Cost of Camping in France

[newcamper]

Hi.

As hubby and I have 2 weeks off together in August, I am toying with driving to France (from Chester) via. Calais.

I was wondering whether anyone had already done this, and what it cost (including petrol and crossing etc.).

We are on a tight budget but would love some sunshine.

Thanks in advance x

We did it the other way around (Switzerland to UK with caravan) and spent a week in Normandy. - Costs of campsites vary depending on what facilities you expect.

Just remember to factor in toll costs on the French motorways.

Thanks.

It is more the cost of the actual travel that I am unsure about. The campsites seem to be similar to here (just depends on how many facilities you want).

I will sit and try to work it out when the children have gone to bed (I currently have a 3 year old climbing on my back and whispering in my ear). x

Have a look at viaMichelin for how much the travel will cost. They break down petrol and toll costs and are pretty accurate.

Our crossing this year in August with DFDS Dover to Calais return is £140 with a trailer tent so will be lots less without.

I said on another thread that we usually budget about £1500 for a two week camping holiday in France. We go with the flow and if we eat out lots one day, we pull it back for the next few days. Same with day trips, we do a few long ones but mostly stay in the area.

Thanks Rhubarb...I think it might be a plan for next year!..a few more pennies required!!!

and you can safe by using smaller campsites, opting out of ehu (most have sockets in the shower block so you can charge the phone there) shopping at markets (french markets are fabulous).
fwiw when camping in france we tend to eat fresh seasonal fruit and baguette all day every day and lose about a stone each

The £1500 is everything for the four of us. Crossing, camping, eating, petrol, days out. The lot. And we're not particularly tight with it either!

So you could save by not eating out (we have something out most days) and not having fresh croissants for breakfast every day (we do this every morning!). Probably not going so far south either would save petrol and tolls. We're going to the south this year, but the coast around Calais is glorious, as is just a bit further into Normandy. Or go north into the Netherlands.

Last year we stayed at Amboise for 2 weeks on the municiple site. Looks like for this year it'll be about £135 for two weeks. The only thing I can say against it is that it was busy. Everything else was brilliant. So campsite (£135), ferry (£90), petrol+ tolls (£180), 2 nights stay there and back (£40) will be about £455. Then what ever food, entertainment and extra travel you want to do.

Can you tell I'm planning my France holiday as we speak!

Wow Rhubarb!!!
It really is adventurous for us (as a couple) although the cost is extremely good! I like the thought of it but I only persuaded hubby to try camping last year so organising a trip to France is a huge step. Part of me wants to just do it (I like a challenge and an adventure) and part of me is super-sensible (not budgeted for it this year, car not great)...ooooo...what to do???
Keep us updated on your plans...I will live vicariously through your camping plans for now.

We are now actually thinking we might do it! Do you know of any nice campsites near the beach. I can't find the website for l'orgatte and the only review I can find says about the tent being slashed and broken into during the night.