Aires

Aires 

These are designated stops for motorhomes mostly in smaller towns and villages where you can park overnight and it is possible to get water and waste services.  Some are free and only charge for the services and others charge about 5€ per night.  We have found them very useful especially out of season as many campsites are closed.  Some campsites have now been converted to Aires with a payment entry and exit barrier.

Here are some of them we have tried on this trip 2012/2013

For later years we used App - Park4night as we can now use Wifi in most places. 

1.     Longfossé   N50° 38’ 48"   E1° 47’26”.  At a farm in the  Pas-de-Calais.  In lovely countryside and not too far from the tunnel.  This was 5€ for the night and the farm sold beer and other  produce.

2.     Long     N50° 2’ 4”   E1° 58’ 59”.  In the Somme region this aire is near a village and camping.  Area is good very for fishing along the Somme.  5€  electricity and water extra.

3.       Clères    N 49° 36’ 4”  E1° 7’ 1”.   A good aire for visiting Rouen as only 30 miles away  and had very organised parking bays  When we visited had free electricity and water and no charge for the night.  Bargain.

4.       Broglie     N49° 0’ 24”  E0° 31’49”.  In the Eure.   A lovely aire on the cycle rout from Bernay to Broglie an old railway track.  5€ per night for large bays and grassy area.  Water and Electricity extra.

5.       Courville     N48° 26’ 45” E1° 14’ 28”.  We had lunch at this aire.  Nice spot if a bit noisy with the road quite near.   Free

Along the Loire

1.       La Chapell-St-Mesmin   N47° 53’ 22”  E1° 50’ 22”.  We might be biased about this one as the mayor came to welcome us just as we arrived.  Cycling into Orleans from her is very easy. 5€ entry by barrier included Water and Electricity.  Very good, probably an old camping site.

With Loire views

2.       Beaugency   N47° 46’ 45”   E1° 38’ 11”.  Free -  Just a quick coffee stop for us here but its a free aire with extra for water and electricity.  On the Loire cycle route.

3.       Meung Sur Loire   N47° 49’ 23”   E1° 41’ 53”. Another aire on the cycle route.   Free but with extra for water and electricity.  We stopped the walk around the village and take a look at the Chateau.

4.       Ouchamps    N47°28.762’  E°19.138’.  Rather a small aire on the bend of the road. Only takes 5 vans but we had no other choice that night. 

5.       Villandry   N47° 20’ 28”  E 0° 30’ 39”.  Lovely aire in the town and close to the Chateau and gardens.  Free but water and electricity extra.  On cycle route to Tours.

6.   Turquant   N47° 13’ 25”  E 0° 10’ 37”.  Free Aire for 6 vans in a lovely setting.  Water extra.

7.       Dampierre-Sur- Loire   N47° 14’26”  E0° 1’ 21”.      Another  free Aire.  Very green and shady with lots of space - on the cycle route to Saumer.  Cave du Vin next door.

8.       Montreuil-Bellay   N47° 07.956   W0°09.483. A bit difficult to navigate to, must go via Nobis as several low bridges on town.  Lovely setting near to Chateau.  7pm to 10am only in the summer.

Vendée

Mesnard La Barotiere   N46°51.174’  W1° 07.081’   This aire is situated on a Base de Loisirs near to Les Herbiers.  In October when we visited it was very quiet with only a few fishermen on the lake and a couple of walkers about.  There is a campsite here so I suspect it would be quite busy in the summer.  A beautiful spot.   5€ per day for fishing,  some large ones caught per the photo’s.

Olonne-sur-Mer    N46°32.284’  W1°46.473’   A New Aire in the small village near to Les Sables-d’Olonne.  We preferred this to the one down in town as there is a view to the salines and is near the cycle paths.  8€ per 24 hours to include water, Elecricity etc.  

   Talmont-St Hilaire  N46°26.358’ W1°39.316’  This aire is not in the town but down at the coast near to Port-Bourgenay.   It’s a short walk to the beach or just through the pines.  5€ per 24 hours but the machine out of order when we stayed.  WC available.

