Europe In Our Motorhome : Portugal October 2013

October 2013

We don’t want to spend another cold snowy winter in the UK so we have booked the tunnel for early November and plan to drive through France and Spain and head for the Algarve.

Date: October 2013

Location: Windermere Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Our contract in Scotland has finished and we are heading south.

We had planned to stop at the campsite at Keswick for a couple of nights but we were diverted to the site at Windermere as Keswick is on flood alert.

Windermere CC&C Site

Our route from the Calais Tunnel Terminal to Salamanca in Spain

We have finally decided that we’re heading for Portugal for the winter, not sure which method we’ll use to pay for the electronic tolls or which road we’ll use to cross into Portugal yet.

Our plan is to stay off the French toll roads where possible, stay on Aires (preferably free ones) and take a fairly direct route from the Calais down to Biarritz then into Spain.

Thursday 7^th November 2013 – Bray Dunes Carrefour car park

Co-ordinates : N 51º03.780’- E 002º31.324’

We arrived in France at 8.30am and headed for Citi Europe to wait for our friends to arrive, their ferry was delayed and they finally met up with us at lunch time.

We spent our first night in the Carrefour car park at Bray Dunes. It’s free to park here from 8pm until 8.30am, there is a service point in the car park but you have to pay for water.

Bray Dunes Aire

8^th & 9^th November 2013 – Dieppe Aire, France

Co-ordinates : N 49º55.802’ -E 001º05.191’

Dieppe is slightly off our route but we wanted to visit the Saturday market and get some scallops from the fish market.

It costs 7€ for 24 hours, service point with water, no electricity.

Dieppe

Dieppe Aire

Dieppe

Sunday 10^th November 2013 – Fresnay Sur Sarthe, France

Co-ordinates : N 48º16.924’- E 000º01.803’

Free Aire just off the N road, next to a Circus school and supermarket with water and drain.

The supermarket was closed while we were there (most supermarkets in France don’t open on a Sunday) and Monday 11 November is a French National Holiday (Armistice day).

Free Sur Sarthe Aire

Free Sur Sarthe Local Wildlife

Free Sur Sarthe Shop Next To Aire

Monday 11^th November 2013 – Couhe Aire

Co-ordinates : N 46º17.882’-E 000º07.367’

We had a longer drive today which was made even longer by a road closure and a detour. When we set off we didn’t know that today is a national holiday, most of the shops and petrol stations are closed.

The diversion took us on some narrow roads and through small villages, but the roads were quiet due to the holiday. In one village we found ourselves (2 … 9m German built motorhomes) bringing up the rear of an Armistice days parade, I was a bit embarrassed but Paul waved at them and they waved back.

The Aire is south of Poitiers just off the N10 and is located on the bottom level of the car park behind the covered market. Views of river but some road noise and we were parked on a bit of a slope. As the marked bays are rather small we had to park across them.

It’s free to stay here and there is water and a somewhere to empty your toilet cassette.

Couhe Aire

Road Leading Out Of Couhe Aire

Couhe Aire

Couhe

Couhe Aire

Tuesday 12^th November 2013 – Capbreton Aire, Atlantic Coast, France

When we set off today we were heading for the Aire at Baignes Ste Radegonde.

Baignes Aire Co-ordinates : N 45º22.045’ - W000º13.776’

The Aire isn’t in a very pleasant location and the water had been turned off, we filled up with diesel and did some shopping at the nearby Intermarche supermarket.

As it was still early we decided to head further south to the Aire at Capbreton.

Capbreton Aire Co-ordinates : N 43º38.143’ - W001º26.809’

We made good time on the N10, two sections of this road are now toll roads, driving south there is a peage just before junction 17, also just before junction 10. Both were unmanned and we were charged as class 2 (cost 2.60€ both times).

While we were at the aire the water was turned off and the taps removed.

Road Leading To Baignes Ste Radegonde Aire

Baignes Ste Radegonde Aire

Capbreton Aire

Wednesday 13^th November 2013 – Biarritz Aire

Co-ordinates: N43º38.143’ W001º26.809’

On the way to the Aire we were diverted again and ended up on some roads we would rather not have been on.

The Aire was full by 8pm, quite a few vans arrived later in the day (after the attendant had been round collecting the 10€ parking fee).

The Aire has water, services and electricity.

