), Motorhoming in Germany- everything you need to know, REVIEWED: Best Motorhome or Caravan TVs (How to choose), Reviewed: motorhome Essentials every van needs. Motorhome aires in France are so well located - we've stayed in inner cities, within castle walls, at the bottom of ski pistes and steps away from a lake's shore. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. This is designated motorhome parking, well-lit and manned with CCTV and services but no EHU. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. In the past, Spain has been VERY crowded during the winter months, especially in the south. Motorhome wild camping in Valencia is no longer permitted. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. If you wait until youre at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much! Take your caravan or motorhome on the slow route to North-East Spain Spain France Travel Advice We're often asked for suggested routes, and the way to Spain is one which crops up regularly. You are literally over the road from the old town and within 5 minutes, you will be at the Mezquita. Its easy to find motorhome campsites in Spain and theyre much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. Update August 2021 you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe. Or take a campervan route through the popular region of Normandy and Brittany! the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these; Sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spain ports of Santander of Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you want to depart) is the only way to avoid France. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). Continue to the arid and wild Cabo de Gata national park, 71,500 acres of protected land since 1987. Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. 2500 mile round trip in a fortnight. 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. If youre driving in Spain, you need to carry the following documents: Most UK citizens do not need anIDPto drive in Spain, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!). At the bottom of the N10 you can either continue on the A63 toll motorway, or take the D810 towards Bayonne, Biarritz and the Spanish border. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. Petrol and diesel are widely available. Rent a motorhome between individuals. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. As you approach the Costa Brava, the various resorts are clearly signposted. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain A motorhome tour of Spain offers plenty of variety: from sun, sea and sand in the south of the country to green surroundings in the north. You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. However if you encounter very strong winds remember its a forest area on light sandy soil, parking under trees may be ill advised. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UKs largest motorhome travel websites or get a cocker spaniel. See Route guide - Calais, Rouen, Orleans, Clermont-Ferrand route Toll May 2022 ~ 85.20 Distance: 1162 km Driving time: about 11h. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . The trade-off is the Costas where traffic ramps up and tailbacks are frequent. All rights reserved, Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners, Our favourite motorhome & road trip gear, (Already purchased a guide or course? The best campsites for discovering this popular southwest county Editor's pick - The top adults-only campsites. If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee at the bottom of this page- we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!). We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome. perfect campsite for your next trip away. Occasionally, some sections of road have a fixed fee, so you pay when you enter. Many people will go to church but it is the extended family lunch, hosted by the matriarch, which is the most important part of the day. The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. Mileages where quoted are approximate, road signs in kilometres can seem very high, just remember 50km is 30 miles, 100km is 60 miles, etc. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! 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. 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. NEWS : The Spanish authorities have (for the time being) removed the tolls from the AP7 motorway between the French border and Alicante. A motorhome tour of Germany offers incredible adventures. If youre towing with your motorhome or campervan in Spain and the overall train length is 12m or more you must have at least one yellow reflector on the rear, sized 130cm x 25cm (or two sized 50cm x 25cm). On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . GUIDE For a step-by-step guide, with video walkthroughs of aires, motorhome set up, checklists and more, grab our France Road Trip & Motorhome Travel Planner, CHECKLIST Dont forget to grab your FREE France motorhome travel checklist HERE. Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? Seville is hot, steamy and so very Spanish! Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair! No- wild camping is not permitted in any of Spains National Parks. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. Ferry Crossings - Top Tips Winter Motorhome Trip to Spain. 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! Between 1st November and 31st March every year, the mix changes to 35/65 to account for the colder weather. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. In practice, this could mean towing your car while its fixed to a trailer, although there is ambiguity around this and differing advice can be found on the internet. Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip? Leave this in the inside lane and in just under a mile take the third exit signposted to Vernon. Our award-winning customer service team . Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being more popular because of the warmer climate (butaneis more suited to milderweather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures). These motorhomes are generally significantly larger than their high-top van counterparts, and usually have showers, more cupboard space, and more fully-kitted kitchenettes. Copyright 2023 Warners Group Publications Plc. For Spanish gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops. Andalucia is our favourite place for motorhome holidays in Spain, full of life and dramatic contrasts between sparkling turquoise seas, verdant green mountains and arid desert landscapes. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. You might find these posts helpful: See all our Europe motorhoming posts here, NEED GEAR? Of course, if you only have a week for your holiday, travelling from the UK and back leaves only a few days to explore the country, and the further south you go, the less exploring time you have. Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. From the green north side to the rugged south side and back again, ending at the foot of the Pyrenees. ), 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. Paying just a few euro in tolls is a good time saver. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. Day 6 - Bordeaux. This final stretch towards Bayonne now has toll points which are difficult to avoid unless you go out to the coast. In this post, youll find all you need to know about touring Italy by motorhome. You need lights on in the tunnels (there are signs to remind you). Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. That's what awaits you during your trip through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. 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. Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. Is there a straighf. This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. For us option C is the only contender. ), you might find things a little quieter, certainly with British vans. RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. Book this hike well in advance and go with a guide, for an extra few euros you will learn so much. An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. We stayed at thePort of Gelvesjust outside the city but accessible by scooter or public transport. Some larger sites or those run by corporates will have a fixed number of ACSI pitches which will have EHU but no water or drainage. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? 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 . Contains eBook, checklists and more. The tolls on this route will cost you an estimated 180; it could be more if you're driving a big motorhome of upwards of 3,500 kgs. There is a lot of diverse hiking here but the weather can be unstable and the terrain unforgiving. So dont walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you. Sundays are truly sacred days in Spain. Wander here for a day and see the cathedral, Plazas Mayorand Santa Domingo andtheBasilica de San Isidoro. To take your motorhome from the UK to Spain you have a basic choice: either take a ferry across the Bay of Biscay to Northern Spain, or take the Channel Tunnel or a ferry to Northern France, and drive across France to the Pyrenees. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. Thanks. As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided. 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 Menu Skip to . This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, its more cost-effective than driving through France. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. A visit to Lourdes is also possible. 20 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you 1. If you're planning a UK campsite stay then visit our Campsite Finder, with over 5,000 campsites to search you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitchup to in your Motorhome. For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when youre there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots weve stayed with our motorhome. Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. What documents do you need to drive in Spain? New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21. This is our favourite route for a France road trip as you pass some incredible places (including some of the most historic places in France!). Motorhome Tour to Spain Part 1 - Powering through France with some sadness. All opinions remain our own. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. Not all spaces are level and the majority were originally designed for cars so have kerbs in what is now the middle of the space! Packed with great museums and atmospheric squares and quarters, Madrid is a great city in which to spend a day or so. Northern Spain is mountainous and you can expect snow during winter- and it will be cold, even on a sunny day (just like in the Alps or any other mountain range.) This corner of Spain, including Galicia, is known as Green Spain because it rains so much! You will fall in love with this captivating and romantic city. Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. Always have a second choice in reserve, one of the best resources to use isAll the Aires Spainand Portugal. Book your perfect motorhome easily, safely and affordably. 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. Join our email list here and get access to our FREE resource library. Our motorhome beginners resources have everything you need from helpful printable motorhome checklists and easy guides to taking your first motorhome trip. September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. When planning a motorhome tour of Spain, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where youre going (and how long you have for your road trip!). On roads with single carriageways,the speed limit establishedmay not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. For us, we find it too hot during high summer, especially as we travel with a dog and keeping a dog cool on a road trip is never easy (especially when theyre a cocker spaniel who doesnt understand the meaning of the word chill! Youll find great hiking and bird-watching trails here. Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. "LongRoadSouth. Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals, 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome, aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe, step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. In our opinion, southern Spain is the perfect European winter destination. ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. Further to the east, youll find El Chorro and the famous Caminito del Rey, one of the most dangerous hikes in the world until the H&S experts got hold of it! Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. A selection of campsites for Christmas breaks Make the most of your motorhome this winter by relaxing at campsites that welcome you all year long, Campsite review: Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. Each of the . Motorhome Chat quick route through france to spain sophiekins Dec 6, 2017 1 2 Next S sophiekins Free Member Mar 5, 2014 6 0 canary islands Funster No 30,404 MH low profile Exp since 2007 Dec 6, 2017 #1 hi all I'm new subscriber here be gentle !!. The medieval centre of Santiago de Compostela is almost entirely pedestrianised, in keeping with its UNESCO World Heritage status. Of course, the downside with any book is that it goes out of date, but dont worry if its only a year or two out- most information about aires wont change too much. This site has more information about tolls in Spain and what you might expect to pay on the various Autopistas. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. The landscape changes from the rugged north, with mountains and scenic views to rival anywhere else in Europe, to the desert and arid areas, to the sparkling azure blue of the Mediterranean. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. We are Phil and Izzy. Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website. We will tell you more about nine selected places on this route. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 7. but in others it seems to be accepted as the norm. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Pump colours are green for petrol and black for diesel. ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe, especially if youre planning to be away for more than a few weeks. Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby. head to that area to get some winter sunshine. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. Perhaps its because there are several options, or perhaps because theres a mountain range in the way, but its something which gets asked over and over again in Facebook groups and forums (feel free to join our motorhoming Facebook group here). Find it here). The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. If you intend staying on the city campsite then watch for airport signs to go anticlockwise north, otherwise continue clockwise to the free A63 motorway. You cannot touch a screen while driving (television, video, DVD etc.) From the green north and the mountainous interior to the gorgeous coasts, youll find all the best road trips in Spain here. Our recommended Spain campervan hire company is Indie Campers and they have depots in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Bilbao perfect starting points to see all the best bits as you road trip Spain. Motorhome aires in Spain are not as plentiful as in France but they are out there! Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. Caravan & Motorhome Holidays Abroad ; Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to . The beautiful capital city of Spain has to be visited. 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. motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest Hi looking for ideas of routes and caravan sites. The white dots are the stops we describe and the moons are our campsite suggestions. We work hard to make this website the best it can be. If everyone else is, feel free to join them but remember you may be asked to move on.) If you want a different pitch, you will be charged a supplement which often wipes out the benefit of the ACSI card, so pick smaller sites for the best experience. Check out our post about driving from the UK to Spainfor scenic routes and destination ideas. This is a long drive so to break it up we suggest stopping off at Eighty Mile Beach to stretch your legs. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. Mealtimes are revered in Spain, as much about the time spent socialising at the table, as the food. and washdown areas. Either way, travelling through France to Spain could be the perfect European route for you. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. Visit La Rbida to see the amazing full-scale models of the three ships in which Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic to discover the New World. The European Commission says the following; It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. For a more authentic Spain, head to inland rural areas away from the Costas and enjoy everything the mountains and gorgeous interior cities have to offer. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. You may find that Spanish people are not as friendly towards dogs as you are used to, and youll often see dogs tied up or confined within rural properties. The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Find motorhome and campervan sites at Pitchup that are bound to get the bark of approval The D810 runs almost parallel with the A63 past Biarritz and St Jean de Luz to the French border town of Hendaye with its Spanish neighbour Irun just across the river. Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Shops Food prices are pretty inexpensive. Weve spent over 18 months travelling in a motorhome in Spain, and in this campervanning and motorhoming guide youll find lots of practical and helpful information. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. Some spots are even right on the beach! Go out along the coast in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board if you can, and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water, an abundance of sea life, wired rock formations and hidden sea caves. 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. The aire here is on the banks of the river Bernesga, which affords some good runningroutes along level paths. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. Where to stay: Pony Express RV Stop in Austen, Silver Sky Lodge RV Park in Eureka, Bonanza RV Park in Fallon, and Silver Sage RV Park in Reno. Day 1 -Vron to Gron. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. This is a generous and joyous country, full of colour and extremes. 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. Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! If youre travelling out of high season and are planning to use campsites, we highly recommend buying an ACSI CampingCard membership, but be aware that many campsites either shut during the winter or are booked up entirely months in advance, so you may wish to book one too. Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. Halfway between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, the Picos are a miniature masterpiece, 40km across and wedged between three great river gorges, the Picos are a natural paradise. Motorhomes < 3,500 kg (also relevant for those touring Spain by car or campervan). We havent travelled any further than the south of France and as were working at the time we used the motorways. (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. 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. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons.
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