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This months newsletter from Motorhoming France:
FRENCH ROADS IN SEPTEMBER
With the end of the summer holidays, Bison Fute predicts that September on French roads is the quietest month of the year, with a total of just 1 problem day forecast throughout the month. This is the 1st September which is forecast as orange, “difficile” but this is just around the Paris region.
As for traffic near the channel ports, there are no reported major problems.
The 2019 Traffic forecast for French roads from Bison Fute is also available in the “Traffic Info” section.
7 DAY FRENCH WEATHER FORECAST
After another week of drought & high temperatures in France, the next 7 days continues with fine, dry weather covering most of the country before turning cloudy on Thursday & Friday. Possible showers finally arriving on Saturday. Daytime temperatures range from a low of 17C in the north east to a peak of 29C in the south east.
FRANCE’S FAVOURITE VILLAGE
Each year viewers of a French TV series vote for their favourite village in France & this year, hundreds of thousands of viewers voted for Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy via SMS, phone calls and on Facebook. The resulting publicity always brings in more tourists to the winning village, as the show has a dedicated following, with 2.5million viewers regularly tuning in this year.
Cassel, Nord, won in 2018. Céline Deberdt, from the Tourist Office there, said they saw an overall rise of 114% in one year. “The effect was immediate and people begin ringing us as soon as the result was announced. In the following few days there were far more camping cars than usual and over the weeks every aspect of tourism saw a rise in numbers.
“It has continued this year and is very welcome.”
CYCLING DEATHS INCREASE
The number of cyclist deaths on French roads has risen 2.4% a year since 2010, official figures reveal. A total 175 cyclists died on France's roads in 2018, and 82 more have been killed in the first six months of 2019 according to official statistics In 2017, 173 cyclists were killed in road traffic incidents, according to Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière (ONISR) figures. Since 2010, the number of cyclists killed on the road has increased on average 2.4% a year.
BOOK AHEAD FOR THE LOUVRE
If you intend to visit the Louvre Museum this autumn, the museum has brought forward plans to introduce mandatory booking for visitors. Pre-booking was intended to be introduced in 2020, but the sheer weight of visitor numbers this year has prompted museum authorities to introduce the measure from this autumn. Officially, the idea is to better distribute the flow of visitors, 10.2million of whom flocked to the museum in 2018 - making it the most popular in the world. The Louvre’s deputy managing director, Vincent Pomarède said it was recommended that visitors pre-booked their visits already - before it becomes mandatory. Numbers are expected to at least match last year's levels this year. In July, staff were forced to turn away visitors as the museum was considered full. About 80% of visitors are believed to come just to see the Mona Lisa. Last month, officials had to restrict access for three days because of the chaos caused by the queues.
AUTOROUTE LANE HOGS BEWARE
Drivers in France who linger in the middle or left lanes of a motorway without good reason can now be punished with a fine of up to €150. Under normal conditions, the middle and left lanes of a three-lane motorway are intended to be used for overtaking only, and in the left lane, drivers must reach a speed of at least 80 kph. Drivers who remain in the middle and left lanes without good reason - such as, for example, when instructed by police or in the case of an accident - now risk a fine of €35. The amount drops to €22 in case of immediate payment, and rises to €150 if paid late. Similarly, moving lanes without indicating safely - either to overtake, or to get back in lane - can also be punished by a fine of €35 and three points on your driving licence.
VISITOR NUMBERS UP
Tourism in France has strongly recovered from a difficult start to the year, which saw a drop in visitors at the peak of the gilets jaunes protests. Foreign visitors accounted for a 2.2% rise in hotel stays, an 8.1% rise in campsite stays, and a 2.3% rise in other tourism accommodation. Many visitors appear to have money to spend, with figures showing a 6% increase in stays at high-end accommodation, such as four- and five-star hotels. Less high-end options, such as campsites, had 6.3% fewer stays, but even here, those offering more luxurious surroundings did better.
WHAT’S ON IN FRANCE IN SEPTEMBER:
VAN GOGH EXHIBITION
Around 500 works by Vincent Van Gogh have been chosen to give life to the walls at a former quarry in Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône (13). The best known paintings, as well as some less familiar, by the Dutch artist are projected onto 16metre-high walls.
The exhibition aims to show the unique universe of the artist, the evolution of his life, from the Netherlands to Provence and Paris. The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Bedroom in Arles form part of the exhibition while in a separate display - Japanese art can be seen (Van Gogh was passionate about prints from Japan). Runs until 5th January.
WINE & HIKES IN THE LOIRE
Next weekend in September, over 15 flavoursome walks are organised in the vineyards of the Loire Valley. The leading appellations are represented, with each walk lasting for around 3 hours and is guided and hosted by a winegrower. These easy, fun walks are accessible to all and include breaks during which the participants are invited to taste local products (wines, cheeses) or visit local heritage sites.
