Help, advice, tips, comments for first Motorhome trip via France to Spain.

[Upforadventure]

Dear all,

OH and I ( and two doglets) are doing a six week trip next week to Southern Spain - Murcia/Almeria/??Estepona via chunnel, via France. Done lots and lots of research and lived in France for a while but cannot beat advice from those who have been there, done that many times.

Going for a recky to eventually relocate to Spain. Preferred route is Rouen , avoiding Paris, no toll roads down to Bordeaux, branching off at Castets, to Zaragoza to head to Valencia, head down coast to Murcia to look at properties then down to Almeria - maybe on to Estepona area. Any tips, heads up, places to stop - anything useful about this route woud be gratefuly received.

I was planning to pack Motorhome with 'back up' provisions such as tinned soup etc that would provide a meal if we stopped for the night nowhere near cafe/restaurant/shops - and the dogs' tinned food for the trip but looking at what you are not allowed to take into France - can not take any of that - even potentially a packed lunch of ham samdwiches or milk in the fridge for cup of tea!! So, advice on where to go once there of where to stop to stock up with 'supplies' asap - and importantly dog food. Am presuming I won't be able to get their normal tins of Butchers so changing their meat in such a short time could be a problem. Also are we even allowed to take the biscuit ?????? as this could be classed as meat product - don't want 15kg bags to be confiscated!!

Any tips of where to stop, where you are allowed to stop in France (and Spain) on that route, overnight, water/electric/waste areas would be great. The insurance on rented motorhome is 400 miles a day which means it could take us 4 days to get to Almeria - and restrict obviously the amount of land we could travel in one day. Was not planning to take four days to get to destination! So defo need some recommendations of places to stop - places to eat! We will be staying in the motorhome for the whole 6 weeks so need somewhere legal to stop every night. Obviously, somewhere 'free' would keep costs down that are already quite substantial (and fuel!!!!!!!!)

I know dogs are not allowed to be able to get into the driving area in France (and ?Spain). We are planning to section them off in the rear lounge. But do they HAVE to be 'secured' as in attached to a lead (can't be seat belts as no selts in that area) and this could be potentially more dangerous to them than just 'laying down quietly' in that area? Any advice from those who travel with dogs and your experience would be fab.

Any recommended Estate Agents (we have a fair list already), any to avoid, places to walk dogs (not well populated), ANY other tips, advice, rules, anything welcome.

Would like to play a bit of golf whilst down there - so any recommendations - although god knows where we're going to put the golf clubs???!!!! Up in the spare drop down bed??!!

Thank you in advance

V

 

[Drover]

As you're a full member just use the location app at the top of the page for aires. Or pay around £6 for the searchforsites.co.uk app.
We have never had customs look in our fridge..... ever
They just worry if the gas is turned off.

 

[Canalsman]

You'll have a great time!

Unlike the UK you will find motorhomes are welcomed and can park overnight pretty much anywhere it's legal and safe. And their are loads of aires many of which are free. This is where to head for water and grey/black waste disposal. Hook up is often available though if you are driving long distances you'll probably not need this.

Our Location App will provide a very large number of options, especially in France. Lots of the places you won't find elsewhere on the internet.

A free and great internet resource can be found at http://www.campingcar-infos.com/ but it's a French website though your web browser should do a fair job translating it to English. The coverage is European.

I have travelled for many years and many thousands of miles with my dogs in Europe. You will find they are made welcome and can go places not allowed in the UK, e.g. restaurants and shops.

My dogs travel in the passenger footwell but I travel alone. They are not secured and it's never been an issue. I have had discussions with French police a few times and the officers made no comment.

If they can't travel in the cab perhaps isolate them in a dinette area if you have one. Or consider a crate if there's room.

I can't advise about any checks on food stuffs since I haven't crossed to France since the pandemic started.

There are plenty of supermarkets in Calais to stock up after arrival. It's my impression that there are many more supermarkets in France than here and they mostly have big car parks. Overnight parking is usually permitted too.

Have fun!

