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. Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, tolls are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other in your motorhome. 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. When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. Across France to the Spanish border Stage 1: Calais to Rouen Leave the ferry terminal and follow the A16 free motorway for 24 miles to Boulogne. 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. The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Trip along Spanish Pyrenees to Perpignan then through France The age-old conundrum about the best route to Spain in a motorhome from the United Kingdom is whether to pay for a long ferry crossing or pay for fuel and tolls doing long miles through expensive France. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes: Motorhomes with trailers or caravans (over 750kg). You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. At the A16 junction turn right towards Boulogne and stay on this free motorway for 24 miles to junction 29 just before the peage. Free time to explore Banff, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Spanish life is all about family, religion, food and tradition. The types of built-in Flot Blu services like you find in France are few and far between. If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. Dont forget you will need snow chains and make sure you have fitted all-weather tyres. 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). Don't . Stayhereon the north of the lEncanyissada lagoon and if youre lucky youll spot flamingoes migrating. What documents do you need to drive in Spain? If under 3,500kg go straight on, otherwise the inside lane swings right down to a bridge, after which you turn left returning back to the main road. If you love motorhomes, road trips and a bit of adventure, dive right in! It looks horrible, smells disgusting and its a real bummer when you tread in it. Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. Singular places in the Perigord and the Dordogne 7. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. 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. The D810 runs almost parallel with the A63 past Biarritz and St Jean de Luz to the French border town of Hendaye with its Spanish neighbour Irun just across the river. In Bordeaux, the center of the famous wine-growing region, you will immerse in French cuisine and culture. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited and a real bucket list destination. All rights reserved, Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners, Our favourite motorhome & road trip gear, (Already purchased a guide or course? You must have at least 3rd party motorhome insurance cover for your vehicle. With this in mind, we've asked our campsite assessors to come up with their suggested route through France to the Catalan border. If you love adventure and raw nature, then Norway is for you! 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. Fruit and vegetables are seasonal; if you want something exotic you will have to search it out and it will be expensive. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. If the weather is good there are two low altitude passes you can take instead. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. Discussions | The Caravan Club Hi there! Ultimate Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer Tour | Trailfinders The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain and are richly blessed with natural beauty. Leaving the motorway you drop down a hill. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. Book with Eurocampings for the best deals on over 520 campsites in Spain. Picturesque towns of the Red Coast 3. READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. Read on to find out all you need to know. 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. Motorhome hire from a local owner. Of course, you can always drive down one route and back up another! 6 awesome Campervan Storage Ideas youll regret not using! On the way, stop atSant Carles de la Rapita,a charming Spanish town with lots of great seafood restaurants. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. Discussions | The Caravan Club Then you have two main routes through France to Spain. I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. NEWS : The Spanish authorities have (for the time being) removed the tolls from the AP7 motorway between the French border and Alicante. Out of season, you can get over 60% discount on ACSI sites. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. 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. Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. We use the autoroute as we just want to make fast progress. About 600 euros have been spent on gasoline and tolls, the most expensive of the trip without a doubt. Abbeville, Rouen, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Hendaye, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Sagunto. If bakeries open on Sundays, they are often closed on Mondays instead. This campervan route through Spain will take you to the country's most beautiful locations. 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. You might find these posts helpful: See all our Europe motorhoming posts here, NEED GEAR? The SpanishCostas can feel crowded withtouring motorhomes over winter, as Northern Europeans seek a milder climate. Another beautiful city to fall in love with! Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory). The European Commission says the following; It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. You cannot book motorhome aires in advance- its first-come, first-served, so if youre visiting at peak times you might feel happier booking a campsite so youre assured of somewhere to stay. 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. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. ), 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. In the tiny state of Andorra, the campsite in Andorra-city, close to the historic old center, is highly recommended. If you are staying longer, then it is likely that the sites own rate will be better value the longer you stay the cheaper it becomes. Spring and autumn are wonderful times for a Spanish road trip from March until June will get you wildflowers and near-perfect temperatures, warm enough to swim in the sea from May onwards from the Costa Blanca south, and only a light top needed in the evenings. 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. But of course there is much more to see along the way! Planning to tour Spain with a motorhome or campervan? The pros and cons of these options would take an entire article and there are many who have good reason for their choice. Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? Regardless of who accompanies you on your next trip or destination, the vehicle you need is on Yescapa. Why hire a motorhome through Goboony? ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; 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. stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here. Utilise the campsite bar a glass of wine and a beer will typically cost 3, a bargain! If you are driving a motorhome or campervan in Spain and towing, and the overall length is more than 12m (which would be one large motorhome and trailer! An unusual bit of good news for motorists ! Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. Many people seem to think they can turn up and park wherever they want, but this is not the case. 