Morning all.

Wife and I (plus 2 dogs) live in France and we are considering a purchase of a caravan. Plan would be to spend some time in winter in Spain. Probably staying in one place for a week at a time (at least).
Has anyone here done much caravanning in France and Spain? Are they welcome at most places or sneered on?
I have looked at campervans (van conversions, not motorhomes) but space is limited and we would have no car to go to beaches and towns.
Plus the not insignificant point that they (campers) are at least double the price, for less space. I like comfort and a caravan offers that. I have the correct license and am happy towing stuff as I have done it in the past.
Any and all views welcome. If you think it’s a terrible idea and I should save up and get a camper then just say so. No offence will be taken!

We went on our first caravan holiday to France last year (2022) and had no problems at all. We stopped at numerous campsites (we didn't want long driving days) both on the way down to Saumer and back. All the camping pitches were very good with plenty of room for both car and caravan including the awning. Like you we prefer to have the flexibility of parking up and then taking the car into town rather than have to pack up camp every time we want to go anywhere.
If you want anymore information, just ask

Regards

Ivan 2013 Vogue SE SDV8
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Luxury

Sounds ideal to me.

How big is your van? I quite fancy a twin axle for stability (as well as space inside).

Mine is an Elddis Infinity 574 so about 18' long internally. Be wary of twin axle vans as some sites do not allow them due to them being associated with the Gypsy community. 2013 Vogue SE SDV8
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Luxury

Thanks.

I didnt know about twin axles not be allowed everywhere, something to bear in mind. Single axle would be fine too.

Any stability issues with a single axle? i am guessing not since there are millions of them

We’ve had an Adria Isonzo for 5 years and spend 4 weeks every year in France, besides numerous trips in the Uk. It’s a single axle and over 8 metres in length, including the a-frame. It’s very stable and a lot easier to manoeuvre in small spaces on a single axis. 2019 L405 SDV8 Autobiography
2023 Defender P400e HSE X-dynamic - gone
2020 Defender P300 SE - gone

2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR - gone
2013 SDV8 Autobiography - gone
2011 L322 TDV8 Vogue SE - gone
2006 L322 3.6 Vogue Se - gone
1999 P38 4.0 se - gone
199? Classic 3.5 - gone

We have a twin axle which is 18mtr including tow bar France is ok as long as when you book to tell them you have a twin axle no problem.

Spain is the same when booking, just beware that the sites don`t have rules for spacing like the UK.

Europe is better set up for motorhomes than a caravan. 2017 SDV8 4.4 silicon silver AB
2012 TDV8 4.4 Stornaway Grey AB
2011 TDV8 4.4 Buckingham Blue
2012 VW V6 3.0 Tougreg

I have to agree with Tinman, the sites don't have the same spacing rules as UK sites. I got caught out about 10 years ago for being twin axled. They charged me the traveller rate of about £55 for the night. It's done to put off travellers from attempting to stay. It was my first time in France with a caravan so gave in without a fuss, never happened since. Some sites belonging to the French Caravan club insist on a form showing proof of residence to back up that you're a homeowner.