READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT. Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. I know there are those HUGE mountains called the Pyrenees, but the routes are all open, unless you happen to be really unlucky and hit it in the middle of a snowstorm (do check the weather forecast before travelling.). The magical French Brittany 2. Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Motorhoming in Spain in winter offers many benefits but be prepared as you may need to use your heating and will find it cools down as soon as the sun sets. From the Cote dAzur to the deserted and tranquil interior, France is the perfect place to spend a summer in your motorhome. Driving around Spain in a campervan is generally safe and easy, but be mindful of smaller towns without by-passes if youre in a longer vehicle. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. In 15miles you can either turn onto the A660 towards Arcachon and the coastal beaches or continue for another 13 miles when the free A63 suddenly changes back to the N10. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair! Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. The non toll free route from Calais to Basel is via the A26 motorway and the A4 motorway. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more. Get all the information you need in our Spain Travel Guide, including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip! This is an ideal crossing if time is of the essence, or youre travelling with a dog (some boats have pet-friendly cabins and some have kennels) but cabins and kennel places do book up quickly. You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. Be sure to get: Name and address of all the people involved in the accident, Vehicle registration numbers of all parties, Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone. May 28, 2011. You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. Ile de Re and La Rochelle If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still realising the repercussions and getting used to how it affects travelling in a motorhome. You cannot touch a screen while driving (television, video, DVD etc.) Motorhome hire from a local owner. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited and a real bucket list destination. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. NEWS : The Spanish authorities have (for the time being) removed the tolls from the AP7 motorway between the French border and Alicante. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. If you're on an extended motorhome tour and time is no object, of course pottering south along the west coast of France and crossing the Pyrenees is a wonderful introduction to Spain. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historicreligious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. The driving time from Caen to Irun is around nine hours in a motor home, and tolls will cost somewhere in the region of 170 in tolls, although expect more if you weigh over 3,500kgs. Dont forget, if you are driving through France to get to Spain, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry? There are a number of must-sees including the Plaza de Espaa, the Real Alczar, the Giralda Tower and the Cathedral. Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. such products do not require refrigeration before opening. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. (stuffed aubergine) when this mediterranean vegetable is in season and youll be blown away. The motorhome route is shown in the map below. Mobile Phone and Internet Its usually possible to use your UK phone and data in Spain, but do check with your provider. When you click on an affiliate link in a page or post, at no cost to you, we earn fees by advertising and linking to our affiliate partners. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. The first question to ask yourself if whether you want to drive from the UK through France and down to Spain, or whether you want to take a ferry direct from the UK and sail around the coast and down to northern Spain. Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. Of course, you can always drive down one route and back up another! c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Just before Biarritz, take the D932 due south to Cambo-les-Bains. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. All Rights Reserved. We are off on a long winter stay, so a few extra days driving are insignificant and part of motorhome enjoyment is the journey itself. From 28th September 2021, you will have to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle when travelling in Spain, even if you have a new style UK numberplate which displays the Union Jack flag. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? If in doubt, you can always ask at the tourist office or town hall- many places are happy to allow you in their car park for the night. Three-day friendly festival in West Sussex. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and its best to check with your provider to make sure you dont run up a big bill. However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. The slip road ends in traffic lights where you need to be in the centre lane to turn left across a dual carriageway. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? Weve spent months touring in France and from tips about driving, budgeting, where to stay overnight and off-grid and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in France. Or, get to France any way you like and take a slow meander south using non-toll roads and spend some time exploring France as you travel. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. There arent quite as many aires in Spain as in France and theyre often a little more out of the way, but the network is still very useful and easy to use. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. As a result I'm looking for as much help as I I can get. If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. Avoid cities if youre driving in a motorhome- many of them are too crowded and the streets are just not cut out for large vehicles. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. Destination. Diesel in Spain is some of the cheapest in Europe, especially if you fill up at the supermarket, with Cepsa and Repsol garages being the most expensive. Occasionally, some sections of road have a fixed fee, so you pay when you enter. There are two low emission zones in Madrid planned, and other Spanish cities with a population of more than 50,000 are required to implement an LEZ by 2023. Either way, the destination is Abbeville where, just north of the city, you pick up the free A28 motorway, which takes you all the way to Rouen. If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, heres what we recommend and where to find it, You can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth or Plymouth and go to either Santander or Bilbao (both on the north coast of Spain). If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. Unless you are in an absolute dive or the service is dreadful, it is expected that you will leave a tip, usually around 5%. Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. (If you do need an IDP, heres anin-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permitand which one(s) you needfrom a UK post office. On the other hand, if you have 10-14 days or longer, you can get a lot further south, certainly as far as Costa Blanca or Andalucia and possibly even get to enjoy motorhoming in Portugal if youre happy to drive every day. In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. Main roads (mostly modern single carriageway roads) are in green. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Valencia is a green and vibrant city, with great nightlife. We recommend you dont drink this water and also clean out your motorhome freshwater tank thoroughly before refilling it to get rid of the particles found in de-salinated water. You can find out more, It is allowed to park a motorhome during the day anywhere that parking is allowed (as long as there are no signs specifically banning motorhome parking, which will say something like , If you have an accident youll need to complete the. Leaving the motorway you drop down a hill. Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Spain, Can't decide? Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating . a lazy morning, and stop en-route, so you have the best chance of finding a spot around this time, but thats when the day is at its hottest, so be careful. I am a pretty competent driver and not nervous of driving in mountains provided the roads are sensible and not too narrow. Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. You cannot book motorhome aires in advance- its first-come, first-served, so if youre visiting at peak times you might feel happier booking a campsite so youre assured of somewhere to stay. Caravan & Motorhome Holidays Abroad ; Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to . If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. See Motorhome Fall Into River Amid Catastrophic California Storms Man City want 100m Liverpool target at all costs with current star ready to 'pack up and leave' for Spain 'You can't trust . From here either turn towards Ainhoa to cross the border, or continue on to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port where you enter Spain and climb to a 1,000m over the Ibaneta Pass. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. So, if you're searching for a cheap car rental in South Africa after landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport, look no further! Each of the . Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. This can vary a little from town to town but fundamentally the afternoon is for relaxing and spending time together as a family; if you cant beat em, join em! Users rate their experience with 4.8/5! This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. On the way, stop atSant Carles de la Rapita,a charming Spanish town with lots of great seafood restaurants. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities Very few, if any, shops are open on Sundays so make sure youve stocked up! Diamonds with a black line through mean you no longer have priority ( this is usually on roundabouts.). En route you will enjoy lovely landscapes, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and breathtaking views. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in Spain in advance. The Arige in the heart of the Pyrenees 4. View Larger Map. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. Spend a few days wandering the old townand Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience. The route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering Im ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain, but its entirely up to you. Expenses of the 10-day route through French Brittany by motorhome In total, this trip that we have made in a motorhome has had 1000 uros of cost for the 4 that we are in the family. Use the three-step search above to select your ideal vehicle, or contact our 24/7 customer service team at +1-888-223-5555 for expert assistance. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. With this in mind, we've asked our campsite assessors to come up with their suggested route through France to the Catalan border. You may find that if youre in the mountains in winter, this mix causes your boiler to sound like a freight train unless you have a specific altitude setting which some models of Alde boiler have as an extra. Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce, but it is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. Remember if youre driving across France, youll need to observe the French driving laws and road rules, which do differ from the rules in Spain. The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. Sundays are truly sacred days in Spain. Top Motorhome Destinations in Spain The Pyrenees Picos de Europa Len Santiago de Compostela Madrid Huelva Tarifa Seville Via Verdes Crdoba Ronda & Grazalema Caminito del Rey Sierra Nevada Almeria Cartagena Valencia Serra d'Irta Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre Barcelona Resources for Motorhome Travel in Spain Can't decide? ), If you are going to be travelling to Spain during summer, we highly recommend you have an awning- youll definitely need the shade and protection from the sun. del Corregidor). If youre looking for a longer holiday, just throw in some beach time! There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. Park your campervan, set up your mountain or road bike, fill up your water bottle, and get exploring! Mealtimes are revered in Spain, as much about the time spent socialising at the table, as the food. Your pet will need amicrochip, a validrabies vaccination and ananimal health certificate (AHC). Hiking, cycling, kite surfing, incredible beaches and views, all with the sun shining down on us! Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. We stayed at thePort of Gelvesjust outside the city but accessible by scooter or public transport. READ MORE: There are some basic rules to follow whilst motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking, Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Paying just a few euro in tolls is a good time saver. (PLEASE do not leave a pet in a van or car while you go sightseeing, especially on a hot day.). The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. Gasoleo B or Gasoil B is the equivalent of red diesel for agricultural vehicles do not put this in your motorhome! The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. However if you encounter very strong winds remember its a forest area on light sandy soil, parking under trees may be ill advised. Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023, Motorhome Wild Camping Your Complete Guide, Madrid in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, How to Live the Van Life in Tarifa, Spain, One Day in Seville Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Cordoba in One Day Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, One Day in Barcelona Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Best for campervan and motorhome hire UK to Spain >>, The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips, or menu of the day. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. Set a mile from the north Norfolk coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kelling Heath is an environmentally aware 300-acre holiday park offering a wide range of activities for all the Yorkshires largest motorhome and campervan show returns to Harrogate, with indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. Camping Los Escullosis a great site, which is situated in the national park, close to Los Escullos beach ( a good spot for wild camping on the beach in Spain) and a couple of really good hikes. But let's get down to practicalities. A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. Visit to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. ), you might find things a little quieter, certainly with British vans. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. Some are rustic and have basic facilities, while others are designed for long-term visitors and have entertainment, clubs, pools and bars! This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK into Caen or Cherbourg. Gerard's Bistro, Fortitude Valley. If you prefer to stay on campsites, few are open in winter, so your route and driving time will be dictated by those that are. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Garmin Camper 760LM 7" - Lifetime Europe Maps Sat Nav - Camper/Motorhome/Caravan at the best online prices at eBay! Spain uses the Euroconnector adapter. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. For Spain motorhome rental best if youre travelling with a family or need more room check out Motorhome Republic, who have over 40 pick-up and drop-off locations in Spain, meaning you can plan a one-way drop-off, or access the bit of Spain you want to see really easily. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. Most hire companies allow their motorhome rentals to be taken overseas, including our recommended hirer, Spaceship Rentals. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. In the short term, this is fine but you may want to clean out your fresh water tank with a high-pressure hose once you have moved away from this part of Spain due to the sediment found in desalinated water. UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for90 days in every 180 daysin the Schengen Area. You cannot book aires for camping in Spain, it is advisable in the holidays and in popular places to try and get there early in the morning or just after lunchtime. Inland and in the Spanish mountains, nights can be chilly and in the north, you may well see snow. If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Dont forget you will need snow chains and make sure you have fitted all-weather tyres. This comes in at 474 miles and a traveling time of 8 hours and 4 minutes. Crdoba is full of Moorish treasures. Some spots are even right on the beach! At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping autopista(motorway) and autova(dual carriageway) to yourself. Order a Cerveza pequea (small beer) for 1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in Len and literally have your dinner for nothing! Dont forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. If youre planning on dinner, expect the restaurant to be quiet and soulless before 9pm. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. Routes to avoid it go too far inland and are slow, so stick with it. Why hire a motorhome through Goboony? These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! Either way, travelling through France to Spain could be the perfect European route for you. Castilian (or Spanish) is the main language, with Catalan being spoken in Catalonia, Valenciano being spoken in Valencia (both being more like the French language), Galician belonging to the northern region and Basque belonging to the Basque Country. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. Heading further north, the beautiful cities of La Rochelle and Nantes are already waiting for you. Rent the perfect van, campervan or motorhome for a family trip, with your four-legged or two-legged friend.