Touring cost on the continent.

[carlnicholson...]

I would like to do a touring trip probably through France and down to Spain.

It is a loooong way off before I will have the readies, but was wondering how much I could expect the overall cost to be, obviously as a rough guide only.

There will be one return ferry trip for the bike and two adults, and probably B&B style accommodation, but I would be taking a small tent aswell. I would only be able to allow about 2 weeks for the trip, and would likely be doing it on a 600cc sports touring machine.

Have you done similar and remember the rough cost?

So, any ideas below from those in the know.


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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[Nath]

For one person, I would estimate a two week trip to cost no more than £700. For two people, maybe about £900?

That's £300 petrol, plus £300 per week living costs. The Dover-Calais ferry crossing is dirt cheap.
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[Bod]

Hi there, a mate and I have planned a trip to France, Germany, Holland for May. So far its cost us 130 quid return on the ferry from Rotterdam. We are staying in youth hostels which are likely to cost 20 quid for a room, so that will be about 100 for the accomodation then money for food and petrol. It all depends on your route how much you spend I suppose.
Bod

[carlnicholson...]

I'm really surprised by how cheap it would appear to be.

I was expecting about £1500 for the fortnight TBH. Obviously, the price could vary hugely depending on a few certain choices, but with a bit of time and planning, next years summer holiday may well be decided!

Thanks chaps, any further experiences below please.


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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[natv4]

It cost me £1500 to do a 23day trip covering 5000 miles. You should be looking at about £40 per day plus ferries (£40 return if booked early).

Stay in camp sites where you can. That should include petrol and food, but obviously is depends on what level of travelling you intend on doing.

I spent more on the odd hotel (don't travel too late at night, else getting accomodation is difficult/expensive).

You could do it for less, but that would probably cover most things.
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Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[Itchy]

Don't forget tyres and parts + pre tour servicing costs

[MikeH]

Last September Speedferries were doing open ended return trips for £25 (Dover-Boulogne) worth a look especially if you can book in advance. Personally though I would look at the long ferry down as it's a hell of a long way in a car, let alone a bike.

Mike
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Busa Junkie

[NSR Mick]

Also get a credit card, you never know.
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If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!

[carlnicholson...]

[Nath]

Problem is that the ride down through France is not the most scenic. Yeah it's pleasant enough in comparison to most of England, but compare it to the stunning scenery of the Alps and Pyrenees, and there is no contest.

If you only have a limited period of time out there, makes sense to spend as much of it as possible in the South.


I would also suggest that the French main roads are an absolute nightmare. It is very easy to get lost, and accidently venturing into a city is guaranteed to take you half an hour to get back out again. For a two week trip, the Bilboa/Santander ferries are a very sensible option, and with a pillion I would say almost essential.
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[natv4]

I would say that if you take the road through Claremont Ferrond, its scenic, fast, and quite fun (especially the last third). It will also take you accross the highest road bridge in Europe, quite spectacular.

It will take about the same time as using the ferry, however you will arrive a little more tired. With a pillion, you are limited by what they are willing to do. I have no problems making the Pyrenese through that route in a (long) day.
____________________
Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[carlnicholson...]

The Mrs is now insisting that we do stupid mileage each day in a bid to spend more time in Spain. I don't really want to spoil the ride for her, and as much as she enjoys pillion, I don't think that 12 hour riding days are really the best way to break her into long distance touring.

The route you suggested through Claremont Ferrond, is there any chance you could send me a map of the route you took?

I was going to take toll roads and motorways to get the speed up, but it's the balance of getting there and enjoying the journey.

Cheers to all.
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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[EuropeanNC30R...]

[natv4]

https://tinyurl.com/em33a

Visit the above (its viamichelin) and you will see the route. Its autoroute all the way, around 9.5 hours worth. The first (last usually for me) bit from Calais is pretty quick, boring motorway. Just before Clermont Ferrand it starts to get pretty, the view from the milau bridge is pretty awesome, well worth the very reasonable toll (remember to stick in the bike lane and not pay car rates on autoroutes).

This is mostly non-toll roads, there are a couple, but nothing compared to petrol costs.

The last quater is great, vineyards to each side, bright sun usually, warm. When you get toward the coast you can break off to the Central Massif (very underated) and go for a swim at one of the many points where it is safe to do so (I love the feeling of hopping off the bike and diving straight into a (chilly) river. Especially when its hot. The mountain roads in this region are fairly good, they don't change surface suddenly without warning.

You could easily find a campsite or press on to the Alps or Pyrenese, both are not too far on autoroute (approx 3-4 hours to Alps and 2-3 hours to Pyrenese - but I don't really remember how fast I was going).

There are a few biker campsites around, but I tended to just follow signs to the nearest campsite.

If you rest a few times, and leave Calais at 8am, I would think you would be fine. I personally go for 3 hours riding, 1 hour breaks. Gives plenty of time for stopping for pictures, food, rest etc. Its long, but not too long.

Most importantly, let us know how you get on.
All the best.
____________________
Travelling around the world...a bit at a time. Where am I now? / Visit my BLOG
Bike: Blue Honda VFR800fi (*NEW*) Mileage: 22k Countries visited: GB/F/D/CZ/PL/E/I/B/A/HR/H/Rus/E/MA
West Europe...2004, East Europe...2005, Russia/France...2006, Morocco...2007

[panrider]

we go to france and spain 3/4 a year but stay in b/b not camping and spend about £1000 for 2 weeks and do about 5000 miles per trip .
the best route is like others say go via clermont ferrand and stop and take the new millau bridge
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/thehondas/43656661-O.jpg
also stay a night or 2 at gorge due tarn here
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/thehondas/DSC00444.jpg
if you need any info or a oute let me know