Aire de Services
Aire de Services

Snail Spaces: Montreuil-sur-Mer (Aire)

An 8-pitch purpose built Aire with hard standing and attractive planting is situated just outside the town wall in a quiet residential area and adjacent to the car park that supplies the Motorhome servicing via a single borne and a superloo.  The car park was previously the Aire and now acts as an overflow area as the location is an extremely popular one. There were over two dozen vehicles in total on our first night.

 

the overflow on Saturday morning

The car park does double duty as the school bus station and there are large and clear signs prohibiting Motorhomes in the  car park between 16:00 and 18:00 hours and at lunchtime on Wednesdays.

They mean this!

It is easy to see why there is a prohibition, there are large numbers of children milling around and perhaps 8 buses using the space, Yet so many drivers seem to find themselves immune to the notice.

On both days that we were on the Aire we saw the local Gendarme turning vans off the car park. Where drivers were not at home, tickets were issued.

The Aire is a short stroll from the main square in town, where Bars, Boulangeries, Charcuteries etc. abound. There is a Carrefour Contact store and a wonderful Fromagerie. We found a Launderette within lugging distance and a lovely Salon du Thè specialising in marvellous patisserie.  There is a Saturday market in the square and this also applies pressure to the overflow parking area.

I could happily have stayed forever but the Aire is restricted to 48 hours parking.

Free but drinking water costs 2 Euros.

Last visited September 207

 

Snail Spaces: Le Moulin Wibert Boulogne-sur-Mer (Aire)

Municipally-run, the Aire at Boulogne is situated on the clifftop. The whole site runs down the hill and seemingly all of the pitches are on a tilt. Many ramps were in evidence. 

Vincent at Boulogne

One bourne, in a layby on the site road system.

The site is divided by hedges into small areas taking a handful of vans. The hedges provide good screening from the wind. 

We found it pleasant. Not noisy despite proximity to road. Very busy, with motorhomes coming and going all day long. Caravans strictly not permitted – and this is enforced.

Dog walking on the cliff.

Friterie across the road,

Nearby Friterie. Chips not bad. Mayo, delicious!

Bread delivery at 09:00 (in season).

Bus service into town (Beethoven line)

Last visited: september 2017 €7 per night for first 48 hrs), €9 thereafter.

Camper Contact: 12572

 

 

 

Snail Spaces: Canterbury Park and Ride (Aire)

The Aire at Canterbury was very busy. The designated Aire was about full when we arrived and there were vans in the overflow too. Vans from many nations, including GB, B, D, NL and I plates and there may have been others.

The Aire at Canterbury

Parking is snug. Spaces are not level and most vans were deploying ramps. There is fresh water, and waste disposal. The Ladies went untested, the Gents were “O.K.”.  Park and Ride service to Canterbury is included in the charge.

Doom Bar at the Old Gate Inn

We did try out the Old Gate Inn for our lunch.

My starter, a duo of pate
We both had Cod and Chips

The Inn had a pleasant ambience and I would not be averse to spending an evening there if stopping on the Aire overnight.

Old coaching inn ambience

That said, I do think I might need special reason to want to sleep there!

Last visit: September 2017  £3 parking charge per day, £1 after 4pm.