Two weeks travelling/camping in France - book ahead or see where the wind takes us?

[sarah2011]

My friend and I and our two children are thinking of driving with the kids, a large tent and some euros for two weeks to France. Will be be OK to just explore and rock up at campsites without booking. We haven't got a definite plan or itenary.

If you aren't bothered about being at a particular place, I think you will be fine with the wind. You may have to press on if the site is full but you will find somewhere.

Popular sites get booked up in advance for school holidays, so I would at least book your first site so you know you have a definite starting place. Outside school holidays you would be fine-although early July lots of the sites we went too were full!
The municipal sites are great value, and were really surprised we had booked 3 nights ahead ( a lot book 1 night then decide whether to stay)
Last 2 weeks of summer are easier as the French have gone back, but first weeks of summer get very busy.

I echo what Milliways said. Most French sites I've been to (indeed, most EU sites) seem surprised that you bother booking when out of high season.

If you've not already got it, I recommend getting the ACSI Camping Card (www.campingcard.co.uk/ ). Gets you cheap rates at otherwise expensive sites. There's a CD version at extra cost.

I normally get mine at Vicarious Books (www.vicariousbooks.co.uk/ ).

Roger