Basically we need to get past the Pyrenees and driving over the inland passes in winter is risky. It's almost Toll free (more on that a little later . You can also hire a motorhome in the UK and drive it across to Spain. Our route only involves one major junction so, outside rush hour, traffic should be reasonably light. Some places have flashing amber lights before a normal traffic light. 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. 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. You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. 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. There is a lot of diverse hiking here but the weather can be unstable and the terrain unforgiving. As you leave the ferry terminal stay on the main road, dont turn into town unless you intend staying on the aire near the harbour. The map below shows the main towns and cities of Spain, and the main road network. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws. In Spain you can visit the Spanish National Park Aigestortes. Calais-Alicante via Paris Clermont Ferrand then Perpignan and the coastal AP7. We're driving a big vehicle on the wrong side of the road, so avoiding city centres is also preferable. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited and a real bucket list destination. 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). Vegetarian or vegan food can be hard to find outside of bigger towns and cities. Distance 609km - Driving Time 6 hours 20 minutes. 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. Portugal is a perfect motorhome and campervan destination. Okay, it's winter and may be raining, or worse, but you get to visit towns and tourist sites without the summer crowds. A perfect and peaceful escape for you and your touring caravan, motorhome or tent, or you can purchase your Editor's picks - ideal campsites for Christmas holidays. Motorhome services are generally widely available, especially along the coast. However this is a busy slow trucking route and takes you right through Tours, where believe me, you dont want to be. See Through France without tolls. Update August 2021 you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when travelling in Europe. The other popular option for groups of 4 or larger, or for those seeking a few more luxuries within their campervan, is the motorhome style of camper. 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. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021 a new law requires that a. Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers). This can vary a little from town to town but fundamentally the afternoon is for relaxing and spending time together as a family; if you cant beat em, join em! The Gorges d'Hric in Southern France brings our Vanlife diaries to the most dramatic destination where river pools and waterfalls await. The main thing to know about wild camping in Spain is that you must not display any signs of camping, such as leaving chairs out or having your step out when you go to bed. The landscape changes from the rugged north, with mountains and scenic views to rival anywhere else in Europe, to the desert and arid areas, to the sparkling azure blue of the Mediterranean. 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. Guided wildlife tour in Jasper National Park. 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. 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. Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible. The load must be indicated by a. Campervanning in Spain- motorhome overnight parking, Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe. Not all spaces are level and the majority were originally designed for cars so have kerbs in what is now the middle of the space! The magical French Brittany 2. Legally, youre only allowed to stay on approved overnight motorhome spaces or campsites. Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. See below for best route avoiding Spanish tolls. Do you want to wild camp in your motorhome? Most hire companies allow their motorhome rentals to be taken overseas, including our recommended hirer, Spaceship Rentals. Spain & Portugal [2016] Italy, Croatia & Slovenia [2016] All Digital Guides. Speak to a Canada & Alaska Tours Expert. Headlight beam converters (unless you can adjust yours automatically). You will also be within easy walking distance of the Casco Antiguo, the old town. If youre planning to stay to the north, youll need to bring warm clothing. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. You can ask for a different pitch, but will usually need to pay a supplement which wipes out the ACSI discount! A spare wheel (and tools to change it! If you only have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man then you will need an. This is one of our favourite Spanish national parks, for its dramatic landscape and fantastic hiking. 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. Some go for up to six months from October onwards, we prefer to spend Christmas at home and travel out in January. head to that area to get some winter sunshine. Diamonds with a black line through mean you no longer have priority ( this is usually on roundabouts.). If you're planning a trip to Ireland, make sure to check out these great campsites to stay at Our selection of the best campsites for exploring wonderful Wales With two coasts, Devon is the perfect county for a beach lover Editor's Pick - The best campsites for families. If youre an active and adventure seeking van lifer, then Tarifa, Spain is for you! May 28, 2011. For some reason, driving from the UK to Spain seems to confuse people. 