France is consistently the most visited country as a tourist destination and for good reason, history, food, culture and climate all contained within a country that offers a variety of each as one travels east to west and north to south. Touring holidays in France allow the freedom to explore all these aspects of France
The many regions are all fiercely proud of what they bring to the table, whether it be fine Parisian dining or a more robust seafood platter fresh from the Mediterranean in Cannes or Nice.
It is the sheer scale of what is available that makes the country such a great destination for a touring holiday. If the weather isn’t great in Biaritz pack up and try the must in Djon. If it’s too hot on the south coast, head up into the mountains for some montagnard fare in an alpine town of Briancon or Grenoble.
It’s all available and with a fantastic motorway system that spans in any direction, with touring holidays in France by motorhome in France, the world really is your oyster.
Because of the popularity of motorhome holidays, it is probably wise to plan ahead especially if visiting the most popular resorts such as Brittany in peak season, but as there are literally thousands of campsites around the country even if one is full it won’t be much of a drive to find another one just up the road.
Not all campsites come with the necessities, so it is also wise to do some research first, but this type of holiday has to be one of the most economical and stress free, no airports, no cancellations, just you and the open road and the French roads are more open than most.
If you are intersted in hiring a motorhome for the purpose of touring holidays in France, call now (yes anytime!) on 0800 612 8719.
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Traditionally this is the week when we see the motorhome hire business ‘die off’ after a busy summer. So what does this mean for the hirer? Well – it’s all good:
- Autumn is the best time to buy a motorhome, so why not try before you buy
- Motorhome hire is now cheaper than the summer
- You don’t need to pre book campsites
- Campsites are considerably cheaper than they are in the summer
- Countries like Italy and Spain will have much more manageable tempertures, now that the summer is over
So if you don’t need to be in the UK, don’t stay there…call 0800 612 8719 and grab yourself a bargain.
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Hiring a motorhome is not just a summer activity, nearly all motorhomes are ‘winterized’ so you can enjoy motorhoming all year ’round. At the moment we are getting many enquiries for people thinking about hiring a motorhome for the Oktoberfest in Munich, but it doesn’t have to stop there. It is true that July and August are far the busiest months of the year, but there are many other times of the year when you may just want to get away for a while, to just chill or maybe something a bit more energetic…
Motorhomes can be a great base for a wintersports holiday too, if you are a keen skier or snowboarder you could have a lot of fun with a motorhome. My favourite ski resort is Serre Chevalier in the Hautes Alpes (05) region of the Southern French Alps. When you buy a week ski pass at Serre Chevalier it also allows extra days at other resorts too. In the case of Serre Chevalier the extra days are at Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alps, Puy St Vincent and Montgenevre. I’m not totally sure about this year, but in previous years it also included access to the nearby Italian ski resorts such as Claviere and Sestriere. Most people rent apartments for their ski holidays, but that means you are stuck in one place and never get to see (or ski) the other resorts. A motorhome fixes this.
With a motorhome you can see what you want to see, and go where you want to go, in your own time. Experience the freedom and flexibility to explore the UK and Europe in one of the huge range of motorhomes offered by the largest network of motorhomes available for hire in the UK.
Hiring a motorhome is as simple as picking up the phone and calling 0800 612 8719. The ultra helpful staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Oktoberfest traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first sunday of October. So what is Oktoberfest? Well, it began with the Royal Wedding on 12 October 1810.
Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were renamed Theresienwiese (“Theres’a Fields”) to honor the Crown Princess, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to “Wiesn”. Horse races in the presence of the royal family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in subsequest years gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest.
In 1811, an added feature to the horse races was the first Agricultural Show, designed to boost Bavarian agriculture. The horse races, which were the oldest – and at one time – the most popular event of the festival are no longer held today. But the Agricultural Show is still held every three years during the Oktoberfest on the southern part of the festival grounds.
In the first few decades, the choices of amusements were sparse. In 1818, the first carousel and two swings were set up. Vistitors were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands, which grew rapidly in number. In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by the enterprising landlords with the backing of the breweries. The remainder of the festival site was taken up by a fun-fair. The range of carousels offered was already increasing rapidly in the 1870’s as the fairground trade continued to grow and develop in Germany.
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Fancy a beer? Oktoberfest camping accommodation is surprisingly well catered for. During the Oktoberfest motorhomes are not permitted on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. The police control the grounds around the clock and will hand out fines to those who do not belong there. But don’t worry; arrangements have been made for motorhome users.
