Going camping in France, but how to get everything there?

davey4444

We're planning to go camping in France at the end of August/start of September but have a few questions about it. We're thinking of going to the Bordeaux / Lac de Lacanau region which is quite a drive from any of the ferry/train routes, only have a small car (02 Corsa) and there will be 4 adults and 1 baby going so cannot fit everything in the boot.

As far as I can see we can do one of the following -

* Hire a larger car in the UK.

Pros - everything in the car from the moment we leave the house.
Cons - may be extra to drive it in France? Extra cost to the holiday. Not ideal (but not really a huge issue for me) driving a RHD car over there.

* Hire a larger car in France.

Pros - LHD vehicle. May be cheaper than the above option.
Cons - Having to change cars over in France. Still have to fit everything in the Corsa at some point.

* Get a roof box.

Pros - everything in the car from when we leave the house. May not be _that_ costly if found on ebay or even Freecyle.
Cons - Having to buy from new is costly. Poorer performance from car. The RHD issue.

* Get a cargo net for luggage.

Pros - everything in car... Cheaper than roof box.
Cons - not as tidy, secure or waterproof (even with a tarp) as a roof box. Poorer performance from car.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or even if not, what are your opinions on this?

Also if anyone can recommend some good family friendly campsites around there it would be appreciated.

Finally, what is the general comparison of the ferry and eurotunnel prices? From what I can see there's not that much in it.

Thanks.

richardw

It is end of season, so Canvas Holidays and Eurocamp may have special offers.
So why bother taking all the stuff with you.

BenL

Look into a trailer and towbar fitting? (keeping within the allowed limits of your vehicle)

I'd not even fancy taking 4 adults and a baby without any camping gear in such a small car.

I've done camping trips with 2 adults in a KA and 2 adults in my Astra Sporthatch. Both have had seats down in the rear and loaded to the roof.

A tent for 5 people will probably take up 1/2 of the standard boot.

Coolbox, stove, gas, sleeping bags, pots, pans, table, chairs, baby stuff.

My g/f and her 3 y/o daughter do the below to my van (for 3 nights at Easter)

Under the (now) bed the fridge, the stove is at the back, the pots,pans and food behind the fridge.



I am allowed the red bag for my clothes.

Pee

I suggest you pack what you need, take out anything you can and then look at what you have left.

Is there room for four adults and a babyseat in the car?

Is there anywhere you could fly to with Ryanair and then hire a car from there? (You mention it is some distance from the ferries.)

loobyloo2

I personally wouldn't do it. Sorry. But it is a hell of a long drive, and you need to be comfortable along with your passengers. Even with a roof box, you would be very pushed for space.
I would go with one of the large companies and find a good end of season deal, though alot of sites close around the end of the 2nd week in September. The tents they have are equipped to a decent standard for cooking and sleeping, though the bedrooms are a little cramped, but this way, you can have a comfortable journey, and have room to bring any goodies that you may buy, back with you. Also, the large sites have fantastic swimming pools to use, and takeaways and a bar:beer:
Have you priced up the campsites you were interested in? You may be pleasantly surprised at companies like French Freedom etc.

davey4444

Thanks for the replies.

Pee - yep it would be slightly uncomfortable for the 2 adults in the back but as I'll be the driver I'll be fine.

Maybe flying and driving is the answer, we're in NE Essex so Stansted is only 40 mins away.

richardw

gavin_fran wrote: »

we're in NE Essex so Stansted is only 40 mins away.

Fly and hire a car, much easier.

Beenie

gavin-fran, we are 2 adults who go camping a lot in France and I don't see how you can do it with 4 adults and a baby. You will not get all the equipment (tent, groundsheet, air beds, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, baby guff and clothing) into the boot of a car. We use a Ford S-Max with all four seats folded down and we still struggle to get it all in. I would suggest what others have said - find a company that has tents already erected with equipment installed. French sites are really good and you will enjoy yourselves, but I don't think you will if you set off overloaded and overcrowded!

SailorSam

If you do decide to try and squeeze everything in, i think it may be a good idea to have a practise weekend closer to home first, at least then you will know if it's possible.

sooty&sweep

Hi

I'm sorry but even with a roof box I don't think you can get everything in.

Have a look on this website for guidance about camping in this country and France www.ukcampsite.co.uk

However once you're out of the school holiday season hiring a cottage isn't so expensive. Try here for a starting point www.cheznous.com

Or alot of campsite also hire out mobile homes. I think its cheaper if you book direct rather than going through Eurocamp etc

Finally If you're looking at roof boxes you'll find information about different types on ukcampsite but be very careful about buying a cheap one. As I understand it they only have one locking point and I've heard lots of horror stories of them bursting open and contents strewn over the road.

Enjoy your holiday

Jen

creased-leach

Hi, I'm an optimist, and a very bare bones camper. When we camp "proper"- it's tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear & clothes- no airbeds etc etc. Even the way I pack, it can't be done- you'd need a roof box as big as your car!

Seriously give some thought to the Canvas/Keycamp/Eurosites suggestion.

If you were to arrive after 30th August, you could have the extra two adults stay free. (not sure what the cutoff date is for eurosites)

By the sounds of it, you're not 100% set on destination, so have a look around, as they have fairly limited choice in your preferred spot. However, I've just had a quick mooch on Canvas/ Keycamp to give you some ideas.

There's a site in Burgundy with Canvas- 2nd Sept, 7 nights for all of you INCLUDING ferry, £200. That's in a ready erected tent. You can hire a cot for £1.50 a night, same for a high chair- it all saves on precious space!

All you'd need to pack is clothes & sleeping bags.

Keycamp have more choice, but are a little more expensive by the time the ferry is on. However, you can get a cot, highchair, baby bath etc free.

Ferry at that time of the year will be between £40-£60 ish, return. Deduct that from the cost of the holiday, and you'd be lucky to find a pitch for that kind of money....and thats before you add on the cost of a roof box!

Have a good trip!