Just been on the RAC website to look at European recovery. We're with RAC already. They want £90 for a one week trip. Seems a lot, but then I guess it's a heck of a recovery too. What do you guys pay and with whom?
I have used the AA EU annual multi trip policy for the last 7 yrs, usually costing around £116-125. As with most of these services you don't know how go they are until you have to use them, I found myself in need of their services in 2011, they did very well, I'd give them a 9 out of 10.
On the face of it the ADAC cover is very good, I tried to take a policy with them but gave up with the German paper. I now work with a few Germans so may enlist their help if I try again.
Most pointers for French travel have been listed, turning off the camera alerts on the SatNav is wise, have heard of UK Campervan owners having nasty run ins with the Gendarmes over this. Don't speed on the way into towns and villages as many have sensors that detect a speeding car and change the next set of lights to red. Slow and steady usually means you make good progress and can enjoy the scenery/experience.
I can second the recommendation of the Halifax Clarity credit card for foreign travel, very good exchange rates. Worth having in the wallet as a back up. It's good to have a mixture of Euros and cards, there are some card only fuel pumps at some garages, and some places have a pay booth as you exit, which you have to drive to after filling.
As I'm sure you will have done, check up what emergency equipment is mandatory for the countries which you plan to visit (some require 2 warning triangles).
Don't be tempted to speed into the ferry/tunnel port on the way home, the Gendarmes are wise to foreigners racing for their crossing and find them easy pickings.
I use beam benders on the headlights, seem to work well when I have driven at night. The warning earlier in the thread re GB identifiers theft sounds a wise one, having the marker on the number plate sorts this.
On long drives if you stick to the 15min break every 2hrs you should stay alert, if you do feel tired have a short kip in one of the many aires, I had to do this once after a particularly busy lead up to departure, half hour kip and I was good to go again till 18:00. Whenever possible I try not to flog the car, preferring to cruise instead, I know you can get there faster by driving at an increased speed but I've seen so many people overwork cars which would have otherwise made it (not to say yours aren't in tip top condition Chris, but you know what I mean).
Carcassonne is a lovely place, we visited on our way to Corsica in 2008, Steph still wants to go back. We camped nearby and walked into the walled city, we were visiting in early May so didn't need to book the site, I expect booking would be needed during the summer months.
You'll be glad of the thermal screens in the south of France, the sun will be very strong down there.
Have a great trip.
