A Few Tips For Your First French Trip

very good of you to take time to do this thread respect gonna store this somewhere for future reference cos when i want it i wont find it
thanks for a great read learn t loads
ps just subscribed to the thread hope that stores it where i can find it again
 
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Cracking thread, well done for typing that lot out :idea: We go over regularly (school hols) and its very true if you try to speak their language they will help. :wave:
 
artheytrate said:
That's a great post sky, very helpfull indeed, we'll be going over to France for the 4th time in July, have managed to wangle a month off work as our wine stocks are near rock bottom.

John.
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Are you going for potters John? We always have potters hols and wondering if to go to France/Germany this time?
 
lotty said:
Are you going for potters John? We always have potters hols and wondering if to go to France/Germany this time?
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Hi Lotty we are going last 3 weeks in July and first couple of days August, total 1 month. I was thinking of retiring early in June(18months early) but have thought again as I'm in a really well paid job and would be silly to give it up early, but then again tomorrow I might think differently.

John.
 
artheytrate said:
Hi Lotty we are going last 3 weeks in July and first couple of days August, total 1 month. I was thinking of retiring early in June(18months early) but have thought again as I'm in a really well paid job and would be silly to give it up early, but then again tomorrow I might think differently.

John.
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1 month, nice. :fun:
It's a difficult one retirment int it? You want to get away from work to travel and enjoy yourself but need the cash to do these things! :juggle:

Lotty
x
 
Thanks for all your kind comments and PMs everyone - I'm so glad it has been of use to you and you found it interesting.

Personally, I thought it was a bit long-winded, but it would seem you disagree. :D
 
When someone such as yourself is willing to impart information that aids others in their pursuit of motorhoming abroad then I think VERY few will call your post long-winded.
Thank you so much for the information.
I have been before but only a day or two passing through to Germany. (Family there).
 
A really good posting.

You had much better reception than I did at Vicarious Books - their attitude must have changed since I called in - about 2 years ago. They were definatley not happy to serve me, (I spent quite a lot of money as well) although they eventually did - telling me that the they were internet based. At the time I decided that they weren't going to get my custom again, but will try them again.
 
A good newsagent in France often sell aires books, and work out cheaper 12 euros I think I paid. All alphabetically listed by department along with a map.

Channa
 
Oh dear, that's a shame. I found them very friendly and helpful.

Maybe they'd just dealt with an awkward customer and weren't happy to see another one so soon.
 
What a great post! Thank you so much Sky for putting in all the effort to share this with us. We're also thinking about braving the Continent one day and a post like yours is very reassuring and motivating, especially as it was all new to you too when you set off. I'm with Gemani2... after reading this thread, I want to set off right now! :)
 
An excellent post Sky. I have travelled a lot in France but I still enjoyed reading it. It will serve as a very useful guide for those contemplating going over the water. Its my favourte country by far.

Im very interested to hear that you spent the winter there. We have only travelled in France between April and November and have often wondered what a winter would be like there. Everyone says that Spain is the place to go but I just cant get on with Spain. Never liked the Costas and I gather the weather anywhere else in Spain is not great.

Where did you stay in the really cold months and what has the weather been like? How did you get on finding water as I gather most of the taps are turned off. I presume emptying wasnt a problem and did you find that most of the Aires left the electric on?

In November we were in Brittany for the last leg of a six month tour and most places we had it to ourselves which suited me fine.
 
Inspiration!

Thanks for this, being solo I keep agonising about heading into Europe, this is just the sort of article to provide encouragement, many thanks for taking the trouble, just the right tone for me!

If you like your books, how are you on John Steinbeck? Apart from the famous 'Travels with Charlie', have you read 'Cannery Row' (probably my fave book ever), plus the second half, kind of follow up 'Sweet Thursday'? A good man I think.... you will know of 'Of Mice and Men' and 'The Grapes of Wrath' no doubt, another fave for me is 'The Moon is Down'. His attitudes seem to fit with roaming around.....well a few thoughts as a thank you for your artice....NigelT
 
barryd said:
Where did you stay in the really cold months and what has the weather been like? How did you get on finding water as I gather most of the taps are turned off. I presume emptying wasnt a problem and did you find that most of the Aires left the electric on?
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I spent January and February in the Poitou-Charente region (some great lakes for fishing with big car parks and Aires nearby). The weather has been warmer than the UK, with my coldest night down to -7. It's been quite wet and the few snowfalls we had were very short lived.

Water has never been a problem. I found a few Aires had turned off the water, but no problem with electricity. Once I'd learnt a bit of the language I found the confidence to go into the local Marie (town hall - nearly always close to the Aire) and asked them if they could turn it on for me - which they were happy to do. Once I'd filled up, they shut them off again - they only do it to protect the pipes from freezing.
 
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Sky said:
I spent January and February in the Poitou-Charente region (some great lakes for fishing with big car parks and Aires nearby). The weather has been warmer than the UK, with my coldest night down to -7. It's been quite wet and the few snowfalls we had were very short lived.

Water has never been a problem. A found a few Aires had turned off the water, but no problem with electricity. Once I'd learnt a bit of the language I found the confidence to go into the local Marie (town hall - nearly always close to the Aire) and asked them if they could turn it on for me - which they were happy to do. Once I'd filled up, they shut them off again - they only do it to protect the pipes from freezing.
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Imagine walking into a town hall here and asking them to do something like that! And people say the French are not particularly helpful!

Were there many other vans around Sky or did you find you were on your own a lot?

I wish I hadnt started in this thread now as I just have the urge to go to France now. Might not get away this year though.
 
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