France by 2 Motorhome 2026
Day 2 of 8 – Across the Channel and Our First Night in France
11 July 2026
After a few hours’ rest at the motorway services, we were awake again by 3.30 am. The services offer up to three hours of free parking and have excellent facilities, including clean washrooms and hot showers, making them an ideal place to freshen up before an early ferry crossing.
Although there were several restaurants on site, only McDonald’s was open at that hour, so a quick hot coffee gave us the boost we needed before continuing the final few miles to Dover.
After topping up with fuel, we arrived at the Port of Dover Ferry Terminal shortly after 4.00 am. Check-in was straightforward, followed by French immigration and customs formalities. Once everything was completed, we were directed into our designated waiting lane, where hundreds of vehicles patiently awaited boarding.
There was still plenty of time before departure, so everyone took the opportunity to visit the washrooms, stretch their legs and prepare for the journey ahead.
Before long, boarding commenced and our two motorhomes rolled onto the enormous P&O ferry. For the children, this was an adventure in itself. Shay and Ashaani were experiencing their very first crossing of the English Channel, and their excitement was infectious.
“How does such a huge ship float?”
“How long will it take to reach France?”
“Can we see France yet?”
The questions came thick and fast, and watching the children’s amazement reminded me that travelling through their eyes is every bit as enjoyable as discovering somewhere new yourself.
The crossing was smooth and relaxing, giving us time to enjoy the views from the deck before the white cliffs of England gradually disappeared behind us.
At approximately 9.00 am French time, we disembarked in Calais. Crossing the Channel also meant adjusting our watches forward by one hour and, of course, reminding ourselves to drive on the right-hand side of the road—something that always takes a little concentration after leaving Britain!
Our destination was Camping Paris Maisons-Laffitte Sandaya, located on the north-western outskirts of Paris. After a pleasant drive of around 192 miles (310 km) through the French countryside, we arrived at approximately 11.30 am.
As we had pre-booked two pitches for our stay, checking in was quick and easy.
Once checked in, we parked the two motorhomes side by side. The Fiat was reversed neatly onto its pitch, while the Peugeot was parked facing forwards to make full use of its fitted side awning.
Within minutes, our temporary home was taking shape. The awning was extended, camping tables and chairs unfolded, and both motorhomes connected to the campsite’s electrical hook-up points. Everything was now ready for two relaxing nights just outside Paris.
The moment the bicycles were unlocked, the grandchildren disappeared to explore every corner of the campsite. Their excitement and sense of freedom reminded me exactly why I wanted to bring them on this holiday.
The campsite itself was excellent—clean, spacious and well maintained. It offered spotless toilet and shower facilities, a dedicated washing-up area, children’s play spaces and a good-sized swimming pool surrounded by plenty of sun loungers.
With temperatures hovering around 30°C, the swimming pool soon became everyone’s favourite destination.
One unexpected discovery was that French swimming pool regulations require men to wear close-fitting swimming trunks rather than loose shorts. Fortunately, the campsite shop stocked the required speedos, saving the day for those of us who hadn’t packed any!
The cool water was wonderfully refreshing after the warm drive from Calais.
While the younger members of the family continued swimming and cycling around the campsite, Nitin and I took advantage of the peaceful afternoon to catch up on a couple of hours’ sleep.
As evening approached, Shivem fired up a disposable barbecue. We had brought pre-marinated chicken, sausages and other essentials from England, making our first campsite dinner simple but delicious.
As the aroma of the barbecue filled the warm evening air, everyone gathered around the table. The adults relaxed with chilled beers while the children toasted the day with fruit juices before enjoying a wonderful picnic-style meal together.
It was exactly the kind of family evening I had hoped this holiday would create—good food, laughter, children cycling safely around the campsite, and three generations enjoying each other’s company under the French summer sky.
As darkness fell, it was time to prepare the motorhomes for the night. Nitin, Bharti, Vienna and Druv settled into the Peugeot, while the rest of us made ourselves comfortable in the Fiat.
The conversations continued long after I was ready for bed. While everyone else chatted and laughed about the day’s adventures, I quietly drifted off to sleep, content that our family camping holiday was off to a wonderful start.
Tomorrow promises to be another memorable day as we leave the motorhomes behind and take the train into the heart of Paris to introduce the grandchildren to one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