CREMIEU FESTIVAL
Cremieu Medieval Festival takes place in the weekend of 7th / 8th September. Around 200 professionals and 300 volunteers bring the Middle Ages back to life in Cremieu, north of Lyon. Activities include horse shows, jousts and combats, jugglers, colourful stilt-walkers, flag-twirlers, fire-eaters, musicians and magicians. Artists wander through the streets, providing entertainment with playlets, fables and farces of yesteryear.
NUITS DE SOLOGNE
Nouan le Fuzelier, 40kms from Orleans, hosts a big pyrotechnic and music show on 7th September. Starting at 5 pm, volunteers welcome spectators in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On the grass, 9,000 seats including 1,000 privilege area seats await the audience for a thrilling spectacle, projected onto a façade over 200 m tall. The big firework display takes place from 9.30 pm and tells an epic and enchanting story, like the Legend of King Arthur, water and fire, or the legend of the town of Ys. The show is synchronised to music from a concert-standard sound system. A total of over 5,000 tonnes of fireworks are set off in one night.
AIRES DIRECTORY
4 more Aires have been added to the directory this month, they are:
Juvigny in Orne (61) Bonnes in Charente (16)
Haquenau in Haut Rhin (68) Manthelan in Indre et Loire (37)
AIRE OF THE MONTH
The Aire of the Month for September, 2019 is the municipal aire at Uzerche (19) in the Correze, Limousin.
AIRES NEWS
A new aire has opened in the old village of Juvigny Val d’Andaine (61), Orne, Normandy. The aire is close to the centre of the village, parking is in a large level tarmac square with marked spaces bordered by grass areas, lighting but little shade. Close to the shops. Urba Flux service point with platform drain is located next to the campsite, north side of village, on Rue Bonvouloir. Parking is free & services 2€.
In Bonnes, Charente (16), a new aire has opened in the centre of this small rural village, in a large gravel parking area behind the Mairie with a little shade & lit at night. The location is fairly quiet, being set back from the road & is within a short walk of the shops. There is ample space here with free services & parking. Artisanal service point with drainage platform.
The village of Manthelan in Indre et Loire (37) in the Centre has also opened a new aire. This small aire is in a medium sized tarmac car park with lighting & some shade under trees. A nice location bordered by grass areas, next to a lake, picnic & play area. Parking is 400m west of the village centre where there is a mini Flot Bleu service point & drainage grid. Parking & services are free.
The commune of Hagueneau in Haut Rhin (68) in Alsace has a newly installed aire that is located on the north western side of this large rural village in a gravel parking area adjacent to the sports area (lit at night), close to the village centre & the river although it is also next to the railway line thru the village. Artisanal service point with drainage platform & 4 ehu’s. Parking is free but services are 4€.
FRENCH ROADS IN SEPTEMBER
With the end of the summer holidays, Bison Fute predicts that September on French roads is the quietest month of the year, with a total of just 1 problem day forecast throughout the month. This is the 1st September which is forecast as orange, “difficile” but this is just around the Paris region.
As for traffic near the channel ports, there are no reported major problems.
The 2019 Traffic forecast for French roads from Bison Fute is also available in the “Traffic Info” section.
7 DAY FRENCH WEATHER FORECAST
After another week of drought & high temperatures in France, the next 7 days continues with fine, dry weather covering most of the country before turning cloudy on Thursday & Friday. Possible showers finally arriving on Saturday. Daytime temperatures range from a low of 17C in the north east to a peak of 29C in the south east.
FRANCE’S FAVOURITE VILLAGE
Each year viewers of a French TV series vote for their favourite village in France & this year, hundreds of thousands of viewers voted for Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy via SMS, phone calls and on Facebook. The resulting publicity always brings in more tourists to the winning village, as the show has a dedicated following, with 2.5million viewers regularly tuning in this year.
Cassel, Nord, won in 2018. Céline Deberdt, from the Tourist Office there, said they saw an overall rise of 114% in one year. “The effect was immediate and people begin ringing us as soon as the result was announced. In the following few days there were far more camping cars than usual and over the weeks every aspect of tourism saw a rise in numbers.
“It has continued this year and is very welcome.”
CYCLING DEATHS INCREASE
The number of cyclist deaths on French roads has risen 2.4% a year since 2010, official figures reveal. A total 175 cyclists died on France's roads in 2018, and 82 more have been killed in the first six months of 2019 according to official statistics In 2017, 173 cyclists were killed in road traffic incidents, according to Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière (ONISR) figures. Since 2010, the number of cyclists killed on the road has increased on average 2.4% a year.
BOOK AHEAD FOR THE LOUVRE
If you intend to visit the Louvre Museum this autumn, the museum has brought forward plans to introduce mandatory booking for visitors. Pre-booking was intended to be introduced in 2020, but the sheer weight of visitor numbers this year has prompted museum authorities to introduce the measure from this autumn. Officially, the idea is to better distribute the flow of visitors, 10.2million of whom flocked to the museum in 2018 - making it the most popular in the world. The Louvre’s deputy managing director, Vincent Pomarède said it was recommended that visitors pre-booked their visits already - before it becomes mandatory. Numbers are expected to at least match last year's levels this year. In July, staff were forced to turn away visitors as the museum was considered full. About 80% of visitors are believed to come just to see the Mona Lisa. Last month, officials had to restrict access for three days because of the chaos caused by the queues.
