November sites around Calais
Why does it appear to be so difficult to find a decent campsite around Calais that is open in November.
Previously we stayed at Camping Bal and although not the best place in the world it was ok for a one night prior to getting the ferry back and the adjacent hotel had a great restaurant for a final French dinner. Now it seems they are no longer available.
Does anyone have any suggestions. Aires are a last resort.
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Les Erables at Escalles is open until the 11th November. Not brilliant on facilities but lovely view in good weather.
I believe Campsite La Fontaine des Clercs is also open but I haven't stayed there.
You will get more response if you post this in the foreign section.
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Doug. I’m sorry to hear that Camping Bal is unavailable, have you heard that it’s definitely closed? We’ve been using it on and off for over 25 years. As you say, it’s Ok for one night and there’s a great bakers and bar in Tournhem sur la Hem a few minutes walk away.
An alternative is the new municipal caravan site next the the Aire on Rue d’Asfeld, 62100.
Quiet, secure and near to the beach.
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Thanks for the response. We are needing somewhere for the 12th November before we cross back. I will check out the other site you mentioned and once again many thanks.
I have not used this discussions part before so I have no idea how to go about posting in the foreign section as you recommend.
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The club are not using Bal anymore and have tried an email direct to the owners but so far have had no response. I will give them until next weekend and if still no response then will try to phone with my best French. That should be a hoot!
Thanks for your help.
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Personally for me it would be plan B , which we used many times when heading home.
Dinner at Au Cote d'Argent restaurant by Calais beach, which has ample parking with a caravan right outside (but note the two evenings when the restaurant is closed) - then a late evening tunnel or ferry and a pre booked late arrivals site at Dover or Folkestone.
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Don't worry about the Overseas Section as I have already moved your post.
If it's an issue finding somewhere close to Calais would you have enough time to cross to the UK and stay at a site near Dover?
David
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According to their website Camping Bal's opening dates for 2019 are 1st Aprill until 31st October - and that goes for their restaurant too.
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David,
Thanks for keeping me right regarding moving the post to the overseas section. No idea how to do that!
Our ferry booking is booked for the 13th November at 10:45 and cannot be changed so we are after somewhere not too far away from Calais to enable a quick drive in the morning. We have had a few suggestions so far but even these are showing as closed on the date we require. We have not given up just yet but it is pretty poor that there appears not to be much at that time of the year.
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Le Bois Groult gets our custom every February, good little site,spotless sanitary block. Site yourself Melanie calls at your van approximately 17.00hrs,nowadays you can order French sticks and croissants for next mornings breakfast. If you communicate through their contact button on website its sometimes not the fastest reply(due to Melanie's work commitments).
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Camping L'Ete Indien at Wimereux near Calais is open all year
As is Camping Le Beaucamp at Ambleteuse
And Camping Municipal Les Dunes, at Bray Dunes, between Calais and Dunkerque.0 -
We live two hours from the tunnel but booked Black Horse one year. Driving along the motorway and approaching the Tunnel exit we both thought that it was daft to arrive at the site around 5.30 pm and twiddle our thumbs until bed time so we turned off and got the next tunnel crossing. Phoned the Club and got a refund, phoned Viviers Aux Carpes (two hours drive from Calais) to make sure it would be open and arrived there at 9.15 pm (summer time).
Its always nice to get into France if you can and be ready to set off next morning. Generally we got a late crossing with the caravan and stopped on an Autoroute Aire. Always comfortable with that option as I have said before on this forum but it doesn’t suit everybody.
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General - For what it's worth ......
We prefer to minimise our time in the Calais area so prefer Tunnel service.
In Kent Bearsted CMC & also Drum Inn can be handy depending on your dates & timings.
We have found the ACSI & 'UK Campsites' website have broad options & useful map / date site searches for France with other options to select - depends on which direction you intend to arrive or travel from or to.
In France in the Winter months period though there are reduced options, but still many, so for us minimal route diversion to overnight sites is the first priority. The CMC & CCC 'France in Winter' Site options listings are we feel very mis-leading to the true picture with huge areas of voids (where there are many sites open) and no doubt large wasted mileages & trauma for those following the club only lists.
In January we have stayed at (& reviewed) the acceptable La Fontaine de Clercs but not eaten out at the Village Restaurants. We have our own on board facilities to cook & wash so being & feeling safe + some ehu and we're usually fairly happy for an overnight.
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