Our award-winning customer service team . Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) If you prefer to stay on campsites, few are open in winter, so your route and driving time will be dictated by those that are. Our route only involves one major junction so, outside rush hour, traffic should be reasonably light. You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. 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. If in doubt, you can always ask at the tourist office or town hall- many places are happy to allow you in their car park for the night. They will probably be smaller than other pitches and perhaps not as favourably placed. 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 must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain. Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. Cross the A13 motorway and continue onto the free A154 motorway which soon becomes the N154, a fast dual carriageway, taking you past Evreux to Nonancourt where you meet the N12. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. However, in common with most cities, the choice of where to stay in a motorhome is not great. You can find out more information here. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! Youll find great hiking and bird-watching trails here. Either way you end up in Pamplona. 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. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. Dont forget you will need to bring a different nozzle to connect the Spanish gas bottle fitting to your UK system. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. Some spots are even right on the beach! Tolls can be paid for in cash (Euros) or cards at selected booths. As with most countries in Europe, you have four options when it comes to where to park your motorhome or camper overnight: Sadly, Spain is getting tougher about free overnight motorhome parking spots and many places now ban them completely. perfect campsite for your next trip away. For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when youre there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots weve stayed with our motorhome. 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. See Through France without tolls. An editorial review of South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park Sandy Lane, Weybourne, Holt, Norfolk, East of England, NR25 7HW. theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. The Spanish government caps the price of gas, and you should expect to pay around 15-18 for a replacement bottle. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. French campsites are mostly open in the summer, and motorhome aires available all year. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. In the short term, this is fine but you may want to clean out your fresh water tank with a high-pressure hose once you have moved away from this part of Spain due to the sediment found in desalinated water. Look out for Ainsa, a beautiful medieval hilltop town inAragn, with incredible mountainviews. All across Spain, you will find a network ofVia Verdes literally translated as the green ways. What Is the True Cost of Touring Europe in a Motorhome? 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! Wild camping is not allowed in any of the Spanish National Parks. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations), Timezone GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST). Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. Day 3 - Chteauroux to Roullet Saint-Estephe. To enjoy your motorhome or campervan tour, planning and preparation is critical. 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. If youre not sure, read, Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle, be yellow in the centre with a red outline, Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address), Green card (get from your vehicle insurer), a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Spain with your motorhome, Driving in flip-flops or open-backed shoes is illegal, Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you might want to change the setting on your sat-nav). 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. Okay, it's winter and may be raining, or worse, but you get to visit towns and tourist sites without the summer crowds. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. If you like chateaux and history, this is for you! With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. "LongRoadSouth. You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. The Best European Campsites For Camper, By Campers. With short breaks, and sharing the driving, we usually arrive at the overnight stops around 4pm (ish) after a 7am (ish) crossing, and after leaving Poitiers around 9am. Update August 2021 you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe. 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. 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. See all our dog travel and road trip tips, Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you everything, Language There are several local variations of Spanish. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. Get all the information you need in our Spain Travel Guide, including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip! This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited and a real bucket list destination. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. If you dont have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. Motorhome camping in and around Barcelona is challenging. Click here to see our Privacy and Disclosure Policy. Basically we need to get past the Pyrenees and driving over the inland passes in winter is risky. The Valencia region passed a new law which came into effect on 8th May 2021, which prohibits motorhomes from parking or camping, unless in designated areas. Or check out our motorhome beginners e-book and find all our resources and guides in one place! Santiago de Compostela is a stunningly beautiful city full of twisting alleys, elegant squares and historicreligious buildings, with interesting nooks and crannies everywhere. 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. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. Broadly speaking from the UK you have three options. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. Book this hike well in advance and go with a guide, for an extra few euros you will learn so much. If this happens, then we recommend stopping for the night somewhere safe (the beauty of travelling in a motorhome) and then continuing on when the snow has stopped and the roads have been cleared. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. This corner of Spain, including Galicia, is known as Green Spain because it rains so much! These are prettier than the coastal sprawl but the narrower winding roads mean no mileage saving and a longer journey time. Weve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. You will find some petrol stations with additional facilities for motorhomes, like waste disposal, water (NOT always drinkable!) An autova is like a motorway, except that bicycles and agricultural vehicles can use it. ), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. Although this was in late February, wefound all the bars and restaurants open and welcoming. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. The readers of the specialised German magazine Promobil have named Fiat Professional Ducato This site has more information about tolls in Spain and what you might expect to pay on the various Autopistas. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. Vehicle V5 logbook or vehicle registration document (which must show your correct address). If youd like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media. The route mainly leads through the (northern) French Pyrenees, but also visits the Spanish part and Andorra. Most of the routes i have seen on the forum have avoided toll roads. 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. When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. 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. Starting at the English Channel and continuing to the Bay of Biscay, you're sure to make the memories of a lifetime along the way. Even in the middle of summer. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory). Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. All Rights Reserved. Motorhome Routes Through France. GEAR If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, heres what we recommend. Things you need to drive in Spain- safety gear, Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in Spain, Motorhomes or campers with a total train length of over 12m. 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. Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is a huge part of Spanish life and culture. Had however been in France and Spain in the January/February. RELATED POST: Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know. The AP7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol retains some charges, but they are minimal and are no longer decided by the weight of your vehicle, making them even better value for motorhomes. Incredible mountain views from Banff Gondola. Here is a list of things we highly recommend when motorhoming in Spain, but which are NOT essential: Ok, lets deal with the basic rules and some tips for motorhoming and road tripping in Spain: The Spanish road network is pretty good and has a mixture of paid and free roads. GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. Bike Road Trip With Road Cycling or MTB Tours. Most garages will require you to pay electronically for fuel at the pump, usually you can adjust the instructions to English. The slip road ends in traffic lights where you need to be in the centre lane to turn left across a dual carriageway. Day 5 - Virollet-Font Paillaud to Bordeaux. There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. Turn back under the main road, across the round-a-bout and at the next take the first exit on the D401. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area. Campsite review: South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park. The area has hardly any mass tourism. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can park a motorhome during the day anywhere parking is allowed (as long as there are no signs banning motorhome parking) and as long as you arent overhanging a space or blocking the road. From castle to castle along the Loire 6. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. Sometimes we take three, but in the winter there is not much point stopping, we prefer to get to home quicker. Peaje or AP is a toll road. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. First is the ferry crossing options from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao - both of these ports are in Northern . 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 coming from the south, make sure to stop at thewetlands of La Albufera and try the traditional paella which originated here. En route you will enjoy lovely landscapes, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and breathtaking views. Hi there! Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. However, with a little common sense and staying within the restrictions, its often possible to stay off-grid with your motorhome or campervan. In Spain you can visit the Spanish National Park Aigestortes. Visit to Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. Many camping sites will provide desalinated water instead of potable water. 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. Is there any other city throughout the whole of Europe that offers visitors a more diverse range of things to do than Barcelona? You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe, especially if youre planning to be away for more than a few weeks. These are the things you MUST have with you when youre motorhome or campervan touring in Spain. 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. This is because of the financial crash in 2008 and the subsequent bursting of Spains property bubble. So how do we all get there, to enjoy the warmer weather, and cheaper drinks, all subsidised by huge savings on winter energy bills. Hi there, Im Kat. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0d3bb0083595b6364da5d620cb66011" );document.getElementById("fe07b4a206").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spain surprised us with their attitude towards dogs. Read our blog post about hiking in the Ordesa Valley here. Motorhome with children Motorhome with animals Surftrip motorhome Wedding VW combi. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. Utilise the campsite bar a glass of wine and a beer will typically cost 3, a bargain! Be prepared for amazing scenery, an abundance of wildlife, unspoilt Atlantic coastline and Spain's stunning 'Picos de Europas' mountains. Driving the Vrsic Pass Slovenias spectacular mountain road, Car crash or road traffic accident in Europe- what to do, Reviewed Best Wales Motorhome sites (& campervanning in wales tips! This has not changed since Brexit as the information-sharing agreement with the DVLA continues. All opinions remain our own. If youd like to get FREE motorhome and road trip checklists, you can find them here. It looks horrible, smells disgusting and its a real bummer when you tread in it. With a depot in London, top-notch customer service and all the equipment you need for an easy holiday, Spaceship offers the best deals for Europe. On roads where there is no pavement so that vehicles and pedestrians share the road: 20 km/h. 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. Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating . Expenses of the 10-day route through French Brittany by motorhome In total, this trip that we have made in a motorhome has had 1000 uros of cost for the 4 that we are in the family. Enjoy holidays year-round with this selection of sites that are open all year Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Devon. Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. 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. Road map of Spain. 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. For us option C is the only contender. An editorial review of Tyddyn Llwyn Camping, Caravan & Touring Park Editor's picks - ideal campsites for city breaks. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? ), 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. Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. In Spain, as in most of Europe, LPG is known as GPL, and both are a mix of butane and propane. DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Based on 53,609 reviews. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. With the colourful traditions, good food and wine and fabulous architecture, you have all the ingredients for an amazing tour. Visit the very modern science museum with contemporary architecture and wander the old river bed which runs right around the city. Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Spain, Can't decide? Brittany- one of our favourite areas in France The Loire Valley. What food can I take in my motorhome to Spain? As you can see very little time difference between the routes. At some campsites, you will need to pay extra for shower or electric usage. Of course, Spain is a classic summer destination, and it can be CROWDED, especially at the UNESCO world heritage sites in Spain and on the beaches. 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. In Bordeaux, the center of the famous wine-growing region, you will immerse in French cuisine and culture. 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. Stay at the lovelyCamping Ribamar(although be aware that getting there requires a few km of unmade road) and hike into Peniscola along the coastal path. Bigger supermarkets may be open, but will close at lunchtime. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? Spain is not as finished as you might be used to. This quintessential Andalucian city is perfect for wandering, with cool bars and cafes on every corner, perfect to enjoy tapas and a glass of crisp white wine whilst watching the world go by. The weight of your motorhome no longer matters- all motorhomes are charged the same. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. In practicality, youll find that the further than civilisation and the beach you are, the better your chances of finding a quiet, free overnight parking spot will be. Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it! 4. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. John, we did that trip last year, although we had longer and set off earlier. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. From the green north side to the rugged south side and back again, ending at the foot of the Pyrenees. You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. NOTE: Gas bottles can be tough to get- and its forbidden to fill foreign gas cylinders. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. The Gorges d'Hric in Southern France brings our Vanlife diaries to the most dramatic destination where river pools and waterfalls await. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). Motorhoming in Spain in winter offers many benefits but be prepared as you may need to use your heating and will find it cools down as soon as the sun sets. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. Just make sure to ask how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are at the airport itself and you might need to book a taxi. If youre feeling brave, go to Valencia during Las Fallas, the famous fire festival. This tiny country packs one hell of a punch; wild coastlines, lively buzzing cities and exquisite wines. (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. In our opinion, southern Spain is the perfect European winter destination. 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. Temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and swimming in the sea, but there are much fewer tourists and you will be able to find motorhome parking without booking in advance. A good tip is to try and arrive AT your destination just before lunchtime. 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). Our essential guide to visiting Norway in a motorhome will provide you with all the information you needwhat are you waiting for? Spain is a fantastic country for road tripping. Read more. Unlike other countries in the continent, in the UK there are no Areas enabled for overnight stay for motorhomes or campervans. With one of the best winter climates in Europe and friendly locals, Spain is a perfect country for a motorhome road trip. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. Cabins are not mandatory, but the alternative reclining seats are uncomfortable and noisy. If you are overtaking a cyclist or a group of cyclists, you must leave at least 1.5m of clearance, and also reduce speed by 20kmh (WHY Spain, WHY?) 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. Then you have two main routes through France to Spain. 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. You might get parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish for example, or prawns in a vegetarian salad. The European Commission says the following; It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. First, you'll take one of the ferries from Dover to Calais. When it comes to the cheapest Switzerland car rentals online, Auto Europe . In this post, youll find all you need to know about touring Italy by motorhome. Book with Eurocampings for the best deals on over 520 campsites in Spain. We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. Destination. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. 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. Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. . These are surprisingly effective! If not, 1p Mobile SIM cards are widely available and a cheap option for phone calls. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities Next on our Perth to Darwin travel itinerary is the wonderful town of Broome. Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? If youre towing with your motorhome or campervan in Spain and the overall train length is 12m or more you must have at least one yellow reflector on the rear, sized 130cm x 25cm (or two sized 50cm x 25cm). Top Guide To Buying A Motorhome; First Motorhome Trip Abroad; Winter Motorhome Trip Spain; Campsites For A Ski . There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. Leave this in the inside lane and in just under a mile take the third exit signposted to Vernon. It is not a fight breaking out or a lovers tiff, its just everyday conversation! Spain has a number of different languages. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. 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 !!. Grab your FREE France travel checklist so you remember it all! 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). Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Weparked for the nightat the top of the hill by theFranciscanmonastery where Columbus met Queen Isabella of Spain to successfully seek funds for his journey to the new world. You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. Lidl carries a good basic range and has by far the best value wine in Spain. such products do not require refrigeration before opening. Check out our post on wild camping for more rules and tips for camper vans and motorhomes in the UK and Europe, and for information on where to find the best camping locations and motorhome stopovers in Spain. Spain celebrates fourteen public holidays a year, many religious in origin; you can check out the dates. 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. The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. Motorhoming in Spain- what gear do you need to carry?

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