What to pack for toddlers and in car entertainment

[rso628]

We are travelling down to the South of France via Euro Tunnel next month (driving down overnight) and staying at a Eurocamp. I have 4 children ds8, ds4 and ds and dd 18 months. Really wanted to know what others pack for their children as I am usually totally useless either pack far to much or little! Also what do you take with you on the car trip down? At advice/recommendations would be wonderful. Thank you.

We've done this trip more than a few times!! Admittedly ours were a bit older when we started but...Buy a back seat dvd screen. The older one may just have to put up with some 'younger stuff' for a bit but he'll be more likely to amuse himself anyway. The deal is everyone gets to choose something. We swore never to get one but finally gave it... it was the best decision we ever made!
Make sure they all have pillows/blankets for comfort.
Have lots of breaks when they are awake. The French 'aires' (a very posh lay-by) are fabulous. Most have play areas and the loos are generally very clean. Lots of grass running around areas...take a ball. Get a map... not just a satnav. The AA maps have the aires in different print. The mega ones with everything are really bold and the ones like our lay-bys but a bit bigger are just a thin line. It helps to know when the next decent loo is!!
Are you taking your own tent/caravan or staying in a chalet there? The laundry facilities are normally great so you won't need a new outfit for everyday. We take 7/10 days clothes for a month long road trip.

Take a bag of toys that are 'new' to them all. That way different things can be pulled out throughout the trip! Maybe a travel game that the older two could play.(magnetic) tinyurl.com/ogwasx4 Get a badminton set. If you're going to the south you'll be surrounded by Dutch families and they all play badminton. Huge interfamily tournaments. Your kids will want one within hours of arrival so you may as well have it with you!!
Lots of juice cartons, wipes and if your car doesn't have air con (we travel in a Land Rover) then some mini fans (Marks and Spencers sell them at the checkout at this time of year.
Are you going down the east side to the Cote d'Azur or the west? The east motorway can be a pain from Lyon on but if you're going through the night that should be a bit better.
Good luck and if you've anymore questions just ask!

Lots of storytapes for the car. For the old one you could take an ipod and proper headphones.

DD gets car sick so no books or magazines in the car. She learned to accept to be bored as I refused to play entertainer all the time. She therefore loves her tapes. We play I spy also in the car.

Travel games, card games, memory, sticker books, activity books and crayons.

Take a ball. If you have a pool, take pool toys, even the older one will suddenly like it again.