Overnight stops in France - A88/A28/A20

derekbarrier
derekbarrier Forum Participant Posts: 14

Am planning to drive from Caen down to the Dordogne, using A88/A28/A20 motorways,  towing normal touring van.  End May, returning latter part of June timeframe.

 

Have not fixed precise timings as yet - but would appreciate any advice on good overnight stops en route.

Ideally close to the motorway, and easy reception hours that allow one to exit reasonable early in the morning, and allow one to book in reasonably late in the afternoon/early evening.

 

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #2

    Arriving at Caen early morning from the overnight boat?  or at 1500?  There are good overnight stops all the way but it does depend what time you are setting off. Take care.

  • derekbarrier
    derekbarrier Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited February 2018 #3

    No sure of timing as yet.  Overnight to Caen quite likely,  (or arriving at 9.30pm  is cheaper but suspect that there are no overnight options then??)

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited February 2018 #4

    Most of us use Bella Riva on the outskirts of Ouistreham which opens up for the ferry which gets in about 9.30. Would need to know what time you are going to arrive in order to suggest appropriate overnight stops.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2018 #5
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited February 2018 #6

    Whoops! Yes, sorry. I meant Riva Bellaembarassed

  • derekbarrier
    derekbarrier Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited February 2018 #7

    Thank you to those who have given detail on Rica Bella  -  great.

    What is the earliest time can one depart in the morning - any idea please?

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #8

    Departures from 0630.

  • Bob55
    Bob55 Forum Participant Posts: 29
    edited February 2018 #9

    I would choose Poole-Cherbourg depart 8:30 am arrive French time 2pm good m-way type roads (free) A84  off at exit 30  N12 to Ernee, onto Laval  (avoid the m-way) take normal road on to Angers good stop over at Maine du Lac book in advance and number plate recon  if arrive late. I do this in 4 to 5 hours towing  twin axle. Next day follow trunk roads to Poitiers then on Limoges meet A20   It worth paying the only road toll on the last section A20 if heading to Sarlat area (approx. £2

    Return trip again via Angers stop over as the evening ferry back to Poole departs 6:30 pm

    Hope this helps

  • indoors
    indoors Forum Participant Posts: 222
    edited February 2018 #10

    We when living in France used the overnight crossing both ways. We are now back in the UK and visiting the Dordogne, out on Thursday  afternoon 31st May boat and driving down A88/A28/A10 to services Nr Poitier for overnight, we'll then take a steady drive down to Castelnaud next day.

    Returning via a couple days at Camping Municipal Argenton les Vallees and Camping des Rochers des Parcs at Le Fey Nr Clecy, Ideal and close to Caen for early morning returning 18th June.

    Enjoy your trip derekbarrier, but do not do as I was going to and book online, telephone the C&MC office and book asking for Camping cheques ( I saved £300-00.)

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #11

    We too use the Riva Bella site (now ACSI) when getting the day crossing to Caen.  It is very convenient and you are usually able to park up with caravan attached to car; reports are that the toilet blocks are now refurbished  The next morning you are fresh and ready to hit the road.  There are plenty of places to o'night on/near your route and I would just see where you get to at say 4pm and look for a site.  Returning via Caen just have your last night at Riva Bella, maybe look at Pegasus  Bridge and enjoy a nice seafood meal in Ouisterham.tongue-out

  • lagerorwine
    lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
    edited February 2018 #12

    We are staying at Riva Bella after the afternoon ferry. Then using the A28, A88, A20 we are hoping to overnight near Limoges (300 miles), at an Acsi site - either Camping Uzurat or Camping Leychoisier 

  • Cartledge
    Cartledge Forum Participant Posts: 267
    100 Comments
    edited February 2018 #13

    We may differ from others but have done Portsmouth Caen overnight many times. Leave home at lunch time, we have a good picnic in the car while waiting to board so dont eat late, arrive early morning in France with the whole day ahead for a relaxed drive. Overnight at les Acacias site in Tours (about half way to Sarlat and places) and another relaxed drive to Dordogne next day. 

    On the return we overnight at Tours and return via Oustreham late afternoon next day.

    Personally, overnight at Ouistreham and thence to Dordogne next day is too long a day for us.

     

    Hope whatever you do goes well.

    Peter C.