Gordon, as you know we did Gruissan Harbour, followed by the emergency evacuation to Le Boulou when the flood started! There was no water or grey/black waste available, but there is a large Leclerc Hypermarket within 1 mile or so for fresh water bottle purchases [and diesel]. We then pootled into Spain on the Sunday, arriving at Vilafranca del Penedes about 300m from Mercadona, and 600m from the Ramblas/Old Town. There are about 25 marked pitches, and there is ample freshwater plus grey and black waste disposal. If this Aire is full, there is a 2nd Aire, larger and more informally laid out [nobody worries about extra Motorhomes parking in the main Car Park, unless it's Saturday night into Sunday morning because of the weekly Market!], about 1.7 miles away at Santa Margarida, which lacks only a Mercadona, There's a decent range of Pharmacies, Tapas bars, local general shops, and a VERY helpful Tourist Office on the Main StreetJust trying to plan our stops at aires etc when we leave the ferry at dieppe ,first stop Le Mans (outskirts) second stop Bordeaux area ,then perpignan,after that not sure as we're heading for Spain to start with
any tips advice accepted thanks in advance
20 miles north of La Ferte St Aubin there is an Aire at Saran with Fresh Water and Grey/Black water disposal. We were going to stay there inearly April 2022, but realised that that would mean starting the next morning in the Orleans Rush Hour whilst there were some 9 sets of major roadworks underway. We moved on from Saran early afternoon and avoided the traffic problem!Le ferte st Aubin
Culan
And now at issoire that is absolutely heavin,
Issoire is first place with water ,
Had about a foot of snow between montlucon and clermont ferrand
I suspect that, at this time of year, that route would require possession of snow chains/socks/tyres in accordance with French legislation.When we come from Dieppe we always go via A71 to A75 Orleans, Vierzon, Clermont Ferrand and Perpignan. I can't really see the point of going over to Bordeaux and then right back again to Perpignan. The A75 is toll free,crossses the Millau Viaduct and in case of snow is always cleared very quickly.
Just needs checking that ,as reported above, that the Le Boulou aire is still open. We ended up diverting inland to Amelie les Bains which was a great Camping Car Park aire and not far off the route South
Yes we have M+S tyres which are acceptable at the moment.I suspect that, at this time of year, that route would require possession of snow chains/socks/tyres in accordance with French legislation.
We parked up where the white van is. in April 2022. But then we discovered the main area outside the Campsite [both sans snow!]View attachment 65715St flour this morning
My gut instinct, having travelled sections of the route many times, is that Bordeaux via Toulouse to Narbonne and down to Perpignan is clear of any snow chain/sock/tyre requirement. See https://motorhomer.com/threads/snow-chains.45534/post-262275 for links to maps of areas and list of communes.Yes we have M+S tyres which are acceptable at the moment.
Not sure of the terrain but I suspect crossing from Bordeaux to Perpignan might be the same.
I suppose its checking the weather and going A75 with correct gear or Bordeaux and crossing via Zarogoza and Tereul if clear in Spain
Yeah must agree on this cracking spotBlaye just north of Bordeaux is a lovely place. By the river in front of a historic Nunnery!!! Depending which route you take.