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. In under a mile the road forks; if you intend staying on one of the coastal aires follow the D940; otherwise the D901 via Montreuil is faster. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. Motorhome touring in Spain- Other useful things you might need, Speed Limits in Spain (unless otherwise signed! When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. When you think of Spain, many people think of overcrowded beaches in Benidorm, drunken teenagers and possibly Sangria. The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Driving through France to Spain A gorgeous city, full of colour and atmosphere. English usually spoken in campsites and in tourist areas, but not often elsewhere, Cards most major credit and debit cards are accepted. Turn back under the main road, across the round-a-bout and at the next take the first exit on the D401. Our award-winning customer service team . We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. Our pick of the best campsites for a family holiday Editor's Pick - The best open-all-year campsites. Spanish people live a more relaxed life than perhaps any other country in Europe and this is reflected in the organisation of the day. Home Motorhome Advice Travel to Europe Motorhoming & Campervanning in Spain Complete Guide. Each route takes about a day to drive, so take this into account when planning your Spanish road trip itinerary. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. Autopistas are marked red on the map and they will have the letter P next to the number, Toll-free motorways are marked with the letter A and are marked blue on the map, Main routes /dual carriageways (green on the map). Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Hi looking for ideas of routes and caravan sites. 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. We found some ofthebest hiking in Spain here and were able to kite-surf, cycle and run, all in the balmy winter temperatures that southern Spain is known for. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. ), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities However, now that BREXIT has happened and rules have changed (more on that later too! human resources job scope; holland america cruise cancellations due to coronavirus Take your caravan or motorhome on the slow route to North-East Spain Are you new to motorhoming? 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. If you are travelling at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. Join our email list here and get access to our FREE resource library. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. Top Motorhome Destinations in Spain The Pyrenees Picos de Europa Len Santiago de Compostela Madrid Huelva Tarifa Seville Via Verdes Crdoba Ronda & Grazalema Caminito del Rey Sierra Nevada Almeria Cartagena Valencia Serra d'Irta Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre Barcelona Resources for Motorhome Travel in Spain Can't decide? There, we visit some of its brightest jewels: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. You can find out more information here. 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. Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. September and October offer warm sunshine, with the earth and sea still warm from the heat of August. The Gorges d'Hric in Southern France brings our Vanlife diaries to the most dramatic destination where river pools and waterfalls await. Routes to Spain/Portugal using toll roads - Motorhome Matters - Out Country information - all the info for your trip, Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact), Total length of the route: 910 kilometres. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. 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! You may take advantage of our 30 percent savings and free cancellation within 48 hours of planned pick-up to Pietermaritzburg or elsewhere in the world right now on autoeurope.com! From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing motorhome road trip in Spain. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. 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. 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 !!. 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. Journey along the loneliest road in America. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. 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. Be warned- the hot water in the shower is on a timer- usually between 3-5 minutes per token. Motorhome aires in France are so well located - we've stayed in inner cities, within castle walls, at the bottom of ski pistes and steps away from a lake's shore. (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. Gerard's Bistro, Fortitude Valley. A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. Get MMM for just 2.99 a month! You can find out more about them here, Some of the bigger cities in Spain have environmental zones which only residents are allowed to drive in. You join the bottom of the A10 motorway for the free section towards the city. 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). Spanish campsites range from very basic camping spots in fewer tourist areas to full-on touring stops where people pitch up for six months and want entertainment every night, direct access to a sandy beach, three different bars to choose from and a covered, heated pool. If youre going later and youre in a popular town or city, expect to wait for a table or book. Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit. We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. and washdown areas. Is this your first time visiting Spain? Motorhome Tour to Spain Part 1 - Powering through France with some sadness. 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. GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time and are planning a few months or more for your motorhoming in France and Spain trip. The load must be indicated by a. 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. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. The Gorges D'Hric France ~ Campervan Castaways France Start and end dates until Erase dates Search. We love helping motorhome & campervan owners make the most of their time on the road, whether youre a complete motorhome newbie or planning a long tour of Europe. Nor is getting out the awning and putting up your TV aerial. Always have a second choice in reserve, one of the best resources to use isAll the Aires Spainand Portugal. If youd like to avoid campsites and aires, but dont want to risk staying off-grid, there is a scheme which connects business owners to people motorhoming or campervanning in Spain, called Espana Discovery. Can you wild camp with a motorhome in the Spanish National Parks? 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. Free delivery for many products! Our essential guide to visiting Norway in a motorhome will provide you with all the information you needwhat are you waiting for? Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. En route you will enjoy lovely landscapes, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and breathtaking views. Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals, 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome, aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe, step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping. There are also sites open at Tours and Bordeaux (two) if you are not making good time. 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.