Europe for 6 months in a campervan - where to go? Anybody done it?

[catASTROPHE]

We are planning to leave July 2007 and wander around Europe until our money runs out.

Our kids will be 2 and 4 by then.

We don't want to rush, just take it slowly and see the beauty of the places we are in, enjoy the culture etc.

I have a little notebook that I need to start filling with ideas...

What are the 'must see' places you have been?
What are the best counrties/areas for kids?
Which have a 'child friendly' culture?
Any festivals etc we should see, and when are they on?
Best time to visit certain countries (eg, avoid Soth of France/Italy in high summer)
Any tips on campervaning with kids, or in general?
Useful websites?

I'm going to keep bumping this until me notebook is full...

I am very jealous of you catASTROPHE - I dreamed of doing this but couldn't afford it - so good luck you. I am of the opinion that all of Europe is child friendly compared to the UK - totally different attitude there - you can eat out anywhere with kids and they will be welcomed. France in June is a must - camping sites are of a very high standard. We have just got back from the lake district in Austria - the scenery is unbelievably stunning and everywhere caters for kids in Austria as far as we could make out - there are too many places to mention I wouldn't know where to start - one tip for campin with kids is don't bother packing many toys - we always do and its a waste of time - because once they are on hols camping they don't need them - the space and freedom is enough for them. Oh and a DVD player in the car!! Good luck, i hope you gets lots of ideas

get nicest/biggest van you can afford. We drove 1500 km in Queensland with dc similar ages to yours. We were in a small cramped rattly camper, affectionately known as the stinking barf bus. Would definitely pay more for better van next time

Look carefully at configuration of seats - kids facing forward and in reach of passenger seat so that you can easily pass them stuff. Have fab time

c'mon mumsnetters!

Hated our campervan experience in Oz - too many children (4) and not enough room. Ended up storing luggage in shower/loo section. Once beds made up nobody moves anywhere. Couldn't even get fridge door open for beer.Ahhh. Also seemed to live in sandpit follwing visits to beaches.
Also did RV in States - much bigger but freezing at night amd only supplied with 1 pan and 2 teaspoons to cook with. Ahhh again.
Am sure you will have a great time - sorry can't help with Europe ideas.

hmmm, not vry encouraging spudz!
Thanks for the tips seivehead and nappybag - will keep the seat configuration etc in mind when buying, and have put Austria Lakes on the list.

Anyone else?

Sounds FAB, what a lovely, lovely thing to do.

WOW

I've just read this which chronicles the author's 18 month journey around Europe in a campervan with her dh and two small children in search of lesser used languages.

A wonderfl read.

ooh, thanks moondog, I'll have to buy it.

bump

oh I was sure all you jetsetting MNers would have loads of ideas.

if anybody is lurking, please dont...just write one place...just one