Travelling to Avignon..!5th August. Car Companion?

[Vince M]

Hi all,

I am going on my annual camping / cycling trip to the South of France by car. My plan - if it can be described as that - is to leave on the Eurotunnel on the 15th of August and return on the 28th.That's the only firm arrangement. Everything else is flexible.


I am looking for someone around my age (59) who'd be interested in sharing travelling costs, fuel and road tolls and happy to join me for the journey and do their own thing, if that's what they want. No obligation to do what I do or go where I go on the bike. In addition, for the reassurance of my family. I need someone to keep an eye on me, just so if 'anything happens' there'll be someone around that'd notice!

I'll be taking my bike on the rack and my tent and camping gear. I'm hoping to explore the area around Avignon, the Rhone valley, and move further south, perhaps to Carcassone and beyond. But quite willing to negotiate visiting other places with you before we leave. I'd be early rising and eager to be getting out and about. Nothing strenuous or demanding; my knees are beginning to feel their age.
My brother and I have done this before, and I estimate that fuel and tolls for the entire journey would come to around £250 each, and on top of that there would be camp site fees.They'd be around €30 or less a night. You'd need your own bike and sleeping bag, and you'd be best with a tent of your own too. (My brother complained about my snoring ) All the rest of the camping kit I have and there's no point carrying two of everything.

Please contact me if you are interested and want to know more.

Vince

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I remember the camp site at avignon had anice swimming pool and some female embellishments with a petit je ne sais quoi!

 

[stephenjubb]

"They'd be around €30 or less a night".

are they 5 star? seems expensive?

 

[Vince M]

Camp sites in France vary in terms of quality and cost.There are three close to one another in Avignon, on the island just across from the famous fallen bridge and I've stayed in two of them. Both excellent.

All of the many French sites I've been to were superior to any of the few British I've stayed in. The charges depend on the season (August is peak) and the facilities on offer. You get what you pay for.

There are little supplements that drive the basic cost up. A basic pitch might be €15 but then you may find a charge for each person, the car, wifi, additional tents, electricity and access to the pool. And local tourist taxes. It creeps up.

I wouldn't stay on a site without electricity on the pitches. Having an estate car enables me to take a little fridge, long extension lamp and a small electric kettle.which make life much easier.. It means I can enjoy a chilled beer in the evenings and a quick cup of tea to get my heart started in the mornings. Less faffing around with stoves, though I have one of them too.

Best value I ever stayed in was a municipal one in Metz, on the banks of the Moselle. Only €7 a night. It was splendid to be woken by the swans paddling around the tent demanding to be fed.The municipal sites tend to be much cheaper than the corporate ones, but with less glitz and glamour.

Most expensive was in Port Grimaud where we were bitten by vicious mosquitoes. They were particularly fond of biting feet below the sock line and other places where the sun doesn't shine. That cost around €48 or so. It was across the bay from San Tropez, so a premier spot. It was basically a Butlin's holiday camp with discos and evening entertainment etc. Great place for kids, of course. But don't go without your Jungle Formula or you'll be sorry.

My estimate of €30 a night for a decent site is about right, I think. It's the figure I budget on. Of course you can get a room in a very basic Formul1 hotel for that, but I wouldn't trust the car and bikes would be safe.

Worst camp site I've ever been to was in North Devon. The site was on a steep hill and they charged something like £30 a night. It was primitive. Only word.

 

[stephenjubb]

didn't see the car bit. makes sense now. cheers

 

[BigonaBianchi]

The camp site on th eisland at avignon has a great pool, expensive shop and a bar full of junk food and beer...it's crowded with camper vans and was one of the biggest sites i staye don in france. TBH i preferred the small sites for 2 euros.

 

[sean s 52]

hi, have you anyone lined up yet for your trip ? was thinking about doing something the same but didn't want to travel alone, need to get away from work and family, lol

 

[stephenjubb]

hi, have you anyone lined up yet for your trip ? was thinking about doing something the same but didn't want to travel alone, need to get away from work and family, lol

know that feeling.

 

[bigjim]

Vince
Where in the UK are you based?

 

[sean s 52]

hi vince, just a quick reply to your trip, i'm based in leeds and looking for the same, am willing to pay my way in costs, let me know if you already have someone(s) lined up, no point in me giving you to many details just yet, cheers

 

[Vince M]

Sorry chaps. Haven't checked the thread for a couple of days. I was under the mistaken apprehension that I'd receive emails when anyone added to it. Though I did receive a couple early on.

Anyway, apologies too, for omitting a few details. I am based in Hove, East Sussex and the Eurotunnel train I've booked is at 5.50am. That leaves from Folkstone. Returning 6pm on the 28th. So can meet anywhere en route between and don't mind diverting off a few miles. Long shot...huh? Anyway, if you are still interested, my email is vincemeeganATgmailDOTcom I'm sure you can work that one out. Happy to answer all questions
Best

Vince

 

[Vince M]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your interest and amusing comments . I am now fixed up.