In Bordeaux, the center of the famous wine-growing region, you will immerse in French cuisine and culture. You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. Spanish supermarkets are generally ok, all offering the basics and some a bit more upmarket, such a Carrefour. 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. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. 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. We work hard to make this website the best it can be. a motorhome route through France to Spain - Out and About Live RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. We love helping motorhome & campervan owners make the most of their time on the road, whether youre a complete motorhome newbie or planning a long tour of Europe. It is not a fight breaking out or a lovers tiff, its just everyday conversation! 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. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. 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. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment, There is one low emission zone in Spain currently, in Barcelona. More than 340 kilometres of the A75 (Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers) are toll-free apart from the Millau Bridge. Driving through France to Spain You are literally over the road from the old town and within 5 minutes, you will be at the Mezquita. Motorhome rental between Individuals 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. There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. The quickest motorway routes from France are the E70 to northern Spain (the route continues to A Corua in the northwest) and the E15 to south-east Spain. The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days. There are also sites open at Tours and Bordeaux (two) if you are not making good time. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. Check out our guides to travelling in France where you'll be sure to find lots of ideas and inspiration, get our 2 week motorhome itinerary France complete with a motorhome route map of France, or check out our French destination ideas. You can join this route easily if you decide to come over on a ferry to Caen, Le Havre, Dieppe or Cherbourg. 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. GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. The area has hardly any mass tourism. 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. Andalucia epitomises southern Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colourful and passionate. This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. As you approach the N12 the map, and probably your navigator, will suggest turning left past Dreux and Chartres to meet the N10. Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. You cannot touch a screen while driving (television, video, DVD etc.) Get the permission of the landowner if possible. motorhome routes through france to spain Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. 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. 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. Park your campervan, set up your mountain or road bike, fill up your water bottle, and get exploring! MMM is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. 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! Most garages will require you to pay electronically for fuel at the pump, usually you can adjust the instructions to English. 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. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. Either way you end up in Pamplona. Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking, Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe. ), 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. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. Hiking, cycling, kite surfing, incredible beaches and views, all with the sun shining down on us! 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. 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. 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. 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. Try your luck and risk a break-in at the free parking spots, park underground safely and overheat, or trythis campsite, who provide a reasonably priced shuttle into the city. Full details of the cost or routing via Reims is available on the French Autoroutes website. Leave this in the inside lane and in just under a mile take the third exit signposted to Vernon. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. Read more. This route is available in the Campercontact app. human resources job scope; holland america cruise cancellations due to coronavirus Wild camping for motorhomes in Spain (sometimes called free camping or wild parking) is generally tolerated away from busy beaches town and city beaches, and outside of national parks. Across France to the Spanish border Stage 1: Calais to Rouen Leave the ferry terminal and follow the A16 free motorway for 24 miles to Boulogne. Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. Motorhomes < 3,500 kg (also relevant for those touring Spain by car or campervan). Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. 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. The age-old conundrum about the best route to Spain in a motorhome from the United Kingdom is whether to pay for a long ferry crossing or pay for fuel and tolls doing long miles through expensive France. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? On hills, use the crawler lanes to get out of the way of faster-moving traffic. For Spanish gas bottles, you will need a different regulator, available from most DIY or camping shops. 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! 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? Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when you are planning your road trip in Spain. 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. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. Motorhome Route France, Spain and Andorra - Straight through the Pyrenees. but in others it seems to be accepted as the norm. Most of the aires included in this route have paved parking suitable for poor weather and are close to village or town centres for shopping and restaurants. The slip road ends in traffic lights where you need to be in the centre lane to turn left across a dual carriageway. ), or a tyre repair kit. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. In the past, Spain has been VERY crowded during the winter months, especially in the south. Most trucks will have taken to the motorway but the road is still quite slow through a continuous urban sprawl. 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. Ultimate Perth To Darwin Road Trip | maui Motorhomes AU 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. 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. If youre new to our website (welcome! 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 festival commemorates San Jos, the patron saint of carpenters and is held from 15th-20th March every year. 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. If youre looking for a longer holiday, just throw in some beach time! Find it here). In Spain, yourACSICampingCard will come into its own if youre planning on touring and stopping for less than seven nights at sites. