motorhome routes through france to spain

I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. This gorge is spanned spectacularly by an 18thcentury arched bridge andtall housesperchprecariouslyalong itsedges. You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? 020 7084 6500. Motorhome Chat quick route through france to spain sophiekins Dec 6, 2017 1 2 Next S sophiekins Free Member Mar 5, 2014 6 0 canary islands Funster No 30,404 MH low profile Exp since 2007 Dec 6, 2017 #1 hi all I'm new subscriber here be gentle !!. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. The driving time from Caen to Irun is around nine hours in a motor home, and tolls will cost somewhere in the region of 170 in tolls, although expect more if you weigh over 3,500kgs. Route 2 is straight south from Calais, skirting around Paris and then down to Clermont Ferrard and Perpignan on the A75 (which is largely free from tolls). Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. Get MMM for just 2.99 a month! Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. The Peaks of Europe, so called because they were the first landmark to be seen by sailors of old on approaching the continent, are well worth a visit. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . This is one of our favourite Spanish national parks, for its dramatic landscape and fantastic hiking. Thanks. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. If youre driving from the UK to Spain (well cover that shortly), you need to allow the time it will take to drive through France to Spain (and back again!) These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021 a new law requires that a. Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers). Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. 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. If you want a different pitch, you will be charged a supplement which often wipes out the benefit of the ACSI card, so pick smaller sites for the best experience. Inland and in the Spanish mountains, nights can be chilly and in the north, you may well see snow. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. 20 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you 1. 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). We stayed several nights at thisgreat spot,perfect for getting the bus to the start of the hike and then walking back from the end, via the bar of course! The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. 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. The motorway becomes dual carriageway at the citys edge and drops down through a tunnel. Dont forget, if you are driving through France to get to Spain, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country. We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. To find out where to stay during stage 5 - click here. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. The most famous of these is the Mezquita; the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever built by the Moors which is now a stunning Cathedral. Hi looking for ideas of routes and caravan sites. Visit La Rbida to see the amazing full-scale models of the three ships in which Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic to discover the New World. Over many years we have not found a sensible alternative to bypass Rouen, they either add too many miles or progress is frustratingly slow. However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. Free delivery for many products! A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. Spring and autumn are wonderful times for a Spanish road trip from March until June will get you wildflowers and near-perfect temperatures, warm enough to swim in the sea from May onwards from the Costa Blanca south, and only a light top needed in the evenings. 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!). A motorhome tour of Germany offers incredible adventures. Okay, it's winter and may be raining, or worse, but you get to visit towns and tourist sites without the summer crowds. Spain is not as finished as you might be used to. The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). Read our blog post about hiking in the Ordesa Valley here. 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. A perfect and peaceful escape for you and your touring caravan, motorhome or tent, or you can purchase your Editor's picks - ideal campsites for Christmas holidays. Our pick of the best campsites for a family holiday Editor's Pick - The best open-all-year campsites. You might find these posts helpful: See all our Europe motorhoming posts here, NEED GEAR? If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. As you can see very little time difference between the routes. 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.) Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so. In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping autopista(motorway) and autova(dual carriageway) to yourself. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Spain has certain days where driving is restricted. Read on to find out all you need to know. 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. Service is usually included in the fixed price, which can range from 10 to 18 or possibly more if youre in a big tourist city. ), 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. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). This comes in at 474 miles and a traveling time of 8 hours and 4 minutes. When it comes to the cheapest Switzerland car rentals online, Auto Europe . Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. The best campsites for a holiday with your four-legged friend Editor's Pick - Top northern England campsites. Many places have a sign saying NO motorhome overnight parking, but you are fine to park during the day. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. The letters pages suggest some of you are not convinced about using them, I simply suggest, give them a fair trial. and washdown areas. In 15miles you can either turn onto the A660 towards Arcachon and the coastal beaches or continue for another 13 miles when the free A63 suddenly changes back to the N10. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. 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 If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you: Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being demoted to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. Driving around Spain in a campervan is generally safe and easy, but be mindful of smaller towns without by-passes if youre in a longer vehicle. Day 3 - Chteauroux to Roullet Saint-Estephe. Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastien. Of course, Spain is a classic summer destination, and it can be CROWDED, especially at the UNESCO world heritage sites in Spain and on the beaches. Pump colours are green for petrol and black for diesel. Motorhome Tour to Spain Part 1 - Powering through France with some sadness. Driving the Vrsic Pass Slovenias spectacular mountain road, Car crash or road traffic accident in Europe- what to do, Reviewed Best Wales Motorhome sites (& campervanning in wales tips! Menu Skip to . The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. The load must be indicated by a. Visit to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. The quickest motorway routes from France are the E70 to northern Spain (the route continues to A Corua in the northwest) and the E15 to south-east Spain. Now that BREXIT has happened and the UK pet passport scheme is no longer valid, you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate before you leave the UK. Our motorhome beginners resources have everything you need from helpful printable motorhome checklists and easy guides to taking your first motorhome trip. Its a long crossing of 32 hours, but does give you the chance to have a proper nights sleep if you book a cabin. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? Broadly speaking from the UK you have three options. We havent travelled any further than the south of France and as were working at the time we used the motorways. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. Bike Road Trip With Road Cycling or MTB Tours. This route is by far the fastest, and it ensures that you can make the entire journey through France without needing to stop at any point if more than one person can take to the steering wheel. The magical French Brittany 2. Very few, if any, shops are open on Sundays so make sure youve stocked up! Even in the middle of summer. Just before Le Mans as you leave the village of Savigne-lEveque turn left onto a link road towards the A11 / A28 motorway junction. If youd like to avoid campsites and aires, but dont want to risk staying off-grid, there is a scheme which connects business owners to people motorhoming or campervanning in Spain, called Espana Discovery. Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023, Motorhome Wild Camping Your Complete Guide, Madrid in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, How to Live the Van Life in Tarifa, Spain, One Day in Seville Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Cordoba in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, One Day in Barcelona Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Best for campervan and motorhome hire UK to Spain >>, The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips, or menu of the day. Our award-winning customer service team . Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these; Sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spain ports of Santander of Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you want to depart) is the only way to avoid France. The age-old conundrum about the best route to Spain in a motorhome from the United Kingdom is whether to pay for a long ferry crossing or pay for fuel and tolls doing long miles through expensive France. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. Yep. When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. Turn back under the main road, across the round-a-bout and at the next take the first exit on the D401. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. The Gorges d'Hric in Southern France brings our Vanlife diaries to the most dramatic destination where river pools and waterfalls await. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! Bear in mind that you are more likely to find Spanish camping aires inland than on the coast. If you prefer to stay on campsites, few are open in winter, so your route and driving time will be dictated by those that are. Incredible mountain views from Banff Gondola. Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce, but it is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. You should now be in the right hand lane for the next set of lights. If you're planning a UK campsite stay then visit our Campsite Finder, with over 5,000 campsites to search you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitchup to in your Motorhome. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. At the bottom of the N10 you can either continue on the A63 toll motorway, or take the D810 towards Bayonne, Biarritz and the Spanish border. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. The map below shows the main towns and cities of Spain, and the main road network. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. 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. Set a mile from the north Norfolk coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kelling Heath is an environmentally aware 300-acre holiday park offering a wide range of activities for all the Yorkshires largest motorhome and campervan show returns to Harrogate, with indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. Of course, the downside with any book is that it goes out of date, but dont worry if its only a year or two out- most information about aires wont change too much. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. Most hire companies allow their motorhome rentals to be taken overseas, including our recommended hirer, Spaceship Rentals. READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome. This first link is an award winning database about France. Order a Cerveza pequea (small beer) for 1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in Len and literally have your dinner for nothing! All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. When planning a motorhome tour of Spain, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where youre going (and how long you have for your road trip!). En route you will enjoy lovely landscapes, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and breathtaking views. From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing motorhome road trip in Spain. 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). theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. The trade-off is the Costas where traffic ramps up and tailbacks are frequent. Park your campervan, set up your mountain or road bike, fill up your water bottle, and get exploring! If youre driving in Spain, you need to carry the following documents: Most UK citizens do not need anIDPto drive in Spain, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!). New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? Spain has a number of different languages. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. At the A16 junction turn right towards Boulogne and stay on this free motorway for 24 miles to junction 29 just before the peage. Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory). We recommend you dont drink this water and also clean out your motorhome freshwater tank thoroughly before refilling it to get rid of the particles found in de-salinated water. All rights reserved, Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners, Our favourite motorhome & road trip gear, (Already purchased a guide or course? READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. See all our dog travel and road trip tips, Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything, Language There are several local variations of Spanish. