Italy: Calais to Florence route

Mont Blanc, The Alps Member photo by Sonia Wignall

Italy: Calais to Florence route

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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. One is more leisurely for people with time to explore, and the other is a shorter, more direct route for people who want to get there quicker.

Leisurely route

Our suggested leisurely route covers 901 miles via Paris and Verona with four recommended stopover campsites. Perfect for those tourers who wish to visit the wonderful city of Paris before marvelling at the sight of Mont Blanc.

Stopover 1: Caravaning des 4 Vents, Île-de-France, France (Club ref: P09) Stopover 2: La Colombière, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (Club ref: M08) Stopover 3: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11) Stopover 4: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

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 3: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11)

Geneva - Milan - Lake Garda

Stay at: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11)

  • Located on the shores of Lake Garda, the family-run Fornella campsite is surrounded by farmed olive trees.
  • There is a lagoon-style heated swimming complex which includes a jacuzzi and paddling pool, as well as water sport facilities on the lake itself.
  • Enjoy a boat tour of Isola Del Garda, the biggest island on the lake.
  • Venture on a day trip to the enchanting city of Verona, known as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Visit Fornella 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

Direct route

We recommend three stopovers along our suggested 876-mile direct route from Calais to Florence via Strasbourg and Como. Perfect for people who want to arrive at their location faster.

Stopover 1: Camping de Strasbourg, Grand-Est (Club ref: J10) Stopover 2: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11) Stopover 3: Barco Reale, Italy (Club ref: Y22)

Stopover 1: Camping de Strasbourg, Grand-Est (Club ref: J10)

Calais - Reims - Strasbourg

Stay at: Camping de Strasbourg, Grand-Est, France (Club ref: J10)

  • Camping de Strasbourg is a popular campsite located close to the beautiful city of Strasbourg which can be walked to in 30 minutes.
  • Make use of the campsites modern facilities including a heated pool, a restaurant and a bar.
  • Visit the treasure trove of sights to see at the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.
  • Investigate the intricate carvings in the Cathedral, view the painted picturesque houses and enjoy the canal of Petite France in central Strasbourg, thought to be one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
  • Discover exceptional wine on The Alsace Wine Route.

Visit Camping de Strasbourg campsite

Stopover 2: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11)

Como - Milan - Lake Garda

Stay at: Fornella, Italy (Club ref: Y11)

  • Fornella is a family-run campsite is bordered by olive groves and is situated on the shores of Lake Garda.
  • In addition to water sport activities available on the lake, there is also a heated lagoon-style swimming complex with a jacuzzi and paddling pool.
  • 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 Fornella campsite

Stopover 3: 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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