Aires v Municipal Camping v other options

[zen navigator]

I am travelling to France in July, and had some valuable info from users re: travelling and MH'ing in France.



Its hard to find any one who does not sing the praise of Aires. Also heard of Municipal Camping as a good option.



For my first trip to France, I am torn between having a fixed spot and just visit an area and maybe move a couple of times in the 2 1/2 week visit or bob all over the place and make it a real 'mystery tour'



My co-pilot likes her creature comforts...so leccy is a must, although if we opt for the mystery tour she is happy to do without it for a day . So if Aires do not offer leccy or its fairly limited than that could put a show-stopper



My questions are:



Are there varying grades of Aires based on there offerings i.e leccy, showers etc or they pretty much standard?



What is the attraction of Aires and are there any downsides?



Do Muncipal Camping offer a better experience? Any downsides?



What other options are there? France equivalent of Camping & Caravan sites etc?



Is it wise to pre-book Aires and Muncipal Camping sites? Thinking they must get quite busy in July?



Dave and Sylvia

 

[fishy & Nina]

***** is spot on with his descriptions.

The only thing I will add is that the coastal Aires / MS can get very busy in July/August - particularly in Normandy.

However, if you are prepared to travel inland just a few miles, sorry k's, you will find the country towns and villages can be stunning.

The Aires book is excellent - English version available from Vicarious Books website, or French version (depending on your language skills) from Amazon France (if still available) or get one from vendors in France. The French version also gives you some good places for overnighting in other countries such as Germany, Belgium, and others.

The main thing is to enjoy yourselves, if you decide that you don't like a spot for any particular reason, it is normally not too far to the next spot.

Ian & Nina

 

[zen navigator]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

I properly gave the wrong impression, and overstated the co-pilots reluctance to go 'au naturale' We have 60W solar panel albeit and a new ish leisure battery, and if push comes to shove a 'cheap and cheerful' aldi genny(not yet used in anger). So it the stuff to go self sufficient.

I suspect on our travels. The missus will want to put her feet up for a couple of days. Hence the post determining if that could be done at an Aires.

I suspect we will do a mixture of Aires and the odd Municipal Camp(for the feet up bit).

Dave

Hi Zen.
Aires are not pre bookable and only a few ( maybe more than a few) have electricity and fewer that you can stay hooked up to 24/7
But they are sometimes in great locations.
They are not meant for camping but are to be used for an overnight spot, although no one will complain for a couple of days.
Municipal campsites are also very good, they are cheap and are often in a nice location. They are run by the local councils.
We use a lot of aires with a few municipal sites thrown in.
All moderm motorhomes are self sufficient and you should be able to tour without mains electricity. Either have good batteries and an Inverter or do as we do and carry a Genny. If you do decide to carry a Genny (sh don't tell Tresrikay) please get a quiet type & use it with consideration to any neighbouring motorhome
You will find that if you are touring France, you will fall over nice suitable places to stop, without looking at all.
Buy the Aire book
and check this out

http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/forums/france/6948-few-french-aires.html

http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/forums/france/9901-french-canals.html

ps
We usually go in late July and have no problems at all

 

[zen navigator]

Yes, gonna buy that Aires book as you are not the first to say its a 'must have'.

Need to get the POI s of the Aires \ Campsite into my trust Garmin Nuvi sat nav

Have not worked out the itinerary as yet but no doubt we'll do a mixture of coastal and inland around Normandy and Brittany.

Dave

***** is spot on with his descriptions.

The only thing I will add is that the coastal Aires / MS can get very busy in July/August - particularly in Normandy.

However, if you are prepared to travel inland just a few miles, sorry k's, you will find the country towns and villages can be stunning.

The Aires book is excellent - English version available from Vicarious Books website, or French version (depending on your language skills) from Amazon France (if still available) or get one from vendors in France. The French version also gives you some good places for overnighting in other countries such as Germany, Belgium, and others.

The main thing is to enjoy yourselves, if you decide that you don't like a spot for any particular reason, it is normally not too far to the next spot.

Ian & Nina

 

[Nolly]

A good book to have by you is the AA "Secret France". It's full of photos and info on all the regions With tours and pretty villages off the beaten track. We've had ours for 10 years now and its helped us find some really beautiful places.
As everybody says you will have no problem finding somewhere to over night. If ever in doubt ask at the village Mairie, we've found them always more than helpful.

 

[jann]

You're more likely to find free electricity on inland aires where the local authorities want to encourage motorhomes. In spite of that the last time we were at Deauville the electric was free.