Likewise, cubs, scouts, veture scouts and then voluntary for a couple of years until it snowed one easter bank holiday and I packed up and booked into the pub hotel up the road.
Thank you @JohnBoy - that is very nice and clear. I got a detailed spec from the suppliers and they said it was around 460kg but I shall be double checking that before I place an order. I can carry any heavy stuff in the car if necessary but I am hoping that the caravan plus the basic kit is going to be under 500kg.
However, your explanation does give me a good way forward so thanks again!
I can well understand where you are coming from, there @Corona - most people I know would fully endorse your approach and it may be one that I adopt in the future. However, for the moment, I donāt like the faff and constraints of staying in someone elseās house and would happily trade a bit of comfort for the freedom 
Each to their ownā¦ 
3 Likes
If its on your bucket list go and luve life to the full!
Enjoy! 
I love it when folk drop byā¦ in their camperā¦ as I can be very hospitableā¦ without panicking about beds/bedding etc (especially as the spare room is currently used for storageā¦)
If I recall, many Aires across France do have showering facilities as well as the usual WC.
1 Like
There is a large book of them but also now a phone app i believe. Not used it but friends have.
I must admit I thought they did but havenāt needed to check until recently - the one I looked at yesterday didnāt but i think it used to and it was closed when covid hit 
The youth club I belonged to decided to camp in the Lake District at Easter the year it snowed. We got dressed to go to bed - hat, gloves sweater, scarf and a blacks sleeping bag and I was fine. 
2 Likes
Covid put the mockers on many things.
Didnāt it just!
Iāve been looking on-line for aires we could use as a stopover, including the municipal ones (we have one in our little town) but it looks like they are only for Campingcars and not for caravans. Is that correct, do you know?
why not ask your local folkā¦?? they might be able to advise about elsewhere, as well as their own.
Also, I realize Iām talking about Aires on the motorways and major routesā¦ where cars/lorries stop as well as folk with campers/caravansā¦ are on their way to somewhere. Some stay overnightā¦ some donāt.
Our village has a carpark by the SdF with public toilet and a drinking-water tap, available night and day. We donāt invite campers/caravans but if someone needs a stopā¦ we donāt send them packing. Itās dealt with in friendly fashion. There are specific areas further afield, but not in our little villageā¦
1 Like
The camping car aire network in France is fantastic and as @Stella confirms most have showers and toilet facilities. As you have noticed @AngelaR they cater predominantly for camping cars although I have seen caravans and some small tents on some.
France favours camping cars over caravans but I dont know why.
There are many camp sites in France that do cater for caravans and tents and many books and websites to tell you where to go.
Whatever you decide to do the open road isin front of you and France is waiting to be explored.
Follow your dreams.
1 Like
For anyone else who has questions like me about where it is ok to stop overnight, I found this offical site really useful
My late father was an avid camper and used to drag us to the Camping Clubs Nottingham Goose Fair event in November.
I went to bed wearing every stitch of clothing mum had packed for me at nights and have never been so cold in my life since despite working in the arctic circle in February.
āItās character building, boy.ā Ex-Army Dad speak for āYouāll be cold or wet or hungry or bored or all of the above and youāll like itā.
Hmmmā¦ bit late for me to build my character I think
Try this. Just click on the region to find somewhere. Covers not just France. Emplacements | LeCampingSauvage, camping chez l'habitant et camping sauvage
1 Like
Thatās a very interesting site - thank you very much @david_gillies ! I shall have a good look around that one