motorhome routes through france to spain

This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. Okay, it's winter and may be raining, or worse, but you get to visit towns and tourist sites without the summer crowds. In under a mile the road forks; if you intend staying on one of the coastal aires follow the D940; otherwise the D901 via Montreuil is faster. You are literally over the road from the old town and within 5 minutes, you will be at the Mezquita. Free camp in the car park atCoripefor the Via Verde de la Sierra, a really stunning ride. Seville is hot, steamy and so very Spanish! Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; Also, many campsites put ACSI users on lesser pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. Day 6 - Bordeaux. Menu Skip to . 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. Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. Bear in mind that you are more likely to find Spanish camping aires inland than on the coast. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and its best to check with your provider to make sure you dont run up a big bill. 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. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities You will find some petrol stations with additional facilities for motorhomes, like waste disposal, water (NOT always drinkable!) 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. Hi we plan to take a trip to Spain and Portugal for two months starting the third week in March. Mercadona, SuperCor and Eroski are similar in price and quality but do not carry the range of goods you would expect in a UK supermarket. The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Are you new to motorhoming? Dont forget you will need snow chains and make sure you have fitted all-weather tyres. READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21. The non toll free route from Calais to Basel is via the A26 motorway and the A4 motorway. Tipping Service is usually included in a restaurant, but do check. If you wait until youre at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much! Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. "LongRoadSouth. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. Basically we need to get past the Pyrenees and driving over the inland passes in winter is risky. Journey along the loneliest road in America. Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating . There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. You can ask for a different pitch, but will usually need to pay a supplement which wipes out the ACSI discount! 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 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 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. Spanish toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced. Read more. If you are road tripping in Spain, then visiting Seville is a must, follow our Seville one day tour here! It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. 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. 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. If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. 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. 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 !!. Most trucks will have taken to the motorway but the road is still quite slow through a continuous urban sprawl. Try a dish like. If youre looking for a longer holiday, just throw in some beach time! You are allowed to cross a white line to overtake a cyclist AS LONG AS nothing (not even another cyclist) is coming the other way. The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. 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). Most of them have some sort of discount- some are as little as 10/ day, including electric. Unless you are in an absolute dive or the service is dreadful, it is expected that you will leave a tip, usually around 5%. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. Leave this in the inside lane and in just under a mile take the third exit signposted to Vernon. A prosperous and cosmopolitan city with a great vibe. What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. From the stunning Alps, the Black Forest with its gorgeous romantic road, to medieval cities, fairytale castles and magical Christmas markets this surprising and interesting country is a must-see road trip destination for campervans and motorhomes. 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. At the A16 junction turn right towards Boulogne and stay on this free motorway for 24 miles to junction 29 just before the peage. Park your campervan, set up your mountain or road bike, fill up your water bottle, and get exploring! Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. You can find out more informationhere. Weve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much. The huge highlight from this route is crossing the Millau Viaduct in your motorhome or camper- its well worth the experience. 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 bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Road surfaces are generally pretty good and, unlike France, they try to avoid 10,0000000 road works on a bank holiday weekend. ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. No- wild camping is not permitted in any of Spains National Parks. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? del Corregidor). It is not a fight breaking out or a lovers tiff, its just everyday conversation! If you are driving a motorhome or campervan in Spain and towing, and the overall length is more than 12m (which would be one large motorhome and trailer! A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. Then read on for all our top tips and practical advice about how to wild camp in a motorhome and get off the beaten track like an expert! If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! Stay at Camping As Cancelas for easy access by bike or foot into the historic centre. Perhaps its because there are several options, or perhaps because theres a mountain range in the way, but its something which gets asked over and over again in Facebook groups and forums (feel free to join our motorhoming Facebook group here). 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. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Italy. Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. If youd like to get FREE motorhome and road trip checklists, you can find them here. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. We parked and stayed at the Municipal Camping Car Parking (1 Av. As you approach the Costa Brava, the various resorts are clearly signposted. The route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. View Larger Map. ), 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. From the Cote dAzur to the deserted and tranquil interior, France is the perfect place to spend a summer in your motorhome. 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 Camping Los Escullosis a great site, which is situated in the national park, close to Los Escullos beach ( a good spot for wild camping on the beach in Spain) and a couple of really good hikes. Dont forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. 