sshortcircuit Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Goodness I get told off for not knowing the difference between an aire and several aires and you lot are talking in some code about a secret aire. Come on come clean and tell us where it is. By the way I am a bit of a hypocrat(spelling to teacher) as I have no intention of saying where my secret aire is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coach2000 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 C'mon Derek, we won't go when you are there. Plenty of other aire's to go around. Clive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 coach2000 - 2011-11-09 12:25 AM C'mon Derek, we won't go when you are there... Clive. Sorry, babe, I'm not prepared to accept the risk. Years ago, I used to provide a lot of information about new 'aires' to Bruno Moquette who was rapidly expanding his campingcar-infos website, but this was when aires were normally uncongested. Nowadays aires are under a lot of usage pressure (there are even some where it's obvious French motorcaravanners are full-timing) so I've stopped doing that. Admittedly it's an unlikely scenario, but I am able to imagine us being parked on my 'secret' aire in May, on our own with the chairs out and a glass of wine, and then a convoy of The Witty And The Smart-ass from amongst this forum's membership arrives and disturbs our piece and quiet with their loud TVs, generators, barbecues and incessant yapping . Now, it's one thing them arriving of their own volition, but quite another if it's because I've identified that aire on this forum and it's taken as a strong recommendation. Self-preservation is the name of the game as far as I'm concerned, and there's nothing in this forum's terms and conditions about altruism or being keen on socialising with other motorcaravanners. (Incidentally, I've no idea which aire 1foot was referring to but, if it's in Picardy, then it will be about 200 miles from the one we came across.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertandjean Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Derek, Will waste no more time on this other than to say you clearly taking a very selfish approach here but that is your choice. But must assure you that we certainly do not arrive on aires and set up chairs, BBQ etc (as you seem to) as in our understanding this is camping, so maybe you should head for a campsite in future. Also be assured that if we did come across you the last thing we would want to do is "yap" with you. We are now on the aire at Nerjac (dept 16). Lovely setting in nice village with all services including electric hook-up (4 2-pin points) free, yet not too far from N10. Seven vans on last night, some large outfits but with a bit of moving round, sharing electricity etc all fitted in with no problem; just shows what you can do if people are not selfish. And no there was no noise etc. To-day taken bus into Angouleme (2.60€ return) on a lovely blue sky day with temps in high teens, enjoying nice meal and making use of the free wi-fi provided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I feel mortally wounded by Dereks comments! Surely he is getting confused (early onset dementia?) and mistaking us lot, with THAT lot, over on the Funsters! *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Derek Uzzell - 2011-11-09 9:37 AM coach2000 - 2011-11-09 12:25 AM C'mon Derek, we won't go when you are there... Clive. Sorry, babe, I'm not prepared to accept the risk. Years ago, I used to provide a lot of information about new 'aires' to Bruno Moquette who was rapidly expanding his campingcar-infos website, but this was when aires were normally uncongested. Nowadays aires are under a lot of usage pressure (there are even some where it's obvious French motorcaravanners are full-timing) so I've stopped doing that. Admittedly it's an unlikely scenario, but I am able to imagine us being parked on my 'secret' aire in May, on our own with the chairs out and a glass of wine, and then a convoy of The Witty And The Smart-ass from amongst this forum's membership arrives and disturbs our piece and quiet with their loud TVs, generators, barbecues and incessant yapping . Now, it's one thing them arriving of their own volition, but quite another if it's because I've identified that aire on this forum and it's taken as a strong recommendation. Self-preservation is the name of the game as far as I'm concerned, and there's nothing in this forum's terms and conditions about altruism or being keen on socialising with other motorcaravanners. (Incidentally, I've no idea which aire 1foot was referring to but, if it's in Picardy, then it will be about 200 miles from the one we came across.) Yes, it is Long in Picardie, but here's another just for you, but I'll leave you to guess where this one is, then there will be two silly buggers on here ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Bugger, internal server error. Come on mods please sort it. Unable to upload picture..... :'( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 robertandjean - 2011-11-09 12:12 PM ...But must assure you that we certainly do not arrive on aires and set up chairs, BBQ etc (as you seem to) as in our understanding this is camping... Plainly, if one is staying on a public car-park that's adjacent to an aire de services, then treating that car-park as a campsite will earn you know favours. But (as you have repeatedly said yourself) not all 'aires' are car-parks. These are links describing a well-known and popular aire in Mayenne: http://www.bouere.mairie53.fr/index.php?page=article&typer=19&menu=2 http://www.campingcar-infos.com/Francais/aire.php?numid=5473&Localit%E9=BOU%C8RE It's on a redundant municipal campsite and it should be plain from the photos that it can be treated by motorcaravanners as if it were a campsite regarding chairs, tables, awnings, etc. The aire I'm being selfish about has been purpose-built for motorcaravanners and is not based on a public car-park. Consequently, wining/dining al fresco will be be neither illegal nor controversial. Although the newspaper article I mentioned refers to a maximum of 5 motorhomes, I don't recall seeing any notice to that effect at the aire and I expect it would be possible to easily park double that number there if the type of space-saving vehicle shuffling you've described were employed. Not my idea of a fun experience then however... I expect you are referring to the Nersac aire and (based on the campingcar-infos photos) this would not be somewhere where I'd be sitting outside either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek500 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Derek Uzzell - 2011-11-09 3:22 PM I expect you are referring to the Nersac aire and (based on the campingcar-infos photos) this would not be somewhere where I'd be sitting outside either. Great for a Winter stop over, with the free leccy. Never been more then two MH's there when we've been Dec/Jan. Water's always on, even in coldest times. Always go to the baker's in the morning to 'give something back' to the village. