going off to France in 2 weeks in our little bus, does anyone know if parts are easy to get over there?
- (#11354) Ivan, 7 Jun 04 10:39
As easy as getting European breakdown cover, and let them worry about getting spares.
- (#11354) Clive (Bristol), 7 Jun 04 11:33
Ivan, rather than trying to locate parts while you are trying to enjoy your time in france I suggest that you take the main service items that you might need in the event of a possible breakdown such as drive belts, filters etc. Also, take Clive's tip and get European breakdown cover.
- (#11354) Bill, 7 Jun 04 12:57
I checked because i go to france for a month each year, its 125 pounds for 5 star AA cover which is supposed to get me recovered home in the event of a catastrophic failiure.
I think they would scrap it in reality and pay me market value and arrange 2 hire cars home one french to get me to the port and the other english.
I give mine a very comprehensive service a month before to let things settle, any questionable items get my full attention or replacement.
I take a spare filter for the fuel and some tools , bits of wire , jubilee clips, inflatable batman suit , luger, ect and the rest as they say is luck.
Two roofboxes (see ace site for pics)
Its certainly an adventure living in a tent for a month, in fact id wager some gypsies havent had that long in a tent!
Jim
- (#11354) J Adgo, 7 Jun 04 14:29
thanks to all for advice i have breakdown cover but small print reveals that it may as well be from walt disney.
- (#11354) Ivan, 7 Jun 04 16:19
Ivan,
Where are you going in France ?
I'll be in Les Sable D'Olonne just North of La Rochelle in 17 days.
Yes, I know France is a big place, but the question is asked, just on the off chance ---
- (#11354) stephen judge, 8 Jun 04 16:02
I travel to France alot and have been using Europ Assistance arranged on the internet by quote line direct. This covers the car in UK and europ for about £60. Last year I used them when my Townace's crankshaft pulley became detached! The car was transpoted home and a hire car arranged to get us home. The insurance covers the driver and up to 6 passengers.
- (#11354) Mark (Dover), 9 Jun 04 01:20
stephen
are you travelling from ireland?
- (#11354) Ivan, 9 Jun 04 05:36
Ivan,
Yes, Belfast - Stranraer / Stranraer - Chippenham ( overnight stop ) on to Poole the following morning, then St Malo to Les Sable D'Olonne.
Will you be in my area ?
- (#11354) stephen judge, 9 Jun 04 16:07
wow! you must really like driving that wee bus, we are going down to rosslare, staight over to cherbourg,and then on down to st jean de mont , so not too far from you. is this your first trip to france or have you done it before?
- (#11354) Ivan, 9 Jun 04 16:31
I looked into the st malo crossing and it was quite expensive, opted for the Newhaven Dieppe as a compromise, unless you know of any cheap deals?
jim
- (#11354) J Adgo, 9 Jun 04 16:34
just booked the only direct sailing i could get for the dates i wanted. it was quite expensive.
- (#11354) Ivan, 9 Jun 04 16:39
Morning All,
We too are going to France but not till late July, going to just north of Bordeaux. We booked Dover - Callais for £140 return, but were then told we could have gotten it for £100 from the Gite owners connections. If anyone needs more details give me a mail.
Steve
- (#11354) Steve, 10 Jun 04 00:32
Ivan,
This is my third year in a row !!
Year 1 - Belfast - Heysham then the drive through England.
Year 2 - Dublin - Holyhead - and on -( Nightmare,because Liteace overheated before I got to Newry - but thats a different story )
Actually this year ( Belfast - Stranraer ) the drive time is the same ( in theory ) because it's more motorway drving. ( Autoroute software does'nt indicate a significant enough time diference for me to do any other option ) Also it was a cheaper ferry crossing to Stranraer.
I was in St jean De Mont the last 2 years - you'll love it. Let me know your site and I should be able to give you some helpfull info on its location etc:
I have friends staying in Les Amiaux - last week June -1st week July - who we intend to visit. It would be nice for us to meet up if your still there !! Drop me a personal email and I'll get back to you ! Want a copy of a local map ?? let me know.
As the ferry crossing ( Poole - St malo )is part of the package price it's difficult to seperate it our, but based on the info supplied it's about £100 each way. Belfast - Stranraer - Return was 288 euro. I found that the cheapest option, including paying for an overnight stay in Chippenham.
J Adgo - I'd be interested in your costs for the ferry crossing in order to plan for next year.
- (#11354) stephen judge, 10 Jun 04 16:47