The supermarket that was 5 minutes walk from the aire has now closed, it’s just a pile of rubble .

We walked down to the beach just across the road from the aire.

Biarritz Aire

Road Leading To Biarritz Aire

Make Yourself At Home Biarritz Aire

Biarritz Aire

Thursday 14^th November 2013 – Camping Regio, Salamanca

Co-ordinates: N40º56.848’ W005º56.837’

We decided to use the toll road to cross into Spain, there is not much difference in distance but the time on the toll road was more than 1 hour less.

From Biarritz to Viroria Gasteiz we paid a total of 17.69€ in tolls and 11.85€ on the second section to Burgos. Having previously crossed into Spain on the non toll roads we would definitely use the toll roads in future.

The campsite at Salamanca costs 16€ with the ACSI card and you get free wi-fi.

Tomorrow we will be crossing into Portugal and as I type this we have still not decided on our destination or where we will cross the border.

Camping Regio Salamanca

Friday 15^th November 2013 – Caceres Aire, Spain

Co-ordinates: N39º28.819’ W006º22.120’

Nice parking area next to sports facilities, noisy until about 7.30pm. The entrance is through a gate which is locked between 10pm and 8am, the motorhome parking is at the botton of the car park and is well signed.

The Aire is very busy and was full by late afternoon, when we arrived there were Spanish cars parked in the motorhome parking area.

Paul has been teaching some Spanish children to speak English, not sure if they could understand his North East accent.

There is water and waste point but the electric points have been removed.

The Aire is free and is about a 15 minutes walk, down the hill on the way out of town, from a Lidl and a Mercadona supermarket. Paul treated himself to some whisky called Fire Water!

Road Leading To Caceres Aire

Caceres Aire

Saturday 16^th November 2013 – Barragem Pego do Alta

Co-ordinates: N38º25.520’ W008º23.520’

We entered Portugal on the A6 toll road which must be one of the safest roads in Europe because we seemed to be the only ones on it! This is one of the old style toll roads where you take a ticket and pay as you exit the road, we were charged as class 3 .

The road is excellent but from the start of the road to junction 3 it cost 20.90€.

The parking area at the barrage is quiet busy but we have managed to park both motorhomes with a view of the water.

The weather has been good for the last few days but its cold at night.

We filled up with diesel and LPG on the A6- Co-ordinates: N38º48.050’ W007º39.692’.

There are lots of Brits here, just like last time we stayed here some of them seen to have been here for a while.

We are planning to stay here for a few days, we stocked up with food and water at a Lidl on the A253 in Montermor just after we left the motorway, the access is good and there was plenty of room to park both motorhomes even arriving on a Saturday.

Barragem Pego do Alta

Paul Trying The Local Fire Water

Wednesday 20^th November 2013 – Grandola Motorhomne Parking Area

Co-ordinates: N38º11.041’ W008º33.877’

We filled up with LPG on the IC1 at a BP garage – co-ordinates: N38 º13.185’ W008º33.502’

The IC1 is not a nice road to travel on very bumpy ride.

Free Motorhome parking in the car park at the football ground.

Grandola Aire

Thursday 21^st November 2013 –Porto Covo

Co-ordinates: N37º51.156’ W008º47.337’

We travelled for about an hour to get to the Aire at Porto Covo. The roads weren’t too bad today, we drove along one stretch which must have been in the process of upgrading to dual carriageway when Portugal ran out of money.

The Aire is easy to find, it’s free and has water and waste points. The town and beach are just a couple of minutes walk away.

We had a bit of washing to do so we had a wander around the town looking for a launderette, we found a municipal laundry just down the road from Aire behind the Primary School. The nice lady washed, dried and folded all of our clothes, towels and bed linen for 17€, they charge 2€ per kg to wash and dry your laundry, we dropped it off at about 10am and it was ready by 4pm.

We walked along the cliffs to the other motorhome parking area on the cliff top with a view of the Atlantic, it’s a nice spot but a bit windy and there are no services there.

Co-ordinates: Nº’ W008º

Porto Covo

2nd Parking Area Porto Covo

Porto Covo Aire

Porto Covo Road Leading To Aire

Porto Covo

Saturday 23^rd November 2013 – Sagres

Co-ordinates: N37º00.298’ W008º56.712’

It rained last night and the surface we had parked on has turned into soggy sand so we moved further south to the motorhome parking behind the fort in Sagres.

It’s stopped raining but it’s very windy, we walked along the cliffs to the other motorhome parking areas which are both full, some of the motorhomes look like they are parked up for the winter. Its more sheltered here and some of the parking places have a view of the beach.

It’s free to park here but there are no services, the place where motorhomes used to empty their cassettes now has a big concrete block on top of it.

Sagres

Parking Area Near Beach

Strange Beast

Main Parking Area Sagres

Sunday 24^th November 2013 – Praia da Rocha, Portimao

Co-ordinates: N37º07.144’ W008º31.832’

Today we were heading for the Aire at Lagos, the aire is located in a large car park on the outskirts of Lagos, we drove past the car park on our way to get LPG (BP garage on N125 Co-ordinates: N37º07.186’ W008º40.383’) we noticed that most of the car park was taken up by a fair and a market so we decided to drive a little farther to the Praia da Rocha Aire.

The motorhome parking is next to the marina, 2.50€ for 24 hours parking 2€ for 110L of water. There is a place to empty your cassette and waste water.

The weather has been beautiful since we arrived here (it gets very cold at night) we have decided to stay here for 7 days.

We have cleaned the motorhome inside and out, it didn’t take me long to do inside but Paul took all day due to his habit of wandering off with a beer in his hand and having a little chat with everyone. We have walked along the beach and cycled along by the marina and into the town.

There is a bar on site, 1€ for a small beer, if you go in for a drink they will give you the password for the site wi-fi.
If you walk into the old town along by the marina and turn left when you get to the garage there is a supermarket and a couple of Chinese Bazaars - Co-ordinates: N37º08.081’ W008º32.168’.

We stayed for 7 nights, on the way out we called in at Lidl to stock up on food -Co-ordinates: N37º08.001’ W008º32..706’.

About 2km further along the road there is a big shopping centre (Primark, big super market, lots of clothes and shoe shops) we parked in the C&A car park which is a short walk from the shopping centre as there are height barriers on the other car park.

Praia da Rocha, Portimao Aire

Praia da Rocha Bar On Aire

Praia da Rocha

Sunday 1^st December 2013 – Algarve Motorhome Park Silves

Co-ordinates: N37º11.232’ W008º27.046’

We decided to head for the Motorhome Park at Silves, this is a fairly new Aire, 6€ for 24 hours with electricity and free wi-fi.

It’s a short walk into the centre of Silves , there is a Continente supermarket nearby.

There are several places in Silves where motorhomes park for free, just along the road there are over 100 motorhomes parked in the car park by the swimming pool, we’re not sure if there is water there but it seems like a very popular place to stay and some of them look like they have been there for a while.

We said goodbye to our friends Elaine and Adrian on Tuesday morning, they are heading back to the UK. We are going to stay here for another seven days as the weather is good and we have enjoyed wandering around exploring the town.

We have worked out that taking into account the cost of the gas and petrol for the generator + paying for water it’s only costing about 50 cents more a day to stay here.

Silves Aire

Silves Big Bird

Silves Big Bird 2

Silves Big Bird 3

Silves

Free Camping Spot Silves Behind Castle

Free Camping Spot Silves Next To Swimming Pool

Slives

Tuesday 10^th December 2013 –Chicken Run Campsite

Varzea do Farelo, Mexilhoeria Grande, Portimao 8500

The campsite is very rustic, there are a couple of hard standing pitches but most of the parking is on patchy grass.

The site has chickens and a horse and goats and lots of dogs running around doing doggy things.

It costs 7.50€ a night to stop hereplus an extra 2.50€ a day for 6amp EHU, 2.50€ a week or part of for wi-fi.

The campsite is very basic, the water is pumped from a spring once a day and is not drinkable, we stayed for 2 nights and didn’t need to fill up.

When we arrived we got a lovely welcome from the couple who were looking after the site while the owners were away and we were made very welcome by the other residents.

We think its like marmite you will either love or hate the place, if you intend to visit please see the website http://chickenrun.vpweb.co.uk/ for instruction on how to get there.

We have both been bitten by mosquitoes while staying here (Paul has been getting up during the night hunting them) heavy rain was forecast so we have decided to move on.

Chicken Run

Algarve Motorhome Park Falesia, Olhos de Agua

Co-ordinates: N37°05’25” W008°09’37”

We have had a couple of days of rain, the first since we arrived on the Algarve but the sun is back now.

This Aire hasn’t been open for very long and is owned and run by the same Belgium guy as the one we stayed at in Silves.

It is located within walking distance of the beach and costs 8€ a night with EHU.

There is a small supermarket nearby, turn left as you leave the aire, take the next left and walk until you see the restaurant and café on your right.

Both Aires are very well thought out and can accommodate large motorhomes, they are also both very well signed on the way in.

The site has free Wi-Fi and a washing machine 4.50€.

Falesia Aire

Falesia Beach

Falesia Beach

Tuesday 17^th December 2013 – Algarve Motorhome Park Silves

Co-ordinates: N37º11.232’ W008º27.046’

We have returned to the Aire at Silves and will be spending Christmas here, Silves is a lovely town and there are plenty of shops within easy walking distance.

On the way here we stopped off at Iceland, yes there is an Iceland on the Algarve. The store sells UK branded products and some Waitrose own brand items.

Iceland, Algarve Co-ordinates: N37º07.621’ W008º16.905’

We stayed in Silves over Christmas, the weather hasn’t been good but it’s much better than the UK.

The Aire has been completely full over the holiday period.

Silves

Saturday 29th December 2013 –New Motorhome Parking at Quinta do Sobreiro, Silves

Co-ordinates: N37º12.519’ W008º24.189’

We have moved 3.2km to the new aire just outside Silves, this site opened just before Christmas it costs 5.50€ per night with 6 amp EHU there is a washing machine 4.50€ per load.

There is a bar on site that serves food and an outdoor swimming pool, the owner and the lady who looks after the site are both very friendly. There is a really good atmosphere in the bar.

There are some lovely views from the parking area and some good walks in the local area.

The site is still a work in progress but it will be lovely when it’s finished.

There are a couple of goats and some geese but they don’t wander around in the aire, it’s like having a little petting zoo on site.

Entrance To Quinta do Sobreiro Aire

Quinta do Sobreiro Aire

Quinta do Sobreiro Aire Bar Area

Quinta do Sobreiro

Saturday 4th January 2014 – Algarve Motorhome Park Silves

Co-ordinates: N37º11.232’ W008º27.046’

The weather forecast isn’t very good so we have moved about 3.5km down the road to the aire in Silves. We prefer to be on hard standing when it’s raining.

It was busy when we arrived and there were no places at the front if the aire, we parked at the back left hand corner which is not a bad spot but there is some noise in the morning from the refuse lorry depot next to the aire.

Tuesday 7th January 2014 – Praia da Rocha, Portimao

Co-ordinates: N37º07.782’ W008º31.782’

We are expecting sunshine for the next few days so we are back at Praia da Rocha. No electricity here but our solar panels pulled in enough power to charge our leisure batteries so we didn’t need to run our generator.

Portimao

Thursday 9^th January 2014 – Parque da Palmeira Aire, Albufeira

Co-ordinates: N37°05.889’ W8°14.632’

The aire next to the football ground, it’s in a bit of a dip surrounded by a wall so there are no views. It costs 8€ a night which includes EHU, water and use of the showers.

The pitches are hard standing but are not very wide and not quite long enough for our motorhome. We felt a bit squashed in and decided to stay for just one night.

It’s a 15 minute walk to the old town and the beach. We had a nice walk along beach with Dee, Tina and Sophie the dog.

There is a Lidl just up the road from the aire Co-ordinates: N37°05.689’ W8°14.982’ with Aldi opposite it.

This is one aire we would not come back to.

Parque Da Palmeira Albufeira Aire

Parque Da Palmeira Albufeira

Sophie The Stunt Dog

Friday 10^th Januarry 2014 - Algarve Motorhome Park Falesia, Olhos de Agua

Co-ordinates: N37°05’25” W008°09’37”

We love the Aire at Falesia, the pitches are spacious and well set out.

We had a nice time here with Dee, Tina and Sophie the dog.

Wednesday 15^th January – Praida Rocha Aire, Portimao

Co-ordinates: N37º07.782’ W008º31.782’

The last time we stayed here we got an estimate to get the motorhome reupholstered.

We have returned to the Praida Rocha Aire to get the work done.