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Just for the record, on our fortnight's trip to France last month, we spent seven nights on 'aires', five on campsites, one at a France Passion site and one on a car-park. I would have thought most forum members who tour in France regularly will similarly mix their overnight stopping places and that few will be campsite-only or aires-only people (unless, of course, they are touring from November through February when open campsites are very thin on the ground). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poppy Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 When we stay near to Calais we stay at the Bien Assise camp site.Beautiful site.Smashing restaurant and just a short walk into the village.16 euros a night with the ACSI card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertandjean Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 Sorry for typo it is of course Nersac (not Nerjac) we are refering to. Yes it is true that on some aires you can sit out, set up tables etc but this is not the case on the majority. Have been to the ex campsite aire mentioned on link and it is a pleasant spot to spend a few days but best when weather is dry as is on grass. Will write up all aires visited this trip, when we return, together with info gained from other 'vanners met along the way, who unlike a certain person we know, were willing to share! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted November 10, 2011 Share Posted November 10, 2011 robertandjean - 2011-11-10 1:09 PM Will write up all aires visited this trip, when we return, together with info gained from other 'vanners met along the way, who unlike a certain person we know, were willing to share! There is more then one! Name and SHAME, name and SHAME the miseries..... *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertandjean Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 Going back to the name of this thread, then being on the aire here at Mortagne-sur-Gironde (Dept 17) reminds us why we always choose an aire over a camp site. We are parked alongside the marina with great views enjoying unlimited free wi-fi and electric hook-up. A nice potter around the marina takes us to a couple of good quality resturants whilst a longer, uphill walk, finds us at the main village with great view point, local shops, bar etc. Yes it is busy, over fifty vans here (mid-November!, but weather is great) but well spaced out on grass/hard standings and very quite at night, only noise being the local ducks. Most pitches are fairly open, some trees, so no problem with sat. reception. Ah but what about the nearest camp site we hear you say? Well yes there is a municipal almost at the top of the hill with terraced pitches, some with views but many trees so not much chance of sat. reception and no wi-fi as this is restricted to the port area where the aire is. Campsite does have hook-ups and a communal toilet/shower block, the latter not being found on the aire. So suppose it depends how important shared toilets/showers are to you as to where you stay, except that the camp site is closed for the season!! So no contest. (Cost per night on aire, inc. el,services and wi-fi is 7.20 €) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 robertandjean - 2011-11-12 7:59 PM Going back to the name of this thread, then being on the aire here at Mortagne-sur-Gironde (Dept 17) reminds us why we always choose an aire over a camp site. We are parked alongside the marina with great views enjoying unlimited free wi-fi and electric hook-up. A nice potter around the marina takes us to a couple of good quality resturants whilst a longer, uphill walk, finds us at the main village with great view point, local shops, bar etc. Yes it is busy, over fifty vans here (mid-November!, but weather is great) but well spaced out on grass/hard standings and very quite at night, only noise being the local ducks. Most pitches are fairly open, some trees, so no problem with sat. reception. Ah but what about the nearest camp site we hear you say? Well yes there is a municipal almost at the top of the hill with terraced pitches, some with views but many trees so not much chance of sat. reception and no wi-fi as this is restricted to the port area where the aire is. Campsite does have hook-ups and a communal toilet/shower block, the latter not being found on the aire. So suppose it depends how important shared toilets/showers are to you as to where you stay, except that the camp site is closed for the season!! So no contest. (Cost per night on aire, inc. el,services and wi-fi is 7.20 €) We stayed on this aire earlier this year, and on previous years.. I thought there was toilet and shower facilities on the other side of the Marina? There are certainly emptying and water across there.. Should be facilities for the boats, which may be useable this time of year?? (mind you I prefer to use the on board shower when we had electric0 Also got good TV reception there Lovely site, there was even a car/caravan ( Dutch) there when we were there end of May PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 I'm with Derek on this one. Whilst he might only tell one person how many others will that one person tell? I've seen some very good UK locations ruined by this method and I'm not about to share what I have built up over many years with anyone else either! So there!