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.

Hi, I have taken my boys to Germany a few times and would suggest that if you have at least two Nintendo DS consoles, (can be picked up quite cheaply, with plenty of games) then half your problem is solved, as these kept my two amused for hour's. I packed load's of comic's, colouring stuff and the DSs, I also took eye spy book's that went down a treat, there are all sort's of subject's covered by this series of book's.
We also decided to travel down during the night the first time and it was a success as the boys slept because it was dark and after that we always did it, that way not only did we get most of the way there in relative peace, we also had time to explore before the ferry/train. Whatever you do it's worth avoiding the motorway services, as not only are they expensive, they also made my lads sick on one journey, I would however, suggest that you take pillows as they will sleep at night