wild camping in France is it safe?

[Fazerloz]

I nave just done a search for Portsmouth Cherbourg return on the same dates in sept as we are doing Dover Calais return and the best price is £256 dearer than Dover Calais. Traveling times approx. 2.5hrs longer from Dover to Dinard than it would be from Portsmouth to Dinard which is where we are heading for. Allowing £100 for diesel for the mileage difference which is more than enough it is still a substantial saving.

 

[Kontiki]

I used to always use one of the more Western routes when going to Brittany when we were working as it did save driving & we only had 2/3 weeks holiday (plus we were earning) but since we retired 10 years ago every time I look at the cost it always works out cheaper going Dover - Calais. Being retired & usually having trips of 1 to 3 months an extra couple of days driving isn't a problem. We have to travel from North Wales so distance to any of the ports is about the same, even so the route to Dover is easier even with the chaos of the M25, we try to time our journey to avoid peak traffic.
Apart from the first time we motorhomed in France which must have been in the 1990's we very rarely use campsites & 99% of the time we wildcamp use aires. We tend to avoid big cities but have always felt safe, if we aren't happy we will drive off to find somewhere else as there is no shortage of places in France.

 

[SafariMul]

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[Tezza33]

I have just checked return crossings on the day I am travelling, outbound 4th Aug, return 4th Sept, it cost £110.64 return to go with P&O and we get a £20 meal voucher, Calais to Porcaro where we are heading for in Brittany is 361 miles.

Portsmouth - Caen return £514, Caen to Porcaro is 147 miles so I would save 214 miles which is 6.5 gallons of fuel, over £404 more on the ferry costs

Portsmouth - Le Havre return £438, Le Havre to Porcaro is 205 miles so I would save 156 miles which is 7.57 gallons of fuel, £328 more on the ferry costs

Pool - Cherbourg return £560, Cherbourg to Porcaro is 178 miles so I would save 183 miles which is 5.4 gallons on fuel, £450 more on the ferry costs

I cannot get a crossing to St Malo so that is not in the equation

£328 which is the lowest price above the Dover - Calais route would take me over 2150 miles, the highest price would take me 2970 miles so can you explain why I 'feel' it is cheaper?

I know there are ways of getting cheaper crossings but they don't work for everyone and even with discounts it would never be cost effective for me to go any other way than the short crossings

 

[Sparks]

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[Tezza33]

p.p.s. I'll let the off topicers take back over again with mileage/ferry comparisons !

Thank you


seriously although off topic it is relevant for somebody who has to ask is it safe, obviously inexperienced so ferry prices/savings are good information

 

[witzend]

Why waste time driving thru Britain when its not your destination from Norfolk they are passing Dover to get to any other ferry, Much more relaxing driving thru France and making the journey a enjoyable experience. Traveling anywhere from the east of Taunton it must be cost effective to travel from Kent either Ferry or Tunnel

 

[El Veterano]

I have just checked return crossings on the day I am travelling, outbound 4th Aug, return 4th Sept, it cost £110.64 return to go with P&O and we get a £20 meal voucher, Calais to Porcaro where we are heading for in Brittany is 361 miles.

Portsmouth - Caen return £514, Caen to Porcaro is 147 miles so I would save 214 miles which is 6.5 gallons of fuel, over £404 more on the ferry costs

Portsmouth - Le Havre return £438, Le Havre to Porcaro is 205 miles so I would save 156 miles which is 7.57 gallons of fuel, £328 more on the ferry costs

Pool - Cherbourg return £560, Cherbourg to Porcaro is 178 miles so I would save 183 miles which is 5.4 gallons on fuel, £450 more on the ferry costs

I cannot get a crossing to St Malo so that is not in the equation

£328 which is the lowest price above the Dover - Calais route would take me over 2150 miles, the highest price would take me 2970 miles so can you explain why I 'feel' it is cheaper?

I know there are ways of getting cheaper crossings but they don't work for everyone and even with discounts it would never be cost effective for me to go any other way than the short crossings

I agree. Have you tried prices Newhaven - Dieppe?

 

[Tezza33]

I agree. Have you tried prices Newhaven - Dieppe?