St Vincent-sur-Jard    N46°24.637’  W1°32.495’   Not an area well known to us but obviously very popular with the French in summer as there are numerous campsites in the area.  This aire is right next to the beach and charges 35c per hour.  Water and elec. extra.   Very quiet spot.

L’Aiguillon-su- Mer   N46° 19’ 53”  W1° 18’ 28”   Having not found very attractive places to stay in La Tranche sur Mer  we moved on a few miles to find a pretty spot next to the sailing school and lake.  As there doesn’t seem anywhere to pay we assume out of season is free! Until 7.30pm when a man came to ask for 5€.

La Rochelle   N46°09.171’   W1°08.487’   Although a tad expensive at 10.50€ for 24 hours this did include the regular navette into town  for two people. Quiet although next to the railway station.

Bourcefranc le Chapus   N45°49.555’ W1°08.580’    Lovely little parking place overlooking the beach near Marennes.  Would be great in summer but probably popular.

La Palmyre    N45°40.973’  W1°10.807’   Parking spot for about 50 vans next to the beach in this lovely resort and pleasure port.  There is another aire nearby for water and waste.  8€ per 24 hours.

Meschers-sur-Gironde       N45°33.940’  W0°54.021’  A small port south of Royan.  Parking for about 10 vans.  5€ per 24 hours, some with Electricity, Wifi available if Capitinare open.  Nice walks.

Question: Why do some French vans arrive just before dusk and leave at dawn?  We can only think they are trying to avoid paying the overnight charge.  What are your thoughts?

Mortagne-sur-Gironde   N45°28.550’  W0°47.681’  Quite a large marina and port estuary.  Takes about 50 vans.  7.40€ per night to include electricity and Wifi. Bargain.

Bourge-en-Gironde N45°2’16”  W0°33’26”  Parking place next to the river for about 10 vans. The Borne is outside the Camping Municipal which is closed in winter.  Historical town to discover. Free

Bassin d’Arcachon and South

Taussat     N44°43.030’   W1°04.188’  Small aire for 4 vans near tiny harbour.  Toilets, not open when we stayed and tap.  No other services.  Shops nearby.  Free

Andernos-le-Bains     N44°44.652’  W1°06.512’ On the edge of the village near to Oyster huts.  Very pleasant aire for 30 vans.  7.70€ for 24 hours.  Services extra.  Local police come round to check payment. 

Arcachon Ornithological park  N44°38.408’  W1°01.157’  A handy overnight stop at this park well worth visiting if you like birds as we do, plenty to see at any time of year.  Free car-park , no services.

Gastes    N44°19.714’  W01°09.057’   Lovely  Aire next to a small marina on the lake. 7€ for 24 hours in high season.  WC’s and water.  On cycle path

Ste Eulalie en Born   N44°18.408 W1°10.873  At the southern end of the lake outside a campsite.  Idyllic spot overlooking the lake with Wifi available.  7€ to 4€ out of season.  Five minutes to village.

  Sauternes     N44°32.085’  W0°20.560’  A small Aire surrounded by vines and next to the church.   WC available.  Free

Fontet   N44°33’40”  W0°1’22”   Basin on the Canal du Midi and small leisure park. 8€ per night including electricity.  Lovely spot on cycle path. 


Our route so far ........

                                

   Aires Spain   

San Sebastian – N43°.30783  W2°.01423  Near the centre of town but very quiet. All services and space for 30 vans 3.10 € (winter price)

Palencia -  N42°.00193 W4°.32061  Just over the river and short walk to pleasant town. Designated spaces for about 8 vans in the car park.  Services available, free overnight.

Caceres  -  N39°.48015  W6°.36864  On the edge of a very interesting town well worth a visit. Has 3 electricity points and all services.  Free

Aires Portugal

Barragem do Divor -  N38°.7009  W7°.92850  Near to Evora, lovely quiet spot next to boat hire.  Free overnight parking but no services.

Monsaraz -  N38°.44279  W7°.37972  Lovely hilltop village with lots of parking.  Might be busy in summer.  No services but magnificent view.

Barragem de Monte de Rocha – N37°43’47” W8°16’42” Wild camping spot next to the barragem.  Small café nearby with good country food.  No services

Praia de Manta Rota – N37°09’51”   W7°31’19” Lovely aire right next to the beach and boardwalk.  4.50€ including 3 hours elec. and services, water 2€.  Wifi on site.