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted November 12, 2011 Author Share Posted November 12, 2011 Tracker - 2011-11-12 11:13 PM I'm with Derek on this one. Whilst he might only tell one person how many others will that one person tell? I've seen some very good UK locations ruined by this method and I'm not about to share what I have built up over many years with anyone else either! So there!! Well I am not. How long does Derek think an aire is going to remain some big secret, by this time next year hundreds will know about it so what is wrong with sharing it as others do. As for your places in the UK I imagine these are free spots on other peoples land where you park up with no permission so you are welcome to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Still at it eh Henry - can't resist having a dig can you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Tracker - 2011-11-13 12:42 PM Still at it eh Henry - can't resist having a dig can you? It's a bit like an old record, you know when they used to get stuck in a groove. Mind you he does live in Beddgelert, probably gets folk parking up in his front garden in the summer ( when they get any that is ). We have folk parking up overnight where we live, so what, there's more things to fret over in the UK today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupert123 Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 Tracker - 2011-11-13 12:42 PM Still at it eh Henry - can't resist having a dig can you? You are correct Rich I cannot resist it. No offence intended but I fail to see the connection between a free camping spot, which I have a strong opinion on, and an official spot, i.e. an Aire. I know Dereks stance is a small one and it beats me why he even mentioned it if he intended not to give its location. Still at least we have a lot of people on here who are quite willing to give information on aires and sites they stay on, long may that continue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 rupert123 - 2011-11-13 5:15 PM Tracker - 2011-11-13 12:42 PM Still at it eh Henry - can't resist having a dig can you? You are correct Rich I cannot resist it. No offence intended but I fail to see the connection between a free camping spot, which I have a strong opinion on, and an official spot, i.e. an Aire. I know Dereks stance is a small one and it beats me why he even mentioned it if he intended not to give its location. Still at least we have a lot of people on here who are quite willing to give information on aires and sites they stay on, long may that continue. You really should get over this you know, tonight there will be hundreds, if not thousands of truckers sleeping in their vehicles, as has been the case for many years, as I used to do in the sixties. I never recall finding out who owned the industrial estate car park, the lay-by, the piece of common land etc.before settling down for the night, hours of work and tachographs mean they have no alternative, there are very few designated spots either for them or us, and that's the problem. We regularly have M/homes or surf vans staying on our local car park overnight, we are adjacent to the beach and sand dunes so that's the attraction, they come and go leaving no sign of their stay, so what's the big deal with you. Conversely we have witnessed folk in their cars having a picnic then discarding their crap before leaving, or dumping the contents of their ashtray out the window. I know who I would sooner have parked up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 rupert123 - 2011-11-12 11:26 PM ...How long does Derek think an aire is going to remain some big secret, by this time next year hundreds will know about it so what is wrong with sharing it as others do... As the aire I mentioned (or didn't mention ;-)) was opened in July 2010 and has still to find its way into the guidebooks and on to websites, there seems a fair chance that it will remain relatively unknown for a while. Give me one good reason for me to name it and I will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Derek Uzzell - 2011-11-13 5:55 PM rupert123 - 2011-11-12 11:26 PM ...How long does Derek think an aire is going to remain some big secret, by this time next year hundreds will know about it so what is wrong with sharing it as others do... As the aire I mentioned (or didn't mention ;-)) was opened in July 2010 and has still to find its way into the guidebooks and on to websites, there seems a fair chance that it will remain relatively unknown for a while. Give me one good reason for me to name it and I will. You show me yours and I'll show you mine ! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertandjean Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Derek Uzzell - 2011-11-13 5:55 PM rupert123 - 2011-11-12 11:26 PM ...How long does Derek think an aire is going to remain some big secret, by this time next year hundreds will know about it so what is wrong with sharing it as others do... As the aire I mentioned (or didn't mention ;-)) was opened in July 2010 and has still to find its way into the guidebooks and on to websites, there seems a fair chance that it will remain relatively unknown for a while. Give me one good reason for me to name it and I will. Derek, the reason to name it is that the village/town have put a lot of money in providing the facility in the hope that more than you will use it, spend money in the town and hence help the community. It is as simple as that. Now we are sure you will spend money there, buy a meal, have a drink, buy bread etc but how much better if more of us know so we can do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertandjean Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 rupert123 - 2011-11-13 5:15 PM Tracker - 2011-11-13 12:42 PM Still at it eh Henry - can't resist having a dig can you? You are correct Rich I cannot resist it. No offence intended but I fail to see the connection between a free camping spot, which I have a strong opinion on, and an official spot, i.e. an Aire. I know Dereks stance is a small one and it beats me why he even mentioned it if he intended not to give its location. Still at least we have a lot of people on here who are quite willing to give information on aires and sites they stay on, long may that continue. Fully support your points here Henri. Yes we are very much aires users, and you like more of a mix with emphasis on campsites but both of us, we think, agree that what is important is using offical places not so called "wild camping". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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