Our Route - Western France


One of the daunting things about this type of trip is wondering where you'll stay. We found a great free app called Park4Night, which we used daily to find our next camping spot. We have no affliation, just highly recommend it.

We continue our journey from Rennes.

Angrie

29/04/18 - 30/04/18

Angrie is a small village in rural France. We mainly used it as a stopover on our way to Nantes so we didn't explore the village but from what we saw it is only residential.

Where We Stayed

We found a nice picnic area under some tall trees. It was raining heavily at the time so it acted partly as a shelter. It's good for a night but not for a day. The picnic area has a small park for the kids.

Cost: FREE
Toilets: YES
Water: YES
Toilet Waste: NO
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

Only if you need somewhere to stop for night in that area, otherwise there's nothing there worth visiting.

Bouguenais, Nantes

30/04/18 - 01/05/18

This is an area just outside the South of Nantes. The centre of the city is still a drive away, but you could always stay there the night and find free day parking further in. The town pretty much offers the basics (shops for your essentials) but has a lovely place to stay.

Where We Stayed


 A lovely little spot next to a river and a woods. The water comes right up to the edge of the car park which is only really used by people visiting the woods. We were able to take our dog on a walk off-lead through the wooded area along a path that follows the river and then loops back around.

Cost: FREE
Toilets: NO
Water: NO
Toilet Waste: NO
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

Yes, if you need to stay near Nantes. It was a quiet and pretty place to stay but the city isn't within walking distance and there are no services.

Nearby

It's less than 5 minutes to the town centre and also a Lidl. Of course, you're also a short drive away from Nantes.

Saint Gervais

01/05/18 - 02/05/18

It seemed like a pleasant little village that offered a nice place to stay, but again it's just a good place to stay if passing through.

Where We Stayed

A designated car park for campervans that sits right on the edge of the village. It's flat and has a little bit of greenery for a short stroll.

Cost: FREE
Toilets: YES
Water: YES (Paid)
Toilet Waste: YES
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

Yes, as a place to stay, but not a location to visit.

Nearby

Walk a few minutes up the road and there's a corner shop for bread and milk with a cafe attached. 

Saint Jean De Mont

02/05/18 - 04/05/18


Saint Jean De Mont struck us as a popular tourist location. It has a lovely big beach where there are plenty of activities and a market in the town.

Where We Stayed



We parked in a car park next to the beach, about 10 minutes outside of the town centre. It was fairly busy during the day from people visiting the beach or people fishing for clams, but was peaceful in the evening. You can take a long walk along the beach or along a path that runs parallel in a wooded area.
Cost: FREE
Toilets:NO
Water: NO
Toilet Waste:NO
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

Yes. It was a beautiful beach and a quiet place to sleep. Only problem was sourcing free water.

Nearby

The main town and beach has plenty to do. There's also a modern Super U that has services and a cafe with Wi-Fi. At the bottom of the road there's a long strip of paid camping sites with pools and water slides.

Saint Hilaire De Riez

04/05/18 - 05/05/18

We didn't venture beyond our parking place but the site was next to a lake that had a sailing club and some type of shooting activity. We would have liked to have taken part in one of them but we got the impression that it was a club that didn't offer one-off sessions.

Where We Stayed


 It was car park to the club that offered 8 free 
spaces for campervans.

Cost: FREE
Toilets: YES
Water: YES (Paid) We filled up from the toilet sink
Toilet Waste: YES
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

No, if you can take part in the activities then it would be good, but it felt quite crammed in (We had to park against a tree and bushes) and a little rural.

La Faute Sur Mer

05/05/18 - 07/05/18

It's pretty hidden, but what a beach! We didn't see much of a town but we were stocked up and happy having a couple of days by the sea.

Where We Stayed


 A car park in a picnic area that's about a 10 minute walk from the beach. Its close to a cycle path that leads to the beach (there were a lot of cyclists) so a good place to take your bike. 
Cost: FREE
Toilets:NO
Water: NO
Toilet Waste: NO
Bins: NO

Would We Recommend?

Despite it having no services what so ever, it was a peaceful spot at night and perfect if you like the beach. We were happy to spend 2 nights. Prepare to fight the mosquitos and be warned, there's no phone signal.

La Rochelle

07/05/18 - 08/05/18

The main attraction of the coastal city is its harbour and the medieval three towers that stand at its entrance. The streets are lined with restaurants, stalls and tourist shops. You can visit the large aquarium, take a boat ride to Fort Boyard, or enjoy a cycle on the designated paths.

Where We Stayed


 A designated car park for campervans, 10 minutes outside of the city and next to the coast. It had a path that ran along the coast, which is very popular with runners and cyclists.

Cost: FREE
Toilets:NO
Water: NO
Toilet Waste: NO
Bins: YES

Would We Recommend?

Yes, it's close to the city and is a nice location. Ideal place to have a bicycle with you. If driving to the city, there are a few free car parks.

Matt :)
Disclaimer: We have no affiliation with Park4Night or any other businesses mentioned in this blog. All of the above is our own personal account from our experience. All recommendations are made without prejudice. At time of publication, the information above is true to the best of our knowledge, and we do not recommend using us as your only source of information. Services mentioned in this blog are subject to change, please refer to the service providers directly for up to date information.
Location: France

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