During the Oktoberfest part of the surface area at the trade fair grounds in Munich-Riem can be used as a parking area for motor homes. Sanitary facilities are also available. The Oktoberfest is within a 30-minute ride with the U-Bahn from the trade fair grounds. The U-Bahn runs every 10 minutes.
Alternative: the guarded parking area for motor homes on the Siegenburger/Garmischer Straße. From this area one can reach the Wiesn within 30 minutes by foot. Visitors can also take the bus line 31 or 33 and the U-Bahn (to Heimeranplatz and U4/U5 to Theresienwiese).
If you are planning on a more leisurely motorhome experience at the Oktoberfest this autumn, you may like to stay at one of the ‘normal’ campsites in and around Munich.
You would be advised to book a campsite in advance, here are some campsites that could be used for Oktoberfest camping accommodation.
Municipal camp site
Zentralländstrasse, 81379 München,
phone: +49 89 7231707,
fax: +49 89 7243177
opened between 15th March and 31th October
München Obermenzing
Lochhausener Strasse 59, 81247 München,
(At the beginning of the Autobahn to Stuttgart)
phone: +49 89 8112235,
fax: +49 89 8144807,
Open from March 15th to 31th October
Campingplatz Nord-West
Auf den Schrederwiesen 3, 80995 München
Tel: 089/1506936,
Fax: 089/15820463,
Mail:info@campingplatz-nord-west.de
WWW: www.campingplatz-nord-west.de
Always open
Langwieder See
Eschenrieder Strasse 119, 81249 München,
(8km out on the Autobahn to Stuttgart)
phone: +49 89 8641566,
fax: +49 89 8632342,
WWW: www.camping-langwieder-see.de
Always open
Can be reached only by car.
Kapuzinerhölzl – The Tent
In den Kirschen 30, 80992 München,
Tel: 089/1414300,
Fax: 089/175090,
Mail:see-you@the-tent.com
WWW: www.the-tent.com
Open 31. May – 31. August.
Camping Ampersee
82140 Olching,
Tel: 08142/12786,
Fax: 08142/45114
Open 26.04. – 06.10.
Strandbad Pilsensee
82229 Seefeld am Pilsensee,
Tel: 08152/7232,
Fax: 08152/78473
Open 01.01.-31.12
Camping Wolfratshausen
82515 Wolfratshausen
Tel: 08171/78795,
Fax: 08171/910226
Open 01.01.-31.12
Camping Königsdorf
82549 Königsdorf,
Tel: 08171/81580,
Fax: 08171/81165
Open 01.01.-31.12.
Camping Hirth
82541 Ambach-Schwaibelbach,
Tel: 08177/546,
Fax: 08177/8820
Open 01.01.-30.11.
Camping Seehamer See
83629 Großseeham/Weyarn,
Tel: 08020/1400,
Fax: 08020/1400
Open 01.01.-31.12.
Freizeitgelände Utting
86919 Utting am Ammersee,
Tel: 08806/7245,
Fax: 08806/7245
geöffnet Ostern bis 15.10.
Camping St. Alban
86911 Diessen St. Alban/Ammersee,
Tel: 08807/7305,
Fax: 08807/1057
Open April – October
Camping Seeshaupt
82402 Seeshaupt am Starnberger See,
Tel: 08801/1528
Open 01.04.-31.10.
Camping Soyensee
83564 Soyen bei Wasserburg,
Tel: 08071/3860,
Fax: 08071/51969
Open 01.04.-31.10.
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As an all year round destination the French Alps offer something for all people and something for all seasons, a truly breathtaking area that stretches from the northern Savoir to a hair’s breadth away from the Mediterranean.
The culture from the more Germanic influenced Rhone-Alps to the very Latin style Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur changes and as home to Mont Blanc at 4,810 metres these spectacular peaks offer many days, if not years of exploration posibility.
The variety of environment not only changes as one heads south, but as one ascends, with some five types of region availble on one mountain. The lowlands lead up to the arable zone, which becomes the forested subalpine zone, above this the alpine zone at 2000-3000 metres home to many wildflowers and grasses, but above that in the neve zone life is scarce, but of course breathtaking.
It is impossible to mention the French Alps without thinking of arguably the best skiing in the world, with many of the world’s most renowned ski areas being found along the range: Les Trois Vallees, Espace Killey and Serre Chevalier to name but three of the best known and loved, but there are literally hundreds of smaller ski stations hidden in the peaks.
