motorhome routes through france to spain

As you approach the Costa Brava, the various resorts are clearly signposted. Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. Mercadona, SuperCor and Eroski are similar in price and quality but do not carry the range of goods you would expect in a UK supermarket. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. Day 3 - Chteauroux to Roullet Saint-Estephe. Cartagena is a city we really enjoy for its eclectic architecture andunexpected cosmopolitan feel. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. The trade-off is the Costas where traffic ramps up and tailbacks are frequent. The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow. If you are driving in the mountains, you MUST sound your horn before a blind bend, but its illegal to use a horn in built-up areas. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. 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. Sniff out the world's best dog friendly motorhome and campervan sites in Yecla, Spain. This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. Driving the Vrsic Pass Slovenias spectacular mountain road, Car crash or road traffic accident in Europe- what to do, Reviewed Best Wales Motorhome sites (& campervanning in wales tips! The nearest metro station is Canillejas, about a ten minute walk and on the same line as all the major tourist destination stops, so no changes are required. Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, tolls are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other in your motorhome. Either way, travelling through France to Spain could be the perfect European route for you. TOP TIP: If youre planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. But dont enter the town, which is busy and narrow. 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. It has a host of information on best routes to many locations. From here, drive south towards Ronda and the Parque Natural de la Sierra Grazalema. Or take a campervan route through the popular region of Normandy and Brittany! If youre travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. To find out where to stay during stage 1 - click here. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. Guided wildlife tour in Jasper National Park. In Spain, yourACSICampingCard will come into its own if youre planning on touring and stopping for less than seven nights at sites. With the colourful traditions, good food and wine and fabulous architecture, you have all the ingredients for an amazing tour. 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. From here to Bayonne is 256 miles but its a fast dual carriageway virtually all the way with only Bordeaux having heavy traffic. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. View Larger Map. You will find some petrol stations with additional facilities for motorhomes, like waste disposal, water (NOT always drinkable!) Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. We use, 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways/ autovias and many dual carriageways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary roads (out of town)- can increase to 110km/h to overtake, 50km/h (31 mph)- on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, 30 km/h (19 mph) on roads with one lane in each direction, 20km/h on small lanes where road & pavement are the same level. In Spain you can visit the Spanish National Park Aigestortes. LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. Service is usually included in the fixed price, which can range from 10 to 18 or possibly more if youre in a big tourist city. You can pull over into a rest stop and eat and drink within your vehicle, but setting up a table and chairs next to the road is not allowed. There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. The roads within the site are deteriorating badly and the showers and sanitary facilities are poorly designed (although clean and with plentiful hot water) but this is all surmountable if you want to see Madrid! As a result I'm looking for as much help as I I can get. This is one of the quickest motorhome routes through France to Spain and is the cheapest from a toll perspective. 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 carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. Users rate their experience with 4.8/5! 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. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. ), 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. Number of days: Two to four. The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. 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. We intended to do Callais to Biarritz area, cross the border through centre of Spain to Portugal. Dont forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here. The non toll free route from Calais to Basel is via the A26 motorway and the A4 motorway. This doesnt apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place. There are a number of must-sees including the Plaza de Espaa, the Real Alczar, the Giralda Tower and the Cathedral. We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. 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. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. 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. Paying just a few euro in tolls is a good time saver. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Read our blog post about hiking in the Ordesa Valley here. The map below shows the main towns and cities of Spain, and the main road network. 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. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. 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 Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. 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. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. Read the article below for other things to check as well before you agree to hire. Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. 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. Get MMM for just 2.99 a month! From castle to castle along the Loire 6. See all our dog travel and road trip tips, Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything, Language There are several local variations of Spanish. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. Nestled down a leafy street, in the heart of Brisbane, is Gerard's Bistro. Over many years we have not found a sensible alternative to bypass Rouen, they either add too many miles or progress is frustratingly slow. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. Day 4 - Roullet Saint-Estephe to Virollet-Font Paillaud. All opinions remain our own. The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time and are planning a few months or more for your motorhoming in France and Spain trip. Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all! 4. IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. Read more. 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). 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. If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left returning back to the main road. France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. Spanish supermarkets are generally ok, all offering the basics and some a bit more upmarket, such a Carrefour. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Petrol and diesel are widely available. Picturesque towns of the Red Coast 3. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. The huge highlight from this route is crossing the Millau Viaduct in your motorhome or camper- its well worth the experience. 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. If you are overtaking a cyclist or a group of cyclists, you must leave at least 1.5m of clearance, and also reduce speed by 20kmh (WHY Spain, WHY?) The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. Motorhome routes through France France is the perfect place to plan a motorhome route, for example along the country's southern coast . 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. GEAR If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, heres what we recommend. Its warm for one thing, and theres nothing like a little sunshine to chase away those winter blues. This cosmopolitan city boasts contemporary and historic attractions and is packed with character on every street corner come with us and spend a perfect day in Madrid. 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. Mountain roads are also very slow and if your destination is Valencia or further south there is little saving in overall mileage compared to the much safer and faster route along the Atlantic coast near Biarritz. 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!). Rent the perfect van, campervan or motorhome for a family trip, with your four-legged or two-legged friend. There are speed cameras just as in the UK, and the Spanish (and other EU) authorities have been known to pursue Brits for non-payment of fines. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. This final stretch towards Bayonne now has toll points which are difficult to avoid unless you go out to the coast. 