 

[Herman]

Our dogs lie on the floor between the front seats secured by short leads around our seat belt stalks to their harnesses. I would not recommend you put them in the rear lounge as any bumps and they would be catapulted to the ceiling.
I recommend you buy a set of All the Aires books for France and Spain, great for planning. Don't use motorway aires (likely to get robbed or gassed) but travel a couple of miles off the beaten track for a quiet nights sleep.

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I suspect the 400 mile rule will be an average thing, so if you clock 600 miles and 200 the next day it will average out. (unless they have trackers fitted and are watching your every move)
Other than that 6 weeks as ample for this reccy, we have done similar journeys for a two week holiday, so take your time and enjoy yourselves.

 

[Jo001]

At this time of year, watch out for processionary pine caterpillars. They are extremely dangerous to dogs. Take some Piriton (only Piriton, no other antihistamine) to buy you time to get to an emergency vet. ¼ tablet per 10 kilo dog weight, although overdosing a little would just cause drowsiness.

 

[alcam]

There are many apps etc for stopping places , including on this site . WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN and search for sites are my main sources .
Personally wouldn't be concerned about food being confiscated .
Dogs welcome anywhere in France , not so in Spain and Portugal
Motorway Aires , particularly away from big cities , not a problem . Really handy if you are in a rush to get from A to B
You won't get gassed !

 

[Norfolk NewBoy]

1) CHECK that 400 miles insurance statement: IF it is an average amount, make sure that you do the "200 mile" day BEFORE the "600 mile" day otherwise you might find yourself with some explaining to do in the case of an accident

2) 400 miles per day sounds a lot to me (but I'm old and retired ). IF you stick to motorways you might average 60mph so that would mean 6.5h driving. Is that within your comfort zone (and the dogs)?

3) CHECK routes through Rouen. There are numerous accounts of people going down underpasses only to find they don't fit: since this is a van which you are not used to driving, better be careful.

4) CONSIDER buying a sat nav into which you can enter your van's dimensions or look for an app on a phone. Nothing will be 100% accurate but with luck you will avoid low bridges, narrow streets, weight limits. They should also re-route you if there is a diversion or you take a wrong turning: always helpful when you don't speak the language.

5) As has been said, obtain information about free overnight spots. We went to Spain in 2018 for 27 nights and spent €68 for stopping places: we only stayed on one campsite (getting late on Sunday after 176 miles of driving) and that accounted for €24.

6) IKEA on the outskirts of Murcia has an excellent free aire with a great supermarket next door and good public transport into the city. DON'T enter "Murcia" as your destination or you will be like me going round and round in narrow crowded streets: always use the proper coordinates for where you want to be! [If you are an IKEA Family Member (free to join) you can get a free coffee daily in their restaurant.]

7) There is also a large free aire at Huercal-Overa, halfway between Murcia and Almeria but you might prefer to be closer to the coast. Mojacar is a popular house-hunting spot. DON'T be tempted to park right at the front if you go to Playa de Vera or you may be fined.

8) Lots of folk stay overnight at Cabo de Gata, a few miles east of Almeria city. We weren't keen on it but found a nice spot further east along the coast, past the lagoon. There have been reports of police moving MHs on, so check nearer the time for local reports.

9) We really liked Serena Playa at Roquetas de Mar but most vans stop at Playa de Aguadulce.

10) It may be possible to stay on the quayside at Almerimar for a fee BUT it is a one-way system and if you miss the entrance it is quite a drive through shops etc to get back to it! Keep your eyes open!

11) It's another 200 miles from Almeria to Estepona. Is it worth the fuel etc for a couple of rounds of golf, especially if you are having trouble fitting your clubs in?

12) You can park on the marina at Torre del Mar, just outside Velez-Malaga BUT the instructions for entry are quite complex. Get out and select your pitch (if you aren't holding up traffic) and decide if you want electricity BEFORE you pay.

13) We didn't know that Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe until we got there for the first time. Enjoy its beauty; I don't think that you will be soaking up the culture and lifestyle on this trip.

Gordon

 

[Norfolk NewBoy]

I forgot to add that, if you haven't been previously, Almeria is an area of contrasts and it it where many of our winter salads come from.

