France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. Highlights of 20 days travelling through south-west France. You must have at least 3rd party motorhome insurance cover for your vehicle. Wild camping for motorhomes in Spain (sometimes called free camping or wild parking) is generally tolerated away from busy beaches town and city beaches, and outside of national parks. The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. Many fuel stations are 24h on the main roads and are self-service with card machines. Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. In our opinion, southern Spain is the perfect European winter destination. Each of the . Motorhoming in France- Your complete guide - Wandering Bird Motorhome A gorgeous city, full of colour and atmosphere. GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. Either way, the destination is Abbeville where, just north of the city, you pick up the free A28 motorway, which takes you all the way to Rouen. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. Cross the A13 motorway and continue onto the free A154 motorway which soon becomes the N154, a fast dual carriageway, taking you past Evreux to Nonancourt where you meet the N12. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. You join the Poitiers ring northwest of the city and leave it just four miles later on the N10. head to that area to get some winter sunshine. There are also sites open at Tours and Bordeaux (two) if you are not making good time. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain. Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes: Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg). Discover France by motorhome - Camperstops France - Camperstop.com Very few, if any, shops are open on Sundays so make sure youve stocked up! A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. You can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system likeEmovis, which also covers you in France and Portugal. Undiscovered Spain & Portugal - GB Motorhome Tours b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. The motorhome route is shown in the map below. Europe's Must Travel Motorhome & Campervan Routes The festival commemorates San Jos, the patron saint of carpenters and is held from 15th-20th March every year. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. See Route guide - Calais, Rouen, Orleans, Clermont-Ferrand route Toll May 2022 ~ 85.20 Distance: 1162 km Driving time: about 11h. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. If you intend staying on the city campsite then watch for airport signs to go anticlockwise north, otherwise continue clockwise to the free A63 motorway. A selection of campsites for Christmas breaks Make the most of your motorhome this winter by relaxing at campsites that welcome you all year long, Campsite review: Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? your inbox. If youre looking for a longer holiday, just throw in some beach time! An unusual bit of good news for motorists ! Our recommended Spain campervan hire company is Indie Campers and they have depots in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Bilbao perfect starting points to see all the best bits as you road trip Spain. keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen). Dont forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here. Rent the perfect van, campervan or motorhome for a family trip, with your four-legged or two-legged friend. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. Bear in mind that you are more likely to find Spanish camping aires inland than on the coast. An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. If you're on an extended motorhome tour and time is no object, of course pottering south along the west coast of France and crossing the Pyrenees is a wonderful introduction to Spain. Its a long crossing of 32 hours, but does give you the chance to have a proper nights sleep if you book a cabin. It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organised, so make sure you start the process well in advance. I am a pretty competent driver and not nervous of driving in mountains provided the roads are sensible and not too narrow. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21. France Start and end dates until Erase dates Search. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. The area has hardly any mass tourism. Hi there! There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. Spain has certain days where driving is restricted. If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, heres what we recommend and where to find it, You can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to either Santander or Bilbao (both on the north coast of Spain). These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! The Ultimate South Island New Zealand Campervan Itinerary Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Rent a unique motorhome from a local owner - Goboony Also, many campsites put ACSI users on lesser pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). Buy the guide online and get full access to 24-hour stays. Just before Le Mans as you leave the village of Savigne-lEveque turn left onto a link road towards the A11 / A28 motorway junction. This route is available in the Campercontact app. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? This is our favourite route for a France road trip as you pass some incredible places (including some of the most historic places in France!). There arent quite as many aires in Spain as in France and theyre often a little more out of the way, but the network is still very useful and easy to use. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, its more cost-effective than driving through France. Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. 020 7084 6500. Seville is hot, steamy and so very Spanish! They also have dog kennels onboard but you CANNOT keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen). This road trip itinerary will take you to the major cities and best places to visit in Andalucia Spain, bringing the country alive. Water is regulated in much of the country, especially in the south, and many sites provide de-salinated water instead of potable. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. The best route to south of France? | The Motorhome Fun Club. If the weather is good there are two low altitude passes you can take instead. Hundreds of passengers stranded in Colombia, Peru as Viva Air grounded There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. Either way you end up in Pamplona. Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. Many places have a sign saying NO motorhome overnight parking, but you are fine to park during the day. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? The long road south - a motorhome route through France to Spain You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. Approved motorhome overnight parking places/ aires, Free approved overnight parking spots/ schemes, Dont try and wild camp on the coast unless youre somewhere REALLY remote (more likely to be allowed in the North and centre of Spain). Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. The Best European Campsites For Camper, By Campers. MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN DAY 1 Calais - YouTube Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. The best campsites for a holiday with your four-legged friend Editor's Pick - Top northern England campsites. The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard youll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Spain. Are you feeling a bit nervous about wild camping for the first time? Dont forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in Europe checklist below to help you stay organised and remember everything you need. You may take advantage of our 30 percent savings and free cancellation within 48 hours of planned pick-up to Pietermaritzburg or elsewhere in the world right now on autoeurope.com! The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. Yep. Things you need to drive in Spain- safety gear, Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in Spain, Motorhomes or campers with a total train length of over 12m. Whichever is your bag (and there is a lot of choice), if youre heading south in your camper in Spain for several months of the winter and a long site stay, make sure you book in advance! Itinerary by region. Generally, taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is much more expensive than driving through France (depending on time of year and type of cabin). You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. perfect campsite for your next trip away. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. Discussions | The Caravan Club There are speed cameras just as in the UK, and the Spanish (and other EU) authorities have been known to pursue Brits for non-payment of fines. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. If youre planning to stay to the north, youll need to bring warm clothing. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. Leave this in the inside lane and in just under a mile take the third exit signposted to Vernon. Continue on the N12, for another three miles and take the second exit. Use an app likePark4Nightto locate motorhome and campervan services. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! Its warm for one thing, and theres nothing like a little sunshine to chase away those winter blues. As you approach the Costa Brava, the various resorts are clearly signposted. stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. Dont try and wild camp in busy/ popular areas- like the Costa del Sol- unless youre visiting in the lowest of low season. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, tolls are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other in your motorhome. Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. We intended to do Callais to Biarritz area, cross the border through centre of Spain to Portugal. Check out our guides to travelling in France where you'll be sure to find lots of ideas and inspiration, get our 2 week motorhome itinerary France complete with a motorhome route map of France, or check out our French destination ideas. If youd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media. The types of built-in Flot Blu services like you find in France are few and far between. OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. The fastest (almost) toll-free routes to France and Spain Contains eBook, checklists and more. You join the bottom of the A10 motorway for the free section towards the city. You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. GEAR If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, heres what we recommend. The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Motorhoming in Spain in winter offers many benefits but be prepared as you may need to use your heating and will find it cools down as soon as the sun sets. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. Is there any other city throughout the whole of Europe that offers visitors a more diverse range of things to do than Barcelona? These zones are indicated with Area de prioridad residencial and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.). This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. If you are travelling between 15 October and 15 April and driving near the mountains, you will need to have winter/ all- season tyres and carry snow chains. Or, get to France any way you like and take a slow meander south using non-toll roads and spend some time exploring France as you travel. Petrol and diesel are widely available. Read more. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain A motorhome tour of Spain offers plenty of variety: from sun, sea and sand in the south of the country to green surroundings in the north. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws. There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. Some towns are making real efforts to combat this issue (one traces the poo and posts it back.how??) The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when you are planning your road trip in Spain. a motorhome route through France to Spain - Out and About Live (stuffed aubergine) when this mediterranean vegetable is in season and youll be blown away. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic. Dog poo is a real issue across Spain. Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. Ultimate Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer Tour | Trailfinders Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. READ MORE: There are some basic rules to follow whilst motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. Out of season, you can get over 60% discount on ACSI sites. If youre travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. Also campsites are often in remote rural areas and may not have hard standing. Motorhome Road Trip: Tips & Activity Ideas | roadsurfer A prosperous and cosmopolitan city with a great vibe. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander Planning to take your motorhome to Europe? Everyone should do this at least one Mont St Michel - one of the most historical places in France. In practice, this could mean towing your car while its fixed to a trailer, although there is ambiguity around this and differing advice can be found on the internet. Continue to Pont-de-lArche where you cross the river and keep going, still on the D6015, for 4miles to a round-a-bout. Motorhome routes through France France is the perfect place to plan a motorhome route, for example along the country's southern coast . The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days. Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. We are booked on the ferry to Bilbao and have 5-6 weeks. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Garmin Camper 760LM 7" - Lifetime Europe Maps Sat Nav - Camper/Motorhome/Caravan at the best online prices at eBay! Halfway between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, the Picos are a miniature masterpiece, 40km across and wedged between three great river gorges, the Picos are a natural paradise. Ducato named the "Best Motorhome Base of the Year" for the Twelfth Time If in doubt, you can always ask at the tourist office or town hall- many places are happy to allow you in their car park for the night. Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all! Is there a straighf. Brit Stops collects the best alternatives for parking and overnight stay in an easy-to-use catalogue, ideal for those who want to design their own route and depart into an adventure as soon as possible. Expect to show your passport or identification on arrival and many places require you to leave one passport behind the reception. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. You should now be in the right hand lane for the next set of lights. motorhome routes through france to spain Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Continue north from here to the cosmopolitan and must-see city ofBarcelona. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left returning back to the main road. With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. The tolls on this route will cost you an estimated 180; it could be more if you're driving a big motorhome of upwards of 3,500 kgs. ), If you are going to be travelling to Spain during summer, we highly recommend you have an awning- youll definitely need the shade and protection from the sun. ), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear. Menu Skip to . With a depot in London, top-notch customer service and all the equipment you need for an easy holiday, Spaceship offers the best deals for Europe. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN DAY 1 Calais 52,125 views Apr 15, 2018 173 Dislike Share Save Mark Davies 17.3K subscribers SPAIN or BUST! Sniff out the world's best dog friendly motorhome and campervan sites in Yecla, Spain. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. When it comes to the cheapest Switzerland car rentals online, Auto Europe . These are prettier than the coastal sprawl but the narrower winding roads mean no mileage saving and a longer journey time. Many roads have automatic speed cameras on in Spain and theyre quite happy to send tourists a fine through the mail. Ferrovial's planned Dutch move angers Spanish PM motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. Weve spent over 18 months travelling in a motorhome in Spain, and in this campervanning and motorhoming guide youll find lots of practical and helpful information. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. So dont walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you. What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? If you like to hike, head for the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, to hike the famousCircodeSoaso. The Valencia region passed a new law which came into effect on 8th May 2021, which prohibits motorhomes from parking or camping, unless in designated areas. You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website. Hi there, Im Kat. Northern Spain is mountainous and you can expect snow during winter- and it will be cold, even on a sunny day (just like in the Alps or any other mountain range.) From 28th September 2021, you will have to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle when travelling in Spain, even if you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag. For Spain motorhome rental best if youre travelling with a family or need more room check out Motorhome Republic, who have over 40 pick-up and drop-off locations in Spain, meaning you can plan a one-way drop-off, or access the bit of Spain you want to see really easily. ), Driving in Spain- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident, Other essential tips for campervanning in Spain, More useful things to know when motorhoming in Spain, FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE, best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain, heres what we recommend and where to find it. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). Motorhome Ferry Routes to Europe - Motorhome Insider Then you have two main routes through France to Spain. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need, Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed! Country information - all the info for your trip, Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact), Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. If youve been motorhoming in Italy, you might surprised to learn that aires are called Aires in Spain, just like in France (theyre called Sostas in Italy). Weparked for the nightat the top of the hill by theFranciscanmonastery where Columbus met Queen Isabella of Spain to successfully seek funds for his journey to the new world. Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- lets move on to overnight parking. Free time to explore Banff, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. Check out our post about driving from the UK to Spainfor scenic routes and destination ideas. Mileages where quoted are approximate, road signs in kilometres can seem very high, just remember 50km is 30 miles, 100km is 60 miles, etc. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when youre there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots weve stayed with our motorhome. Motorhome Routes Through France. If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. Rent a motorhome between individuals. Motorhoming through France means that you are totally flexible as you road trip France, and you can either have a fixed plan and route all mapped out or you can travel along and decide where to go as your whim decides. Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still realising the repercussions and getting used to how it affects travelling in a motorhome. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate.