1st time in France, where to visit?

Apr 3, 2005
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Hi all,
We are thinking of a trip to France, we have 2 small dogs (one doesn't like the heat).
Any suggestions for 1st timers please?
Any suggestions for a really pretty region would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Andrew.
 
May 24, 2014
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It really depends what you are looking for and what sort of activities you like. Brittany is very nice but our favourtie is the Dordogne. There are some very nice places down the Atlantic coast and of course Midi Pyrenees and Provence.

Back to the Dordogne, we love hiring the canoes and floating down either the Dordogne or Vezere rivers, so peaceful and relaxing.
 
Jun 24, 2005
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Andrewbutcher said:
Hi all,
We are thinking of a trip to France, we have 2 small dogs (one doesn't like the heat).
Any suggestions for 1st timers please?
Any suggestions for a really pretty region would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Andrew.

When are you thinking of going? Many French campsites close at the end of September
 
Oct 8, 2006
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For an area with plenty to look at and visit, and some very nice wines to boot, Alsace takes some beating. The municipals at Haguenau and Obernai are both very good although the latter is a bit more expensive and can get busy at times.
 
Sep 25, 2009
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Brittany and Normandy would be good choices for your first visit, but you should look at joining ACSI next year. This offers low cost sites for out of season touring, the cost is about 13 euro to join and for this you get two books with over 2800 camp sites from Norway to Croatia, all vetted. The books alone are worth the money and we plan all our tours using them.
The Alsace, Dordogne and the Loire are all brilliant places to visit, in fact France is great for caravanning as the road are much quieter than the UK.
Have a great time.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Since you are not going until next season, time for some gentle research. Internet is obviously first choice but don't forget public libraries.

So much depends on personal preference and requirements that it's difficult to be more specific.

Some people like beach areas, some mountains,. Some to be near cities, some want the quietest countryside they can find. some want to folllow a historical interest (eg WW1) or see all the cathedrals

Some want sites with all the facilites, bars, entertainment, other prefer simple farm sites using the shower and toilet facilities of their own caravan.

Suggest you consider these sort of factors and see what you come up with. What ever the list you will find it in France somewhere.

On the practical side a few don'ts. Don't get too ambitious about travelling large distances. Don't make you plans too rigid - be prepared to change on the spot and stay longer or go sooner. There is not much advantage in booking out and back ferries on some routes (on the short routes it may be worthwhile) so if you have time you can keep your return dates a bit flexible and certainly the return route.
Consider using the toll autoroutes if you are uncertain about driving - you will find them much easier on the nerves until you get used to being on the'wrong side' Except in high season it is very rarely necessary to book campsites ahead unless you have a specific reason for being in a specific place at a particular time.
Browse through previous posting under the Overseas heading and there is a wealth of advice and comment available.
 

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