Before Reupholstered

After

After

Upholsterer’s details:

Cosmin Deac Upholsrty Services - Tele 918 526 950 & 918 694 032

The work has taken a little longer than we had anticipated. We paid our deposit on 20^th January and the work started a few days later and was completed on 8^th February, we are very happy with the work and it was worth the wait.

We have had rather a lot of rain but fortunately we are parked on the tarmac part of the aire. Despite the lack of sunshine we have only had to run our generator a couple of times.

There is plenty to do here when the sun is shining, we have been to the gypsy market in Portimao.It’s only 2.50€ a night to park here we have treated ourselves to a few meals out.

Gypsy Market

We were parked next to some other UK vans and we met some lovely people.

We have stayed here for almost a month and are looking forward to getting on the move again.

Praida Rocha

Sunday 16^th February - Algarve Motorhome Park Falesia, Olhos de Agua

Co-ordinates: N37°05’25” W008°09’37”

We left Praida Rocha this morning in bright sunshine, it’s the first nice day for ages, the aire at Praida Rocha it still very busy and someone had put their stuff on a pitch before we left. It’s rained so much that everyone wants to move off the mud onto the tarmac.

We headed for the Aire at Silves but when we got there it was full. The wild camping areas next to the swimming pool and in the Burger Ranch car park also looked full.

We are now back at the lovely Aire at Felesia, it’s good to have electric hook up after almost a month without it.

Aire at Felesia

Our second day here, the weather is lovely it’s nice to see blue sky again. We have been for a walk on the beach and along the cliff top path. The resort is starting to come to life, some of the shops and restaurants that were closed last time we stayed here are now open. The aire is busy but not completely full.

Felesia So Nice To See Blue Sky Again

Tuesday 18^th February, we cycled along the coast to the Marina at Vilamoura, we spotted a motorhome wildcamping by the side of the dirt track just before we got to the beach. We stopped off at the Marina, lots of shops and restaurants, sat outside in the sunshine drinking Costa coffee.

Wildcamping Spot On The Way To Beach

Marina at Vilamoura

Cycle Route To Marina at Vilamoura

Beach On Route To Marina at Vilamoura

Sunday 23rd February – Manta Rota Aire

Co-ordinates: N37°09’57” W007°31’09”

On the way to Manta Rota on the N125 the police stopped all the traffic to allow a cycle race to pass.

Cycle Race On 125

We are now at the Aire in Manta Rota with our friends Tina and Dee, when we arrived the Aire was busy and there weren’t many places left. It cost 4.50€ per night to park here, that included water and free wifi, you can pay extra for EHU if you need it. The wifi is a bit hit and miss.

Manta Rota

On Tuesday we cycled to Cecela and Fabrica, pretty little towns both with motorhomes wild camping. Sophie travels on the back of Dee’s bike in a little canvas cage with her head sticking out to the side so she can see where she’s going.

Wild Camping Spot Cecela

Cecela

Wild Camping Fabrica

On Thursday we cycled to Altura this is a bigger resort with a lovely beach and lots of apartments. We spotted motorhomes wild camping in the car park by the beach and around the running track on the way into town.

Wild Camping Altura

Altura

There still seems to be plenty of wild camping on the Algarve but we were told by the owner of the Aire at Falesia that all of the motorhomes wild camping at Silves had been moved on.

Sophie You Should Of Went To Spec Savers

Algarve Motorhome Park Falesia, Olhos de Agua

Co-ordinates: N37°05’25” W008°09’37”

We are back at Falesia and the place is over run with processional caterpillars they have silk cocoon style nests in the trees. If you have dogs or small children take care .

Processional Pine Caterpillars

Processional Pine Caterpillars Nest

Tuesday 4^th March 2014 - Algarve Motorhome Park Silves

Co-ordinates: N37º11.232’ W008º27.046’

Two days with the processional caterpillars at the Felesia Aire was quiet enough, we are back at the Aire at Silves.

The weather is amazing, 23°F and not a cloud in the sky and the forecast is looking good for the next 10 days.

The Silves Aire was busy when we arrived but by Thursday it had emptied out.

Silves

Wild Camping Silves

Silves

Monday 10^th March 2104 - Quarteira Aire

Co-ordinates:N37°4’23” W8°4’38”

The Aire is located in a large car park that holds a gypsy market every Wednesday.

It costs 2€ a night to park here and 2€ for 100L of water.