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. Campsite review: South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park. GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. campsite news, special offers, availability and much more direct to Morocco is the perfect post-Brexit escape if youre looking to spend three months out of the Schengen area. Cross the Loire and follow the fast D347 past Montreuil-Bellay and Loudun all the way to Poitiers. This is designated motorhome parking, well-lit and manned with CCTV and services but no EHU. Like much of Europe, wild camping in Spain for motorhomes and campers is tolerated in many places but not strictly legal and its certainly not a right. ), you must have one (130cm x 25cm) or two (50cm x 25cm) yellow reflectors at the rear. Taking a motorhome to Italy is an experience not to be missed. Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know, whether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter, SIM Cards in Morocco: How & Where to Buy + Best Deals, Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips, Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip, Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips, Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips. As in France, sometimes there is a fee per night but often there is no charge and basic services are provided. Before motorhome overnight parking, do your usual checks and add an extra one look forPine Processionary Caterpillars in Spain, which make their nests in those lovely shady pine trees we all like to park under. Spanish supermarkets are generally ok, all offering the basics and some a bit more upmarket, such a Carrefour. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. Halfway between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela, the Picos are a miniature masterpiece, 40km across and wedged between three great river gorges, the Picos are a natural paradise. Aires are just approved motorhome overnight parking places- often provided and maintained by the local commune. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. Take a road trip to Spain from UK by driving through France. Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip? Go out along the coast in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board if you can, and marvel at the crystal clear turquoise water, an abundance of sea life, wired rock formations and hidden sea caves. Spain is not as finished as you might be used to. Tarifa, Spain is one of our favourite places for van life. 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. There are lots of failed projects around and many, many half built houses and buildings. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. The Spanish Pyrenees are absolutely stunning. We loved Tarifa with its laid-back surfer dude feel and abundant opportunities for activity. This dramatic and wild space is iconic Andalusia; it seems like everyhillside cradles a pueblo blanco. Spain has certain days where driving is restricted. Shops Food prices are pretty inexpensive. 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!). We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. Location: Gerard's Lane, 14 / 15 James St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane. Head for the romantic city of Granada, and the whitewashed villages of the High Alpujarras, Pampaneira and Trevlez, the highest village in Spain. Your pet will need amicrochip, a validrabies vaccination and ananimal health certificate (AHC). 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! Read on to find out all you need to know. For more information about over-wintering, check out our post aboutwhether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter. The white dots are the stops we describe and the moons are our campsite suggestions. TOP TIP: If you are travelling outside of peak season, definitely get an ACSI CampingCard youll save a fortune on campsites all over Europe, including Spain. Although this was in late February, wefound all the bars and restaurants open and welcoming. (PLEASE do not leave a pet in a van or car while you go sightseeing, especially on a hot day.). If youre travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. 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. and washdown areas. Many places have a sign saying NO motorhome overnight parking, but you are fine to park during the day. The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. Each route takes about a day to drive, so take this into account when planning your Spanish road trip itinerary. This also includes a motorhome sat-nav- program it before you leave and dont touch it unless youre parked up safely. Tipping Service is usually included in a restaurant, but do check. Many people will go to church but it is the extended family lunch, hosted by the matriarch, which is the most important part of the day. MMM is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. With this in mind, we've asked our campsite assessors to come up with their suggested route through France to the Catalan border. OK I admit, not quite a toll free route to Spain! Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Motorhome route along the most beautiful locations in Spain A motorhome tour of Spain offers plenty of variety: from sun, sea and sand in the south of the country to green surroundings in the north. To find out where to stay during stage 2 - click here. Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when motorhoming Spain. (Yes, you will see other people do it- some areas are stricter than others. 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. 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. *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. They also have dog kennels onboard but you CANNOT keep your dog in the ferry cabin with you (like you can from Portsmouth to Caen). You will be almost unaware of crossing the border at Irun, watch for the Espania sign, and turn south on the N121 a surprisingly fast road wriggling through the mountains to Pamplona. This gorgeous country, full of beautiful light, fabulous food and landscapes straight from a film set, will not disappoint. ), visit the Start Here page to find out how we can help you! Weve spent months touring in France and from tips about driving, budgeting, where to stay overnight and off-grid 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 road trip in France. Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Spain? GEAR And if you need any motorhome gear for touring France or Europe, heres what we recommend. Dont forget to grab your FREE motorhoming in Europe checklist below to help you stay organised and remember everything you need. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN DAY 1 Calais 52,125 views Apr 15, 2018 173 Dislike Share Save Mark Davies 17.3K subscribers SPAIN or BUST! When you sign up to our FREE newsletter, we'll send you the latest Can I take a pet to Spain in my motorhome? Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in October 2021. 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. This doesnt apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place. Itinerary by region. What documents do you need to drive in Spain? 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. Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. 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. Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. GEAR If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, heres what we recommend. 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!). 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! theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. The Pyrenees is best visited between May and October, unless you want to ski, as outside these times you will definitely encounter snow. Spains capital city is a beautiful and cultured city with stunning architecture, tranquil parks and some of the best art museums in Europe. There are many aires along the coast south of Bordeaux and many motorhomes only come this far for the winter. Traditionally it was followed by a nap, the famous. Spain's prime minister denounced Friday a plan by construction giant Ferrovial to move its headquarters to the Netherlands as the decision triggers a political storm. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. All rights reserved, Gift ideas for motorhome & campervanners, Our favourite motorhome & road trip gear, (Already purchased a guide or course? Essential if your car, caravan or motorhome has a GB plate. Spanish people talk LOUDLY and over each other constantly. For us, we find it too hot during high summer, especially as we travel with a dog and keeping a dog cool on a road trip is never easy (especially when theyre a cocker spaniel who doesnt understand the meaning of the word chill! Day 1 -Vron to Gron. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. b) Short crossing to northern France, motorways to Perpignan, then the Spanish AP7 coastal motorway to your destination. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. Free camp in the car park atCoripefor the Via Verde de la Sierra, a really stunning ride. 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. Try your luck and risk a break-in at the free parking spots, park underground safely and overheat, or trythis campsite, who provide a reasonably priced shuttle into the city. 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. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. Get MMM for just 2.99 a month! Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. Top Guide To Buying A Motorhome; First Motorhome Trip Abroad; Winter Motorhome Trip Spain; Campsites For A Ski . Visit La Rbida to see the amazing full-scale models of the three ships in which Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic to discover the New World. Youll probably also want some form of air conditioning or at least a fan in your camper- temperatures can get up to 40+c. When planning a motorhome tour of Spain, the first thing you need to do is to figure out where youre going (and how long you have for your road trip!). Motorhome touring in the beautiful and varied country of France is a pleasure. New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? Remember, this is for daytime parking for motorhomes- lets move on to overnight parking. If youre planning on going to Portugal as youtour Europe in a motorhome, our Portugal tips are a must-read before your trip. The roads within the site are deteriorating badly and the showers and sanitary facilities are poorly designed (although clean and with plentiful hot water) but this is all surmountable if you want to see Madrid! Thanks. We stopped atCamping Osunain the east of the city, close to the airport. 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. We are Phil and Izzy. 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. (stuffed aubergine) when this mediterranean vegetable is in season and youll be blown away. 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. 9 Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From France Dover - Calais Dover - Dunkirk Newhaven - Dieppe Plymouth - Rostoff Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Caen Portsmouth - Cherbourg Portsmouth - Le Harve Portsmouth - St. Malo Motorhome Ferry Routes to and From Spain Plymouth - Santander Portsmouth - Bilbao Portsmouth - Santander Yellow diamond signs mean you have priority. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon. READ MORE: Discover the best & warmest places to enjoy winter in Spain. Find out about life on the road, destinations, routes and practical motorhome advice on our blog. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. On roads with single carriageways,the speed limit establishedmay not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking. On our 2019 tour we drove to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, using the free A75 motorway south of Clermont . There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. Some are rustic and have basic facilities, while others are designed for long-term visitors and have entertainment, clubs, pools and bars! Flying and hiring a motorhome is the best way to tour Spain if you dont own one. There are two low emission zones in Madrid planned, and other Spanish cities with a population of more than 50,000 are required to implement an LEZ by 2023. