Moved to France with my van. Complicated?

[9994johng]

Hi all, some vibrant discussion on here, been watching and learning for some time but now need to pose a question and hope someone has been in the same position. So I’ll probably post in the wrong place and you can put me right!

 

[9994johng]

Question. We’ve moved to France and brought our van, euro compliant certificate, I understand the point of changing the gas fittings, fog and reversing are on both sides so not a problem but do I really need to change the electric sockets to 2 pin? Yes says the guidance has anyone done it and what are the costs for 6 (van is in France already).

 

[Lutz]

There’s no need to change the electric sockets if you don’t want to. They are not the subject of any compliance checks.

 

[9994johng]

Thanks very much, just the gas pipe then that’s a lot easier. 👍

 

[Hutch]

Thanks very much, just the gas pipe then that’s a lot easier. 👍

The gas pigtails can be bought from LeClerc and other Supermarkets.
Electric hookups can be the blue three pin or just a 2 pin with or without earth, I have found all sorts over the years.
No need to change caravan electric sockets unless you want to, it all depends on your electrical appliances.

 

[Beachball]

Hi 9994johng Welcome to the forum keep posting

 

[9994johng]

The gas pigtails can be bought from LeClerc and other Supermarkets.
Electric hookups can be the blue three pin or just a 2 pin with or without earth, I have found all sorts over the years.
No need to change caravan electric sockets unless you want to, it all depends on your electrical appliances.

Thanks this is looking up😂

 

[9994johng]

Hi 9994johng Welcome to the forum keep posting

Thanks nice to be here!

 

[Hutch]

Your gas bottle can be purchased at most garages. Le cube, and other types. Calor bottles are of No use in France, as they can't be exchanged.
Remember French sites tend to be 10 amp or lower, The large sites can be 16 amp, but I haven't used them.

 

[9994johng]

Thanks, dumped one uk bottle in antipation, I’ll run the other back with us to the uk. Leclerc tomorrow for the rat tail and am in contact with the local Dreal who seem very responsive I have the registration form just need to buy a printer tomorrow in Limoges because all sorts of other stuff (banks, utilities) seems to want scanned signed forms etc. decided to concentrate on the van, buy a French xc40 and flog the xc60 and wife’s car back in the uk at Christmas. I will post my reg experience on here as I think you only get the horror stories can’t see that so far fingers crossed. Looking at the Dordogne summer 2025 any recommendations prefer a quiet 3/4 star rather than a full on 5 star waterpark etc did all that with the kids 25 years ago!

 

[9994johng]

Pig tail! Don’t know why I said rat tail!

 

[otherclive]

We stayed twice at Soleil Plage near Sarlat. Nice access to the river and not far to see nice places around.
Another place we stayed was la Tournerie ferme not far from Montignac. No pool but large pitches, excellent shower block and very peaceful.

La Tournerie Ferme

Camping à la ferme

la-tourneriecamping.com

 

[9994johng]

Thanks otherclive, 90% sure we stayed there during a campervan trip (Correze/dordogne) in 2016, big hedges, direct river access and reception looks familiar. (We keep better records now!) second one is more us now we’ve left the kids at home.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks otherclive, 90% sure we stayed there during a campervan trip (Correze/dordogne) in 2016, big hedges, direct river access and reception looks familiar. (We keep better records now!) second one is more us now we’ve left the kids at home.

The second one was our favourite, we visited there three times. The previous owners, Brits who set it up allowed us to use their own pool.
If you have a pooch there are two pitches with fences so pooches can run free. Lovely relaxing place. They also stored vans and set them up with awnings for guests arrivals.

 

[otherclive]

The second one was our favourite, we visited there three times. The previous owners, Brits who set it up allowed us to use their own pool.
If you have a pooch there are two pitches with fences so pooches can run free. Lovely relaxing place. They also stored vans and set them up with awnings for guests arrivals.

Further south near Mazamet is Camping Lestap in Albine. We really liked it as it was small, yet easy walk to the village for “ hovis” and eateries. The site is terraced and has a nice outdoor pool. There is a small bar and snacks were served. Lovely area to explore and easy drive to Beziers, coast or Carcassone. Just wear hi viz jackets in the forests 🤣
In the village there was a large redundant factory run by a Dutch guy who stored caravans.

Camping dans le Tan, à Albine | Piscine chauffée | Camping Lestap

Vous êtes de passage dans la Montagne Noire? Le Camping Lestap à Albine vous accueille pour un séjour en pleine nature dans le Tarn. Mobile-homes, cabanes, chalets.

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