Gordon

 

[dave and mary]

We have been doing this now for over 20 years and our advice would be don't make lots of plans, for us its off the train or ferry then into the sat nave no tolls then a town say 400 miles on and just go , this way you see the country that you are traveling in something you don't if just on motorways.

There are plenty of stopovers to be found, in France you can park up in almost any village, Spain not quite so easy but as long as you don't got to a place where there are lots of other vans you will usually be ok.

We will be off on Monday, using the ferry to Santander this trip then down to the south to Andalucía, Almeria area one of the loveliest coast roads there is.

 

[GMJ]

At this time of year you will be spoiled for choice on places to stay with/without facilities. It may be as well to do some outline planning (using the App on here or other on line search sites) and then ask about specific places/towns/areas on here otherwise you may get to bogged down as many people have their favourites.

We drive down to southern Spain every January for 2 months but we take our time and get to the Almeria area, for example in around 7 days.

The winter route we take coming from the tunnel is: Rouen area - Poitiers area - Bordeaux area - St Jean de Luz area. Then it changes depending on whether we are heading due south or southeast. If SE then its Zaragoza. If not then its somewhere around Madrid. After that it could be anywhere en route to our final destination tbh.

I look at potential routes on google maps and then add an hour to the trip time for stops and bimbling around.

Re: taking meat/dairy products through the tunnel. Yes, its not allowed but I have not heard of any specific cases where folks have been stopped and checked, as of yet. How lucky do you feel?

 

[alcam]

At this time of year you will be spoiled for choice on places to stay with/without facilities. It may be as well to do some outline planning (using the App on here or other on line search sites) and then ask about specific places/towns/areas on here otherwise you may get to bogged down as many people have their favourites.

We drive down to southern Spain every January for 2 months but we take our time and get to the Almeria area, for example in around 7 days.

The winter route we take coming from the tunnel is: Rouen area - Poitiers area - Bordeaux area - St Jean de Luz area. Then it changes depending on whether we are heading due south or southeast. If SE then its Zaragoza. If not then its somewhere around Madrid. After that it could be anywhere en route to our final destination tbh.

I look at potential routes on google maps and then add an hour to the trip time for stops and bimbling around.

Re: taking meat/dairy products through the tunnel. Yes, its not allowed but I have not heard of any specific cases where folks have been stopped and checked, as of yet. How lucky do you feel?

Has anyone had as much as a tin of spam confiscated yet ?

 

[GMJ]

Not that I'm aware...

...but we should all keep it a little quiet in case the authorities are watching and start to react.




Paranoid me? No... but I know you lot think I am

 

[Upforadventure]

Thank you all so much. Really appreciate it.


Mileage - the 'paperwork' limit that came through is 'old' - it is now unlimited mileage! Yes 400 is a lot to do in a day but at that rate it would take us 4 days to get down to Spain! Might take us that long anyway with human/doggie pit stops, eating, cups of tea etc!!!!!

Yes have looked up the Aire map and will defo get others - thank you. Ex Girl Guide (and Brownie and Ranger - a long time ago but..) - like to be prepared!!

No way doggies can be in the front with us - too big. Not enough space to put even one crate (have thought about this already)
Would be replying more but..................

TODAY - DILEMMA

Big problem - OH will not have passport for another 2 1/2 weeks (don't ask - too angry!!) Picking up Motorhome tomorrow - departure delayed til Monday already (OK get used to driving it - doggies etc) BUT now faced with issues. I want to go - don't really want to cut trip down to 4 weeks - leaves 3 1/2 actually in Spain reckying several areas - not enough time inmy opinion for what I want to do. Am quite a competent female BUT it does give me concerns of driving through France and Spain on my own but with th dogs - no overly freiendly with other dogs. Would have to deal with them - pit stops on my own, driving on my own (RHD etc), ? any issues - breakdown, flat tire onmy own, eating on my own, leaving dogs in van, doing the first week house hunting in Murcia on my own etc etc til he now flies out later. I am up for it cos I have planned this trip for months but I do have concerns I'm sure you can all understand.

