Day 1 -Vron to Gron. You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. From tips about driving, where to stay overnight 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 motorhome road trip in Spain. 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. Morocco is the perfect post-Brexit escape if youre looking to spend three months out of the Schengen area. 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. The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. With short breaks, and sharing the driving, we usually arrive at the overnight stops around 4pm (ish) after a 7am (ish) crossing, and after leaving Poitiers around 9am. READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome. Driving To Spain From UK - Our Tips & Routes | Campfire Magazine Ducato named the "Best Motorhome Base of the Year" for the Twelfth Time Just like other tolls in Europe, youll usually get a ticket when you enter the toll route, then have to pay when you exit at either a manned or automatic toll booth. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. Motorhome Routes Through France. Continue straight on to seamlessly join the D323 southern bypass and in 7.5 miles turn south, still the D323, to La Fleche and on to Bauge and Saumur. They also have dog kennels onboard but you CANNOT keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen). Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. The UK Department for Transport advises that A-frames are not legal for use by UK motorhomers abroad. Many shops close on Sundays. Check out our post about driving from the UK to Spainfor scenic routes and destination ideas. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. If everyone else is, feel free to join them but remember you may be asked to move on.) Motorhome wild camping in Valencia is no longer permitted. 29 of the Best Motorhome Apps Free & Downloadable Now! Dog poo is a real issue across Spain. The AP7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol retains some charges, but they are minimal and are no longer decided by the weight of your vehicle, making them even better value for motorhomes. 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. Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need, Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed! Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. If youre planning on dinner, expect the restaurant to be quiet and soulless before 9pm. 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. Utilise the campsite bar a glass of wine and a beer will typically cost 3, a bargain! Are you feeling a bit nervous about wild camping for the first time? MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN DAY 1 Calais - YouTube On hills, use the crawler lanes to get out of the way of faster-moving traffic. These are prettier than the coastal sprawl but the narrower winding roads mean no mileage saving and a longer journey time. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. Weve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. You can download the app in the App store (iOS) or the Play store (Android). Is there a straighf. 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. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited and a real bucket list destination. Spring and autumn are wonderful times for a Spanish road trip from March until June will get you wildflowers and near-perfect temperatures, warm enough to swim in the sea from May onwards from the Costa Blanca south, and only a light top needed in the evenings. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. Motorhome route through Norway - 9 unique places - ACSI Eurocampings Join our email list here and get access to our FREE resource library. If this happens, then we recommend stopping for the night somewhere safe (the beauty of travelling in a motorhome) and then continuing on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. Where to stay in France during your journey, The Long Road South A Motorhome Route Through France To Spain. Ferrovial's planned Dutch move angers Spanish PM You may take advantage of our 30 percent savings and free cancellation within 48 hours of planned pick-up to Pietermaritzburg or elsewhere in the world right now on autoeurope.com! 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. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. You should now be in the right hand lane for the next set of lights. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. Now that BREXIT has happened and the UK pet passport scheme is no longer valid, you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate before you leave the UK. READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. France Start and end dates until Erase dates Search. Starting at the English Channel and continuing to the Bay of Biscay, you're sure to make the memories of a lifetime along the way. Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? We parked and stayed at the Municipal Camping Car Parking (1 Av. Featured in Experience the ultimate motorhome holiday . OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. 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. Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. 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. 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. ), Motorhoming in Germany- everything you need to know, REVIEWED: Best Motorhome or Caravan TVs (How to choose), Reviewed: motorhome Essentials every van needs. Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- lets move on to overnight parking. Most of the routes i have seen on the forum have avoided toll roads. 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. If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. Tolls can be paid for in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. There are also sites open at Tours and Bordeaux (two) if you are not making good time. This is a fascinating and ecologically diverse part of Spain withover 80species of birds livingand breeding here. Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. Toll free route to Switzerland - save money on tolls! - Motorhome Voyager (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. You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain. 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. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! This comes in at 474 miles and a traveling time of 8 hours and 4 minutes. You can read more about aires, how to find them and road trip planninghere. 