The weather is still wonderful, we had a lovely walk with Tina, Dee and Sophie along the lane next to the lagoon that leads to the beach

On Tuesday the Motorhomes moved next door to another car park as the market takes place on Wednesday morning, there is no charge for Tuesday night but there is no services point or water in this car park.

We spent Wednesday morning wandering around the market, lots of fake designer clothes, bags and shoes, the only thing we bought was a giant doughnut.

The motorhomes moved back onto the aire at about 6pm after the market had packed up and the cleaning crew had tidied up. Quite a few motorhomes started to queue to get back into the aire at 4pm which was a bit silly as the aire is much bigger than the car park and there is plenty of room for everyone.

Quarteira Aire

Path To Beach Quarteira

Beach Quarteira

Wild Camping Spot Quarteira

Another Wild Camping Spot Quarteira

Market Day Car Park Quarteira

Market Quarteira

Friday 14^th March 2014 - Algarve Motorhome Park Falecia, Olhos de Agua

Co-ordinates: N37°05’25” W008°09’37”

Today we said goodbye to Tina, Dee and Sophie the waving Yorkshire terrier, we’ve been travelling with the on and off for a few months now and we’re going to miss them.

We will start heading north next week and have come back to the Aire in Felicia to get all of our washing done before we head into Spain.

Falesia

Monday 17^th March 2014 – Manta Rota Aire

Co-ordinates: N37°09’57” W007°31’09”

We are spending our last night in Portugal at the aire in Manta Rota, we arrived mid morning and the aire was very busy we were lucky to get a space.

It’s really hot again today just sat outside in the sunshine relaxing before we start our journey home.

Tuesday 18^th March 2014 – Caceres Aire, Spain

Co-ordinates: N39°28.817’ W006°22.123’

We left Manta Rota at 7am as we have a long drive today 410km to Caceres. We are looking forward to driving on the Spanish roads after enduring the N125 for so many months.

We arrived at the aire at 1pm (Spain are 1 hour ahead of Portugal) and all of the designated motorhome parking places were full. We parked at the top of the car park in the bus parking bays as we have been told that this is tolerated.

Just after we arrived Paul did his disappearing act, one minute he was cleaning the dead insects off the windscreen then he was nowhere to be seen. I was a bit confused when I spotted him driving off in a Spanish car being chased by a man and a woman (he was actually bump starting the Spanish ladies car and they weren’t chasing him they were pushing the car).

This aire is free, there is a service point and water here, it was quiet at night and we managed to get a good night’s sleep ready for another long drive tomorrow.

Caceres Aire

Wednesday 19^th March 2014 – Palencia Aire, Spain

Co-ordinates: N42°00.238’ W004°32.078’

Another early start this morning, we left Caceres at 7am, the roads were still quiet and we got through the town really easily. We have 380km drive to Palencia.

We drove through the mountains today and watched an amazing pink sunrise, the scenery along this route is beautiful, and some of the highest peaks still have snow on them. At one point we were driving in bright sunshine and could see the clouds below us.

We arrived in Palencia at midday, there were only a few spaces left and we were pleased that we got an early start.

The aire is free with a service point and water.

The motorhome parking is situated in a busy car park next to the hospital the motorhome bays are set out in an L shape around the edge of the car park. By 2pm all of the motorhomeparking was full and motorhomes started to park in the spaces for cars. During the afternoon the police came around and asked that the people with tow cars parked next to their motorhomes to move them into car spaces.

We are pleased that we are in a motorhome bay, the units parking in the car spaces now have Spanish cars parked so close to them that they can hardly open their doors.

Palencia Aire

Palencia

Thursday 20^thMarch 2014 - Donostia San Sebastian Spain

Co-ordinates: N43°18.474’ W002°00.858’

It costs 3.60€ to park for 24 hours, there is no charge for the service point and water. The ticket machine is a bit confusing, you need to put your registration number in and even the Spanish had problems getting a ticket. We eventually realized that it didn’t like our plate as it only has five letters and numbers, we added a number 1 on the end and finally got a ticket.

The marked bays in the aire are only 7m long but there are a few places where you can take up two parking places, there is a sign on a lamp post advising that between September and June dome of the bays are for coach parking only.

If you are a large unit planning to stay at this aire we would advise you to arrive early.

We walked through the University district to the beach, there are lots of tapas bars and a few bakers and supermarkets within walking distance of the aire.