Manta Rota

Castro Marim – N37°.21981 W 7°.44447  Free overnight aire in small historic town with castle.  Good views over the salr marshes from the castle - Water 2€

Almada De Ouro – N37.33176  W7.4679  High on a hilltop near to the Rio Guadiana border with Spain.  Beautiful views all round and good walking from the Aire to nearby village of Odeleite.  2.50€ parking 2.50€ electricity.  Wc’s and washing machine available when hut open.

Praia do Barril -  N37.09175 W 7.6779  Overnight parking only on a road set back from the dunes.  Good walking to the beach with restaurant or cycle ride to Santa Luzia 2kms away.  Free

Moncarapacho – N37.08319 W 7.76434  Private Aire just a few miles inland from Fuseta in the countryside.  8€ per night included Elec. Water and WiFi, cheaper for longer stays.

Fuzeta -  (Parking place) next to the small port winter only and not on market days.  Free but may be moved on to the campsite adjacent.

Quarteira Fonte Santa – N37°04’23” W8°04’37” Large parking area with water and waste on the outskirts of Quarteira. Would be very hot in summer but perfect for wintering.  2€ per night Water 2€  Elec. 2€  Lidle outside and bus stop into town.

Alte – N37°13’59” W 8°10’47”  Space for six vans near the font and old lavoir in the lovely typical Portuguese village.  Free.    WC’s and water available.  Another parking place is near the cemetery.

Paderne – N37.16778 W8.208611 Next to wash-house therefore water available and W/C’s.  Free Lovely marked walks to the small town and castle ruin.

St Raphael -  Near to Albefeira  N37.07639 W8.27926 Great for an overnight stop, room for about     6 MH close to coast path for walks.  Free -  No services

Parque da Palmeira - Albefeira N 37° 05'53"  W08°14'36" Private Aire walking distance into Albefeira large area 8€ with WiFi and Elec.

Salgados -  N37.08503 W8.32061 daytime parking only recommended as next to a nature reserve.

Senhora de Rocha - N37°05’50” W8°23’10” Stunning location on the cliffs and next to a tiny historical chapel.  Parking place only

Silves  N37°.20232 W8°.44958  Two large parking areas, one near to the supermarket and the other next to the swimming pool. WiFi but no services when we visited.  Good lunchtime menu’s in town.

Portimao, Praia da Roche – N37°.11902 W8°.52998  Large parking area near to the marina and beach.  Water services 2€, overnight stay 2.50€   Cycle path most of the way into Portimao.

Lagos  - N37.11583 W8.67889 Private Aire run by the football club.  €3 per night including WiFi. Services on passage available  €2. Can cycle into town

 Boca do Rio – N37.06647 W8.88044   Isolated bay and stony foreshore, parking for about 20 vans. Free .  Bins but no other services. idyllic spot

Sagres –Parking by the fort or at N37.00692 W 8.93956 Mareta beach where there is a black waste dump. Free -  No other services

Carrapateira – N37.19258  W 8.90224  Lovely spot at surfing beach Amado and lunchtime parking on the cliffs. No services -  Free

Odeceixe – N37.43799 W8.79821 High on the cliffs above the town.  Can be windy.  Free – no services. Nice town in the valley.

Vila Nova de Milfontes – N37.71665 W8.78421 south side of the river.  Lovely view of river and town.  Free – no services but campsite in town offers services on passage €2

Porto Covo – N37.85548 W8.79331 Proper Aire for 10 motorhomes provided by the village with water and waste.  Daytime parking is also available about 1 mile up the coast. 

Mina do Lousal – N38.03590 W8.42877 Full borne available at parking for 10 vans – Free.  Mine Museum to visit - not open on Mondays

Setùbal  - N38.48483 W8.94311 - overnight parking by cliffs and beach ay Praia de Figueirinha – No services.  Another parking spot further along the road by restaurant.

Lisbon, Belém  - N38.69475 W9.19914 – Good parking for seeing the city by bus or tram.  Free Museums are free on Sunday morning.

