Lone Parent, 2 teenagers and a dog ! Help with summer driving hols to France please !

arushofblood

Gotta pluck up the courage to do this !

Spent a few summer hols previously in France with other families staying in the southern areas of France in some lovely gites. Problem is, the ex used to sort all the travel stuff and I just tagged along... now it's down to me !

We used to fly but I'd now want to take the dog, Mabel, so I'm up for driving. Would like to stay in our own gite with pool, though not anywhere too remote as I'd be on me own and Mabes who is far from being a guard dog !!

Please, any advice on ferries, locations, accommodation, the lot (!) would be most welcome !

Many thanks

merlinormartin

hey
i carnt help with accomadation but Norfolkline have the cheapest ferry crossings Dover - Dunkerque http://www.norfolkline.com/ferry/ (huge hyper markert in dunkerque).. we often drive to amsterdam/germany its only a short drive from Dunkerque.
Also not sure if you already have a pet passport for your dog, but if you dont, it can take upto 8 months from start to finish.

Enjoy your trip!

arushofblood

merlinormartin wrote: »

Also not sure if you already have a pet passport for your dog, but if you dont, it can take upto 8 months from start to finish.

Really ?!?! !!!!!!

Thanks though for your advice !

jaymac_2

your dog won't be allowed back here till 6 months after the rabies blood test which is about 3-4 weeks after the rabies jab. Brittany ferries do some inclusive ferry/accomodation deals, also look at www.cheznous.com and www.holiday-rentals.com for accomodation. gites de france are well priced but might not have pools. There are also camp sites see matthews holidays, canvas, eurocamp etc. good luck!

arushofblood

jaymac wrote: »

your dog won't be allowed back here till 6 months after the rabies blood test which is about 3-4 weeks after the rabies jab.

Not gonna make a July break then

Still, there's nothing like planning for next year Thanks also for the suggestions !

pboae

I'm staying here http://www.brittany-cottages.co.uk/ with my dog (and some other people!) later this year. Obviously I can't vouch for it yet, but it looks lovely.

I prefer to go over on the Eurotunnel than the ferry, it's a lot easier and less stressful for the dog because you stay with them. On the ferries you usually have to leave them in the car below deck.

If you collect Tesco vouchers, you can use them to pay for the Eurotunnel, which makes it really cheap. There's an extra charge of £30 for the dog coming back.

merlinormartin

hey .... if your dog is upto date with his jabs/worming etc you maybe able make the summer trip this year if you apply ASAP .. the offical information is below http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm

arushofblood

Thanks for the links everyone

Kinda gave up on the idea of France, telling the kids last night. Looking at Mexico as a dog free alternative but at that price I may try and rush through Mabel with her jabs !

jaymac_2

You can leave before the six months are up but you can't come back till they're up so if you - and your vet - were quick, you could just about do it!