AUTOROUTE LANE HOGS BEWARE
Drivers in France who linger in the middle or left lanes of a motorway without good reason can now be punished with a fine of up to €150. Under normal conditions, the middle and left lanes of a three-lane motorway are intended to be used for overtaking only, and in the left lane, drivers must reach a speed of at least 80 kph. Drivers who remain in the middle and left lanes without good reason - such as, for example, when instructed by police or in the case of an accident - now risk a fine of €35. The amount drops to €22 in case of immediate payment, and rises to €150 if paid late. Similarly, moving lanes without indicating safely - either to overtake, or to get back in lane - can also be punished by a fine of €35 and three points on your driving licence.
VISITOR NUMBERS UP
Tourism in France has strongly recovered from a difficult start to the year, which saw a drop in visitors at the peak of the gilets jaunes protests. Foreign visitors accounted for a 2.2% rise in hotel stays, an 8.1% rise in campsite stays, and a 2.3% rise in other tourism accommodation. Many visitors appear to have money to spend, with figures showing a 6% increase in stays at high-end accommodation, such as four- and five-star hotels. Less high-end options, such as campsites, had 6.3% fewer stays, but even here, those offering more luxurious surroundings did better.
WHAT’S ON IN FRANCE IN SEPTEMBER:
VAN GOGH EXHIBITION
Around 500 works by Vincent Van Gogh have been chosen to give life to the walls at a former quarry in Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône (13). The best known paintings, as well as some less familiar, by the Dutch artist are projected onto 16metre-high walls.
The exhibition aims to show the unique universe of the artist, the evolution of his life, from the Netherlands to Provence and Paris. The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Bedroom in Arles form part of the exhibition while in a separate display - Japanese art can be seen (Van Gogh was passionate about prints from Japan). Runs until 5th January.
WINE & HIKES IN THE LOIRE
Next weekend in September, over 15 flavoursome walks are organised in the vineyards of the Loire Valley. The leading appellations are represented, with each walk lasting for around 3 hours and is guided and hosted by a winegrower. These easy, fun walks are accessible to all and include breaks during which the participants are invited to taste local products (wines, cheeses) or visit local heritage sites.
CREMIEU FESTIVAL
Cremieu Medieval Festival takes place in the weekend of 7th / 8th September. Around 200 professionals and 300 volunteers bring the Middle Ages back to life in Cremieu, north of Lyon. Activities include horse shows, jousts and combats, jugglers, colourful stilt-walkers, flag-twirlers, fire-eaters, musicians and magicians. Artists wander through the streets, providing entertainment with playlets, fables and farces of yesteryear.
NUITS DE SOLOGNE
Nouan le Fuzelier, 40kms from Orleans, hosts a big pyrotechnic and music show on 7th September. Starting at 5 pm, volunteers welcome spectators in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On the grass, 9,000 seats including 1,000 privilege area seats await the audience for a thrilling spectacle, projected onto a façade over 200 m tall. The big firework display takes place from 9.30 pm and tells an epic and enchanting story, like the Legend of King Arthur, water and fire, or the legend of the town of Ys. The show is synchronised to music from a concert-standard sound system. A total of over 5,000 tonnes of fireworks are set off in one night.
AIRES DIRECTORY
4 more Aires have been added to the directory this month, they are:
Juvigny in Orne (61) Bonnes in Charente (16)
Haquenau in Haut Rhin (68) Manthelan in Indre et Loire (37)
AIRE OF THE MONTH
The Aire of the Month for September, 2019 is the municipal aire at Uzerche (19) in the Correze, Limousin.
AIRES NEWS
A new aire has opened in the old village of Juvigny Val d’Andaine (61), Orne, Normandy. The aire is close to the centre of the village, parking is in a large level tarmac square with marked spaces bordered by grass areas, lighting but little shade. Close to the shops. Urba Flux service point with platform drain is located next to the campsite, north side of village, on Rue Bonvouloir. Parking is free & services 2€.
In Bonnes, Charente (16), a new aire has opened in the centre of this small rural village, in a large gravel parking area behind the Mairie with a little shade & lit at night. The location is fairly quiet, being set back from the road & is within a short walk of the shops. There is ample space here with free services & parking. Artisanal service point with drainage platform.
The village of Manthelan in Indre et Loire (37) in the Centre has also opened a new aire. This small aire is in a medium sized tarmac car park with lighting & some shade under trees. A nice location bordered by grass areas, next to a lake, picnic & play area. Parking is 400m west of the village centre where there is a mini Flot Bleu service point & drainage grid. Parking & services are free.
The commune of Hagueneau in Haut Rhin (68) in Alsace has a newly installed aire that is located on the north western side of this large rural village in a gravel parking area adjacent to the sports area (lit at night), close to the village centre & the river although it is also next to the railway line thru the village. Artisanal service point with drainage platform & 4 ehu’s. Parking is free but services are 4€.
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