Praia de Säo Lourenço  N39.01099 W9.42110 Large parking for restaurant – overnight stop off season, water from font on opposite side of river. Free

Consalaçao -  N39.32569 W 9.35721 Free parking by flats and beach, another parking available on south side of town on cliffs.  Free – No services. Views to Peniche

Peniche – N39.35944 W9.4086 Near to the town and fort but hopefully not too noisy at night.  Free but no services.  Daytime  parking also available on the cliffs

Daytime at Peniche

Foz do Arelho – N39.42861 W9.22222 beside the lagoon.   Works being done when we arrived so free but usually 4.50€ per night. All services available.

Batalha – N39.6613 W8.8249  Free Aire with free Wifi and Euro Relais borne.  Lovely small town and Monastery to visit.

Coimbra – N40.19648 W 8.42896   Free Aire 24 hour limit - Wifi available for cost.  By the river with easy access to this University City.  

Costa Nova  - N4.061433 W 8.75185  Free official parking near the town and beach. Has toilet disposal but water only from WC’s  -  quiet.   Other parking at N40.64385 W 8.73997 near to river.

Aveiro  - N40.64299 W8.65872  Free parking by canal with bridges over to the town.  Could be noisy for overnight as near to main roads.  Water available by main bridge. 

Furadouro – N40.87600 W8.67490  Large parking beside the beach and near to town.  Free

Vila Nova de Cerveira  N41.93810 W 8.74670 on the border with Spain, nice Aire lots of parking and free water and waste services, Wifi is sometimes available.

Northern Spain

Baiona – N42.11531 W8.83619 one of many opportunities to park in Baiona – might be moved on at night but worth a chance out of season.

Foz - N43.5637 W7.25787 Full borne and parking overnight available on seafront and harbour. Free

Tapia De Casariego – N43.56609 W6.94585 Dedicated motorhome parking on edge of town. Full born facilities – free

Cudilero – N43.56568 W 6.5332 parking spot near the port of this tiny village on the north coast .  Free

Cangas De Onis – N43.35244 W5.12534  Large parking with services next to a lovely town with Roiman bridge. Free

North of the Pyrenees - heading East

Oloron St Marie – N43.18403 W.60878 Small parking place near to town with full borne facilities.  Could be a bit noisy at night if not next to river.  Good for visiting the town.

Arudy -  N43.10537 W0.42263 Full borne (Euro Relais)  Parking not very pretty but near to the village.  There is a private aire nearby for 10€.

Auterive  -  N43.3519 E1.47633  Nice parking beside river, borne is opposite.  Free

Dufort – N43.46244 E2.34639 – small craft village – borne available – overnight possible – Free

Bedarieux  - N43.61070 E3.15329 Full borne beside river.  Sign says 5€ per day perhaps jut in high season – free for us.  10 places – very nice

Bellgarde  - N43.74417 E4.51915 – by canal lock.  Can be a bit noisy as road goes alongside. Services 2€ parking free.

Greasque – N43.43281 E 5.53439 Beside an old coal mine.  Large parking and borne. Free.  Lovely views of the mountains and nice village nearby.  Bread van calls 9am

Les Arcs – 43.45529 E6.4775  wine cave near to a lovely medieval village.  Borne available. Free ?

Aires Italy

Santo Stefano al Mare – N43.83274  E7.90536  parking near to marina.  10€charge per day up to 7pm.  Free overnight.

Acqui Terme – N44.66530 E8.47138 large parking and borne under trees, walking distance to interesting town.  5€ per night to include elec.  and borne facilities.

Gavirate -   N45.8398 E8.72101 -   Private aire on the small lake Varese. 12€ per 24 hours or 1.50€ per 3 hours. Cycling path nearby.  Electricity 1€ extra.  Fantastic Aire 

Salo – Lake Garda  - N45.59638 E10.52353 Lovely private Aire right beside the lake and easy walking into Salo.  15 € per 24 hours , services included.

Monzambano – N45.38917 E10.69277 Private aire in lovely town with castle. Cycleway nearby where it’s possible to cycle to lake Garda. 12€ including Wifi and elec.

Valegio sul Minco – N45.355399 E 10.720156. Communal aire well placed for a cycle into the town famous for it’s home made Tortellini. 10€  per night – showers 1€ 

Verona – N45.43439 E10.97787 Right near to town but not noisy. 10€ per 24 hours, borne available.  Can cycle into the city.

