motorhome routes through france to spain

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!). Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. Our hand-selected campsites for a super staycation Holiday park profile: Rockbridge Country Holiday Park (Discover Parks). Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 7. Many places have a sign saying NO motorhome overnight parking, but you are fine to park during the day. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. 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. If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. The white dots are the stops we describe and the moons are our campsite suggestions. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. To find out where to stay during stage 5 - click here. Its always worth investing in a book of aires, as well as an online app- just in case you find yourself without internet in your motorhome (or without a wifi signal). With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. Next on our Perth to Darwin travel itinerary is the wonderful town of Broome. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! Park outside and use public transport to get in. . Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. Routes to avoid it go too far inland and are slow, so stick with it. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. First, you'll take one of the ferries from Dover to Calais. Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. 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! 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 drive west from Great Basin to Reno along Highway 50 takes you across central Nevada and past stunning state parks, only-in-America roadhouses, and wonderfully preserved . Many shops and businesses also shut for a long lunch (between 12-2pm) and some will not open on Wednesday afternoons. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. We havent travelled any further than the south of France and as were working at the time we used the motorways. If you like chateaux and history, this is for you! Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. 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. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. Not only is this a noteworthy hike along the route of the river Guadalhorce, but it is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring further. What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Get the permission of the landowner if possible. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. For Spain motorhome rental best if youre travelling with a family or need more room check out Motorhome Republic, who have over 40 pick-up and drop-off locations in Spain, meaning you can plan a one-way drop-off, or access the bit of Spain you want to see really easily. 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. You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. TOP TIP: If youre planning to stay in one area for a long time (30+ days), negotiate a special rate with the campsite directly. Our route starts at Calais, but it can easily be joined from Dieppe or Cherbourg. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. When visitingCrdobain a motorhome, this is the only designated parking allowing overnight stays; we found it to be great value for money, with security being important. 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. Are you feeling a bit nervous about wild camping for the first time? Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. (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. 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 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. At 35 a night, this is without doubt, the poorest value-for-money motorhome campsite site we have ever stayed on, although our research suggests its the best motorhome site in Madrid! Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need, Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed! It looks horrible, smells disgusting and its a real bummer when you tread in it. Follow the N11 towards Girona and Barcelona. 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. This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. 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. There is limited motorhome parking in Valencia, especially during the festival; we would suggest stayinghere. Exchange your details with the other involved parties. 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. Many shops close on Sundays. 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. You may want to consider asat navorsatellite navigation appwhich can be configured to your motorhome camper size and weight. Make sure you check them in advance! Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. 4. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. Water is regulated in much of the country, especially in the south, and many sites provide de-salinated water instead of potable. 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. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Remember if youre driving across France, youll need to observe the French driving laws and road rules, which do differ from the rules in Spain. 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 is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. Many businesses close between 12.30 or 1pm until 5pm and then open again until 8pm. Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD etc.) Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. 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. Our award-winning customer service team . ferry or tunnel from UK to France (there are pros and cons to both). Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. If you're planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to check out these great campsites to stay at Our selection of the best campsites for exploring wonderful Wales With two coasts, Devon is the perfect county for a beach lover Editor's Pick - The best campsites for families. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner. If youve been motorhoming in Italy, you might surprised to learn that aires are called Aires in Spain, just like in France (theyre called Sostas in Italy). The minimum driver age for campervan and motorhome hire in Spain is 21. With great routes across Europe, its easy to drive to Spain by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle. "LongRoadSouth. If youre planning on dinner, expect the restaurant to be quiet and soulless before 9pm. Ratings and Reviews Powered by TripAdvisor. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021 a new law requires that a. Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers). When you think of Spain, many people think of overcrowded beaches in Benidorm, drunken teenagers and possibly Sangria. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. 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. Is there any other city throughout the whole of Europe that offers visitors a more diverse range of things to do than Barcelona? Barcelona is a real foodie city, with a great central market and lots of fantastic tapas bars and seafood restaurants, check out thebest restaurants in Barcelonafor an authentic gastronomic experience when you visit the city. Spain is a fantastic country for road tripping. Dogs allowed | Compare RV and motorhome campgrounds in Yecla, Spain, read trusted reviews and book with confidence on Pitchup. Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide for 2023, Planning Your Morocco Motorhome Adventure, Campervanning in Portugal: Complete 2023 Guide, Campervanning in Norway Tips, Routes & Destinations for 2023, Motorhome Germany: 2023 Complete Touring Guide. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. Dont forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. You can find out more information here. Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes: Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg). If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff. The device is no larger than a slimline smart phone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. campsite news, special offers, availability and much more direct to Don't . If youre going later and youre in a popular town or city, expect to wait for a table or book. If youre looking for a longer holiday, just throw in some beach time! Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. 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. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. 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. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! This campervan route through Spain will take you to the country's most beautiful locations. Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. 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. This tranquil and beautiful nature wetland nature reserve is known for its birdlife and encompasses rivers, dunes & beaches. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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! and washdown areas. When it comes to the cheapest Switzerland car rentals online, Auto Europe . 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. 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!) A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. Hi there! Whichever is your bag (and there is a lot of choice), if youre heading south in your camper in Spain for several months of the winter and a long site stay, make sure you book in advance! 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. Generally, taking a ferry from the UK to Spain is much more expensive than driving through France (depending on time of year and type of cabin). You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. Often vegetarian means made from vegetables, not vegetarian in the true sense of the word. 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. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is tolerated in many places but not strictly legal and its certainly not a right. However if you encounter very strong winds remember its a forest area on light sandy soil, parking under trees may be ill advised. 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. To find out where to stay during stage 1 - click here. 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). Go straight on and in just 500 yards take the slip road towards motorways and Evreux. Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. You must have at least 3rd party motorhome insurance cover for your vehicle. 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. 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. 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. Visit to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Spend a few days wandering the old townand Barrio Santa Cruz; admire the architecture and enjoy the typical Spanish ambience. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. Shops Food prices are pretty inexpensive. Continue north from here to the cosmopolitan and must-see city ofBarcelona. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. PDF versions of our most popular campsite guide books. Motorhome aires in Spain are not as plentiful as in France but they are out there! We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. 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 can pay with cash or credit card, or with an electronic tag system likeEmovis, which also covers you in France and Portugal. Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible. 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. We use the autoroute as we just want to make fast progress. Users rate their experience with 4.8/5! RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. Number of days: Two to four. such products do not require refrigeration before opening.