What are your honest opinions about this? I have to make a decision today ref the dogs (health certificate doing or delayed - went to vets yesterday and late Motorhome people know whether to delay or not. I really don't want to but............

Thank you

 

[witzend]

What are your honest opinions about this? I have to make a decision today ref the dogs (health certificate doing or delayed - went to vets yesterday and late Motorhome people know whether to delay or not. I really don't want to but...

Cancel until you can go together

 

[Derekoak]

By the time you Oh is ready there will not be time to be worth going? In that case its always more of an adventure by yourself, can you see it like that?. Only you can guess if you can cope, lots of women do this solo. Can you reduce complications in any way?

 

[RSD7a]

that's a tough decision to make.
Here's 2 Questions to explore

1. If you go what's the worst that can happen?
-------------------
2. For a moment, purely as an exercise, let's assume whatever you decide is a mistake. What is the worse mistake ... staying or going?

 

[Wooie1958]

I like Spam particularly fried

 

[REC]

It is such a personal decision, only you know how confident you feel travelling on your own. Needs more planning regarding stops etc. Have you considered just going on toll roads through France, where there are Aires you can stop in safely, places to walk the dogs and others around. Could go that way through France in a couple of days. Filling up with fuel on toll roads is expensive though. Spanish Aires on main roads are not as good so you would need to plan stops more in advance. But others have made suggestions for stops and I am sure you have planned them already.
Four days to get there is pretty good going if you are on your own. The "google" times always are shorter than actual because of necessary stops. We always add an hour to map times.
Assume there is a cost element if you cancel last minute? Personally, I would delay till you can travel together, but that is me....I did all the driving back from Portugal when Dave wasn't able to drive and even with him there, I found it tough. But that's me, not you!
Btw we sorted a harness to keep our dog safe, clipped into a seat belt on the rear seat.

 

[Wooie1958]

Toll roads abroad in a RHD vehicle are hard when you are on your own.

 

[alcam]

Thank you all so much. Really appreciate it.


Mileage - the 'paperwork' limit that came through is 'old' - it is now unlimited mileage! Yes 400 is a lot to do in a day but at that rate it would take us 4 days to get down to Spain! Might take us that long anyway with human/doggie pit stops, eating, cups of tea etc!!!!!

Yes have looked up the Aire map and will defo get others - thank you. Ex Girl Guide (and Brownie and Ranger - a long time ago but..) - like to be prepared!!

No way doggies can be in the front with us - too big. Not enough space to put even one crate (have thought about this already)
Would be replying more but..................

TODAY - DILEMMA

Big problem - OH will not have passport for another 2 1/2 weeks (don't ask - too angry!!) Picking up Motorhome tomorrow - departure delayed til Monday already (OK get used to driving it - doggies etc) BUT now faced with issues. I want to go - don't really want to cut trip down to 4 weeks - leaves 3 1/2 actually in Spain reckying several areas - not enough time inmy opinion for what I want to do. Am quite a competent female BUT it does give me concerns of driving through France and Spain on my own but with th dogs - no overly freiendly with other dogs. Would have to deal with them - pit stops on my own, driving on my own (RHD etc), ? any issues - breakdown, flat tire onmy own, eating on my own, leaving dogs in van, doing the first week house hunting in Murcia on my own etc etc til he now flies out later. I am up for it cos I have planned this trip for months but I do have concerns I'm sure you can all understand.

What are your honest opinions about this? I have to make a decision today ref the dogs (health certificate doing or delayed - went to vets yesterday and late Motorhome people know whether to delay or not. I really don't want to but............

Thank you

Met quite a few women travelling in vans on their own .
RHD ? Quite honestly not really difficult at all . Sitting higher up in van helps . Initially you just have to concentrate that little bit more .
Breakdown , punctures etc ? Does your van insurance not cover that ?
Don't know about others but I was quite nervous initially and that was only on England ! Very quickly got over it .
You'll be quite surprised how easy the whole experience is . But , at the end of the day , you know your own capabilities best