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. Head to Zahara de la Sierra and follow the spectacular CA-9104 road to Grazalema, which climbs to the Puerto de Las Palomas (Pass of the Pigeons), at 1180m its a spectacular drive and worth the fuel to get there this is what motorhoming in southern Spain is all about! On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . The area has hardly any mass tourism. 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. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. Get the permission of the landowner if possible. 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. which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. This is one of the quickest motorhome routes through France to Spain and is the cheapest from a toll perspective. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. You can find out more information here. Go out along the coast in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board if you can, and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water, an abundance of sea life, wired rock formations and hidden sea caves. head to that area to get some winter sunshine. 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. 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. You can find out more informationhere. Reception at the campsite will give you more information about the Metro and explain the different types of tickets. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. You join the Poitiers ring northwest of the city and leave it just four miles later on the N10. Go straight on and in just 500 yards take the slip road towards motorways and Evreux. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. Day 2 - Gron to Chteauroux. Andalucia is our favourite place for motorhome holidays in Spain, full of life and dramatic contrasts between sparkling turquoise seas, verdant green mountains and arid desert landscapes. Spain uses the Euroconnector adapter. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. Basically we need to get past the Pyrenees and driving over the inland passes in winter is risky. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. At 35 a night, this is without doubt, the poorest value-for-money motorhome campsite site we have ever stayed on, although our research suggests its the best motorhome site in Madrid! From here to Bayonne is 256 miles but its a fast dual carriageway virtually all the way with only Bordeaux having heavy traffic. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. From here either turn towards Ainhoa to cross the border, or continue on to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port where you enter Spain and climb to a 1,000m over the Ibaneta Pass. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities Many shops close on Sundays. Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. If youre not sure, read, Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle, be yellow in the centre with a red outline, Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address), Green card (get from your vehicle insurer), a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Spain with your motorhome, Driving in flip-flops or open-backed shoes is illegal, Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you might want to change the setting on your sat-nav). 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. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers; Nothing changes with your passport, but from November 2023, the EU will introduce theETIAS(European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the travellerregistering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes. TOP TIP: If youre planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. From castle to castle along the Loire 6. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. With short breaks, and sharing the driving, we usually arrive at the overnight stops around 4pm (ish) after a 7am (ish) crossing, and after leaving Poitiers around 9am. If the weather is reasonable we can recommend a few nights stop for some cycling or beachcombing. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. The beautiful capital city of Spain has to be visited. Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating . We will tell you more about nine selected places on this route. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. The new decree aims to level the rules whether youre in a motorhome or tent but there is some acknowledged ambiguity around the wording, you can find out more inthis article. 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. If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. You can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system likeEmovis, which also covers you in France and Portugal. You may want to consider asat navorsatellite navigation appwhich can be configured to your motorhome camper size and weight. You can find out more about them here, Some of the bigger cities in Spain have environmental zones which only residents are allowed to drive in. Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates. 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. The D810 runs almost parallel with the A63 past Biarritz and St Jean de Luz to the French border town of Hendaye with its Spanish neighbour Irun just across the river. Here's a classic setup on a campsite: shaded by trees, bikes strewn, card games underway! In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. You will be almost unaware of crossing the border at Irun, watch for the Espania sign, and turn south on the N121 a surprisingly fast road wriggling through the mountains to Pamplona. On roads where there is no pavement so that vehicles and pedestrians share the road: 20 km/h. The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. Join our email list here and get access to our FREE resource library. Some larger sites or those run by corporates will have a fixed number of ACSI pitches which will have EHU but no water or drainage. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe, especially if youre planning to be away for more than a few weeks. But let's get down to practicalities. your inbox. If youre planning to stay to the north, youll need to bring warm clothing. Expenses of the 10-day route through French Brittany by motorhome In total, this trip that we have made in a motorhome has had 1000 uros of cost for the 4 that we are in the family. With great routes across Europe, its easy to drive to Spain by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle. 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. Ferry Crossings - Top Tips Winter Motorhome Trip to Spain. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. ), Motorhoming in Germany- everything you need to know, REVIEWED: Best Motorhome or Caravan TVs (How to choose), Reviewed: motorhome Essentials every van needs. Motorhome wild camping in Valencia is no longer permitted. such products do not require refrigeration before opening. Many people will go to church but it is the extended family lunch, hosted by the matriarch, which is the most important part of the day.

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