Trish Deeley
Driving in France The péages toll roads might seem expensive, but they will get you there much quicker, and are less crowded and less stressful to drive on. They are also smoother, so you are less likely to bounce the contents of your caravan around. Caravans less than 3m in height and weighing less than 3.5t are designated as Class 2. For speed at toll booths, we use credit cards to pay – always push the button for a receipt and store it safely. Occasionally, discrepancies have occurred and refunds have been given subject to the production of receipts. If you are not going far, or you’re not in a hurry, the ‘N’-designated roads are fine to use.
Stopping at motorway aires On motorways, these are designated areas often attached to petrol stations, and they’re ideal for stopping for a short while. These larger areas have facilities such as toilets. However, many of them are simply designated picnic areas. They can take the form of a glorified lay-by, or might be something more scenic and relaxing, with green spaces and picnic benches.
Staying on sites Municipal campsites are run by local authorities. They are generally cheaper and more basic than some privately owned ones, but are often more than adequate. They are most common near cities. When staying close to large towns or cities, we always check the Caravan & Motorhome Club’s Touring France for reviews regarding possible security issues. Many campsites in France close over the lunch-time period. This can be anything from two to three hours. In popular areas or at peak times, it’s advisable to be on site before the early-evening rush.
Guidebooks Our go-to guide has always been the Caravan & Motorhome Club’s Touring France. Always check the review dates, because prices, facilities, availability, opening times and so on can change over time. For something a bit special, Alan Rogers Selected Sites in Europe reviews upmarket sites that are a bit more ‘bells and whistles’. ACSI (www.campingcard.co.uk) is also an excellent resource, particularly if you are travelling out-of-season, because it provides an off-season discount card and a book listing participating sites.
Drinking water The quality of water in France has improved substantially in recent years, but having said that, we never use the tap water for drinking. Bottled water is cheap and comes in handy five-litre containers from supermarkets.