Northern 'Affaires'

[robertandjean]

Just a quick run through some northern French aires we have stayed on in the last three weeks, which have not been mentioned much in the past and maybe of interest to some:

Le Portel (Dept 62). This is one you will either love or hate. On the downside it's busy, no views and near a busy road (during day). On the plus side easy walk to sea front, sandy beach, nice town, supermarkets and bus to Boulonge. In addition one of the few aires on this coast which is free, including services and electricity. But be warned water only turned on for one hour morning and evening (and its one hour later than sign says!) and there are only 4 electric points. So if you want electric make sure you have a splitter and be prepared to ask some one to share. We spent five days here, there is no time limit set, and some were clearly set for weeks! Note electricity on all the time and parking now both next to stadium and over road in car park.

Equihen-Plage (Dept 62) A total contrast to Le Portel. Very quite, nice views over cliffs out to sea and pleasant walks. 3€/night plus 2€ for sevices. Spent 2 relaxing days here.

Wissant (Dept 62) No services here just free overnight parking on grass. Spent one night here with 8 other vans and a couple of tent campers! Wissant nice small traditional resort easy walk from aire. Aire is just out side Wissant on D940 but not signed (N50.886765, E1.670351).

Bergues (Dept 59) Again no services just free parking, limited to 48 hours. This aire is situated on large carpark, old hardsurface football pitch, at back of Stade St Andries (N50.96491, E2.43223), small sign at turn. Setting is fine and town a real gem. Well worth a couple of days (In summer free entertainment every Sunday in town square).

Hondschoote (Dept 59) Small aire, parking holds around 7/8 vans next to windmill. You need to park longways on to fit in. Parking free services 2€. Nice little town, worth one night heading to or from Bergues. Quiet at night but aire does get full.

Amiens (Dept 80) Aire is at Le Parc Des Cygnes outside campsite. Take exit 40 from Amiens Rocade. (N49.92082, E2.25972). This is more expesive than most aires, 11€/night, max 24hrs but bus stop to Amiens just outside gate. Amiens well worth a visit. Note do not arrive before 12 noon, we did and had to go away and come back. Fee includes sevrices and gates are locked at night so no security worries. (Site costs over 20€/night, in July, so for a halfday visit into Amiens we felt aire was best value).

We enjoyed our stay on all the above aires, but would suggest that at this time of year arrive early afternoon to find a place at Le Portel and Equien Plage.

[sooty10]

Thank's for the post. We are off to France next week so will try some of these out.

 

Sooty