Driving to caláis - Page 2

We decided to quit our holiday rental inSan Javier two weeks early and glad we did. We drove nine hours non stop (except for petrol) via the Mediterranean route through Spain and over the border into France. Managed to find a hotel for the night but were prepared to sleep in the car. Drove the next day to our home in France and only got stopped once by the gendarmes, glad we had our paperwork. What amazed me was the amount of HGVs on the roads in Spain all heading into France and further. Thousands and thousands of them. All keeping us fed! and more. 

Hi

We did the journey last Friday  from Isla Plana with a caravan so we were fortunate that we had accomodation with us.We were due to return via Santander but Brittany Ferries kept cancelling our crossing.We drove up the east coast of Spain via Murcia ,Valencia Barcelona Girona to the border at La Jonquera.Took us 11 hrs ,I suppose my average speed was only about 50 mph,  We didn't see a police car all the way.No checks at the border going into France.The traffic is really light all the way,just HGV,s and a few cars.Passed through a few tolls around Barcelona,didn't seem too expensive ,I think with the caravan ,one was €11 and another was €14

We stopped at the very first "Aire" in France which was about 10 mins from the border,it was very busy with motorcaravans and caravans and HGVs.The toilets were open .

I just then followed the Sat nav that led us via the A75 up towards Clermont Ferrand,Orleans Paris and Calais.Its a very picturesque route but is quite hilly .It passes over the Millau bridge and through some extraordinary scenery.

I suppose with hindsight,especially towing I should have gone via Carcassonne Toulouse Limoges Orleans Paris and Calais.

The route I did take had all their petrol stations and toilets open ,some of the toilets in the non petrol stn Aires were closed.

When we filled up with fuel it was by credit card at the pump.We managed to buy baguettes at one petrol station  .Allthough you can't walk around their grocery section you can be served from a hatch.

It was such a surreal journey with very few vehicles on the road.We traversed Paris  in less than 20 minutes.Never came across any police in France except at the last toll leaving Paris.We had our attestation form but we only had one form for the three of us.It was politely pointed out that each passenger needed a form.The police shrugged we shrugged and we went on our way.I do also believe that the form only lasts for 24 hrs so if you're going to be France longer bear this in mind.

On our stops we saw many people sleeping in their cars.No hotels are open.Our second stop was between Bourges and Vierzon however I reckon I could have gone on to Calais with appropriate rest stops.

We don't usually stop in Aires ,we always used campsites for convenience and safety.Remember however the lockdown in Spain and France  keeps all the non law-abiding people off the road and we felt safe when we stopped.

We don't normally drive long distances but extraordinary circumstances changed our mindset and endeavour.

I reckon I could have done the journey with one stop, providing I had plenty of other rest stops.I'm 67 in reasonably good health but with a few irksome health issues.My wife is ,a teeny bit older and our 37 yr old daughter is very disabled.

In my opinion I don't think you can rely on Brittany Ferries to get you home ,our ferry should have been on 13th April and I see this morning it looks as though it might be cancelled.

As regards the tolls in France ,can't help you too much re costs as we have an electronic pass which will bill me next month.

Good Luck with whatever you decide but you'll certainly enjoy the ride!

Regards

Mick Sue & Rosie

thank you for the update

My partner and I are in a similar position wanting to get back to the UK.  Is there not some leeway with this fine for UK nationals with no other alternative but to travel in their own car to get to the ferry or plan to go up through France. Surely when  they see how our car is loaded down with luggage, etc., the police will realise that  we have no choice.

We were to sail on 18 April, but it was cancelled so have rebooked for 25 April with Brittany Ferries.

It is a very worrying time for us, as we are both in our 70s and will need repeat medication eventually.

Also, we are worried that not being able to drive any distance in our car, the battery will go flat and there will be no breakdown service to help us.

Our relaxing holiday has turned into anything but!

Anyone leaving their house should carry a print out in Spanish/Catalan/French whatever is appropriate, with details of where they are going and why, with all ID details, it makes life much simpler.

Good advice and probably also worthwhile downloading the Google 'Translate' app if your Spanish not up to scratch.

Let's you do instant conversation translation in case of any difficulties with authorities. A fantastic app that will help immensely.

Yes, I used Google translate for some extended conversations last year. You have to keep a close eye on the English it takes from you first, so if that is wrong you can say incorrecto and say again more clearly.

The beauty of the printed document is you can anticipate the basic questions and have the information they need first up. That goes a long way. 

Usually then basic Spanish or the app will carry you on from there.

You can use Google translate without the internet by downloading the language database. That is quite simple

https://www.techzaada.com/use-google-translator-offline/

You can download the language you need and use offline. (It has also been pretty good at understanding my Scottish accent too! :)) 

Does anyone know if it's only in Murcia that this is the rule?  There doesn't seem to be anything online about this for the rest of Spain. Any Information would be incredibly helpful.