If youre not sure, read, Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle, be yellow in the centre with a red outline, Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address), Green card (get from your vehicle insurer), a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Spain with your motorhome, Driving in flip-flops or open-backed shoes is illegal, Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you might want to change the setting on your sat-nav). Then, after a few hours' driving, its nice to stroll around where we've ended up, which brings us to the issue of where to stay. You will need to get a worming treatment done by a registered vet before you leave Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days before re-entering the UK.Sandflies, fleas and ticks are common in Spain, so get a collar or treatment which protects against these. The mighty SierraNevada is home to the highest point of continental Spain and the third highest in Europeafter theCaucasus Mountainsand theAlps; Mulhacnpeaks at 3,479m above sea level. Weve spent months touring in France and from tips about driving, budgeting, where to stay overnight and off-grid and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, youll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in France. But, I promise you, there is much more to Spain than the Costa del Sol, especially if youre travelling and touring in a motorhome or camper. Head to Zahara de la Sierra and follow the spectacular CA-9104 road to Grazalema, which climbs to the Puerto de Las Palomas (Pass of the Pigeons), at 1180m its a spectacular drive and worth the fuel to get there this is what motorhoming in southern Spain is all about! These caterpillars can kill dogs and small children, and will most definitely spoil your motorhome trip if you bump into one! This sailing does navigate the Bay of Biscay and can be choppy in autumn and winter, but in our experience, its more cost-effective than driving through France. Now that BREXIT has happened and the UK pet passport scheme is no longer valid, you will need to get an Animal Health Certificate before you leave the UK. Its common to tip other services, like taxi drivers. that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and. Try a dish like. perfect campsite for your next trip away. Users rate their experience with 4.8/5! A similar scheme to France Passion, Espana Discoveryprovides motorhomers with stopovers at over 206 off-the-beaten-path farms, bodegas (vineyards) and producers. If you choose to use the Autopista toll roads while motorhoming in Spain, here are some tips for you: Bizarrely, some toll roads in Spain are being demoted to free routes, but are still marked as AP on the map. A visit to Lourdes is also possible. Gerard's Bistro, Fortitude Valley. Dont try and wild camp in busy/ popular areas- like the Costa del Sol- unless youre visiting in the lowest of low season. In over twelve years we've had no problems, if it doesnt feel right move on. The motorhome route costs: 14.99PRO users will pay: 11.99. Dont forget, if you are driving through France to get to Spain, you need all the kit required by France as well as the kit for that country. A motorhome tour of Germany offers incredible adventures. The roads within the site are deteriorating badly and the showers and sanitary facilities are poorly designed (although clean and with plentiful hot water) but this is all surmountable if you want to see Madrid! I quit my job to travel the UK & Europe in a motorhome with my husband and our dog Mac. The UKs longest running outdoor motorhome & campervan show, four nights camping, with live entertainment and extensive exhibition area. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. For Spain motorhome rental best if youre travelling with a family or need more room check out Motorhome Republic, who have over 40 pick-up and drop-off locations in Spain, meaning you can plan a one-way drop-off, or access the bit of Spain you want to see really easily. LPG for refillable systems is available in many garages, use the myLPG app to search near where you are. Free time to explore Banff, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria. This is an ideal crossing if time is of the essence, or youre travelling with a dog (some boats have pet-friendly cabins and some have kennels) but cabins and kennel places do book up quickly. Continue to Pont-de-lArche where you cross the river and keep going, still on the D6015, for 4miles to a round-a-bout. As you approach the N12 the map, and probably your navigator, will suggest turning left past Dreux and Chartres to meet the N10. Many people will go to church but it is the extended family lunch, hosted by the matriarch, which is the most important part of the day. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory where you are. What this site does have though, is great access to the Metro. You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe, especially if youre planning to be away for more than a few weeks. If in doubt, double check with the chef or waiting staff. View Larger Map. Leave Calais on the A 16 following signs for Abbeville. Driving your motorhome through France into Spain Your journey through France to Irun in a motorhome will be close to ten hours. Where to stay: Pony Express RV Stop in Austen, Silver Sky Lodge RV Park in Eureka, Bonanza RV Park in Fallon, and Silver Sage RV Park in Reno. *We work hard to make this the best motorhome blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. If youre travelling in Spain and your outfit exceeds 12m, you need to have marker boards fitted to the back of your vehicle. The biggest consideration to this ferry (apart from the cost), is the weather. You can find out all the detail you need in our guide to motorhoming in Europe after Brexit. But dont enter the town, which is busy and narrow. A prosperous and cosmopolitan city with a great vibe. If you are stopping for over 30 nights it is possible to stay at a good quality site for 10 a night including electricity. All that walking demands you sample the tapas scene, arguably the best in Spain, with regular live music and tapasthat are a bit more inventive than the normal tourist offering. This will be my first time in the van into France,Spain and Portugal. Perhaps its because there are several options, or perhaps because theres a mountain range in the way, but its something which gets asked over and over again in Facebook groups and forums (feel free to join our motorhoming Facebook group here). Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more. Wander here for a day and see the cathedral, Plazas Mayorand Santa Domingo andtheBasilica de San Isidoro. In January 2020 and September 2021, many motorhome tolls were removed. Castilian is most common, but there is also Basque, Catalan and some smaller dialects. Many shops close on Sundays. This is one of our favourite Spanish national parks, for its dramatic landscape and fantastic hiking. When it comes to reaching the Spanish Mediterranean coast there's basically two options - drive through France or catch a ferry to Northern Spain. Due to the huge swathes of nothingness in the interior, tolls are definitely worth taking if you are trekking from one side of Spain to the other in your motorhome. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment. From the green north side to the rugged south side and back again, ending at the foot of the Pyrenees. We use, 120 km/h (74mph) on motorways/ autovias and many dual carriageways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary roads (out of town)- can increase to 110km/h to overtake, 50km/h (31 mph)- on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, 30 km/h (19 mph) on roads with one lane in each direction, 20km/h on small lanes where road & pavement are the same level. Youll often see the typical pictogram sign by the side of the road pointing you to a service point, this may be a dedicated area, within an aire or another facility. Read more. We will tell you more about nine selected places on this route. France Start and end dates until Erase dates Search. We have an 8m motorhome and are travelling down to Barcelona but wanted to take a detour through the mountains. PDF versions of our most popular campsite guide books. Youll find great hiking and bird-watching trails here. I dont like the Bay of Biscay in winter, nor paying to use expensive motorways. Occasionally, some sections of road have a fixed fee, so you pay when you enter. Some places have flashing amber lights before a normal traffic light. We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Italy. The pace of life is simple and unhurried. The beautiful capital city of Spain has to be visited. Spain's prime minister denounced Friday a plan by construction giant Ferrovial to move its headquarters to the Netherlands as the decision triggers a political storm. The use of winter tyres in Spain is regional. The best times to visit are probably the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. Petrol and diesel are widely available. Free motorways are shown in blue, Spanish toll motorways are shown in red. These zones are indicated with Area de prioridad residencial and are banned to anyone without a permit (or special exemption.). If you like chateaux and history, this is for you! ), If you are going to be travelling to Spain during summer, we highly recommend you have an awning- youll definitely need the shade and protection from the sun. There is a lot of diverse hiking here but the weather can be unstable and the terrain unforgiving. A reader review of Plassey Holiday Park An editorial review of Exe Valley Caravan Site Editor's Pick - The best campsites in Ireland. Ronda is surrounded by mountains and is split in half by the gaping gorge of the river Tajo. This journey requires you to travel from the place that you entered France across to Rouen. Many Northern Europeans (like us Brits!) Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. Our motorhome beginners resources have everything you need from helpful printable motorhome checklists and easy guides to taking your first motorhome trip. If you are ordering a chicken dish in Spain, be very careful with your pronunciation of. Not all spaces are level and the majority were originally designed for cars so have kerbs in what is now the middle of the space! We stood looking at these tinyvessels in awe of the courage and belief it must have taken to start that famous voyage. There are two low emission zones in Madrid planned, and other Spanish cities with a population of more than 50,000 are required to implement an LEZ by 2023. Some spots are even right on the beach! Spanish roads are typically well-maintained, and the drivers are considerate and relaxed. Barcelona is a real foodie city, with a great central market and lots of fantastic tapas bars and seafood restaurants, check out thebest restaurants in Barcelonafor an authentic gastronomic experience when you visit the city. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit, CHECKLIST: Dont forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE. The Peaks of Europe, so called because they were the first landmark to be seen by sailors of old on approaching the continent, are well worth a visit. and washdown areas. Mercadona, SuperCor and Eroski are similar in price and quality but do not carry the range of goods you would expect in a UK supermarket. You can find out more information here. the packaging is unbroken unless in current use. The AP7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol retains some charges, but they are minimal and are no longer decided by the weight of your vehicle, making them even better value for motorhomes. These motorhomes are generally significantly larger than their high-top van counterparts, and usually have showers, more cupboard space, and more fully-kitted kitchenettes. This route is by far the fastest, and it ensures that you can make the entire journey through France without needing to stop at any point if more than one person can take to the steering wheel. Variable landscapes, impressive mountains and picturesque villages. Broadly speaking from the UK you have three options. Spains fabulous climate will seduce you and its people charm you. If you only see one thing, it must be the Cathedral, where all roads seemingly lead, includingthe famous Camino. Developed by: NKC - travel guides (the NKC is the Dutch parent company of Campercontact) Described route: 15 travel days. You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. Your UK licence allows you to drive in all EU countries. Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. In some places, to turn left across a dual carriageway you need to pull-in on the right and wait until it is clear in both directions. Calais-Alicante via Paris Clermont Ferrand then Perpignan and the coastal AP7. If you arrive at 6pm expecting a place, then you will probably be disappointed. The area has hardly any mass tourism. 