13 replies to this topic

[Bruno]

Can anyone tell me if you can park up after coming off the ferry at Dunkerque. We intend to use this crossing next year and have never been there before.
We would like to get a late ferry from Dover and park up in Dunkerque for a nights sleep.

Would appreciate any info.

Brin.

[shipbroker]

......have not used Dunkirk for a few years but there was a large undeveloped area in which we and several dozen lorries were able to overnight..likewise to wait and go off-port shopping on return.

rgds
geoff

[Scales]

I've asked this question before and was advised to pop along to Calais where secure overnight is available.

I didn't use the Dunkerque route in the end but I can vouch for the secure overnighting at Calais (in my opinion).

Scales

[John Douglas]

I was advised to pop along to Calais where secure overnight is available.

I agree with 'Scales'.   I travelled via Norfolk Line a few weeks ago and what with the heavy traffic and the pouring rain, I thought the port area was a pretty bleak spot.   Of course it depends on your direction, but Calais port area is much better, or if time allows, travel another 60 miles to Baie du Somme service area at Abbeville.

[Beejay]

You can park up in the terminal car park. Terminal building is open all night. for toilets and drink machine.  Some truck noise but not too bad unless you are a very light sleeper.  Don't risk parking off the road  between the terminal and the main road at Loon Plage there  are too many "immigrants".

[shipbroker]

[quote][Don't risk parking off the road between the terminal and the main road at Loon Plage there are too many "immigrants". /quote]

...and that goes for the road outside of town near Grande Synthe,parallel to the main road, where the Chemical & Steel complexes are...lots of lorries park there...

cheers
geoff

[Millstone]

Can anyone tell me if you can park up after coming off the ferry at Dunkerque. We intend to use this crossing next year and have never been there before.
We would like to get a late ferry from Dover and park up in Dunkerque for a nights sleep.

Would appreciate any info.

Brin.

Come out of the dock do a U turn round the roundabout to come back in, keep right and follow the signs for"without tickets" pass in front of the terminal building and park at the bottom of thee car park with all the other happy campers. Done it for the last 3 years will be doing it again on the night of 18th June next year too. Nice and safe, well lit and the Police patrol plus the dock securty box is in sight. Showers and loo in the terminal building 24/7.

[shipbroker]

That is good news Richard...well posted...


geoff

[Millstone]

We would like to get a late ferry from Dover and park up in Dunkerque for a nights sleep.
Brin.

Brian

If you haven't already booked your Norfolk Line Crossing the cheap offer advertised at the NEC show is still available on the CC website.
Because your outfit is a bit longer it won't go for £58 as ours did (just!) but I saw one person booking a longer outfit at the show and it was either £68 or £78 depending on length - (low season - but even the high season rates only started at £84 return)
However I suspect that this offer will carry on for some time yet as it did last year.

Incidentally, in spite of last years low prices, there were only 3 other caravans plus a couple of motorhomes on the 23.59 crossing we took (mid June) so I think this year they are trying even harder to attract customers.

Richard

[Bruno]

Thanks everyone for the information, I can now have a think about my options. I booked the crossing with Norfolk Line earlier this week on the Caravan Club website, we are travelling in August and got a return fare for £114.00. Bargain I think, I compared this to booking on Norfolk Lines website where the cost would have been £199.00.
We have now just got to sort our site out!!!

Thanks again.

Brian.

[franco]

Having just returned this morning from Dunkerque I would advise being in a secure site.  The Passport Control lady who was English asked to look in our van; she looked in loo, wardrobe and under seats and we only have a 2 berth and said that this week they have had so many stowaways in caravans that owners have not been aware of!!  
Franco

[Beejay]

they've had so many stowaways in caravans that owners have not been aware of!!  
Franco

As my wife would say AFE (allowing for exaggeration)

They have been checking the caravan interiors for years.  At Calais departure immigration often the first question, these days is, " where did you last stop" followed by "and you haven't stopped anywhere since?"

[Dave Elcome]

At Calais departure immigration often the first question, these days is, " where did you last stop" followed by "and you haven't stopped anywhere since?"

The other question that made us chuckle on our last return was, "What time did you get up this morning?" When my wife answered, "Too bloody early" they wouldn't accept it, she had to give them a time!! She had the biggest laugh though, as she gave the guy a time which couldn't possible have given enough time to get from Bien assise (where we had told them we had stayed) to the tunnel complex.


And they accuse coppers of asking stupid questions!!     

[Beejay]

The other question that made us chuckle on our last return was, "What time did you get up this morning?" When my wife answered, "Too bloody early" they wouldn't accept it, she had to give them a time!! She had the biggest laugh though, as she gave the guy a time which couldn't possible have given enough time to get from Bien assise (where we had told them we had stayed) to the tunnel complex.

You could end up with a speeding ticket remember " anything you say........."

Apparently the object is to observe the reaction to the question not the answer given....if you follow