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2 and 3pm. Northern Spain is mountainous and you can expect snow during winter- and it will be cold, even on a sunny day (just like in the Alps or any other mountain range.) Planning a trip to France with your motorhome or camper? So dont walk out into the road thinking traffic will stop for you. Motorhome wild camping in Valencia is no longer permitted. The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. ive been looking through some discussions about driving down but none that fit my criteria; 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. In the interior of Spain in your motorhome, you may well have long stretches of sweeping autopista(motorway) and autova(dual carriageway) to yourself. Yes, you can take dogs, cats and ferrets to Spain. These are surprisingly effective! You can find out more about travelling with pets on the Gov.UK website. Personal travel and medical insurance along with an EHIC or, Two warning triangles for the front and rear. Gas bottles are also widely available, with butane generally being more popular because of the warmer climate (butaneis more suited to milderweather conditions but propane is better for cold weather as it burns at lower temperatures). This campervan route through Spain will take you to the country's most beautiful locations. Planning a driving route from UK to Spain, Hiring a motorhome or camper to tour Spain. Motorhome hire from a local owner. If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair. Mileages where quoted are approximate, road signs in kilometres can seem very high, just remember 50km is 30 miles, 100km is 60 miles, etc. Peaje or AP is a toll road. Over the years we've fine tuned our route so that, as far as possible, we avoid toll motorways, heavy trucking routes and roads passing through endless villages with low speed limits, speed bumps and traffic lights. Be prepared for amazing scenery, an abundance of wildlife, unspoilt Atlantic coastline and Spain's stunning 'Picos de Europas' mountains. You should now be in the right hand lane for the next set of lights. The motorhome route is shown in the map below. 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. These zones are indicated with Area de prioridad residencial and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.). Also, many campsites put ACSI users on lesser pitches (either bad view or no electric or drainage). The (pass) roads in the Pyrenees are sometimes not too wide, but are easy to drive with some mountain experience. 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. 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. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. This is our favourite route for a France road trip as you pass some incredible places (including some of the most historic places in France!). Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! There is no obligation to buy any produce, but our experience when we have bought has been really positive. Want to get exclusive tips and tricks? However if you encounter very strong winds remember its a forest area on light sandy soil, parking under trees may be ill advised. There are some essential things you need to know before your trip, including important paperwork and kit to bring with you. ), or a tyre repair kit. Sniff out the world's best dog friendly motorhome and campervan sites in Yecla, Spain. 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. READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT. The bullfighting season runs from March to October with fights usually taking place on Sunday afternoons. When we travel, we kind of end up with a happy medium of both. Expect to show your passport or identification on arrival and many places require you to leave one passport behind the reception. Mountain roads are also very slow and if your destination is Valencia or further south there is little saving in overall mileage compared to the much safer and faster route along the Atlantic coast near Biarritz. 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! 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. At 35 a night, this is without doubt, the poorest value-for-money motorhome campsite site we have ever stayed on, although our research suggests its the best motorhome site in Madrid! Heading east, stop in the pretty and modern city ofAlmeria for an afternoon lunch along the promenade. 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. If youre new to our website (welcome! c) Short crossing but drive across country through France and Spain. But let's get down to practicalities. At the bottom of the N10 you can either continue on the A63 toll motorway, or take the D810 towards Bayonne, Biarritz and the Spanish border. If you're planning a UK campsite stay then visit our Campsite Finder, with over 5,000 campsites to search you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitchup to in your Motorhome. 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. We will tell you more about nine selected places on this route. a) Ferry to the north coast of Spain and drive south to your chosen Costa. 20 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you 1. I know there are those HUGE mountains called the Pyrenees, but the routes are all open, unless you happen to be really unlucky and hit it in the middle of a snowstorm (do check the weather forecast before travelling.). This gorge is spanned spectacularly by an 18thcentury arched bridge andtall housesperchprecariouslyalong itsedges. Should I Take My Motorhome to Spain for the Winter? The Spanish government caps the price of gas, and you should expect to pay around 15-18 for a replacement bottle. 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. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers.
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