The mountains were formed when the techtonic plate of Africa pushed into Europe from the south, a process that is still ongoing, meaning the range grows by some 1cm a year, so things are only getting better for skiers.
The Alps are not an impenetrable barrier, the world knows of Hannibal’s crossing using elephants to take on the Roman Empire, but it is not just for war people have headed into the mountains, for centuries traders, merchants, students and pilgrims have been drawn to the mountain passes, making the first tracks for the modern roads that now criss cross the entire range.
It is well worth visiting at any time of year, whether it be to enjoy winter pursuits or just finding a campsite and staying for the summer months.
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Antibes: Côte d’Azur, France
This will bring down in a wonderful place called Juan Les Pins.
If you snorkel keep your eyes to the left for some old ruins. The fish congregate here so its really interesting snorkeling.
The town itself is a great place to spend a few days. Wandering between the shops in the very French narrow streets and enjoy the sights and smells of one of the Rivera’s favorite resorts.
The beach is long and stretches between the Cap d”Antibes to Golf Juan. Park up and have a sit on the sandy beach, watching the yachts moving between the ports. Juan is a real seaside destination with loads of ice cream vendors, sweet shops and gift shops along with some amazing fish restaurants.
When you reach Golf Juan have a wander around Pot Camille Rayon. Again there are some amazing boats to ogle at! Also there are various bars and restaurants, (OK, I know I like eating!), and one of my favorites is Rio’s Banana Bar.
These guys have a great selection of drinks and meals including a tapas bar with miniature, cheeseburgers, Hot dogs and mini brochettes. Good value too.
There is always music on offer during holiday season and you can have Salsa classes too! You will have to ask in the bar for details.
OK! Onward! Next stop is Cannes. If you have never heard of Cannes you should probably not be out on your own! The World famous Film Festival is held here every May which means it’s very busy at this time but you can wander along the seafront a spot the odd film star. Tip No2 Follow the expensive cars with the darkest windows! The ambience in Cannes is electric and there is so much to see here. Casino’s, cinema, theatre and the Hollywood style shopping keep people coming back again and again.
A big jump, now, to St Tropez. Again follow the coastal road to enjoy the Mediterranean views. Four words come to mid in ‘St Trop’, money, glamour, boats and cars. That doesn’t mean everything is expensive as there are great bargains to be had. Have a wander along the seafront shops and checkout the market stalls. Favourite spots are La Gorille and Café Paris for food and drinks. Tiki Beach is a great hang out as is the smaller port of Port Grimaud which also has some relaxing bars to sip your afternoon glass of rose.
St Clair: Côte d’Azur, France
So there you have it, a whistle stop tour from Monaco to St Clair. I hope you enjoy it.
A very cool way to visit the Côte d’Azur is to rent a campervan in the UK and drive down to France. If you are in the UK call 0800 612 8719 to reserve one.
Campervan hire holidays are a lovely peaceful way to get to France and cheap ferries to France from Dover, can cost less than £50.
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Nice: Côte d’Azur
Nice is a vibrant city and there is plenty to do and see here. So much so that I have written a separate article. The beach in Nice is huge stretching from the Headland almost to the airport. It’s a pebble beach and drops away steeply so please watch the kids! There are lifeguards patrolling the beach just in case.
In peak holiday season you can find various childrens rides along the ‘Promenade Des Anglaise’ and cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding are actively encourage on the sea front. Nice has a bicycle hire system called ‘Velo Beu’. Find one of the many street stations dotted around the city, pay and of you go with the best way to explore Nice.
On route to Antibes you will pass through Cagnes Sur Mer And Biot. Cagnes Sur Mer has plenty of beach side restaurants with and array of seafood’s, pasta and pizza. The beach is pebble like Nice but far less busy. Biot has a few major attractions if you are travelling with children. The first is Marineland, Home to some of the best aquatic shows I have seen. Here you can watch killer whales, seals and dolphins perform plus for an extra fee you can pet the dolphins in a shallow pool.
Also on site is a really cool miniature golf course, a water park, and the ‘Far West’ play area with an adventure playground and lots for the kids to do. Also, just a minutes walk away is Antibes Land. A funfair with something for everyone.
