VW CAMPER SURF TRAVEL IN FRANCE?

[saxman]

HELP!
Who can help me decide where to go in South France, Aug 06.I want a cheap ferry/ drive. (Plymouth/Poole).
The main question is I am looking for cheap camp sites to park or even on the beach.
Any ideas appreciated!

[Broosta]

Don't go to the south of France (Med coast), go to the south west of France (Atlantic coast) - anywhere around Biaritz or Hossegor probs best for waves and water temp.

[drowningbitbybit]

Cheap ferry and camper dont go too well together

The ferry charges can be extortionate if you're not a 'regular' vehicle, and some of them even put you in with the freight traffic

Particularly a problem if you've got a hi-top

I've not got round to France in the van yet (its on the list for 2006), but my understanding is that campers can get away with parking overnight (car parks, lay bys, little lanes near the pub) much easier than they can in the UK

[jennie]

hey yer i agree with broosta.....bairittz and hossegor are really good for surfing there are plently of breaks around along with loads of campsites near by

[pat42]

Hiya, you dont say how long you're going for. Check out Ldlines.com...theyre sort of the easyjet of ferries. They go from portsmouth to le havre. Very cheap. If i was you I would head down the west coast of France. But August...its not the best time to go if your looking for waves.

[pat42]

Forgot to say when you book the ferry if you want to do it the cheapest possible book a reclining seat and bring you sleeping bag on board (depending on sailing time) and be real careful about freecamping (not on site) I've done it for years and recently a couple of times I've been broken into while I was asleep in the van, but luckilly I heard them and pulled the knife I always sleep with...they walked away laughing!! I've met people who werent so lucky. Robbed while they slept and one couple who had the whole van stolen. Be carefull!!