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. As you approach the N12 the map, and probably your navigator, will suggest turning left past Dreux and Chartres to meet the N10. So instead turn right on the N12 towards Alencon, leave most of the traffic behind, and enjoy the mainly fast dual carriageway for 34miles to Mortagne-au-Perche where you turn south. Cow Close Caravan and Camping | Alan Rogers If youre driving from the UK to Spain (well cover that shortly), you need to allow the time it will take to drive through France to Spain (and back again!) Itinerary by region. Temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and swimming in the sea, but there are much fewer tourists and you will be able to find motorhome parking without booking in advance. Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0d3bb0083595b6364da5d620cb66011" );document.getElementById("fe07b4a206").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws. 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. This first link is an award winning database about France. They are old, disused railways lines that have been converted to cycling and walking tracks, often through stunning scenery with few other users. Make your booking for the ferry to Spain with Direct Ferries, where you can compare routes and prices to ensure you get the best deal. Often vegetarian means made from vegetables, not vegetarian in the true sense of the word. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. If youre new to our website (welcome! Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). Find it here). All Rights Reserved. However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. Some towns are making real efforts to combat this issue (one traces the poo and posts it back.how??) Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. A visit to Lourdes is also possible. 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. There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. Water is regulated in much of the country, especially in the south, and many sites provide de-salinated water instead of potable. Sin Plomo 95 is Regular Unleaded, Sin Plomo 98 is Premium Unleaded and Gasoleo (sometimes called Gasoil A)is Diesel and sometimes its also called diesel in Spain! keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen). We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. These are surprisingly effective! In Spain, LPG is grade C, which means the percentage mix of propane to butane is approximately 30/70. If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! motorhome routes through france to spain - rulonenterprises.com 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. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. 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. ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. Or take a campervan route through the popular region of Normandy and Brittany! The Gap Decaders are participants in a number of affiliate programmes. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . For Spanish gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops. Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. Our award-winning customer service team . 1861 km and about 147 in tolls (over 200 in a camper van or motorhome). When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. As you leave the ferry terminal stay on the main road, dont turn into town unless you intend staying on the aire near the harbour. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. We'd love to cross some mountains but just need to be advised by people who have already done it. From the stunning Alps, the Black Forest with its gorgeous romantic road, to medieval cities, fairytale castles and magical Christmas markets this surprising and interesting country is a must-see road trip destination for campervans and motorhomes. A motorhome tour of Germany offers incredible adventures. You can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system likeEmovis, which also covers you in France and Portugal. How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it! Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Copyright 2023 Warners Group Publications Plc. Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? Stay at Camping As Cancelas for easy access by bike or foot into the historic centre. 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 Youll often see the typical pictogram sign by the side of the road pointing you to a service point, this may be a dedicated area, within an aire or another facility. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. Spain has a number of different languages. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. motorhome routes through france to spain These motorhomes are generally significantly larger than their high-top van counterparts, and usually have showers, more cupboard space, and more fully-kitted kitchenettes. The Valencia region passed a new law which came into effect on 8th May 2021, which prohibits motorhomes from parking or camping, unless in designated areas. Contains eBook, checklists and more. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. Menu Skip to . 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!). A very efficient drive all the French motorways despite getting caught up in a se. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. Discussions | The Caravan Club Book with Eurocampings for the best deals on over 520 campsites in Spain. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. We are Phil and Izzy. The Gorges d'Hric in Southern France brings our Vanlife diaries to the most dramatic destination where river pools and waterfalls await. If youd like to avoid campsites and aires, but dont want to risk staying off-grid, there is a scheme which connects business owners to people motorhoming or campervanning in Spain, called Espana Discovery. The route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. 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. A prosperous and cosmopolitan city with a great vibe. ), Driving in Spain- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident, Other essential tips for campervanning in Spain, More useful things to know when motorhoming in Spain, FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE, best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain, heres what we recommend and where to find it. "LongRoadSouth. Routes to avoid it go too far inland and are slow, so stick with it. At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees. The fastest (almost) toll-free routes to France and Spain Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. On roads where there is no pavement so that vehicles and pedestrians share the road: 20 km/h. Our ready-made Spanish road trips are here to help, guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit, Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome Hire in Spain (and the rest of Europe!).