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! Are you new to motorhoming? PDF versions of our most popular campsite guide books. 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. LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. You might also find random traffic lights, which turn to red in the middle of nowhere if youre speeding and make you wait for a couple of minutes before turning to green so you can move off again. Is there a straighf. You can read more about aires, how to find them and road trip planninghere. Search my posts about motorhoming, wild parking, taking a van to Europe, tips for new owners and much more. Go straight on and then bear right onto the D6015 still signed for Vernon. What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. Day 3 - Chteauroux to Roullet Saint-Estephe. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. Morocco is the perfect post-Brexit escape if youre looking to spend three months out of the Schengen area. Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. Even in the middle of summer. Guided wildlife tour in Jasper National Park. Motorhome Tour to Spain Part 1 - Powering through France with some sadness. Sniff out the world's best dog friendly motorhome and campervan sites in Yecla, Spain. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. 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. ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; Then read on for all our top tips and practical advice about how to wild camp in a motorhome and get off the beaten track like an expert! *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. We intended to do Callais to Biarritz area, cross the border through centre of Spain to Portugal. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. In some places, to turn left across a dual carriageway you need to pull-in on the right and wait until it is clear in both directions. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. 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. Digital e-guides FAQ UK Car Sticker. Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. On the way, stop atSant Carles de la Rapita,a charming Spanish town with lots of great seafood restaurants. The LongRoadSouth | Motorhomer IMPORTANT: Drivers do NOT have to stop at a zebra crossing for pedestrians IF there are no lights. Many camping sites will provide desalinated water instead of potable water. Hi there, Im Kat. However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! 1861 km and about 147 in tolls (over 200 in a camper van or motorhome). Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. But of course there is much more to see along the way! First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. 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. Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historicreligious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. 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. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. 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. Number of days: Two to four. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. 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. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. A gorgeous city, full of colour and atmosphere. Many roads have automatic speed cameras on in Spain and theyre quite happy to send tourists a fine through the mail. Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- lets move on to overnight parking. Just like motorhoming in France, there are certain things you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan whilst touring in Spain. 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. The most famous French motorway connects Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva with Menton on the French Riviera. 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. What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. Some of our favourite places for motorhome trips in Northern France include: The Normandy beaches. Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. motorhome wild camping heres everything you need to know to stay safe and find free spots. We stayed at thePort of Gelvesjust outside the city but accessible by scooter or public transport. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. 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. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). head to that area to get some winter sunshine. 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. Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to Perpignan then through France 5 Best Routes for Exploring France in a Motorhome | VickyFlipFlop New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? Incredible mountain views from Banff Gondola. Diamonds with a black line through mean you no longer have priority ( this is usually on roundabouts.). Copyright 2023 Warners Group Publications Plc. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. There is history and culture everywhere you look, as well as friendly and welcoming people, delicious food and SUNSHINE- even in winter. If you want to learn a few works, Castilian is the one to pick as it is the most widely spoken. which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you cant see it. We found some ofthebest hiking in Spain here and were able to kite-surf, cycle and run, all in the balmy winter temperatures that southern Spain is known for. View Larger Map. ), 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. This first link is an award winning database about France. 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 route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. Campervans or motorhomes and cars with caravans or trailers are not allowed to exceed 18.75m in total length, 4m in height and 2.55m in width. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. If youre coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. 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. ), Alternatively, get a toll pass/ payment tag so you can use the Telepeaje, VIA-T or T lanes. Is there any other city throughout the whole of Europe that offers visitors a more diverse range of things to do than Barcelona? Its one of the warmest places in Europe in February average temperatures in Malaga are 17c (but only 12c in Madrid- that extra bit south does make a big difference). 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. Motorhome hire from a local owner. 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. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. Often vegetarian means made from vegetables, not vegetarian in the true sense of the word. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, but cannot be held responsible for any changes made to the law since the last update. That's what awaits you during your trip through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. Spain and Portugal - Practical Motorhome 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. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. The best campsites for a holiday with your four-legged friend Editor's Pick - Top northern England campsites. Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. Pump colours are green for petrol and black for diesel. You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. Use an app likePark4Nightto locate motorhome and campervan services.