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). If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. Most trucks will have taken to the motorway but the road is still quite slow through a continuous urban sprawl. Before motorhome overnight parking, do your usual checks and add an extra one look forPine Processionary Caterpillars in Spain, which make their nests in those lovely shady pine trees we all like to park under. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. 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. The route through Southern Norway should take you about two to three weeks. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. The mighty SierraNevada is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europeafter theCaucasus Mountainsand theAlps; Mulhacnpeaks at 3,479m above sea level. Anywhere near the beach will be tough all year. But the Spanish government . 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. The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. Journey along the loneliest road in America. If youd like to get FREE motorhome and road trip checklists, you can find them here. With great routes across Europe, its easy to drive to Spain by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle. You will be almost unaware of crossing the border at Irun, watch for the Espania sign, and turn south on the N121 a surprisingly fast road wriggling through the mountains to Pamplona. The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. Gasoleo B or Gasoil B is the equivalent of red diesel for agricultural vehicles do not put this in your motorhome! 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. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. Next on our Perth to Darwin travel itinerary is the wonderful town of Broome. Peaje or AP is a toll road. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know, whether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter, SIM Cards in Morocco: How & Where to Buy + Best Deals, Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips, Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip, Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips, Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . Top Tip: Even if you book a standard class cabin, its possible to book into the Commodore C-Club lounge, where free hot drinks, water and wine are served, along with generous snacks, meaning you dont need to pay for expensive food on board. Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historicreligious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. Join our email list here and get access to our FREE resource library. Dont forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. 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. From the Cote dAzur to the deserted and tranquil interior, France is the perfect place to spend a summer in your motorhome. 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). Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. Planning to take your motorhome to Europe? 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. Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. This comes in at 474 miles and a traveling time of 8 hours and 4 minutes. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. Dont forget you will need snow chains and make sure you have fitted all-weather tyres. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. Also campsites are often in remote rural areas and may not have hard standing. You could also look at Auto Europe who act as an aggregator site and may be able to get you a better deal. American Express is rarely accepted but UK credit or debit cards should work (but not always, so carry cash to be safe! Road map of Spain. If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest Route 2 is straight south from Calais, skirting around Paris and then down to Clermont Ferrard and Perpignan on the A75 (which is largely free from tolls). In under a mile the road forks; if you intend staying on one of the coastal aires follow the D940; otherwise the D901 via Montreuil is faster. 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. This has not changed since Brexit as the information-sharing agreement with the DVLA continues. 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.). If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an. This gorge is spanned spectacularly by an 18thcentury arched bridge andtall housesperchprecariouslyalong itsedges. 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. 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. Spend a few days wandering the old townand Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience. 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. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. Then, after a few hours' driving, its nice to stroll around where we've ended up, which brings us to the issue of where to stay. Lidl and Carrefour have great parking facilities for motorhomes, the others less so as they are often more centrally situated in towns. 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. Our hand-selected campsites for a super staycation Holiday park profile: Rockbridge Country Holiday Park (Discover Parks). Its a long crossing of 32 hours, but does give you the chance to have a proper nights sleep if you book a cabin. This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Italy. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! 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. 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. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. 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. c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. You will need to get a worming treatment done by a registered vet before you leave Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.Sandflies, fleas and ticks are common in Spain, so get a collar or treatment which protects against these. The long road south - a motorhome route through France to Spain You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. These zones are indicated with Area de prioridad residencial and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.). What documents do you need to drive in Spain? 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. Make sure your wild camping spot is not on private property and that you have parked respectfully of residents and other wild campers nearby. Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Spain, Can't decide? En route you will enjoy lovely landscapes, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and breathtaking views. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. NOTE: Gas bottles can be tough to get- and its forbidden to fill foreign gas cylinders. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We stayed several nights at thisgreat spot,perfect for getting the bus to the start of the hike and then walking back from the end, via the bar of course! Crdoba is full of Moorish treasures. Spain & Portugal [2016] Italy, Croatia & Slovenia [2016] All Digital Guides. The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21. Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! Rent a motorhome between individuals. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. The Route des Grandes Alpes traverses 16 alpine passes and ascends about 16,000 metres until finally, after about 700 km, you arrive at your final destination on the sunny Mediterranean coast. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes: Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg). Find it here). For us option C is the only contender. 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. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? The best campsites for a holiday with your four-legged friend Editor's Pick - Top northern England campsites. Featured in Experience the ultimate motorhome holiday . Hiking, cycling, kite surfing, incredible beaches and views, all with the sun shining down on us! With a depot in London, top-notch customer service and all the equipment you need for an easy holiday, Spaceship offers the best deals for Europe. A spare wheel (and tools to change it! Just before Le Mans as you leave the village of Savigne-lEveque turn left onto a link road towards the A11 / A28 motorway junction. If you are driving a motorhome or campervan in Spain and towing, and the overall length is more than 12m (which would be one large motorhome and trailer! The Arige in the heart of the Pyrenees 4. 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. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. Leaving the motorway you drop down a hill. In the southeast of the country, water is in very short supply. Expect to show your passport or identification on arrival and many places require you to leave one passport behind the reception. Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town inAragn, with incredible mountainviews. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. You can buy an annual guide for just 23 (in 2021) and if gives you access to over 200 businesses which allow motorhomes to park up overnight in exchange for buying a meal in their restaurant or a few bottles of wine at the vineyard. I am a pretty competent driver and not nervous of driving in mountains provided the roads are sensible and not too narrow. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. Campsite review: South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park. Seville is hot, steamy and so very Spanish!