Key Camp virgin

[mumzy]

Going to keycamp Les mouettes in Brittany this summer with dh and ds1(11), ds2(9), dd(7). Will be sailing from portsmouth to St Malo overnight then return on day ferry with Brittany ferries. First time at Keycamp and driving in France feeling quite nervous as did Olevels French 28 years ago and haven't used it since. Advice and Tips from seasoned francophiles and Key Camp aficandos to ensure a smooth journey and enjoyable holiday for all will be gratefully recieved. TIA

Not sure of your route, but I always go for the pay autoroute when I arrive in France, so I can adjust to driving on the other side of the road in relatively quiet roads. Pay special attention at roundabouts and both of you have to pay attention when driving, no passenger dozing. Lots of English at Keycamps and they have a rep who will come and welcome you.

Key camp tents are really well equipped, can't think of much to advise you to take really, maybe a sharp knife for cooking?
The beds are comfy.

We have been driving in France & staying with various campsite holiday companies for the last 18 years (or so). Our top tips:

For the driving

• Make sure you have good maps (we use Michelin), dont just rely on satnav
• Research your route before you go so that you know the direction you are heading in, major towns etc
• Use the motorways, tolls arent horrendous, as they make the journey a bit quicker and smoother
• Driving on the other side of the road is basically intutive and makes sense. Be careful when driving round carparks or if setting off after having been parked up for a while.
• Picnic stop toilets tend to be very basic. If you want to use the toilet while en-route then head to a petrol stop (they are normally clearly signed)
• Check the area around the campsite using google earth street view. Stops you driving past a concealed entrance 3 times!
• Diesel is gasoil, petrol is sans-plomb (unleaded)

On the campsite

• slow down, for the duration of your holiday all you will have to do is remember to get up and eat
• do some meal planning after you arrive so that you arent having to shop every day (unless you want to)
• ask the couriers when the bread gets delivered in the morning and what the routine is (eg do you need to book in advance)
• check out campsite shop, takeaway etc. It is quite common to cook the main part of your dinner then get chips from the takeaway.
• if you have an oven then dont plan to use it for anything more than keeping things warm or making toast (IME budgies break wind to better effect)
• given the age of your DCs then be prepared to give them a little freedom eg to go off in a group to get and get an ice cream from the bar
• respect other people's privacy
• use the couriers to sort out any problems (there shouldnt be any but you never know)

Have a lovely time!

Thanks for all the brilliant advice this is our first holiday abroad with dc so quite nervous but very excited.