Italy: Calais to Florence route

Mont Blanc, The Alps Member photo by Sonia Wignall

Italy: Calais to Florence route

Italy is incredibly rich in beauty, art and style. Here you’ll find show-stopping Venice, Rome, Naples and Florence, as well as iconic sights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Vesuvius and Pompeii. Head to Tuscany for the dusty hills and cypress trees of classic rural Italy or go north to the shores of Lake Garda or Lake Como and stay in the cool forests and foothills of the Alps.

Two suggested routes, starting at Calais in France to Florence in Italy, have been put together to assist with your planning.

Stopover 1: Caravaning des 4 Vents, Île-de-France, France (Club ref: P09)

Calais - Paris

Stay at: Caravaning des 4 Vents, Île-de-France, France (Club ref: P09)

  • Situated in the village of Crèvecoeur-en-Brie to the east of Paris, Caravaning des 4 Vents is a family-run campsite, located in close proximity of the city. 
  • On-site there is a small unheated pool, a playground and a games room. There is also a bar and a shop that provides any essentials. 
  • A railway station is close to the campsite which offers direct trains into central Paris where you can visit some of the main attractions of the city such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
  • Visit the historic and magnificent Palace of Versailles just over 1 hour away by car.
  • Families can enjoy the wonders of Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, both around 25 minutes from the campsite.

Visit Caravaning des 4 Vents campsite

Stopover 2: La Colombière, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (Club ref: M08)

Paris - Macon - Geneva

Stay at: La Colombière, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (Club ref: M08)

  • A family-owned campsite close to the village of Neydens, La Colombière is set against a backdrop of mountains.
  • With excellent facilities, including an indoor pool and bar. The owners have a vineyard nearby and their bottled produce can be sampled in the on-site restaurant.
  • Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy and the renowned 16th century Château d’Annecy.
  • Catch a bus from just outside the campsite and enjoy a day trip to Geneva in under half a hour.
  • Chamonix is an hours drive away, where you can marvel at the spectacular views of Mont Blanc as you ascend the Aiguille du Midi in a cable car.

Visit La Colombière campsite

Stopover 2: Camping Village Lago Maggiore, Italy (Club ref: Y32)

Geneva - Milan - Lake Garda

Stopover 3: Camping Village Lago Maggiore, Italy (Club ref: Y32)

  • Camping Village Lago Maggiore is situated on the southern shores offering direct access to the beautiful Lake Maggiore.
  • Pitches are set amongst the trees so offer shade from the summer heat. There is also on-site entertainment during high season along with a swimming pool, play area and cafe to enjoy. 
  • Nearby, you can take boats out onto the lake, or take a trip on the Stresa - Mottarone cable car to get an amazing panoramic view. 

Visit Village Lago Maggiore campsite

Stopover 4: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

Verona - Bologna - Florence

Stay at: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

  • Located in the magnificent hills of Montalbano, Barco Reale offers fantastic views of the valley below.
  • Relax in the swimming pool with its panoramic views, enjoy tasting the ice cream from the on-site ice cream cabin or sample some local delicacies from the on-site restaurant.
  • With a shuttle service from the campsite to the local train station, it's easy to explore the local towns and cities, including Florence, Vinci and Lucca.
  • Get your camera ready as you head to Pisa, with its renowned leaning tower.
  • Discover the stunning towns of Tuscany and explore the Via Francigena, the pilgrims trail though the hills, ideal for walking for all levels.

Visit Barco Reale campsite

Stopover 1: Au Bord de L'Aisne, Hauts-de-France (Club ref:P02)

Calais - Reims

Stay at: Au Bord de L'Aisne, Hauts-de-France (Club ref:P02)

  • Au Bord de L'Aisne is as the name suggests, situated on the banks of the river Aisne. It makes a perfect stopover as it is conveniently located near the A26 motorhome. 
  • Set between the major cities of Laon and Reims, it is a great base to explore the local history and the Champagne houses such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart. 
  • La Caverne du Dragon, Chemin des Dames Museum is a must see for those interested in World War 1.
  • Visit Laon and explore the medieval citadel and the old town along with the stunning gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon.

Visit Au Bord de L'Aisne campsite

Stopover 2: Au Clos de la Chaume, Grand-Est (Club ref: J08)

Reims - Colmar

Stay at: Au Clos de la Chaume, Grand-Est (Club ref: J08)

  • Au Clos de la Chaume is a small campsite set near the village of Corcieux.
  • Perfect for exploring the Route des Vins d'Alsace, the very famous and beautfitul wine route in France. 
  • From here you can explore the pretty city of Colmar and it's beautiful preserved old town along La Petite Venise.
  • Stroll through the charming village of Eguisheim known as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, you will feel like you are in a story book. 
  • Immerse yourself in 900 hundred years of history at the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a source of inspiration for many.

Visit Au Clos de la Chaume campsite

Stopover 3: Jungfrau, Switzerland (Club ref:S15)

Colmar - Bern - Interlaken

Stay at: Jungfrau, Switzerland (Club ref:S15)

  • Jungfrau campsite is set in the valley at the foot of the Jungfrau Peak, surrounded by beautiful scenery, this is a perfect stopover on your way to Italy.
  • Explore the local area on foot on some of the stunning hiking trails or enjoy some great mountain biking. During the winter months there are plenty of opportunities to ski nearby.
  • Take a trip to Bern. Described as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved capital cities. With a mix of medieval architecture, relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings, there is something for everyone.
  • Visit the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls" which includes the famous Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls. Lose yourself in the breath-taking scenery.

Visit Jungfrau campsite

Stopover 4: Baia Verde, Italy (Club ref: Y19)

Como - Milan - Lake Garda

Stopover 4: Baia Verde, Italy (Club ref: Y19)

  • Baia Verde is situated on the shores of Lake Garda with access to the beach.
  • In addition to water sport activities available on the lake, there is also a lovely swimming pool as well as a whirlpool and solarium on top of the wash block.
  • Take a boat trip out and see the largest island on the lake, Isola Del Garda.
  • Enjoy a day trip to Verona, a beautiful city best known as the backdrop of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Visit Baia Verde campsite

Stopover 5: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

Verona - Bologna - Florence

Stay at: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

  • Barco Reale, which is located in the majestic hills of Montalbano, provides some breathtaking views of the valley below.
  • Enjoy some ice cream from the on-site ice cream cabin, unwind in the swimming pool with its panoramic views or try some of the regions specialities from the on-site restaurant.
  • Visit the nearby towns and cities, such as Florence, Vinci and Lucca, thanks to a shuttle services that from the campsite to the nearest railway station.
  • Discover the stunning city of Pisa, home to the iconic leaning tower.
  • Explore the Via Francigena, the pilgrims trail across the hills that is perfect for walking for all abilities, and take in the beautiful towns of Tuscany.

Visit Barco Reale campsite

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