No I haven't but I will when I travel in November, to be honest I decide the time and day I want to go but that is not set in concrete and check them all normally, just in case they have offers because some operators have offers on certain days or times, usually always better Dover/Calais but bear in mind I am travelling with a dog

 

[Annsman]

I like the train! No seriously I do. I agree the D-C ferry is cheaper but the time saved in getting to France and onwards is an attraction, (45 minutes compared to 90. We can stay in the van with the dog another. Checking in is easier too.

I usually pay about twice the ferry price but if I add up the total costs involved in a 4-5 month tour its not that much.

 

[The Good Life]

Deja Vu all over again. This oft asked question with much the same responses, is there currently anything more to add that isn't already to be found in the archives? Apart that is, from the recent "escalation in the Calais problem" as pointed out by sak.

I posted my own question as I have not asked the question before and not being technical or used to posting on forums it seemed the simplest way. Why did you open the post? It clearly says what the subject is going to be so if you didn't want to read it AGAIN then don't. Sorry to seem slightly blunt but it feels as if you are almost offended by my post?

 

[The Good Life]

Thank you


seriously although off topic it is relevant for somebody who has to ask is it safe, obviously inexperienced so ferry prices/savings are good information

Thanks to you and all for the price comparisons it is kind of useful but just so you all rest easy :dance: we are crossing from Portsmouth to Caen and home via St-Malo to Portsmouth. Yes more money but a last minute booking and didn't want to do the Dover Calais for obvious reasons. Also thought the little people would enjoy the 'cruise'.

Also would just like to add we have wild camped for the past 18 years so are very experienced. Started long before the days of internet and POI/google earth apps using just a plain old paper OS map. Have also used ferries many times just never put our camper on one. (Well not to France just to Ireland and Isle of Wight).

Again thanks to all for your answers. Not used to using forums but glad I did even if it does go off topic I have still enjoyed the read! :dance:

 

[Canalsman]

I posted my own question as I have not asked the question before and not being technical or used to posting on forums it seemed the simplest way. Why did you open the post? It clearly says what the subject is going to be so if you didn't want to read it AGAIN then don't. Sorry to seem slightly blunt but it feels as if you are almost offended by my post?

Don't be concerned to ask questions about wild camping with your motorhome. This site promotes the concept, and advice will always be given gladly to help make it safe, legal and responsible.

 

[Tezza33]

Also would just like to add we have wild camped for the past 18 years so are very experienced. Started long before the days of internet and POI/google earth apps using just a plain old paper OS map:

Sorry I didn't mean to infer you were inexperienced as a wild camper but if you had to ask about safety in France I would think you were inexperienced wild camping there, I have been going over 30yrs and I can still learn something new from somebody who has only been once, just go and enjoy yourselves

 

[Steveyates02]

There is a place just the other side of the tunnel was very busy on Monday but 2000 people left there for UK so u should have the place to yourself

 

[The Good Life]

Sorry I didn't mean to infer you were inexperienced as a wild camper but if you had to ask about safety in France I would think you were inexperienced wild camping there, I have been going over 30yrs and I can still learn something new from somebody who has only been once, just go and enjoy yourselves

No need to apologise. I understand your thinking and you are correct I am inexperienced in France. Just thought I'd let people know my situation so people didn't spend their time giving me too many guidelines. Like I have already said though I am pleased I decided to post. There are some very lovely people on here who are very keen to offer info from their own experiences. And yes everyone can always learn something new no matter how old you are or long you have been doing something. I'm sure we will enjoy. Now wheres that French phrase book…

 

[hondaman]

wild camping in france

firstly gassing is not a myth we were gassed in the south of france in a caravan.
We were very careful for a while then we bought a camper and fitted extra locks (yale) on both doors and a gas detector then I felt safe again, since then we have travelled all over france and the sites they have for motor homes are out of this world we always travel round and have stayed by river banks, lakes,with no problem and I would totally recommend it as a fantastic holiday

 

[Fazerloz]

It had to happen.

 

[sinner]

I am in britany just now and been wild camping all week, feel safe and no probs at all... Now just heading to see a wee French guy about some cidere )

 

[Sharon the Cat]

Ohh err Mrs!