Donostia San Sebastian

Friday 21^st March 2014 – Capbreton Aire, Atlantic Coast, France

Co-ordinates : N 43º38.143’ - W001º26.809’

Another early start we crossed the border into France at 7.45am and stopped off at a supermarket to get a few supplies.

The electricity on the aire had been turned on just before we arrived, there was a notice advising that 24hours parking with EHU costs 8€, a lady came around collecting the money early evening and early morning.

We stayed 2 nights at Capbreton as we are both a bit tired after all the early starts. The weather was ok on Friday but on Saturday it started to get very wet and windy. We were both woken early Sunday morning by the wind rocking the motorhome so we decided to head away from

Capbreton Aire

Sunday 23^rd March 2014 – Roullet St Estephe Aire France

Co-ordinates: N45°34.818’ E000°02.680’

We drove about 275km to the aire at Roullet, we are trying to stay off the French toll roads but today we spent a total of 10.60€ on the small section of the N10 that are peage.

This aire is very convenient for an overnight stop as its very close to the N10 just south of Angouleme. When you enter Roullet there is a motorhome dealer on your left drive just past it and the entrance to the aire is on your right.

There is no charge to park here and the water and services are also free.

We ended up staying here for 3 nights as we had a problem with the motorhome alternator. Our recovery agent located a local Fiat garage that could accommodate our 8.75m van and they replaced the alternator for us which seems to have resolved the problem. Parts & labor cost 480€

Fiat Dealer, Dubois Jean Yver, 6 Chemin Champ Farchaud, Hiersac 16209

Co-ordinates: N45°40’14” E000°1’7.42”

Roullet St Estephe Aire

On Wednesday morning once the garage had finished replacing the alternator on the motorhome we set off for the Aire at Chaunay, the motorhome parking is in the corner of a large car park. There is no charge to park here and the services including two EHU points are also free.

Chaunay Aire - Co-ordinates: N46°12.367’ E000°09.825’

We arrived here at lunchtime, we stopped and had some lunch and decided to get a bit further north.

Aire at Chaunay

Wednesday 26^th March 2014 – Villedomer Aire

Co-ordinates: N47°32.686’ E000°53.225’

We parked up for the night at the Villedomer Aire,the aire is next to a campsite which doesn’t open until June. It’s free to park here but the service point to not connected when the campsite is closed.

It’s a nice quiet spot next to a stream surrounded by trees, just off the N10 so a good stop off if you’re heading back to Calais.

Villedomer Aire

Thursday 27^th March 2014 – Chateaudun Aire

Co-ordinates: N48°04.303’ E001°19.453’

When we arrived at Chateaudun the aire was quiet, by early evening all of the designated motorhome parking places were full and a couple of vans parked around the edge of the carpark.

The town is lovely, we were parked at the bottom of the château with a view of the river from our motorhome. We walked up the steps next to the château into the old town, there was a large market in the town square.

Chateaudun Aire

Chateaudun

Thursday 28^th March 2014 - Berek Aire

Co-ordinates: N50°23.790’ E001°33..825’

Today we were heading for the Aire at Nonancourt but when we arrived the services were turned off and the parking is on a bit of a slope so we decided not to stay.

We pushed on the Berek, we arrived early afternoon and the aire was already rather full.

We have decided to stay here over the weekend, most of the vans here are French and the aire has been completely full since mid afternoon on Friday. The top car park is also full of motorhomes.

Berek Aire

Berek

9 comments:

Jean4 January 2014 at 06:13
Just seen your Blog which we have found very interesting - we were there last year. It's good to see a few more Aires springing up, can't wait to get back the weather here in UK is terrible !! If of any interest to you our blog is at http://jeanandlesm.blogspot.co.uk/ Happy travels !
Brian + Glynis4 January 2014 at 23:34
Got a link to your blog from motorhome facts forum - great blog, very informative and well written. We've not yet been to Portugal so lots of useful info for us to use.
We have a blog running at http://themotorhomeyears.blogspot.co.uk which may be of some use for sites and aires.
Keep up the good work and enjoy!
Unknown12 December 2015 at 04:48
Planning to drive down in January to Portugal from our home in Charente. Found your blog very informative and useful. Thanks for all your efforts.
Keith
Paul and Lynne18 December 2015 at 07:38
Hi
Your welcome and thankyou check out Portugal 2015 page

Paul
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9 comments: