Motorhome Aire Gravelines
Who doesn’t love a French motorhome Aire? For years, the motorhome Aire at Gravelines has seen us have many an overnight stay, being so convenient for Calais.
In our early days of motorhoming, our first and last stops for Calais channel routes were a different choice. Usually being the windswept Aire at Calais Plage or the alternative Aire in the newly opened Cite Europe.
Unfortunately, times change. Sadly, the free-style Aire at Calais Plage has long gone, as has the Cite Europe Aire. So, we began venturing outside of Calais which is how we initially came across the seaside town of Gravelines.
For those about to correct me on the Aire at Calais Plage, it’s worth pointing out there were replacement Aires built after the closures of the former Aires.
A new Aire was built just up the road, next to the former municipal campsite. Then came another replacement to those locations, where the Calais Aire is currently operated by Camping-CarPark. Those who prefer campsites will be keen to know, the campsite is next door too.
By the way, referring to Aires, I mean an Aire de Camping Cars which Brits often call ‘Aires’ when talking about dedicated motorhome parking in France.
Two Motorhome Aires at Gravelines
1. The Port – Aire de Camping-cars Rue du Port
I’m unsure how we came across Gravelines originally, but I do remember it being Winter. This was before the days of Apps and smart phones. I’m guessing we probably saw it in the French book listing Aire de Camping Cars, which we bought from service stations.
However it came about, our early stays at Gravelines were on this fee paying Aire at a small port area.
Motorhomes were able to park parallel to the waterfront, with views across the water providing a nice outlook. I’m unsure if those were official places, possibly they weren’t, as just across the road was the main motorhome area, on a mix of grass and tarmac.
Cost – Approx parking charge €7 in main season.
If you’re thinking of using this Aire and want to know up to date charges first, perhaps check the fees it out on an App as we haven’t been in a while.
Walk to Gravelines town approx 10 minutes.
For some reason, we began using the other Aire at Gravelines, perhaps because it was quiter and free to use.
2. The watersports Aire – Aire de Camping-cars du Parc des Rives de l’AA
On the opposite side of Gravelines is a huge watersports centre, with a lake and really tall grassy embankment. If you’ve been, you’ll know what I mean!
The motorhome Aire is at the end of the standard parking areas in a sort of countryside feel. Waterways and reeds make way for birdlife and plenty of open space.
We sort of prefer it here, simply because it’s never really too busy and it’s super quiet overnight. It’s also great because there’s no formal entry system, so it’s easy to come and go.
There’s also walks and cycle paths and of course the huge lake, which I think is artificial!
Cost € – Free.
Walk to Gravelines town approx 25 minutes. This Aire in the area of Saint Georges Sur l’Aa.
3. The Motorhome Aire Gravelines
Aire de service de Camping-cars or dump/fresh.
Neither Aire has the dump/fresh area at the same location, but there is one in town on Rue de la Gendarmerie.
Expect to pay a couple of euro to use the water and toilet emptying terminal.
Gravelines Town
Gravelines is a town with military connections and historic star-shape fortress dominating its periphery.
There’s a moat and walls to walk, along with a pleasant town centre of small shops and cafes. We’ve taken a walk from both Aires into the centre, although it’s further to the watersports Aire.
The mouth of the River Aa flows to the sea at Gravelines, with a canal-like waterway running through the surrounding area.
With a driving distance to Calais of approx 25 minutes, we feel it’s a convenient location for those cross channel routes.
Calais Aire
We have gone back to staying in Calais a couple of times in the last year or so. The newly modernised Aire is about 10 minutes walk from the lovely promenade area of Calais Plage and is operated by Camping-carPark. So, with this comes their usual barrier entry and fee which includes EHU. The dump/fresh area is outside the entrance.
See separate blog for more information on our stay.