Soave – N45.4234 E11.24502 Lovely aire within walking distance of this small town. Wine tasting. 5€ to include electricity.

Citadella  - N45.64373 E11.77996 parking only to visit this marvellous walled city.  Free  

Bassano del Grappa – N45.78516 E11.73163  Lovely Aire on a small farm/nursery.  Within cycle distance of the town.  10€ per night 2€ electricity. 

Asolo  - N45.79646 E11.91384  Small Aire with grassed pitches just ½ mile from this lovely small town.  7€ per night to include electricity.

Belluno – N46.13679 E12.21543  Dedicated parking for motorhomes by escalators into the town.  1€ per hour until 7pm then free.  Free services

Alleghe  - N46.41264 E12.01603  parking area for motorhomes at the end of the lake but easy walk into the town – on cycle path too.  €4 

Arabba  - N46.49665 E11.87352 parking spot with all services in the town. 14€ per night.

Auronzo di Cadore  - N46.588434 E12.256128 Dedicated motorhome parking with services €14 per 24 hours.  Easy walk around the lake Misurina.

Auronzo di Cadore  - N46.56137 E12.41747  parking beside the road but not too noisy. Cycle way into town 1.5 miles.   €14 to include services.

Sappada – N46.56225 E12.6798 Lovely parking spot with views of the mountains.  10€ per 24 hours to include services. Walks to a trout fishing lake, farm shop and the town is a short walk away.

Austria

Matrei -  N47.118334 E12.497783 large parking just before the road tunnel. Restaurant available for meals.  5€ per night.

Mittersill – N47.27777 E12.49279 Small campsite with all facilities, showers extra, electricity extra. 14€ for the basic pitch. Nice views. 

Neukirchen  - N47.23874 E12.24143  at Gasthof Friedburg 7€ but free if meal taken in the very good value Gasthof. Electricity 1.50€  

Maria Alm  N47.397666  E13.90355 Lovely views from this Aire where it is possible to walk into the village - walks in the mountsains- 6 places.  12€ to include  Electricity.  All services.

Altenmarkt im Pongau N47.37052 E13.42933 Large farm parking a short walk to the village or cycle to Radstatt.  12€ per night all services. Produce from the farm.

Lake Irrsee  N47.88156 E13.31114  Stellplatz on a farm.  13€ per night to include electricity.  No chemical toilet disposal available.  All other services. 

Germany

Marquarstein -  N47.767339 E12.45938  At Farm/ Restaurant 6 places.  5€ charge including electricity.  Lovely food in the Resto. 

Reit am Winkl – N47.67013 E12.48394  At old campsite walking distance into the village. Bus outside takes you to walking higher up in the valley.  8€ plus 2€ services. 

Spitzingsee – N47.66699 E11.88867 Beside the lake – full bourne and W/C’s in the lift station opposite. 12€ for 24 hours.  Full services available.

Fall – N47.57046 E11.53363  Parking in the forest next to a Reservoir and lake. Restaurant nearby by but otherwise quite isolated.  4€ for 24 hours.

Garmisch  - N47.50412 E11.10687 Next to the lift station.  14€ per night including tourist tax. Wifi in bar.  Free bus into the large and interesting town. Washing machine available.

Füssen – N47.58211 E10.70008  Three separate areas – 13€ per night, 1€ electricity WiFi in parking 1 - easy cycling into the historical town and around the lakes.

Nesselwang  - N47.62004 E10.49749   Large camperstop beside the lift station.  Lots of walking in the area, pretty town in walking distance. 8€ electricity extra.  Tourist office will give guestcard for reductions in the area.

Scheidegg – N47.57284 E9.84547 - Set up just outside the village next to the Kurhouse.  6€ plus 1.70€ tax  per person. Electricity extra.  Nice views and lovely walks in the area. 

 

Bad Waldsee – N47°54’52” E9°45’38”  - Nice Stellplatz for about 30 vans near to the town and Therme.  9€ per 24 hours including tax.  Electricity extra.   Reduction of 1€ to use the Therme baths.