Service Stations in France - advice please

[Brian_374234561]

evening all

We're off to France in July and wanted to know if I can get data anywhere on service stations en route. We are going from St Malo to the Aquitaine-Maritime region (west of Royan) via Rennes, Nantes and Niort. I know the roads very well but haven't towed over there before so am looking for caravan friendly petrol stations (ie not too tight or small) and any decent picnic areas (aires) that have ample parking for car and caravan. Google earth is an option but would appreciate any advice from you guys first, cheers Brian

 

[ShadySadie]

www.zagaz.com

Autoroute service stations should not be a problem.

Supermarkets offer the best price for fuel, but many have restricted exits to prevent "drive offs". You will often need to un-hitch the caravan.

 

[LesleyRussell]

You will probably travel from St Malo to Rennes - after Rennes there are not many service stations until you are close to Nantes at Aire de Trelliers (may not have spelling quite right) - there is a service station on the Rennes ring road going West before you hit the A83 towards Bordeaux - once on the A83 there is a service station just before the first exit and there are many more on this stretch - definitely before Niort.

 

[LesleyRussell]

p.s. all of them have plenty of room for towing caravans and also lovely areas to park if you want a break.

 

[LesleyRussell]

p.s. meant to say there is a service station on the Nantes ring road travelling West.

 

[RayS]

plan your route on www.viamichelin.com which will show you the filling stations and tolls and other useful things. There are filling stations on both Nantes and Rennes ringroads but expensive. South of Nantes take RN 137 rather than the autotoute for a few junctions and you will find a couple of supermarkets - much cheaper, but you may need to unhitch the van as other postings have advised.

 

[ShadySadie]

If you use a Satnav you can download petrol stations and supermarkets and more in france from poihandler.com