This section is aimed at giving you important information & tips to help you plan your camping or self catering French holidays and we hope you'll choose to select our camping, caravanning or self catering gite holiday in the South of France at Domaine La Royale, Villardonnel, near Carcassonne, Aude. English spoken.

Planning Your Self Catering or Camping Holiday

The following are guidelines only and reminders to help you on your way. Regulations and procedures change from time to time so you should always double-check with the relevant authorities - Some links below.

Passports & Visas

If you hold a non-EU or non-British passport, you need to check your visa requirements with your local consulate. This is also important for countries you travel through.

A full valid passport is required for the whole of your camping or self catering gite holiday in France and your passport should not expire within 6 months of the end of your holiday. Passport applications may take some months to be processed, so you should apply early.

TIP! If your first name is Nicholas, Nicola, Nicole, Nicky or Nikki and your other-half tends to shorten your name to sound like "Nick", you are well advised in knowing that it is pronounced exactly the same as the word n-i-q-u-e which is a French swear word. This is something to remember if they want to attract your attention in a public place by shouting your name!

Medical Insurance
No vaccinations are necessary for EU or for British citizens. If you are camping/caravanning or on a self-catering holiday in France but passing through other countries, you should again check for requirements at your nearest consulate.

You are strongly recommended to take up personal medical insurance especially when camping/caravanning or on a self catering holiday in France.

EU citizens may be able to benefit from some free medical treatment on production of form E111 or latest equivalent. We strongly recommend you do not rely exclusively on this, as you may not be covered in the event of a road accident.

Tips for Driving in France
You need to carry your full driving license with you at all times. If your license is less than one year old, you are restricted to 90KMH (56mph) in France. You must also carry your vehicle registration documents and valid insurance certificate with you at all times. An International Motor Insurance Certificate or Green Card, whilst not essential, is advisable. Contact your insurance company for further advice.

Not all road junctions are marked. Always be ready to give way to traffic emerging on your right, especially in built-up areas, unless road markings clearly indicate who has priority.

The minimum age for drivers is 18. Seat belts are compulsory at all times, and children under 10 are not allowed to sit in front seats in France.

A first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, torch, warning triangle and spare bulbs, fuses and a fan belt are advisable.

An appropriate country of origin plate must be displayed (i.e. GB for Great Britain).

It is also a good idea to take a high-visibility vest with you in case of a breakdown. This is not law in France (yet) but it is in many other parts of Europe, such as Spain. You should have a vest for each of the passengers and they should be stored inside your vehicle, not in the boot.

Insurance cover against the risk of breakdown or accident is highly recommended. All the major companies provide cover abroad.

Toll booths are found on the majority of French motorways. They accept most credit cards. Many petrol stations in France are closed on Sunday on the minor roads. However, 24-hour services can be found on the motorways.

You should also consult your insurance company for your insurance requirements of your caravans and camping cars when camping or caravanning in France.

More driving tips for France can be found on our page: DRIVING TIPS IN FRANCE Motoring Tips and Road Safety Advice.

Money

The currency in France is the Euro (€), and as such all cash transactions must be in Euros. Please remember that you will need Euros for motorway toll-booths and other travel expenses.

Credit cards are widely accepted in France and valid for use in most cash machines (ensure you know your PIN before travelling). You may wish to consult your bank for further details. The bigger retailers such as supermarkets and petrol stations now use the new chip-and-pin system whereas the smaller retailers may not accept any card other than the French "Carte Bleu". Ask the shop-keeper or look for notices on the shop window or door before attempting to pay.

Electricity

The voltage in France is 220v - 230v and compatible with most British appliances. However, you will need a plug adaptor for your camping cars and caravans or self-catering holiday property.

Pets

If you are travelling/camping with your pets, they should be micro-chipped and insured.

Also remember that your pet may be required to stay in quarantine after returning to the UK. A system called PETS exists which prevents this from happening. Check with your veterinary for further advice before going on your camping/caravanning or self-catering holiday to France.

Eurotunnel and some ferry companies need to be told about your pets before travelling, and there is also may be an extra charge.

Opening Hours

The majority of shops found in smaller town and villages in France are closed for lunch between 12.00pm and 14.00pm. They tend to re-open until 19.00pm after lunch. Most, if not all retailers close on Sundays but small grocery shops, butchers and bakers shops can be found open on a Sunday morning.

Basic Camping & Caravanning Utensils Check List

This is only a guide to help you remember what to pack before your camping or caravanning trip in the South of France. Some items may not be relevant to your particular needs, or you may wish to bring additional ones.

(Tip: print it off and use when packing)

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Caravanning Links

Carcassonne

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La Vitarell
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3 km from Domaine La Royale.

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Anglophone Guide to the Languedoc-Roussillon.

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Your British Grocer in Carcassonne

The news portal for the Aude Languedoc

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LA ROYALE Villardonnel Aude 11600 France.

You should also consult your insurance company for your insurance requirements of your caravans and camping cars when camping or caravanning in France.

LA ROYALE
Villardonnel
Aude 11600
France.