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). (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. Avoid cities if youre driving in a motorhome- many of them are too crowded and the streets are just not cut out for large vehicles. Either way, travelling through France to Spain could be the perfect European route for you. Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! Motorhome aires in Spain are not as plentiful as in France but they are out there! The Arige in the heart of the Pyrenees 4. which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. . If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left to bring you back, through the commercial area, to the main road. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. Travel by the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. Motorhome Tour to Spain Part 1 - Powering through France with some sadness. To take your motorhome from the UK to Spain you have a basic choice: either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay to Northern Spain, or take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry to Northern France, and drive across France to the Pyrenees. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. Many people move on after. This road trip itinerary will take you to the major cities and best places to visit in Andalucia Spain, bringing the country alive. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastien. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. Many fuel stations are 24h on the main roads and are self-service with card machines. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. In Bordeaux, the center of the famous wine-growing region, you will immerse in French cuisine and culture. 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. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. 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. You can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system likeEmovis, which also covers you in France and Portugal. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. Peaje or AP is a toll road. 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. If you're planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to check out these great campsites to stay at Our selection of the best campsites for exploring wonderful Wales With two coasts, Devon is the perfect county for a beach lover Editor's Pick - The best campsites for families. We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. Of course, you can always drive down one route and back up another! For a more authentic Spain, head to inland rural areas away from the Costas and enjoy everything the mountains and gorgeous interior cities have to offer. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Spanish campsites range from very basic camping spots in fewer tourist areas to full-on touring stops where people pitch up for six months and want entertainment every night, direct access to a sandy beach, three different bars to choose from and a covered, heated pool. Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking, Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it! - Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes If you've got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf. Inland and in the Spanish mountains, nights can be chilly and in the north, you may well see snow. Rent a motorhome between individuals. Dont forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in Europe checklist below to help you stay organised and remember everything you need. 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. 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. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. You will need to get a worming treatment done by a registered vet before you leave Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.Sandflies, fleas and ticks are common in Spain, so get a collar or treatment which protects against these. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. Vegetarian or vegan food can be hard to find outside of bigger towns and cities. Mealtimes are revered in Spain, as much about the time spent socialising at the table, as the food. Continue on the N12, for another three miles and take the second exit. campsite news, special offers, availability and much more direct to 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. Exit at junction 29 and drop down a hill. Its warm for one thing, and theres nothing like a little sunshine to chase away those winter blues. Autopistas are marked red on the map and they will have the letter P next to the number, Toll-free motorways are marked with the letter A and are marked blue on the map, Main routes /dual carriageways (green on the map). Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! 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. So instead turn right on the N12 towards Alencon, leave most of the traffic behind, and enjoy the mainly fast dual carriageway for 34miles to Mortagne-au-Perche where you turn south. If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. 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. ), you might find things a little quieter, certainly with British vans. Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being more popular because of the warmer climate (butaneis more suited to milderweather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures). Most of the aires included in this route have paved parking suitable for poor weather and are close to village or town centres for shopping and restaurants. We use, 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways/ autovias and many dual carriageways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary roads (out of town)- can increase to 110km/h to overtake, 50km/h (31 mph)- on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, 30 km/h (19 mph) on roads with one lane in each direction, 20km/h on small lanes where road & pavement are the same level. Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. but in others it seems to be accepted as the norm. Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard's Bistro. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. Destination. We intended to do Callais to Biarritz area, cross the border through centre of Spain to Portugal. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. 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. This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK into Caen or Cherbourg. Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. Then, after a few hours' driving, its nice to stroll around where we've ended up, which brings us to the issue of where to stay. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. But of course there is much more to see along the way! ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). In the short term, this is fine but you may want to clean out your fresh water tank with a high-pressure hose once you have moved away from this part of Spain due to the sediment found in desalinated water. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0d3bb0083595b6364da5d620cb66011" );document.getElementById("fe07b4a206").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre going later and youre in a popular town or city, expect to wait for a table or book. Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (If you do need an IDP, heres anin-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permitand which one(s) you needfrom a UK post office. ), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm.