
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Arizona would be my idea of hell, as it was for my cousin, who having lived there for 6 years moved back to Texas 18 months ago!
We went to Spain inJanuary this year. Im not saying we didn't enjoy the experience and While I can understand why some people like it, sorry , not for us. IIt was like coming home when we crossed the border in mid February.We headed straight to a rather "rustic" site at Le Boulou And spent 3 nights there. Had a great time visiting the. Market and Argèles which I loved!
6 weeks is long enough for us in the caravan. Mid January to the end of February. Loved the slightly lighter evenings. Not looking for weather to lie on the beach, English Bars or a 3 euro breakfast. Just somewhere to relax after Christmas without ice, and snow and the occasional meal out.
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Whilst we've never stayed in Cavalaire sur Mer, usually being nearby in La Croix Valmer and shopping in Cavalaire I can happily imagine being there in the spring. Especially if restaurants and bars are open.Would be interested to know if any of the bars at Debarquement beach in La Croix Valmer are open in March. It's a pleasant walk with a lunch stop in either direction between the two. Btw it's been 19 degrees in La Croix Valmer today!
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No experience of France during winter but I can tell you that every single French motorhome appears to be on the Algarve at the moment
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If we did want to go in Spring we'd be at La Sousta, by the Pont du Gard. Been before in March and it is wonderful. Don't think there is anywhere to beat Provence and the Gard/ Garrigue in Spring.
We used to go to Cavalaire In summer many years ago. Loved it then. Not as much as St Aygulf though. ☺
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