Antibes is one of the most popular ports in the area. Some of the worlds most luxurious boats birth here to enjoy the many bars and restaurants that Antibes has to offer. As well as the dining Antibes has a healthy music scene with multiple bars in the town having live music most nights throughout summer.
The ‘Hop Store’ is always very popular as is ‘The Lincoln’ pub, both on the same strip just behind the city wall. Antibes is home to one of the best-loved bands on the Cote d’Azure called ‘Blah Blah’. These guys really put on a show and are usually seen twice a week in La Gaffe and as often as they can in other venues. Antibes also has one of the best Chinese restaurants that I have had the fortune to eat in. Ancre du Chine is, again, just behind the city wall on the strip but it can be a little pricey. Check the bill before offering to treat any new friends you may have met in the town. Also recommended is Brulot Pasta who the locals say have the best pizza in Antibes. They also do steaks and duck dishes but Le Brulot is just amazing for inexpensive pizzas. Experts say try the ‘Norwegian’.
There is also the Aubergine, a cute little restaurant. You can get a good value menu starting around 20 Euros and the main meals come with the best jacket potatoes ever.
If you fancy a curry the Achiana Curry House has best curries in Antibes, its near the Lighthouse bar and the food is great and the staff are brilliant. The lamb sag and onion bhaji are outstanding.
A very cool way to visit the Côte d’Azur is to rent a motorhome in the UK and drive down to France. If you are in the UK call 0800 612 8719 to book it.
Motorhome rental is a lovely peaceful way to get to France and cheap ferries to France from Dover, can cost less than £50.
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I never get bored of the Côte d’Azur tour from Monaco to St Clair. It’s just beautiful.
There are so many places to see, along the Côte d’Azur that if you actually stopped at every spot it would take you days to get to St Clair.
Monaco
Monaco itself is a fascinating town with a port that makes you wish you had invented something that would afford you one of the James Bond type yachts, sitting in the sparkling blue water. Hot spot for a spot of lunch is ‘Stars n Bars’ which is right on the port. If you have time jump on the guided tour tram that leaves from Prince Alberts’ palace on the hill, overlooking the port. Its great value and you will see the most well known places like the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Here is tip No1. Keep the Mediterranean on your left then you cannot go wrong!
First stop, for me, would be Cap d’Ail. Walk down the steps to the cove and treat yourself to a sun bed and a swim. The beach is a sand beach and the water is warm. Cap d’Ail is a real find.
Next, en route, is Eze. U2 fans may want to know Bono resides here and his house is right on the sandy beach. Ask a local for directions! Eze is very popular for restaurants so you may want to consider having lunch here if you have not already eaten. Check out Auberge du Cheval Blanc for great seafood and Cafe Cascogne is great value.
Following the coast road you will come to St Jean-Cap Ferrat. A favorite amongst the rich and famous and is home to a wonderful zoo. If you have children with you have a look. Even the animals seem to be smiling!
Villefranche is the next stop on the list. Set between Cap Ferrat and Cap Nice, totally unspoiled and a must see seaside town. As well as the picturesque bay Villefranche is home to many places of interest and is littered with many churches and chapels.
There are two beaches here. Plage des Marinières is the main beach and sits beneath the Nice to Italy railway line. Plage de la Darse is a smaller pebble beach next to the harbour. Both are well kept and very enjoyable.
A very cool way to visit the Côte d’Azur is to hire a motorhome in the UK and drive down to France. If you are in the UK call 0800 612 8719 to reserve one.
Motorhome hire is a lovely peaceful way to get to France and cheap ferries to France from Dover, can cost less than £50.
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I have just finished watching the excellent ‘Britain Goes Camping’ documentary on BBC2. I think it is going to get repeated on BBC4, but you can always watch it on BBC iPlayer if you wish.
Synopsis: Documentary telling the story of how sleeping under canvas evolved from a leisure activity for a few Edwardian gents to the quintessentially British family pastime it is today.
The show featured some excellent home movie footage of early camping holidays in the UK, with folding trailer tents and primitive ridge tents. But for me, my favourite bit of Britain Goes Camping was in the 70s, with some superb movies from the south of France. Girls in bikinis and guys in skimpy speedos wandering around french supermarkets, was just hilarious.
Overall the point of the show, was that camping has gone from being chic, to a cheaper way to get a value holiday and now back to the more trendy eco-friendly holiday that camping is. Anyway, do watch the show, but then do yourself a favour and hire a motorhome and do it in style.
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