Aire at Gravelines

[Guest peter]

Anyone stayed on the one at the marina lately? If so, was it as good as it looks on Google earth, and is it still free? We are off to Germany on Saturday and looking for an Aire en-route to Luxembourg.

Thanks.

[Guest JudgeMental]

used it for about the 3rd time in May and it was fine. We did intend to use this past weekend but got an earlier ferry instead.......

 

there is a very nice Belgian Aire at le lesse, just outside Rochfort which has one as well. we had a great night there Friday, with the evening market and a lovely meal.

 

(5 euros with a toilet block and motorhome service station included)

[Guest peter]

Thanks Judge, I'll have a look at the Belgiun one.

[MandyAndy]

When heading to Germany we usually stay at the Aire in Bray Dunes, right behind the Tourist Info building, also one in the supermarket on your way into town.

 

The one by tourist info is meant to be closed July and August and moved to the Railway carpark just a bit further down the main street, but you will be able to judge this when you get there, I suspect they give up trying to patrol this by the middle of August as it is used by mainly French and Dutch.

 

2 minute walk to promenade and restaurants, and room for 12 but we have seen 30 on there late at night as it is a huge car park.

 

Have a great time

Mandy

 

We are going over tonight but will be staying Cite Europe as heading down coast.

[robertandjean]

Hi,

We are on the aire at Gravelines now! Yes it is still free and situation just as nice as shown on Google earth. Last night there were 33 vans on but still a few spaces left for late comers. During the day down to 10. Free wi-fi from le 116 bar in Pettit Fort Phillipe, about 20 mins pleasant walk down river. (Free foot ferry over to Grande Fort Phillipe to end Sept.)

Thanks Eddie for info re aire in Belgium may give it a go this time if go that way.

[neilmac]

Another thumbs up for Gravelines! :-D

 

The services, which are at the local campsite cost 3 euros and are a bit tight to get on - have to get access by asking in campsite reception to get the barrier lifted.

 

We spend 3 days at the aire a couple of weeks ago. Would recommend a walk into the town as well as up to the beach. lots of history and a very helpful tourist office.

[LordThornber]

robertandjean - 2010-08-24 2:05 PM

 

Hi,

We are on the aire at Gravelines now! Yes it is still free and situation just as nice as shown on Google earth. Last night there were 33 vans on but still a few spaces left for late comers. During the day down to 10. Free wi-fi from le 116 bar in Pettit Fort Phillipe, about 20 mins pleasant walk down river. (Free foot ferry over to Grande Fort Phillipe to end Sept.)

Thanks Eddie for info re aire in Belgium may give it a go this time if go that way.

 

Do I detect a "free" theme here? 8-)

 

Martyn

[Guest JudgeMental]

robertandjean - 2010-08-24 2:05 PM

Thanks Eddie for info re aire in Belgium may give it a go this time if go that way.

 

Han-Sur-Lesse. It is famosus for its caves. Probably one of the nicest we have stayed at, used it on way to and from Italy. it is attached to a very pituresque village with an excellent choice of bars and restuarants and friday night market

 

As Lord T said it is 5 euro! (including services) :-D but you can always sneak of early along with the french bu$$ers and come back later..... they have it down to a fine art :D

[Guest peter]

Thanks for the replies folks, very helpful and will make a note of the other sites as well. What would we do without you helpful lot. Never know, we might even meet up on our 2 weeks on tour of the Stellplatze's and Aires. :D

[tonyg3nwl]

Hi, Re belgian Aire, We used the Bleharies Aire alongside Canal back in .

May . We were the only occupant, and the Fish/Chip van got another customer.

 

tonyg3nwl

 

[robertandjean]

Continuing the "free" theme Martyn now on free aire at Hondschoote, well parking and drop free, water 2€. What this means in reality is that we are free to spend more money in local bars, cafes, shops etc; beats giving loads of dosh to campsite owmers in uk!

Eddie right to point out that some do try to avoid paying when aires charge, but it just not the French have seen Brits do same. We think it is this sort of behaviour which may lead to closure of some aires and if we see Brits doing this will tell them so. Come on what is 5/10 € a night to be staying in the centre of a delightful village. (The increasing use of automatic barriers and credit cards to gain entry should we hope help stop this behaviour).

One further point. On our last night at Gravelines aire had 40 vans on and spaces difficult to find late on, so this week-end best to arrive early if poss. Even here at Hondschoote already 6 vans, and only really holds 10.