Book or not

[geoffh]

Hi

We intend to go to la manga for 2 weeks in november

Any advice on whether we should book sites in advance or take a chance we do not want to stay by the roadside etc. We have toured europe by car but this will be our first long trip with our caravan

Second question

Because this will be our first winter trip will it be better staying on the c&cc rally site or use camping cheques

Thanks

 

[OldBean]

I wouldn't think that you'd have to book at any sites at this time of year. However, bear in mind that lots of French and Spanish sites will now be closed for the winter. Most French sites have quite short open seasons. The Caravan Club Europe guide shows opening dates, so you can plan a route according to which sites are open. Some of the Camping Cheque network of sites are open all year around - but you'd have to check the website or brochure. Alan Rogers used to have a guide called 'Open all Year' - which you would probably find very helpful. Don't know if they still publish it though.

There is a site at La Manga which accepts Camping Cheques and has a special offer of 14 nights for 11 cheques, so your outlay for those nights would be only

 

[geoffh]

Thanks Val

One of the reasons for thinking about the rally site is this is our first long trip (we are new to caravaning).

We are going for four weeks spending two weeks at la manga and we were hoping that we might get some help from fellow c&cc members on site with our awning

 

[JamesFrance]

Hi Geoff,

Most of the Spanish sites from the Costa Blanca southwards are open all year, but tend not to take winter bookings.

A lot of popular sites sites can be very busy then, but last winter were quieter than they have been for many years, so you should have no problem getting in.

It is common for Spanish sites to be expensive for short stays, but have special all in daily rates from about 8 to 15_ provided you stay at least a month. A very few have a good rate for shorter periods.

Maybe you could book the rally for part of the time while you get settled into the routine. Lots of others will be able to suggest other places for you to move on to if you get bored there.

James

 

[geoffh]

Hi James

I Have now booked two weeks at la manga and some overnight stops in France. I have not booked anything in Costa Brava and after your advice have found some sites open.So I think I will be okay going and coming back the western side of France there seems to be enough open.We are going to spend four weeks away so should get the hang of things by the time we return.

Thanks a lot

Geoff

 

[hymerman1]

Hi James

I Have now booked two weeks at la manga and some overnight stops in France. I have not booked anything in Costa Brava and after your advice have found some sites open.So I think I will be okay going and coming back the western side of France there seems to be enough open.We are going to spend four weeks away so should get the hang of things by the time we return.

Thanks a lot

Geoff

Hi Geoff

As you are sorted I will only contribute two things.

firstly near Poitiers there is something called "Futurscope" it is centred around cinema type presentations but is very good, well worth the experience, you spend a day there. There is a Camping Cheque site nearby with a supermarket (with fuel) in an adjacent village.

Secondly whilst at La Manga we obtained spring water from a spring near Los Belones (the next village) the water is tested daily and people come from miles around to top up.

 

[RayS]

Hi geoff, not sure when you will be coming back, but there are open all year sites in Spain at navajas, manzanera, catalayud all on or near the best route back to western France (Valencia, Tereul, Zaragoza, Pamplona) and a very good site just into France at St jean de Luz. navajas to St jean direct is something over 400 miles but easy towing. bon Voyage.