Valencia is a green and vibrant city, with great nightlife. This is an ideal crossing if time is of the essence, or youre travelling with a dog (some boats have pet-friendly cabins and some have kennels) but cabins and kennel places do book up quickly. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. I am a pretty competent driver and not nervous of driving in mountains provided the roads are sensible and not too narrow. The best route to south of France? | The Motorhome Fun Club. The white dots are the stops we describe and the moons are our campsite suggestions. theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. The driving time from Caen to Irun is around nine hours in a motor home, and tolls will cost somewhere in the region of 170 in tolls, although expect more if you weigh over 3,500kgs. From the stunning Alps, the Black Forest with its gorgeous romantic road, to medieval cities, fairytale castles and magical Christmas markets this surprising and interesting country is a must-see road trip destination for campervans and motorhomes. On the other hand, if you have 10-14 days or longer, you can get a lot further south, certainly as far as Costa Blanca or Andalucia and possibly even get to enjoy motorhoming in Portugal if youre happy to drive every day. This is a generous and joyous country, full of colour and extremes. If youre driving in Spain, you need to carry the following documents: Most UK citizens do not need anIDPto drive in Spain, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!). Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. You may find that if youre in the mountains in winter, this mix causes your boiler to sound like a freight train unless you have a specific altitude setting which some models of Alde boiler have as an extra. If you like to hike, head for the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, to hike the famousCircodeSoaso. Motorhome Ferry Routes to Europe - Motorhome Insider Road surfaces are generally pretty good and, unlike France, they try to avoid 10,0000000 road works on a bank holiday weekend. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. 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. 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. France is a vast country and unless you have months, it's impossible to see all the best bits in one trip. With over 3,500 top campsites to choose from, we can help you find the The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. If you are travelling between 15 October and 15 April and driving near the mountains, you will need to have winter/ all- season tyres and carry snow chains. Many shops close on Sundays. Now that BREXIT has happened and the UK pet passport scheme is no longer valid, you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate before you leave the UK. 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. The most famous of these is the Mezquita; the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever built by the Moors which is now a stunning Cathedral. Some towns are making real efforts to combat this issue (one traces the poo and posts it back.how??) An editorial review of Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park Editor's picks - ideal campsites for city breaks. There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. This is designated motorhome parking, well-lit and manned with CCTV and services but no EHU. Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. Order a Cerveza pequea (small beer) for 1 and get a free tapa, you can do this in all the bars in Len and literally have your dinner for nothing! Spain motorway map - route planner We are off on a long winter stay, so a few extra days driving are insignificant and part of motorhome enjoyment is the journey itself. Gas in bottles and at the pump is much cheaper in Spain than in France or Portugal (in fact, people often drive theirmotorhomes from Portugalto fill up!). Of course, you can always drive down one route and back up another! > Guide + 20 Routes to Travel Through France by Motorhome But dont enter the town, which is busy and narrow. If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. Destination. The new decree aims to level the rules whether youre in a motorhome or tent but there is some acknowledged ambiguity around the wording, you can find out more inthis article. You will fall in love with this captivating and romantic city. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? The first question to ask yourself if whether you want to drive from the UK through France and down to Spain, or whether you want to take a ferry direct from the UK and sail around the coast and down to northern Spain. Youll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel. You may find that Spanish people are not as friendly towards dogs as you are used to, and youll often see dogs tied up or confined within rural properties. I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. motorhome routes through france to spain Mobile Phone and Internet Its usually possible to use your UK phone and data in Spain, but do check with your provider. Itsprobablybest visited in Spring or September/October on your way to sunnier climes. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. 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. You will find some petrol stations with additional facilities for motorhomes, like waste disposal, water (NOT always drinkable!) When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. Try a dish like. Day 4 - Roullet Saint-Estephe to Virollet-Font Paillaud. Each of the . Find motorhome and campervan sites at Pitchup that are bound to get the bark of approval Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2023 Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. 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. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support. 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). If the weather is reasonable we can recommend a few nights stop for some cycling or beachcombing. 10 European campervan routes for your next road trip - happy when abroad The fastest (almost) toll-free routes to France and Spain Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. Motorhoming through France means that you are totally flexible as you road trip France, and you can either have a fixed plan and route all mapped out or you can travel along and decide where to go as your whim decides. The letters pages suggest some of you are not convinced about using them, I simply suggest, give them a fair trial. Sniff out the world's best dog friendly motorhome and campervan sites in Yecla, Spain. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. The most famous French motorway connects Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva with Menton on the French Riviera. The map below shows the main towns and cities of Spain, and the main road network. 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. READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. If you wait until youre at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much! The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow. The magical French Brittany 2. There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organised, so make sure you start the process well in advance. In both Pampaneira andTrevlez, we were the only motorhome in their car park,hereandhererespectively. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? Normandy between cliffs and traces of war 5. Campsite review: South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park. Motorhoming in Spain- motorhome at Mesa Roldan tower Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park in Almeria, Andalusia Spain Road tripping Spain in Spring and Autumn The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. If everyone else is, feel free to join them but remember you may be asked to move on.) Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. Spain is not as finished as you might be used to. Three-day friendly festival in West Sussex. Are you new to motorhoming? Calais-Alicante via Paris Clermont Ferrand then Perpignan and the coastal AP7. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. In the meantime, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers; Nothing changes with your passport, but from November 2023, the EU will introduce theETIAS(European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers and will involve the travellerregistering their details online before travelling, mainly for security purposes. If you have refillable gas bottles in your motorhome, you can find LPG pretty easily while touring around Spain. Car Rental Frauenfeld in Switzerland | Save 30% Today You can find out more informationhere. The tolls on this route will cost you an estimated 180; it could be more if you're driving a big motorhome of upwards of 3,500 kgs. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Free delivery for many products! TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in Spain in advance. Thanks. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. 6 awesome Campervan Storage Ideas youll regret not using! Immerse yourself in nature and explore places that are difficult to reach with a motorhome, such as narrow gravel paths to the mountain peak or off-road bike routes through the pine trees. ), 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. 4. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. Dogs allowed: RV Parks and Motorhome Camping in Yecla, Spain 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. Tipping Service is usually included in a restaurant, but do check. Wander here for a day and see the cathedral, Plazas Mayorand Santa Domingo andtheBasilica de San Isidoro. Top Tip: Even if you book a standard class cabin, its possible to book into the Commodore C-Club lounge, where free hot drinks, water and wine are served, along with generous snacks, meaning you dont need to pay for expensive food on board. Once in France, head down the west side of the country, via Le Mans, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux and Bayonne, crossing the Spanish border at Irun. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. You can download the app in the App store (iOS) or the Play store (Android). This route lends itself well to ferries which arrive from the UK into Caen or Cherbourg. They are old, disused railways lines that have been converted to cycling and walking tracks, often through stunning scenery with few other users. The motorhome route is shown in the map below. The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Is this your first time visiting Spain? Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. If you're on an extended motorhome tour and time is no object, of course pottering south along the west coast of France and crossing the Pyrenees is a wonderful introduction to Spain. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? Mealtimes in Spain are noticeably different to the rest of Europe. Exchange your details with the other involved parties. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more. The route through Southern Norway should take you about two to three weeks. That's what awaits you during your trip through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and its best to check with your provider to make sure you dont run up a big bill. Travel by the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. Routes to Spain/Portugal using toll roads - Motorhome Matters - Out This road trip itinerary will take you to the major cities and best places to visit in Andalucia Spain, bringing the country alive. 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. Yep. Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. - Travelling down the coast is one of the best France motorhome routes If you've got the staying power, then get yourself down to the south west of France where this cool coastal town, not too far from the Spanish border, can offer you a few days of sun, sea and surf. Some places have flashing amber lights before a normal traffic light. Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? Often vegetarian means made from vegetables, not vegetarian in the true sense of the word. Tolls can be paid for in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. Your options for driving to Spain from the UK in a motorhome are these; Sailing from Portsmouth or Plymouth to the northern Spain ports of Santander of Bilbao (depending on which day of the week you want to depart) is the only way to avoid France. 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. The Ultimate South Island New Zealand Campervan Itinerary Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. The Gorges D'Hric France ~ Campervan Castaways A Foodie's Guide To Queensland | maui Motorhomes AU Bike Road Trip With Road Cycling or MTB Tours. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. You are allowed to cross a white line to overtake a cyclist AS LONG AS nothing (not even another cyclist) is coming the other way. 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. Spanish cooking is very regional, with fish, shellfish and pork featuring heavily on most menus. Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. We work hard to make this website the best it can be. READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT. Next on our Perth to Darwin travel itinerary is the wonderful town of Broome. Caravan & Motorhome Holidays Abroad ; Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to . Guided wildlife tour in Jasper National Park. 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! Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. Free motorhome parking in Spain is easy and safe as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. All opinions remain our own. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. 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. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. Motorhome rental between Individuals If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. You will be crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay- and it can get ROUGH. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. 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. A visit to Lourdes is also possible. Either way, the destination is Abbeville where, just north of the city, you pick up the free A28 motorway, which takes you all the way to Rouen. Approved motorhome overnight parking places/ aires, Free approved overnight parking spots/ schemes, Dont try and wild camp on the coast unless youre somewhere REALLY remote (more likely to be allowed in the North and centre of Spain). As someone who gets seasick (hilarious considering Im ex-Navy and lived on boats for 15 years), I avoid this crossing and prefer to drive from the UK through France to Spain, but its entirely up to you. However if you encounter very strong winds remember its a forest area on light sandy soil, parking under trees may be ill advised. ROUTES TO SPAIN - AVOIDING TOLLS - Motorhome Matters - Out and About Live As a result I'm looking for as much help as I I can get. Go straight on and then bear right onto the D6015 still signed for Vernon. Motorhome Chat quick route through france to spain sophiekins Dec 6, 2017 1 2 Next S sophiekins Free Member Mar 5, 2014 6 0 canary islands Funster No 30,404 MH low profile Exp since 2007 Dec 6, 2017 #1 hi all I'm new subscriber here be gentle !!. Campervan Castaways Vanlife 44 | Expert Adventure Motorhome Travel Writing. Our pick of the best campsites for a family holiday Editor's Pick - The best open-all-year campsites.