4. From Lyon, you will drive through France's breathtaking landscape to the Atlantic coast. With great routes across Europe, its easy to drive to Spain by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle. A one-way trip takes about 24 hours and booking a cabin is recommended. Whether you're in Frauenfeld for business or pleasure, the Auto Europe team can help you save big on Switzerland car rentals! The perfect pitches for your 2023 holidays. Either way, the destination is Abbeville where, just north of the city, you pick up the free A28 motorway, which takes you all the way to Rouen. 29 of the Best Motorhome Apps Free & Downloadable Now! The new decree aims to level the rules whether youre in a motorhome or tent but there is some acknowledged ambiguity around the wording, you can find out more inthis article. If youre driving in Spain, you need to carry the following documents: Most UK citizens do not need anIDPto drive in Spain, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!). You may carry a load, such as bikes on a rack, extending by up to 10% of the length of the vehicle to the rear. The types of built-in Flot Blu services like you find in France are few and far between. Always observe the speed limits whencampervanning in Europe. Stay at the lovelyCamping Ribamar(although be aware that getting there requires a few km of unmade road) and hike into Peniscola along the coastal path. 2023 Wandering Bird Adventures. motorhome routes through france to spain The highest quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities Two days from Dunkerque to Biarritz. We havent travelled any further than the south of France and as were working at the time we used the motorways. In the height of summer it can be blisteringly hot and wild camping can be a challenge without air conditioning. Whichever is your bag (and there is a lot of choice), if youre heading south in your camper in Spain for several months of the winter and a long site stay, make sure you book in advance! Combining flavours of the Maghreb and Middle East, they offer a modern take on classic dishes using traditional techniques and local ingredients. If you are staying longer, then it is likely that the sites own rate will be better value the longer you stay the cheaper it becomes. Following on from Sundays, many shops and restaurants will also close on Mondays with a sign on the door stating . UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for90 days in every 180 daysin the Schengen Area. Many people move on after. Dont forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here. Heres everything you need to know about campervanning or motorhoming in Spain. There are plenty of opportunities for short or longer mountain walks. For a grown-ups-only holiday, check out our recommended sites just for adults Editor's Pick - The best campsites for dogs. How four people together all talking at the same time can ever take in what the other is saying is a mystery to me, but they seem to manage it! With the fantastic beaches of the Costa Brava and a beautiful old town, this makes a great final stop on your motorhome tour of Spain. See Motorhome Fall Into River Amid Catastrophic California Storms Man City want 100m Liverpool target at all costs with current star ready to 'pack up and leave' for Spain 'You can't trust . If you dont have your own vehicle, you can easily fly into Spain and hire one. The author is giving their chosen route from the ferry port. Things you need to drive in Spain- safety gear, Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when campervanning in Spain, Motorhomes or campers with a total train length of over 12m. GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Trams always have priority everywhere- keep eyes in the back of your head if youre driving near a tram network. Some garages and supermarkets will have fresh water and a place for grey water. 20 routes and trips in France by motorhome or camper to inspire you 1. The European Commission says the following; It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. Route 1 is via Tours, Bordeaux and down the Atlantic coast on the N10 until you cross the border between Biarritz and San Sebastien. Day 4 - Roullet Saint-Estephe to Virollet-Font Paillaud. Spanish toll roads are pay-as-you-go and are very reasonably priced. Theyre not often allowed on public transport, even with a muzzle, which made visiting places difficult. These are usually exceptionally good value and will give you a taste of the local and seasonal flavour and cooking style. Journey along the loneliest road in America. Ratings and Reviews Powered by TripAdvisor. (If you do need an IDP, heres anin-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permitand which one(s) you needfrom a UK post office. 6 awesome Campervan Storage Ideas youll regret not using! Eastern route Paris - Clermont-Ferrand - Bziers - Perpignan - La Jonquera The eastern route through France is the obvious choice for travelling to eastern Spain. ( Fastest route if no delays round Paris) W1 Fastest - all motorway or dual carriageway except through Rouen. Why? This tiny national park nestled between Alcossebre and Peniscola is gorgeous for hiking with stunning sea views. In a short while, the Seine appears to the right and you are clear of the city. Just like other tolls in Europe, youll usually get a ticket when you enter the toll route, then have to pay when you exit at either a manned or automatic toll booth. This is a generous and joyous country, full of colour and extremes. As you approach the Costa Brava, the various resorts are clearly signposted. To find out where to stay during stage 4 - click here. Bullfightingis seen as heroic, atest of wills involving courage, intelligence, and elegance; matadors are national heroes. Here, you can easily alternate a quiet beach day with a city trip, for example with the port city of Marseille. Full details of the cost or routing via Reims is available on the French Autoroutes website. You may be surprised at how many motorhomes from northern Europe travel to campsites in Spain for the winter. Motorhome Aires in Spain All You Need to Know, whether you should take your motorhome to Spain for winter, SIM Cards in Morocco: How & Where to Buy + Best Deals, Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips, Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip, Austria Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips, Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips.