Another French Forum Quote.

[vindiboy]

CAMPINGCARPARK SURVEY
The French motorhome magazine “Le Monde du Camping Car” recently carried out two surveys amongst “campingcaristes” as to the popularity of the aires managed by the CampingCarPark company. The results were as follows:
8% Love their aires
41% Like their aires
27% Prefer to go elsewhere
18% Prefer that they did not exist
6% Have no opinion

The second survey of actual useage of the CCP aires showed that:
69% sometimes use them whilst 31% have never stayed at one.
CCP AIRES ACCESS PROBLEMS
Meanwhile the CampingCarPark company is improving the functionality of its machines that control the access to their aires. After many complaints regarding “the ease of use” of these “entrance” machines, the company is making the access procedure simpler as well as the ability to recharge the “Pass Etapes” card & to access your account at the machine.

 

[alcam]

CAMPINGCARPARK SURVEY
The French motorhome magazine “Le Monde du Camping Car” recently carried out two surveys amongst “campingcaristes” as to the popularity of the aires managed by the CampingCarPark company. The results were as follows:
8% Love their aires
41% Like their aires
27% Prefer to go elsewhere
18% Prefer that they did not exist
6% Have no opinion

The second survey of actual useage of the CCP aires showed that:
69% sometimes use them whilst 31% have never stayed at one.
CCP AIRES ACCESS PROBLEMS
Meanwhile the CampingCarPark company is improving the functionality of its machines that control the access to their aires. After many complaints regarding “the ease of use” of these “entrance” machines, the company is making the access procedure simpler as well as the ability to recharge the “Pass Etapes” card & to access your account at the machine.

My impression is that this mob are cherry picking Aires . Charging a , not inconsiderable , fee . Worry is they are taking ovet

 

[n brown]

France is massive, i spent years there with no knowledge of aires and never had a problem finding places to park up , not just for a night , often for a few weeks. the 'aires' are fine for people who don't want to go on a camping , but don't like the idea of 'wildcamping ' one time we heard of aires , got the book, and tried a few. very underwhelming really ,couple of nice ones but some by sewage works and industrial areas . most times i'd rather have stayed in a supermarket car park.
my advice is - learn a bit of lingo ,talk to a couple of locals, even gendarmes- wheres a good place ?
or just nose out one for yourself. stop being so timid , people are great , they'll go out of their way to help you. remember, and i can't stress this enough, they don't fear strangers the way we do

 

[Canalsman]

Bear in mind that legislation in France explicitly permits overnight occupancy of camping cars except where signs indicate restrictions.

It's such a different approach and attitude, it's wonderful!

 

[trevskoda]

, they don't fear strangers the way we do
They have not met me yet.

 

[barryd]

Must admit Im not a fan of the new CampingCarPark Aires. They are a bit "club site" to me. I much prefer the hidden away gems that are first come first served, no barriers and just basic facilities. Perfect. We have found some absolutely fabulous ones over the years but I think you have to do a bit of research rather than just take pot luck.

 

[Derekoak]

French Aires, even free do not suit us.

 

[phillybarbour]

Love France and all its varying aires, some much better than others but thats part of the fun.

 

[Moonraker 2]

I absolutely love French Aires. My first trip abroad in my van I only used aires and was amazed at how good they were, even in some cases having free electric. Many were near places of interest so great for planning, and I like meeting some of the other people. Often I would use the aire as the planning point and then find something really interesting nearby. I do not need to stay on the coast and enjoyed all the variety of the countryside where most of the aires are free. I am only on a state pension so free parking is important to me. I then try and spend what little money I have in the local town.

 

[vwalan]

le guide national des aires de service camping cars
was a le monde de camping car product.
still have my 1999 version. find it usefull sometimes.
but the problem these days is they are full of the caravan and camping club type that are institutionalized ,and are the ones we used to wild camp to get away from.
awnings out ,bbq,s carpets out ,loads of chairs etc .
much nicer to be tucked away some where nice and quiet.
unfortunately the wild camping scene is being spoiled by the campsite brigade.