Motorhomes Ireland

   

 

 

 

 

 

If campsites sound expensive to you, the next option in France is to use Aires. These are either free or nominal charge overnight parking spaces. AIRES in many cases they are provided by local commercial interests who have realised that for the most part Motorhome Owners are reasonably well financed holidaymakers who like to shop, eat out and see the local attractions. They want your business! The contrast between this attitude and Ireland, where the local authorities are still erecting height barriers suggests Ireland's Tourist Board needs to wake up. The majority of these places are listed in a book called 'All The AIRES' published by Vicarious Books. I would have to add a word of caution about some overnight Aires, particularly on Motorways, where you can become a target for the ungodly. Stories of people being gassed, break-ins, wheels being loosened so they fall off a mile down the road and various other scams surface every so often, so caution is always advisable. The suggestion is to park in such a way that you can drive off instantly should the need arise. There is yet a further possibility. Many French business people have joined together in a system called France Passion. This costs about £30 to join each year and gives you free overnight parking at more than a thousand establishments. Many users of this scheme which includes vineyards, farms, country restaurants and other specialist outlets, report a very warm welcome. Naturally it is hoped that you will support their enterprise with a purchase or two which in most cases is a not very difficult way of thanking them for their hospitality. This guide is also available from Vicarious Books. Customer comment on the vineyards in France Passion is enthusiastic but be sure to eat before you start tasting their wines. Practised wine tasters spit out the taste; that's a habit we will probably never easily acquire as it rather goes against the grain to waste free drink in Ireland. You have been warned, but you should also be aware that if you are parked on a PUBLIC road or area then the normal rules of the road apply. That is to say if the keys of your vehicle are in your possession then you are legally 'in charge' of it, and many European countries exercise a zero tolerance policy to 'drunk in charge' offences.